Court of the Caliph: BC Hotseat Council Thread

[Askthepizzaguy]

Ok gotcha. Will propose a different name. For now, Deguerra has his turn and his Coalition membership, and I have to go to work.

[_Tristan_]

The Armenian King invites all members of the coalition to sign the Treaty in Tarsus, last and impregnable Armenian city.

EDIT : And I'm sending bolts of dark red cloth to the Turkish Sultan to give to his needleworkers for the confection of the Coalition flags, the dark red of the Armenian blood spilt by the Romans.

[rossahh]

The man from Jerusalem hisses at the Armenian emissary

Tarsus only stands because of Roman incompetence. If we had led the attack on it you would have perished. Remember that.




Standing and addressing the court


We are very much concerned and destressed by the news that the Turks have attacked our positions in Cicilia. Though our primary armies had withdrawn from the region, those settlements were under the stewardship of our Kingdom, and by taking them you have declared war upon us.

The King has sent no message about our response, if any, against you. He obviously needs time to consider your aggressive actions.


I personally, however, find it highly strange that for people that care about peace so much, the Turks are remarkably adept at causing conflicts to spring up around them.

[Askthepizzaguy]

How might "Turkish arms" (One lone band of Matta... something huntsmen, with exactly 1 attack and 1 defense point) have retaken two heavily fortified Castles owned by the Kingdom of Jerusalem? I mean, I love the compliment, but that's insane.

What ACTUALLY happened was that the Crusaders stole the land from Armenia, raped and pillaged, and then sold the remnants of the once peaceful Armenian territories to the Imperialist scum, the sworn enemy of the Turks, the Roman Empire.

In doing so, they voluntarily withdrew thier armed forces and left NONE remaining. "Primary forces" indeed... you mean all of them, don't you? Not a militia left standing? Not even that one guy with a paper hat and a toy sword who thinks he's Jesus incarnate, ready to battle Satan in an epic battle to the finish LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW? I am bound by the Treaty of Adana to reclaim Armenian homelands which they stole in an act of unprovoked war and mass murder. Now that one tiny band of simple hunters managed to reclaim the lands in the name of Armenia, the King of Jerusalem acts with surprise?

What else did you expect us to do? Let Rome, who is at war with us, move in next door?

Of all the absurd things to get mad about... If I left my entire western front unoccupied, I'd hardly have reason to complain if Rome accepted my gift and took my defenseless lands.

I offered you an immediate ceasefire. I don't wish there to be a war between us, but handing our ally's homelands over to our sworn enemies is no act of peace, but a direct insult to the stability of Anatolia and the Turkish Sultan personally.

You play the wounded warrior, but not very well, King Baldwin. You can use this as a pretext for war with us, or you can simply accept that the territories you freely offered Rome were claimed by us before Rome moved in, and realize that this harms Rome only, and not you one tiny bit. Peace or war, the choice is yours, but considering how patient the Turks have been towards a state that butchered their Christian brothers and pawned the lands off to our sworn enemies, I find it amazing that you even consider our moves a surprise.

What surprised me is that you didn't even garrison the castles with one single soldier for the transition. This whole situation is a direct result of YOUR decisions, and you cannot fault the Turks for acting on behalf of the Armenian refugees to reclaim their homelands which were unoccupied.

What an insult it would have been to Armenia if I had just let Rome have them! What kind of fool do you take me for... worse yet, what sort of ally do you take me for?

The Turkish diplomat stands up, still ranting, muttering to himself, and excuses himself from the council chambers, as he's certain to say something which will make peace with Jerusalem impossible. He's only managed to spit out a tiny fraction of Turkish frustration with Jerusalem's actions towards a neutral and practically defenseless state, and then their gifts of territory to our sworn enemy right in front of us...

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier stands, scowling

Turk, how is it that your treaties of peace bring nothing but war?

While the Caliph understands your desire not to have the Romans occupy the Cilician territories, he can hardly understand your difficulty in accepting the affront caused to Jerusalem by your moving on them without warning.

The Sultan acts without sensitivity to his neighbours - no state of war existed between the Sultanate and the Kingdom before the Sultan's precipitous actions created one.

The Sultan is clearly the aggressor in this case and should accept that and offer King Baldwin some compensation for the seized territories, which were Baldwin's by right of conquest, to dispense with as he saw fit.

The Caliph's response would have been very different had Armenian armies simply reclaimed their lost lands, but Turkey is not Armenia, whatever your treaties say.

[Askthepizzaguy]

This is an official and public announcement from the acting chairman of the Coalition Action Committee, Sultan Kaikosru of the Turks.

There has been an election to determine who will act as commander in case Coalition forces are attacked. In order to expedite our plans and unite our forces in battle, there will be a position of Supreme Allied Commander of Coalition forces.

His responsibility in peacetime will be to suggest actions to member states, but they do not have to follow his advice.

If the Coalition is attacked, all Member States under the Treaty of Tbilisi are to immediately declare war on the aggressor, and the Supreme Commander's powers will become active. He will direct the movements of our entire Coalition and direct defense funding to the appropriate states, create strategies and execute them to the best of his abilities.

The results of the election:

3. Vote on Supreme Allied Commander.


A. Turkish SultanThe Flax


3. A. The Turkish Sultan.Ramses II CP


Turkish SultanZim


A. Turkish SultanTristan de Castelreng


The Turkish SultanAskthepizzaguy

And so it is with heavy responsibility I accept the burden of command of the Coalition, and will honour the oath of office I have taken to act in the common interest to defend all of the Coalition, and not abuse the power of office for personal or national gains. Rest assuredly, even if the Turks are under threat, we will aid and assist central and eastern powers if they are aggressed, by order of priority, depending on which is the most grave threat.

My actions will be monitored and approved by member states, as they will have the ability to remove me from office at any time with a recall election.

I make public this announcement so that states such as the Roman empire think before making further aggression on Coalition forces, and other rogue states do not make the similar mistake to aggress allied nations. Peace will come to all who ask for it from us, and war will come to all who declare it on us.

I will call for a halt on all Turkish movements in Cilicia provided the Kingdom of Jerusalem remains neutral in the Roman/Turkish conflict, which at this time, I deem outside the confines of the Treaty of Tbilisi, and do not at this time ask for nor require Coalition assistance, as our conflict existed prior to the treaty.

Because of this unique situation, I would ask that member states decide individually whether or not to assist the Turks, and in what manner.

For now, Sultan Kaikosru wishes peace and prosperity upon all members of the Council, and offers the loyalty and service of the Turkish people to the greater cause of the Coalition of Peace. So it is written, so it is done.

May Allah's strength allow me to defeat Rome without any interference from third parties, and may the Jihad on Constantinople resume and be concluded swiftly. Let it be clear that the Turks are committed to peace, but all peace negotiations with Rome have utterly failed, no matter the terms we offered. In the face of such hatred, we have only the ideals of peace and brotherhood which we have shared with the council from the beginning, and this more than anything else has earned us the trust and support of our great friends and allies.

Let it be known that this Sultan will never abuse the trust of his good friends, and let it also be known that Coalition forces have NO DESIGNS on conquest of friendly states. I urge all neutral states to sign a nonaggression treaty, and let it be ratified by the Coalition Council.

I also want to honour the leadership and noble sacrifice of our most revered leader, Sultan Kilij Arslan the Indestructible, who commands the forces of Jihad by the right hand of Allah... he is with us in the hearts of all Muslim men, and indeed, his sacrifice on behalf of his Christian allies makes him a revered hero even to non-Muslims. His devotion to justice and truth could not be extinguished, even in death.

With this announcement concluded, I return to my work. May Allah bless us all and give us strength, and may the wisdom of the Council continue to light the path of peace, so that we may finally return our swords to their sheaths and live in prosperity and brotherhood with all nations.

Inshallah, there will be peace in all our lands, and we will quell the rebellions and the mischief makers, sink the pirate raiders, and bring into the fold the various barbarian states of the Kypchaks, the Sindi Peoples, and the wayward Makurians. Then if there should be an invasion in our lands by either the warlike factions of Europe or the various ancient tribes of Chin or Mongolia, we will act as one to repel them.

Allahu Akbar!


https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh137/askthepizzaguy2/flag2-2.jpg

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Vizier stands, scowling

Turk, how is it that your treaties of peace bring nothing but war?

While the Caliph understands your desire not to have the Romans occupy the Cilician territories, he can hardly understand your difficulty in accepting the affront caused to Jerusalem by your moving on them without warning.


I ask the Caliph who brought war first onto Cilicia?

The Romans and the Crusaders. They took the lands and attempted to wipe out a neutral state.

Then, they force a cease fire onto Armenia under threat of annihilation.

As for moving on Jerusalem without warning, such an action would INDEED be unfair if Jerusalem had never taken such actions themselves against peaceful states!

Our alliance with Armenia compels us to act to reclaim Armenian lands from the clear aggressors here. The Kingdom of Jerusalem never once signed any treaty with the Turks, nonaggression, peace, or ceasefire agreement. How should we simply let them occupy Cilicia after they have butchered the people there?

I understand the Caliph's desire for peace, but when noble nations surrender to warlike aggressors, there will never be peace, only defeat, occupation, and slaughter.

You call for peace through neutrality and diplomatic actions, formal condemnations, and so forth, as do I. But when there are states who do not kneel before the ideals of peace and negotiation, who do not hear condemnations, who do not engage in diplomacy, who do not show leniency, hesitation, or mercy, then SOMEONE must stand up to them.

I have decided not to sit back in the comfortable chair of diplomatic protests and inaction when faced with the Armenian genocide. I am sorry if acting against the merciless butchers of innocents is seen as aggressive, but why then are THEIR actions not considered ten times more aggressive? Where are the Council's protests about the Armenian Genocide?

Caliph, you have our respect as always, but we disagree that peace can be achieved with nations who have never ONCE asked for it and have shown only mass murder, treachery, and conspiracy to be their diplomatic tools.

With Allah's will, we can disagree on this and still remain friends, honoured Caliph. However, I cannot back down from this stance, as it would be a complete and total betrayal of my principles, which I feel are righteous and correct.

I would seem to have many supporters in that viewpoint. However, I am willing to listen to dissenting opinions. If any state wishes to condemn our justified actions against those who have massacred the innocent, then please, speak now, so that we know where your true loyalties lie.

You can be for justice, and you can be for peace, but sometimes you must choose. Sometimes peace with violent, aggressive, and unreasonable nations leads only to the greatest of tragedies.

The hundreds of thousands of rotting Armenian corpses strewn about Cilicia right now have illicited no such strong reaction from the Council. I've made it clear that I intend no offensive action against Jerusalem, but I never once recognized their claims on our allies' land, nor has their claims to land there been recognized by ANY in the council. Therefore these lands were Jerusalem's in name only, and by NO OTHER MEASURE.

They are rightfully Armenian, and I can never accept any other assesment. I've already concluded the deal to give them back to Armenia.

How would Armenia reclaim it with dead soldiers? We are the forces of Armenia now. You can ask the Armenian King himself, for it is under our protection and support that he survived the massacre, and he does not condemn our actions on behalf of his nation. Like any nation with sense, he will cheer to know his lands are being restored to him, and not claimed in the name of the Turks.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier has been drawn into debate with the Turkish Emissary

Turk, would that your words were less multitudinous, that we could spend less time wrestling with them.

The fact remains that the Turkish Sultan has, without warning or consultation, moved on a neutral country and seized several territories.

Whatever he intends to do with them, and whatever his motivations for doing so, and whatever the previous actions of the owners of those territories, this is an act of aggression against a neutral nation.

As for condemning previous acts of aggression, the Caliph has made it perfectly clear all along that he will not accept or condone warlike behaviour from any in the region - if he has failed to condemn specific acts in a vocal enough manner for the Turkish Sultan, he would point out that the true situation at the time of the Kingdom's invasion of Cilicia was not clear to the Caliph.

For the record, the Caliph condemns the aggression of Rome and Jerusalem against Armenia, and decries their imperialist tendencies.

But the Turkish Sultan cannot simply expect all in the region to take him at his word and trust his intentions without question - his self-appointed role as protector of Armenia is not without its benefits to the Sultan, and on a cynical reading provides him with many excuses to seize territory from and cause trouble with his neighbours.

And we have seen much of that!

Indeed, for the Sultan to be trusted he must act in such a way to earn trust - and from the Caliph's perspective an attack on a neutral neighbouring country with no warning to his friends and allies is not the way to do so.

[rossahh]

The Romans and the Crusaders. They took the lands and attempted to wipe out a neutral state.

True.


Then, they force a cease fire onto Armenia under threat of annihilation.

False. They offered peace freely, I accepted.


Our alliance with Armenia compels us to act to reclaim Armenian lands from the clear aggressors here. The Kingdom of Jerusalem never once signed any treaty with the Turks, nonaggression, peace, or ceasefire agreement. How should we simply let them occupy Cilicia after they have butchered the people there?

Then you freely admit to attacking us without warning or provocation on our part?


Where are the Council's protests about the Armenian Genocide?

What Genocide? All soldiers captured were released. All settlements were sacked and pillaged, not exterminated. We let the survivors flee into Turkish Anatolia.


The hundreds of thousands of rotting Armenian corpses strewn about Cilicia right now have illicited no such strong reaction from the Council. I've made it clear that I intend no offensive action against Jerusalem, but I never once recognized their claims on our allies' land, nor has their claims to land there been recognized by ANY in the council. Therefore these lands were Jerusalem's in name only, and by NO OTHER MEASURE.

The cross flew over their gates and they were under our stewardship. We did not claim them for ourselves - we took them from our enemy in a time of war. Are we not supposed to attack our enemies in a time of war?




If you really acted on behalf of your allies, why did you not fight against Roman and Latin forces in Armenia on their behalf when they desperately needed military support?

Why did you not attack us until well after the war between Jerusalem and Armenia was concluded?

Why do you strike an act of war and desire an immediate cease-fire without any sort of compensation without even considering that we would at least pause to consider our response?

[Ramses II CP]

An older Indian man, clearly not the same emissary as previously, enters the Council chamber and begs permission to speak in the name of the Maharaja. (Assuming the Caliph consents)

Gentlemen what confuses me here is in what sense were these cities owned by the Kingdom of Jerusalem? Surely almost every citizen still thought of themselves as Armenian. Surely if the city had no garrison the men of Jerusalem were not intent on keeping it. In fact is removing the soldiers protecting it not tantamount to declaring a city free and open? I would not pretend to be shocked if I left my border towns undefended and the Ghorid Sultan claimed them, he would have to be mad to do otherwise. Rebels and pirates would take power and plague both our lands if some reputable institution did not step in to lay claim.

I do not like the idea that the Coalition of which I have just become a member may be thrust into yet another war. Indeed, it distresses me greatly! That being said, if no Latin lives were lost and the cities were undefended, why does the representative from Jerusalem care? Clearly he did not care enough to protect his holdings.

The elderly gentlemen bows low to the Caliph and excuses himself to the side of the chamber to speak with the emissary of the Turks.

As an OOC matter, if this was your way of transferring the territories to the ERE (Letting him 'occupy' them to generate free florins, then redeclaring your alliance immediately) IMHO that is an exploit. If you want to give territories away, give them via diplomacy. We could all trade towns back and forth on our border for extra florins and chivalry points to boot, but the game would start to look pretty absurd if we did.

edit: Spoke to Rossah about the OOC above, and it was clearly not his or the ERE's intent. I hope it wasn't taken as an accusation, but to avoid further problems I'll spoiler tag that OOC bit, leaving it only so no one thinks I said something nasty and deleted it. ;)

:egypt:

[Askthepizzaguy]

Having said many things of late, and not wishing to monopolize the discussion, the Turkish ambassador sends a written statement to all council members:

Open the scroll to read our response


You will hear our responses to the Caliph and King Baldwin at some future point.

In the meantime, I wish to clarify to all Coalition member states, friendly states, bilateral allies, and neutral parties, that although the Turkish Sultan is the Supreme Commander of Coalition forces, he will not drag the rest of you into a war that he (technically.... and ONLY technically) started with Jerusalem. Does this assuage your concerns, my Hindu friend? (directed towards the Rajput ambassador)

Indeed he's asking for a cease-fire now, but there will be no conditions to that cease fire. He does not ask his allies to attack Rome or Jerusalem, because they are under no obligation to do so. Indeed, any support received by this state from others is purely voluntary.

The Coalition is not a pawn of the Turks. Everyone here voted to join, voluntarily, and supports Turkish aims only if they are honourable and justifiable. If we are indeed on the wrong side of justice, surely my allies will not let their reputations be dragged through the mud by associating themselves with me. They will condemn my actions here, and now.

Let me hear your condemnations, if you feel I deserve them. As my friends, I value your opinions most of all.

But the Rajput ambassador is right, I think. The actions of Jerusalem here have been the aggressive ones. Their claims to Armenia are not recognized by any state other than the Roman Empire. They also abandoned the lands that they killed so many people to claim, leaving the people there without Armenian soldiers to defend them, or indeed any soldiers of any kind. The Armenian people are glad it is Turkish "arms" (huntsmen) who have liberated them, rather than some group of rogues and cutthroats like the Romans.

The Turks have acted unilaterally in defense of Armenia, and I cannot expect the Coalition to back me. They do so only if they feel I am on the side of justice, and they will do it without orders from the Commander of the Allies.

[Zim]

After the recent announcements the Ghaznavid table is in an uproar. Their former ambassador dimissed and the new one not yet arrived, there is no order to the discussions at the table. Various aids and attendants are in fierce debate over subjects ranging from how to honor the death of the Maharaj of India to what to make to of the Turkish-KOJ conflict, while scribes attempt to prepare a summary of events in anticipation of the arrival of the new head ambassador. Until he arrives, it is unlikely that any real decisions will be made by the Ghaznavid section of the Council.

[_Tristan_]

The mail-clad messenger rises from his seat and mimicking the falsetto voice of the Jerusalem emissary, adresses the council.




Tarsus only stands because of Roman incompetence. If we had led the attack on it you would have perished. Remember that.




False. They offered peace freely, I accepted.


Resuming his own tones of voice, the messenger goes on.

Do you see now how you forced us into a ceasefire ? We are no fools, we knew full well that any fight to keep our homeland or even more reclaim it from Latin scum would have been a lost cause...

Thus, we offered a ceasefire, which we didn't expect to be accepted, in truth, if only to gain us time... Time to gain shelter and be there to fight another day...

Shall I remind you that it was you and not the Romans who killed our King and Prince and most of our fighting men ? Such wrongs will not soon be forgotten...

Do you think your pillaging of our cities was committed without the least atrocities such as rape and murder ?

Let it be known to you that had we been able to reclaim the cities and castles you left defenceless we would have done it immediately without a thought to the breaking of that extorted truce.

I, acting in the name of Takavor Hetum, wishes to thank our Turkish ally for his stewardship of our lands and hope that Jerusalem will see sense and accept the status quo resulting from the Sultan offer of ceasefire.

Caliph, we have great respect for the work you do in maintaining peace in and around your lands... Do not condemn the Turks who acted on our behalf... Had they waited even a single day, our lands would have been claimed by the Romans who would have committed who knows what new atrocities on the innocent and peaceful people of Armenia.

Once resettled into its former homeland, you will all witness how Armenia will become a haven of peace and freedom.

Clearly seeing this bountiful era in his mind's eye, the messenger remains standing a long moment before shaking the stupor and sitting back down.

[Ferret]

The Ghorid representative chuckles at the Armenian's impression. He has been sleeping rather than listen to the constant pointless agruing.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The fact remains that the Turkish Sultan has, without warning or consultation, moved on a neutral country and seized several territories.
Indeed, a neutral country who had, without warning or consultation, moved on a neutral country and seized several territories.


Whatever he intends to do with them, and whatever his motivations for doing so, and whatever the previous actions of the owners of those territories, this is an act of aggression against a neutral nation.

And so therefore, you should rightly condemn Jerusalem for doing precisely that, and commend us for righting a wrong. I did not have time to consult with my allies, all of whom so far have had no objections, especially since I've made it clear I do not wish to involve them in the conflict. I certainly did not have time to consult with a neutral party regarding military action, because I reserve the right to defend myself and my allies from invaders who occupy territory that does not belong to them and is not recognized as theirs.


As for condemning previous acts of aggression, the Caliph has made it perfectly clear all along that he will not accept or condone warlike behaviour from any in the region - if he has failed to condemn specific acts in a vocal enough manner for the Turkish Sultan, he would point out that the true situation at the time of the Kingdom's invasion of Cilicia was not clear to the Caliph.

You do not however need to explain your lack of condemnation to the Turkish Sultan. Your opinions are your own, and we will not begrudge you having differing ones from ours. You are free to make whatever condemnations you want, or refrain from doing so. When all the facts come to light, your reaction will give us a clue as to how serious the Abassid Caliphate is regarding the ideals of peace and justice.

We will not push you further to condemn Jerusalem, because that has always been your right. I fear however, that unless a cease-fire has been signed, such diplomatic words will not be enough.


For the record, the Caliph condemns the aggression of Rome and Jerusalem against Armenia, and decries their imperialist tendencies.

Hear, hear!

It warms the heart of the Turkish sultan to hear this. Though not quite as passionate and verbose as your questioning of our actions in response to their tyranny, this public condemnation of Latin aggression from a neutral observer serves to de-legitimize their occupation of Armenian lands. And for that, let the Council of the Caliph know that we intend to not only de-legitimize their occupation, we intend to finally end that occupation.

Already 3 settlements have been voluntarily restored to Armenia. Whether Armenia has the troops to defend these territories, I cannot say. But since it is clear that Turkish occupation of these lands is unacceptible, I've personally made the decision not to occupy Cilicia. This was long before any of you were aware of my actions. Indeed, I gave them to Armenia on my own without hesitation. This should prove I have no intentions against Cilicia for my own purposes.


But the Turkish Sultan cannot simply expect all in the region to take him at his word and trust his intentions without question - his self-appointed role as protector of Armenia is not without its benefits to the Sultan, and on a cynical reading provides him with many excuses to seize territory from and cause trouble with his neighbours.

Yes, but in order to be so cynical we must also ignore Rome and Jerusalem's own actions in Cilicia. What benefit does it serve the Sultan to start a second war that we aren't even prepared to fight? Indeed we sacrificed much already for Armenia.

We've given them lands and shelter, food to eat, and we've defended them with our lives.

We've gone to war with the first state that attacked them, Rome, to repel them from Cilicia by giving the Romans their own homelands to worry about. And they have still failed to claim even a single Armenian province.

It is only through our mortal failings and our lack of armies anywhere near Jerusalem that prevented us from acting against the Latins as well. Would that we had some, we would have acted.

One can hardly condemn the Turks for both acting in defense of their ally, and not acting enough! Especially when we have been the sole defender of Armenia!


And we have seen much of that!

Indeed, for the Sultan to be trusted he must act in such a way to earn trust - and from the Caliph's perspective an attack on a neutral neighbouring country with no warning to his friends and allies is not the way to do so.

Had I not acted to reclaim Armenian lands which had been raped by Latin aggressors, had I stood idle while they stole lands which did not belong to them, had I allowed them to be sold into slavery under the banner of Roman Imperialism, what kind of trustworthy ally would I be?

If one of your states were attacked by a merciless and unprovoked aggressor, and Turkish arms were nearby to offer support, and we had publicly and profusely pledged to render aid and assistance, and then we refused to do so...

how might the Council view our nation then? What kind of civilized people stand back and do nothing when an entire nation is beseiged, attacked, plundered, raped, and sold into slavery, especially when they have a choice???

We do not hold any ill will towards nations too distant to assist Armenia. You are not at fault, you were never in any condition to render aid. But the Turks were. I wonder how all my new allies would feel had I abandoned Armenia and allowed this horror to continue.

I have much to gain by keeping Armenia alive, friend and ally. I have much more to lose by placing my entire Sultanate under the direct threat of not only Roman Imperialism, but Crusader aggression. Oh, if I were some kind of superpower, the council might rightly view me as a cynical aggressor who is manipulating the circumstances to his own advantage. But truth be told, we have no army in the region capable of fighting. But Jerusalem be warned, we can easily redeploy if they invade us.

And as for the Latin representative:


Then you freely admit to attacking us without warning or provocation on our part?

You freely admit to attacking Armenia without warning or provocation, and then you dare to feign indignation? Had we once claimed to attack your rightful and legal possessions which have been recognized by the international community, we would understand your outrage. As it stands, you abandoned Cilicia to a foreign power... just not the one you thought it would be. Indeed, the rightful owners of the land will, at least briefly, once again hold their territory which BELONGS to them.


What Genocide? All soldiers captured were released. All settlements were sacked and pillaged, not exterminated. We let the survivors flee into Turkish Anatolia.

You sacked and pillaged your own Christian brother's homeland, and slaughtered their defensive armies, and attempted to wipe them from the face of the earth. Whether or not you were merciful with captured prisoners which you released into the wilderness... with no homelands to go to... you are still a brutal and amoral warlord unfit to call himself a Holy Crusader. Attempting to wipe from the Earth the Armenian nation, sack their cities and sell them into Roman slavery... that is the act of a genocidal maniac who is only too cowardly to exterminate the populace himself.


The cross flew over their gates and they were under our stewardship. We did not claim them for ourselves - we took them from our enemy in a time of war. Are we not supposed to attack our enemies in a time of war?

I spit in the general direction of your emissary, who DEFILES the Cross which represents the selfless and peaceful virtues of true Christianity with his perversion of one of the world's Great and Holy faiths. We may not consider Jesus our lord, but we Muslims have always respected him as a prophet and a saint.

The Armenians were NOT YOUR ENEMY. The only war there was the war you brought upon them. Speak no more, for your villany has been exposed with every word you utter....


If you really acted on behalf of your allies, why did you not fight against Roman and Latin forces in Armenia on their behalf when they desperately needed military support?

Why did you not attack us until well after the war between Jerusalem and Armenia was concluded?

First you, like the Caliph before you, condemn us for acting. Then you say we acted too little and too late. I question what standard of justice, if any, you are applying to our actions. Your highly subjective and hypocritical accusations towards us CRUMBLE UNDER THE RULES OF YOUR OWN ARGUMENT!


Why do you strike an act of war and desire an immediate cease-fire without any sort of compensation without even considering that we would at least pause to consider our response?

We are to compensate YOU for attacking our ally? Such insults will have to be ignored if there is to be peace.

Where are YOUR reparations towards the Armenians? Consider your response all you like. It is either a cease-fire, once all of Cilicia is reclaimed by a nation other than Jerusalem, or no cease-fire. Those are the GENEROUS terms we have offered you. Do not test my patience further, as I've expended far too much patience on you.

=============================

And so you can bear witness to the correctness of our argument and the illegitimacy of Roman or Latin occupation of Cilicia. Witness also our firm convictions, which cannot be swayed except by a just and reasonable argument. All the rhetorical skill in the world cannot twist a war crime into a legitimate occupation. There must be truth behind your arguments, or we cannot hear them.

Friends, allies, neutral parties, and worthy adversaries... we are not swayed by easily deconstructed and fallacious arguments.

[The Lemongate]

The Empire is fully intent on pursuing it's current policies versus the rebellious Armenians and the deceitful Sultanate of Ikonion. After a long series of communications that seemed fruitful, the Empire received information showing the supposed "Alliance of Peace" to which the Turks even had the gall of inviting us had in fact been created to fuel it's belligerent plans against the Empire and the Latin Kingdom.

To Council members who want the proof of the Turk's effrontery in these chambers, we are willing to send proof of their communications. However, we have it on good measure that most of you already know of this and have already chosen to back the viper in its murderous intent.

Your combined armies and wealth may one day defeat Rome, and if this happens, heaven will be filled with the souls of the brave who stood to defend our freedoms and our way of life. However, should we be victorious, none of you will find succor as long as the Basileos' reign in Konstantinopolis.

Having finished, the Roman leaves the room followed by the rest of his delegation. Late in the night, a aid informs the Vizier that the entire Roman delegation has left Baghdad. It seems improbable that Rome would send another delegation any time soon.

[Ramses II CP]

Watching the spectacle the new emissary of the new Maharaja develops an exaggerated expression of shock and concern. When the Roman diplomat threatens the Turk's allies his expression of concern grows into one of obvious and overwhelming fear. He then leans over to whisper to a nearby messenger in a loud, quavering falsetto:

'Call up the reserves! The Romans are coming! They've only got six other empires to fight through before they reap their revenge!'

Politely concealed sniggers break out around the chamber as the Roman delegate departs.

:egypt:

[Askthepizzaguy]

If the Romans wish to publish our private communications, they do it with the knowledge that we have saved all of theirs as well in an archive.

To clarify to my allies: The Roman-Turkish peace talks were provisional. There were many contingency plans, one of which would have been Rome's peaceful integration with the rest of the civilized world. These talks ended when a spy from within the Coalition provided the Romans word of our alternative contingency plan, which involved the conquest of the Roman state if peace were not to have been achieved.

Since we did not know how the Romans would behave, it was only prudent to have at least two courses of action planned. Indeed we had similar plans with the Kingdom of Jerusalem to establish peace between us and expel the Roman forces, in case the Latin King ever decided to renounce his imperialist aims.

Since the peace talks fell apart, I have no choice but to commit my state to war with Rome, and I've also chosen to commit my state to peace with King Baldwin, assuming he makes no further aggressive movements towards the Armenians, or makes any towards any Coalition member state.

I don't know what the Roman is driving at with this "revelation". If they think that they can embarrass us with "damaging" evidence of Turkish duplicity in private message, they should know that we have similar proof of their own lies in private.

Intrigue and deception are part of war. We are at war with you, Roman. Although we were honest about wanting peace, you apparently decided you wanted nothing of it when you discovered we were arming for any possible further aggression with us, and intercepted contingency plans for the war with Rome should our peace talks have failed.

Since you have probably already forwarded the private messages in question, Turkish policy towards untrustworthy states who are at war with us seems clear. Indeed, we never once claimed to always tell the truth to our opponents.

Since our actions in battle have been honourable, our policy towards allied and neutral states has been honourable, and we've backed every public claim we've made, I don't particularly feel threatened by anyone seeing proof of Turkish contingency plans regarding a hostile aggressor state.

OOC- sharing information intercepted with your allies privately, is one thing, but making your private messages public is frowned upon OOC by everyone. It defeats the purpose of private messaging and will make everyone reluctant to message you privately in the future. If you wish to "go there:, you will damage yourself and your reputation in the process, and no one will have further IC or OOC dealings with you. I don't believe anyone would be especially shocked by my propaganda campaign against the Romans, nor would they be all that surprised to hear what you've been saying behind closed doors. In other words, no one cares and it's not a particularly effective tool.

[deguerra]

The Imam of Oman and Sultan of Muscat wishes to point out:

1. That he joined an Alliance which expressly stated it was not at war, and would only be at war if someone declared war on a country in the Alliance.

2. That he has no personal quarrel with the Roman Emperor, nor any other nation, and would at best like to see the current conflict resolved peacefully and quickly.

3. That he has neither the intention, nor the capabilities of joining in said current conflict, and does not feel bound by his new obligations under the Alliance to do so.

4. That threats such as those of the Roman Emperor will only lessen others' opinion of him, given that Oman has threatened noone.

and 5. That in any case, as my Rajput counterpart so wittily pointed out, the Imam Sultan is not easily threatened by an Empire half a world away.

Praise be to God!

[Askthepizzaguy]

Warm welcome to the alliance, my Omani friend!

Indeed Turkish policy and Coalition policy is designed at present not to throw members into this conflict in Anatolia. And friendly and entirely neutral states like the Omans are really only in this alliance for their security and protection, and have no wish to join in any conflicts. They also make an excellent tie-breaking voting member who seems quite impartial.

Why anyone would threaten the Omans is truly mind-boggling, as they've been entirely uninvolved and only recently became aware of what the Coalition had decided to do before they even became a member state.

The Romans would be advised that making friends would seem to be the best way to pressure the Turks into peace, and actually acting peacefully would be the first start in order to wage that diplomatic war. Swearing an oath not to aggress further into Turkish lands or Armenian lands would take all the fire out of our arguments and make the council truly look down upon the Turks for persuing this war into your own borders.

OOC- Wait... Why am I giving you hints? I'm getting much too soft for this game.

:medievalcheers:

[Banzai Kamikaze]

As the court is filled with outcries, the sweaty Ayyubid ambassador stands up. He tries to speak, but his words are lost in the loudness of the other emissaries' voices. His cheeks redden with rage, and he sends one of his aides towards the Vizier, asking him to put order in the court.

[00jebus]

A messanger runs to the Khwarezmani ambassador, they have a whispered conversation then the ambassador turns to the chamber with a massive grin on his face

I've just recieved word that the shahdom has just achieved its first victory that will surely be rembered for generations to come, outnumbered by 1000, arrayed against a massive army of heavy infantry who had the high ground, and a small wood for cover, in the middle of winter, the Shah still triumphed!

...And for that reason, I'll be taking a short leave of absence to celebrate glorious victory in the battle of Gorgon!


The ambassador bows to the chamber and the Calph before leaving, still with a massive grin that appears like it will be permanantly etched onto his face

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador is impressed by this victory. He quickly summons a meeting in the chambers of the Coalition Council. All Member States and invited guests are welcome to attend this meeting.

(OOC- if you want to attend the Coalition Council meeting as a guest, you must have at least Protected Friend of the Coalition status and pm me for permission)

Coalition members, some of you are still absent from the meeting. There is an important matter we need to discuss.

[Askthepizzaguy]

My dear friends, the Romans: Congratulations on retaking Attaleia. The next few battles could be decisive.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier stands.

The Caliph has received news that Crusader armies are massing in Syria, within striking distance of his border stations along the Euphrates.

King Baldwin should think carefully - the Caliph will not tolerate them moving any closer to Caliphate lands, nor will he turn a blind eye if they were to perpetrate further crimes against the Armenians.

[deguerra]

The Imam of Oman and Sultan of Muscat wishes to endorse the Caliphs point.

Furthermore let it be said that the only solution acceptable in Anatolia is one not centred on destruction. If the Romans are faring as well as the Turks fear, a hard peace treaty is in order, the terms of which the Imam Sultan has no care for. Far from my mind is it to suggest what the Romans should demand from their opponents for peace.

But we will not accept any peace that is subject to the destruction of another faction. Such a result would be most grievous, and should and will require the most forceful political consequences.

Praise be to God!

[rossahh]

The representative from Jerusalem looks tired, sagging in his chair, but visibly seems surprised by the Vizier's announcement.


The King has sent no word of any military assembly in Syria. The last I heard of this matter was that our armies had once again enclosed Antioch in a noose.

for the 3rd time if anyone is keeping count


However, I must inform the Vizier that the Emir of Aleppo is an enemy of the Kingdom, and no friend of the Caliphate. What does it matter if we decide to march against him instead of Bohemund?


The representative sits down as fatigue washes over him again. He hopes his aide can return with the King's instructions soon - he was already overdue.

[Askthepizzaguy]

I wish to point out that the Jerusalem ambassador... what's the word... lies
https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh137/askthepizzaguy2/treachery-1.jpg That doesn't look like Antioch to me... nor does he seem particularly interested in the rebel province in the region either. Ah well... I'm sure it's all explained away by his careful wording.
The King has sent no word of any military assembly in Syria. The last I heard of this matter was that our armies had once again enclosed Antioch in a noose.


Brilliant! :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[rossahh]

Read my bottom story, which I wrote yesterday. This is alluded to in there. If you can't be bothered then don't make comment.


A momentary flash of anger fills the old man's eyes. However it disappears almost instantly, as the old man rises to his feet.


Thank you for your words, but I must question them. Lies, Turk? What lies are this that you speak of?

We all represent our lieges in this court, but are bound by the information we receive from them. The King has sent no word on this matter. I have dispatched my aid with a message to him and are waiting for his instructions. Until they arrive, I can only respond with what I know, whether it be outdated or not.

You may play with words all you like, but I have spoken the truth such as I know it. If you wish to prolong an open and public debate, then why don't we discuss the offers of peace you have sent us - namely none. You brazenly attack us, claim you want naught but peace, but have sent no envoy with an offer, despite our terms being clear.

However, I must rest now. My man here, motioning to one of the younger men sitting behind him, will sit in my place.


As the old man turns to leave, his eyes briefly rest upon the Vizier. A faint smirk plays across the man's face as he gazes calmly back at Joran. The old man looks away and shuffles out of the door while the young man takes his seat.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turk rolls his eyes...

Oh I don't know about that. I sent numerous offers of peace before the Armenian massacre. I sent offers of peace during and after the massacre. Why, is beyond me.

And your terms of paying you over 3000 florins for a ceasefire you clearly do not mean to honour with your invasion army at our border... we had to laugh at that. We offered you ceasefire, it was you who demanded things we cannot give.

The truth as you know it is a clear fabrication from your lord, and it's not fooling anyone. But we DONT CARE. I've made it clear the Turks have more pressing matters to attend to. I'll let others deal with you.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The corpulent bearded ambassador swims in a sea of letters and scrolls sent by his Sultan's diplomatic staff, struggling to keep track of the events in Anatolia and beyond. He claps his hands, and is promptly lifted by seemingly more and more of his Nubian slaves.

Brothers and Christians, the crisis in Anatolia is reaching untolerable levels.

Shame on us, may Allah forgive us all, SHAME ON US ! For we sit and wait while this conflicts threatens to engulf most of our nations.

Shame on the Ayyubids, shame on the Romans, shame on the Turks, shame on the Latins, shame on us all ! This situation is a disgrace, an insult to God and your Jesus. We are not worthy of them.

Are we standing on the edge of Apocalypse ? Can't you see the rivers, boiling with the blood of God's children ?

This war MUST stop. The Emperor MUST stop his offensive, the Turks MUST stop theirs, both of their huge armies MUST be disbanded, and by God, the Latins must regain control of their own armies !

How is it that Jerusalem's ambassador is unaware of the Latins' movements. You must reassure us that King Baldwin is in control of his own nation, as all of our dealings and treaties have been made with him. We cannot believe your king would take so much time to communicate with you... In the name of Allah ! What is happening ? Must we send a delegation to Jerusalem itself ?



My...my Sultan's anger shakes the earth.... as I cannot communicate clearly what is truly happening in Anatolia. His rage reaches the far ends of this world.

May the Ayyubids' position be clear to all ! Should our Muslim brothers in Anatolia clearly face annihilation, the Sultan will not stay neutral in the matter. We have communicated this fact to the Romans, and we wished their delegation was here to discuss such matters.

This is still not the case, but the Turkish annoucements are worrisome. We stand by the words of the Caliph, and those of the great Omans. Peace must be settled.

Short of breath, the ambassador drinks from his cup.

We will ask the Emperor to bring his delegation back to this court. Peace is impossible without Constantinople's cooperation.

[TheFlax]

The Georgian emissary rises, it is obvious he is nervous.

On this matter we agree with the Ayyubid Sultanate, this conflict must end before there is no one left in Anatolia. Too long has Georgia stood by while our Armenian brothers in faith died in scores, likewise for those who dared defend them. We can no longer wait and hope for a peaceful resolution and so it is our hope that we will be able to force the issue.

Georgia is now formally at war with the Eastern Roman Empire, until they settle for a fair peace agreeable by all partys involved. Until then we will support our allies to the best of our capabilities.

As all representatives of the Eastern Roman Empire have left, this message has also been sent to them. Let it be known that Georgia does not resort to sneak attacks and other cowardly ways to wage war.

[The Lemongate]

As emissaries and aids from various nations near the Anatolia peninsula circulate within their delegations, a rumor spreads throughout the court: the Basileos Manuelos Megas Komnenos has entered Ikonion, the capital of the Turkish sultanate unopposed. The eagle and the Christian cross fly over its walls.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador rises and makes an announcement:

I understand our capital has been captured. The Romans will find it most deserted. This move marks the beginning of the end for one of us....

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier stands, looking fretful.

The Caliph despairs at the situation in Anatolia.

The Turks and the Romans continue to be blinded by mutual distrust and fear, forsaking the calls of the Caliph and others to negotiate a peace treaty and end the violence...and now the Georgians add fuel to the flames by declaring war on their erstwhile allies the Romans!

All the while the Crusaders lurk menacingly at the fringes, seemingly unwilling or unable to state their true intentions.

At least the Armenian peoples have been restored their lands - but for how long?

The Caliph pleads with all parties to see sense and return to the negotiating table where he will attempt to mediate and broker a deal which will return the lands to a state of peace.

[barcamartin]

A man comes rushing into the room. He bears the white two-headed eagle on his blue cape. Looking around, he finds the ambassador slumbering in the corner. The ambassador's assistant sees the man coming towards them, and abruptly ends the slumber. The messenger hands a document with the seal of Sultan Arslanshah to the now attentive ambassador. He reads through it, not without a degree of shock and surprisement. After a few moments of thought, he stands and searches the room for the Khawazi representative. Finding none, he looks at the Ghazni and then at the Caliph, before speaking to the council.

' This Council has seen much talk of aggression, usually centered around overt military actions. However, there is another kind of aggression, the kind that seeks to incite war through trickery and deceit.

It has come to the attention of the Sultan of the Seljuks that the Shah of Kwarezhm has resorted to such a type of aggression. He has played his neighbors against eachother, seeking to incite a war between the Seljuks and Ghazni by provoking fear between the two nations. He has even gone so far as to give reports of military movements of each country to the other, so that they would destroy eachother in any war he succeeded in inciting, leaving the Shah to pick up the pieces. As if that weren't sufficient proof of his treachery, the Shah has conquered settlement he agreed was under Seljuk dominion, and was only coaxed into giving it back in return for being allowed to leave other agreements made at the time of the Treaty of Rayy unfulfilled.

This campaign of trickery must stop now. We consider the Shah's actions to be in breach of the Treaty of Rayy's non-aggression clause. The Treaty is immediately nullified, and the Seljuk nation declares war on the treacherous Shah of Kwarezhm. This is a personal war over the breaking of the Seljuk/Kwarezhm treaty, and we ask that other nations do not act to aid the Shah. At the same time, to keep things fair, we do not ask our Coalition allies to intervene in the war. It is up to Allah to grant the side he deems righteous victory. '

Rolling the document up again, he returns to his seat and sends his assistant away. The messenger has left, and he's now alone to think about these tidings. As he sinks deep into thoughts, the sound level in the chamber increases.

[rossahh]

The young man from Jerusalem jumps to his feet and makes his first ever announcement.


We have no desire to intervene in your border war, just as we would hope that you would not intervene in our own border conflict, should we ever have one.

May you triumph over your enemies, if they truly be at fault.

We would, however, like to hear what the Shah says on this matter, before we pass judgment and condemn them.


The young man sits down, his face flushed with excitement. He had never known that diplomacy was so exciting!

[00jebus]

Outraged, the Khwarezmani diplomat stands

We will address the seljuks concerns, we trust the council will agree that are actions are well enough explained, and the seljuks will back down from such an ill-advised action before any innocent blood is shed

we passed infomation on your army composition and movements to the Sultan of Ghanzi, it is true, we do not deny it, but we did it to prevent you from attacking Herat, which was your intention, was it not?
I seem to remember your words were "we can handle the Ghanzi's"
Do you have an explanation for this? Or are you planning an excuse for war with them after us?
In fact, the Shah Ala Addan, Allah rest his soul, spoke no ill word about the Ghanzivids, to say we were trying to provoke a war by raising fear between your two nations is nothing more than an outright lie.

As for Birjand, we conquered it, yes it was a mistake, a fire had burned down most of our early records, but the sum was small, 4000 denarii to be exact, for defeating the garrison, and building infastructure in the region, that is a fair sum for the work we did, nobody else here would argue!

Your paranoid conspiracy thoeries should never leave your imagination, let alone enter real world diplomacy!, given that you first broke the treaty of Rayy, you are bound by its terms, 10,000 florins to be given to any humanatarian cause the council wills, I trust you will not object to this if you do proceed in sending thousands of people to their deaths.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador stands up

10,000 florins? Surely this money should go to the suffering people of Armenia.

With a laugh, he shakes his head

The Turks do not have all the information on the dealings between the Shah and our ally the Great Seljuks, and it is not our place to enforce the treaties made between the Shah and the Seljuk. Especially since we recently took heavy losses against Rome...

and we plan on repaying them in kind, muttered the Turk....

As for the Caliph's calls for a peaceful resolution, now that the Romans occupy the Sultan's homeland, and have placed their filthy fingerprints all over the Sultan's magnificent palace, the only way for peace to be achieved is if they should immediately withdraw from our lands and pay reparations equal to the amount they obtained from sacking our greatest city, which should be on the order of some 20,000 florins. That money would allow us to repay our obligations to our allies and we would then back down from our assault as well.

The alternative is to trade blows in a manner more costly for the Romans than for the Turks. And I fully intend to deal the kind of damage which cannot be repaired to the Roman scum, now that they have desecrated Muslim holy land with the presence of their demon armies. Rome has a heavy price to pay for contributing to the Armenian massacre, and now for defiling the Sultan's own bedchambers.

And now for the true aggressors in the Armenian massacre, the "Holy" Crusader armies of "King" Baldwin:

Your armies marching through rebel Syria are of little concern to the Turks, unless you should once again violate the sovereign nation of Armenia, or attack the Turks on our eastern border in a cowardly strike. Rest assured, Crusader King, that your desecration of the Holy Cross has made your Christian brothers very angry with your acts of aggression, and my Muslim brothers are growing weary of the acts of dishonour you have brought to ALL of your neighbors. Shall we recap?

1. You stole the holy Muslim lands in the Levant from the honourable Ayyubid sultanate. Not to mention your unwashed presence in the holy city of Jerusalem, another site holy to the Muslims, which we for some reason have tolerated. Your peace treaty with the Ayyubids was nothing more than a hostage negotiation, and it sickens me that the Ayyubids were forced to accept it. It is no wonder their foolish rulers were overthrown by the powerful forces of Salahuddin for accepting those unfair terms. Regardless, your first actions towards your neighbors were that of aggression, and it set a terrible precedent.

2. You promised this very council that you would never invade Anatolia. And without warning or provocation, you attacked your own brothers, the Armenian Christians, whose ancestral homelands were taken by the previous rulers of the Seljuk Empire so long ago, and are now occupied by the honourable Georgians. Now, after one Armenian genocide, you tried to finish them off where they had resettled in Cilicia. The only answer you gave as a reason why is because of the oath you swore to the belligerent Roman Empire to erradicate their Christian neighbors. Strange that you would "honor" your pact with the Romans, who are without any such thing as honor. And by doing so, you proved you had none. And that you were a coward for destroying a neutral and peaceful state.

3. Your forces now threaten an invasion of the Turkish Sultanate. for which we would have only one response.

4. Your forces are on the verge of trespassing into the lands held and claimed by the Abassid Caliphate. Should even one Crusader clad in western armour set foot on Muslim Holy Land held by our great Caliph, it will be seen as an act of war against all Muslims, not just those involved in our great alliance. I warn you not to insult Caliph an-Nasir the Peacemaker with the presence of your filthy, unwashed, murdering soldiers.

Do not defile the lands of other nations any longer. Do not murder one more innocent civilian. Your neighbors, both Christian and Muslim, tire of your endless aggression and your empty promises of peace. Our patience has run out. Even though the Caliph is a peaceful man, and I do not speak on his behalf, he is well within his rights to expel your invasion army with force before it even sets foot on Muslim land again. And he would have the support of the entire Coalition if he chose to exercise that right.

Finally, if you defile the lands of the Armenians or set foot within the Sultanate of the Turks, or into lands claimed by the honourable Caliph an-Nasir, I will activate the Coalition alliance on their behalf. I've offered you peace, which you rejected by attacking our neighbors. I've offered you an honourable and GENEROUS cease-fire given your hostilities towards our brothers the Armenians, and I've even offered you an alliance against the untrustworthy forces of the Roman Empire. All of these things you have rejected.

And so you have proven that the lame King Balwin IV is utterly incapable of honor or peace. Why I did not declare a jihad against Crusader-occupied Jerusalem is beyond me, for you deserve it far more than the Romans do. Our anger towards the Roman aggressors is but a tiny fraction of the hatred we feel towards your honourless nation of cowards and traitors, belligerents and murderers.

Still, in spite of all this, I've offered you peace at every turn. This offer ends now, if you do not turn your forces back from our borders. I swear on the name of everything that is holy and pure, should you defile our lands again, whether we win the war against you or not, our brothers in arms and even those you might not suspect will all join forces to erradicate your treacherous nation and your warlike band of fundamentalist lunatic mercenaries. Why I even speak to you as if you were our honourable equals capable of establishing peace through diplomacy... that is a compliment you no longer deserve.

You have one last chance to redeem your fallen nation. Otherwise, I will give the order which will end your miserable existence. And then, you and your band of unholy murderers and your cursed King Baldwin can all burn forever in the most painful and torturous hell your Christian God has created for those like you who have forsaked the peaceful message of your religion. And it will be my pleasure to send you there. The Turks are prepared to die in this most just cause.

You can either respect the demands of all civilized peoples here in the Caliphs council of peace, who have allowed you to exist in spite of your treachery and backstabbing, cowardice, and your seemingly endless lies, as you attack neutral and peaceful nations...

Or you can die in a manner more horrible than you can possibly imagine.

[deguerra]

The Omani ambassador just shakes his head at all the bickering and all the wars

[phonicsmonkey]

The Caliph's throne is empty. The Vizier sits on a footstool beside it, his head in his hands.

[00jebus]

The Khwarzmani ambassador stops looking at the Vizor and stands

Seljuks, do you see your muslim brothers?
There should be no war between muslims, we are, after all, ment to be the peaceful Abrahamic relegion, come, no blood has been spilt in this matter, there can be a peaceful solution to this

[rossahh]

The entire delegation from Jerusalem looks shocked at venom of the Turkish tirade. The young man is totally overwhelmed. The delegates gaze hopelessly at each other, until one suggests something and they all hurriedly stand and depart the chamber. They must discuss this with the senior representative - wasn't he going to his quaters for a sleep earlier?

[barcamartin]

Watching the grup of men leave the council, the Seljuk ambassador turns his attention to the Khawazi and his latest words.

' True, you are Muslims. You are in no way our brothers, though. Your actions and greed for power has forced this decision on the Sultan. All Seljuk's that march to battle march with pride and faith. We believe us to be righteous in this cause. If Allah the most generous agrees, he will grant us victory. If he thinks otherwise, he will make it clear to us. I say it again, all Seljuk warriors that march on your lands do so in the name of the Sultan and Allah the most merciful. Let him decide who are his true followers. '

[00jebus]

Our greed for power?
what about your own?
you can't hide behind a god or ask him to fight your battles, it will be your soilders fighting, and your sultans ambition driving them!

In all honesty, do you really think Allah, to whom the star's live and die at his merest whim, will care about, what is to him at most, the trivial bickering between his followers?


I want the council to know this; the Khwarezm did not seek this war, as proof of our peaceful intentions, we will fight a defensive war should the seljuks attack us, protecting our own lands and peoples, and putting them and their safty above destroying fellow muslims.
I doubt the seljuks could make the same claim

smiling smugly the ambassador takes his seat

[Banzai Kamikaze]

Staring at the Seljuk delegation

What is this nonsense ? Surely the Seljuk Empire can find land other than the Shah's to expand. They are our Muslim brothers, as are you.

Allah does not guide your blade towards your Muslim brothers. Your Sultan does. Seljuk brothers ! You risk raising a coalition of small states against you ! The Ayyubids highly recommend that you turn back and let a neutral party examine your claims about the Khwarezmani actions.

Let the Middle East not be engulfed by another senseless war !

Raising an eyebrow upon Jerusalem's delegation leaving the court

Never have I seen a delegation so clueless about their own nation's actions.
The Ayyubids will send a delegation to Jerusalem itself, a city close to its own lands. We will report to this court as soon as we hear more on what is happening in the Levant.


Seemingly exhausted, the Ayyubid ambassador leaves the court for the night, followed by his retinue. Rumors have it that his halls are filled with culinary delicacies, with recipes from the four corners of the world.

[00jebus]

We thank the Ayyubid ambassador for his wisdom

The entire Khwarzmani delegation bow, just out of unison, but its still an impressive synchronised movement

We would agree to have a neutral party examine our actions, they would find the reasons we gave most apt.

Unfortunitally there are very few neutral states these days, in any relegion

[Askthepizzaguy]

Let it be known that the Turks do not wish to see the Khwarezmids destroyed either. While we understand the backstory behind why this war is necessary, perhaps it will be a limited engagement, aimed at punishment rather than conquest, so that the Khwarezmid people will not suffer, and their leaders will learn to deal with other states more honestly.

The Turkish Sultan bears no ill will towards the Shah, and will remain neutral in the conflict. But from what I hear, the Shah has been acting rather like an enemy towards his Muslim brothers. Perhaps if the Shah would be willing to pay reparations to his neighbors, the bloodshed will not happen.

Sorry if we cannot fully condemn our allies the Seljuks, Shah of Khwarezm. This is the most protest that we can offer, due to your less than honest dealings. However, I would ask that the Coalition member states honour the spirit of this defensive alliance, and not deal any deaths onto the Khwarezmid civilians themselves, nor destroy any buildings except for possibly barracks and recruitment facilities. Then if the Shah is willing to surrender, or pays reparations now, they can once again live as brothers with their fellow Muslims.

Neutrality and peace negotiations is the most we can offer in your defense, Shah. Perhaps if you would discuss this matter with the Caliph, he can see your side of the story. I'd offer to mediate, but unfortunately I would be biased towards the Seljuks, as they are our friends and allies.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Court falls into silence as the Caliph enters the chamber, flanked by armed palace ghulams in procession. He is dressed in austere dark robes with a modest turban of the same cloth. As he sits on the throne the ghulams bow low, their foreheads to the stone floor, and he dismisses them with a flick of his hand.

The Vizier leans over to whisper in his ear. All eyes are on the Caliph and his advisor and all ears strain to make out the words that pass between them.

The Caliph nods to the Vizier and slowly rises to his feet.

His piercing gaze sweeps the chamber, meeting the eyes of each delegate in turn and when he is sure he has everyone's attention, he speaks.

Dark are these days, and blood-soaked will be our memory of them.

Like a flock of crows we jabber noisily and fight over scraps.

My calls for peace are ignored and my ministrations rejected. Far from the current wars coming to an end, it seems every man now plots his own conflict.

Frustrating though this is for me, it is not for the Caliph to judge his fellow man, but for Allah the most merciful to weigh our earthly deeds and show us the paths to paradise.

I condemn the naked greed and aggression of the Seljuks in making war upon the Khwarezm Shah, their pious Muslim brothers.

Let the Seljuk Attabegs cease their unruly and bloodthirsty behaviour and come to a peaceful agreement with the Shah over the disputed lands.

The Shah should be also ashamed, for he is not blameless in this dispute - he has been playing with fire by snatching lands from under the noses of the Attabegs. Why did he not heed the warning shown to him by the Seljuk attack on Georgia?

Foolish his deeds have been - even risking alienating the Caliph of Baghdad by sending spies into my lands unannounced.

Nevertheless, I will offer my services again - should any man presently at strife find in him the wisdom to seek peace and eschew the cruel blade, the Caliph will be there to mediate and host negotiations.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The Ayyubid delegation bows, clearly approving the words of the Caliph

The Ayyubids will work tirelessly to find an end to the Anatolian War. We still believe peace is achievable.

Eyeing the Georgian delegation

News of your involvment in the Anatolian War are MOST unwelcomed. Have the Romans ever attacked your lands, Christian ? The Ayyubids urge the Georgians to bring a stop to their offensive before it spirals out of control.

Looking at the Armenians

Armenians, we understand your need for vengeance, but the Anatolian War will never end with the destruction of the Roman Empire. The only possible outcome of this war is PEACE. We urge you to discuss with the Romans. We believe this whole court wishes for the Armenians to survive this terrible war, and we will all make sure your need for land is considered in any peace negociations with the Romans

Eyeing the Latins

We sincerely hope your northern armies are not about to bring fuel to the fire.

Turning back towards the whole court

Brothers, Ambassadors, the Anatolian War must come to an end. We urge all parties involved to discuss with the Romans. We wish their delegation was here, but letters will have to do for now.

Let the Caliph mediate such a peace, for he is a wise man.

[Askthepizzaguy]

We have... reluctantly... returned to the negotiation chamber with the Roman ambassador. We seek no one else's involvement in our peace negotiations, unless they reject our offers.

[rossahh]

As the delegates continue to debate the developing crises between the Shah and the Seljuks, the doors to the court open. Four guards, clad in Abassids black, enter and flank the doorway. The conversation in the court stops mid-sentence as the delegates all turn to look. A hooded figure slowly shuffles into the room. Behind him walk four men: two in simple blue tunics, and two fully armed and armoured soldiers clad in blue with the golden cross emblazed on their chests. These men take up positions next to the Abassid guards next to the doors, uneasily fingering the swords at their sides as the look from the guards next to them to the members of the different. The hooded figure shuffles towards the Caliph's throne. The Vizier stands up and hurriedly moves out of the way and behind the Caliph, not daring to be near the newcomer. The figure reaches the throne, and awkwardly bows to the Caliph seated upon it. The Caliph rises and bows back, then resumes his place on his throne. The figure turns around to face the court, and the delegates can see that his arm is at an awkward angle. The Turkish ambassador narrows his eyes as he stares at the figure. The two men in blue tunics pull back the hood from the man's head and withdraw next to the guards. A sharp intake of breath is heard, as the man beneath the hood is revealed. The silver mask and the eyes behind it sparkle slightly as they survey the room.

For a long moment. Nobody dares breathe, nor talk. The silence in the court is finally broken when the masked figure begins to speak in a soft voice that belies the authority behind it. The eyes gaze unrelentingly at the Turkish ambassador.


For 100 years my Kingdom has ruled the Levant. Over this time, thousands have died to protect and defend the Kingdom against many foes. Wars have always been part of the Levant, just as peace has always played its part too. The past deeds our ancestors are not our own, and should never be construed as such.

Several years ago, a dispute between the Fatamids and myself broke out along the coastal settlements between our realms. They and my Kingdom had long been enemies, ever since the 1st crusade took the holy city in the name of Christ. Our initial success allowed Salahuddin Ayyubid to seize control of Egypt from the Fatamids. With our Fatamid enemies defeated, the Sultan and I created a peace between as that would not only bring an end to the present conflict but to help secure the peaceful relations between our realms for future generations. In return for the lands seized from the Fatamids, the Ayyubids allowed us to assume control of Damascus and Syria from our former ally, the Emir of Damascus. Such an arrangement was not born from force or trickery on our part, but rather a desire for peace in both the Sultan and I.


The eyes continue to gaze endlessly at the Turk


The dealings between the Emperor and myself were not for any in this courts' ears but our own. However, I swore an oath to support the forces of the Empire in Cicillia. An oath is not something I will willingly break, unlike some in this court. Honour is not something that I would expect lesser men to fully understand, but it is the code that we live by. True to our word that was presented in this very chamber long ago, we did not seek to control any land in Anatolia. The arrangement between the Basileos and I is again not for your ears, but true to our word, what lands and possessions we took in Armenia were not to be under Latin control, but were to be under the control of the Empire. As you can see, our actions match our words, and our honour remains intact.


The figure sags slightly and closes its eyes. For a short while, nothing moves. When the figure finally opens its eyes again, they no longer have the twinkle behind them. Only cold fury and determination burns in them


The army of Jerusalem has marched far and wide, further than by my orders, but that has been settled already. In respect for peace, they have marched neither into Cicillia, Anatolia nor across the Euphraties nor have any been threatened with such a transgression. Our enemies, traitors and Muslims alike, have felt the power of Jerusalem and my Kingdom is now secure. Only peace is to be achieved now. Time and time again, you, the Turks, have rejected our reasonable demands for peace. Who is truly the warmonger here?


The figure collapses in exhaustion, and the four men in blue rush to his side. The two in tunics tend to the fallen figure while the soldiers draw their swords. The Caliph motions to his guards, and they open the doors again. The attendants gently support their king out the door, with the bodyguards in position fore and aft. The entire group leaves, leaving behind a stunned collection of men.






















Some time after the strange party in blue has departed, the original delegation from Jerusalem reenters the room, with the old man at the head. Without so much as a glance at any other person in the room, they resume their seats.

[00jebus]

With all due respect to the Calph, Shiraz was not your lands when our man started scouting there, though we have admitted to our mistakes, and given reasons why they occured, we still call for the turks to call off their war machine, and to let their men be with their families.

In addition we also thank King Baldwin for gracing us with his prescence, and support his call for peace between the Sultanate of Rum and his little Crusader kingdom

muttering under his breath, the ambassador continues, but only so those nearby can hear and thank Allah the lepper didn't leave his arm behind....

[barcamartin]

A tall man clad in mail and dusty robes enters the room, marching straight over to the Seljuk ambassador. He whispers something to him, and hands him a document. A delighted smile lights up the ambassadors face, as he follows the man out of the room. His eyes meet those of the Khawazi one last time before he exits through the massive doors.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The entire Ayyubid delegation bows upon King Baldwin's entry. The Ayyubid ambassador's jaw drops, as slaves struggle to help him bow. After the king has left, the sweaty ambassador struggles to find his words.

Ambassadors, the king of Jerusalem himself has traveled to the Caliph's court ! Surely, there is hope for peace in Anatolia.

We know the actions of Jerusalem have been questionable, and outright abonimable with regards to Armenia. However, we are all to blame for the current degradation of the situation in Anatolia.

The Ayyubids urge all parties involved to meet and freely discuss terms for a cease fire and peace. As treachery should not hinder such talks, the Ayyubids feel it is important that such dealings be rendered public.

We are at a turning point in History, ambassadors. Let us work together to stop this bloodshed. Let the belligerent nations stop their offensives and find peace.

Turning towards the Vizier

The Ayyubids praise the Caliph for all his efforts regarding this volatile situation.


As the Ayyubid ambassador speaks, a man whispers in the Seljuk ambassador's ears. Smiling broadly, the Seljuk ambassador leaves the court.


Bah, more nonsense from the East. Have the seeds of a new conflict already been planted ?

[phonicsmonkey]

The Caliph rises and departs from the chamber, accompanied by the senior members of the Turkish delegation.

The Vizier announces:

Praise be to Allah!

The emissaries of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Turkish Sultanate have agreed to join peace talks hosted by the Caliph in an antechamber here at Court.

Let all here present pray the talks will result in a lasting peace for the troubled lands of Anatolia.

Messengers of the Caliph will keep the Court informed on events in the negotiating chamber as they happen.

OOC: I'm setting up a separate thread for these talks, feel free to observe but please don't comment in that thread unless the Caliph invites you to join the talks. Discussion by unininvolved parties can take place here instead.

[_Tristan_]

The mail-clad messenger from Armenia re-enters the chamber, with word from Takavor Hetum I.

Great Caliph, while we thank you for seeking a peaceful solution in the war-ravaged lands of Anatolia, our leader is disappointed not to have been included in the peace talks.

War erupted from the unwarranted agression on Armenia by the agressive Romans, simply because our former King refused to let them have all of Anatolia for them.

Now, I hear they come back to the negociation table with almost the same exact terms while our lands have been burnt to the ground and our innocent people put to the sword.

Furthermore, our own armies are at this moment waging war on Rome and will not be turned back until some favourable issue can be found.

I would also point that at this point if Armenia is still to be represented in this Council it is through Turkish gift of lands taken from Jerusalem and intended as a gift to the Romans. If both our Christian neighbours had their way, Armenia would now be history. Only the fierce fighting spirit of our people and Turkish help saved us.

We were the victims in this war and thus it would be our right to make demands to be met by the Romans. We understand the need for a meeting and thus will keep our demands for that meeting.
I hope the Caliph will forgive our leader's anger and will allow our participation in the peace talks.

Bowing deeply to the Caliph, the Armenian messenger takes a seat on the benches reserved for Armenia in the Council.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier stands and inclines his head towards the Armenian delegation.

Noble Armenians, the Caliph intends no disrespect to your honourable leader.

An-Nasir was mistaken in thinking that the issue of the Cilician territories had been resolved by the return of the King's people to their original lands.

In fact, as soon as he heard that the Romans intended to include the lands of Cilicia in their negotiation, he resolved that the Armenian representatives should join the talks.

It is hardly right in the Caliph's mind that the future of the Armenians be discussed without them.

I am told that the Romans are in agreement with this, so he simply waits for the word of the Turks, in order that due process be followed. And they would hardly object to the inclusion of their close allies in the talks, so we can expect to hear an invitation issued from the negotiating chamber very soon.

[Askthepizzaguy]

As the delegates continue to debate the developing crises between the Shah and the Seljuks, the doors to the court open. Four guards, clad in Abassids black, enter and flank the doorway. The conversation in the court stops mid-sentence as the delegates all turn to look. A hooded figure slowly shuffles into the room. Behind him walk four men: two in simple blue tunics, and two fully armed and armoured soldiers clad in blue with the golden cross emblazed on their chests. These men take up positions next to the Abassid guards next to the doors, uneasily fingering the swords at their sides as the look from the guards next to them to the members of the different. The hooded figure shuffles towards the Caliph's throne. The Vizier stands up and hurriedly moves out of the way and behind the Caliph, not daring to be near the newcomer. The figure reaches the throne, and awkwardly bows to the Caliph seated upon it. The Caliph rises and bows back, then resumes his place on his throne. The figure turns around to face the court, and the delegates can see that his arm is at an awkward angle. The Turkish ambassador narrows his eyes as he stares at the figure. The two men in blue tunics pull back the hood from the man's head and withdraw next to the guards. A sharp intake of breath is heard, as the man beneath the hood is revealed. The silver mask and the eyes behind it sparkle slightly as they survey the room.

For a long moment. Nobody dares breathe, nor talk. The silence in the court is finally broken when the masked figure begins to speak in a soft voice that belies the authority behind it. The eyes gaze unrelentingly at the Turkish ambassador.


For 100 years my Kingdom has ruled the Levant. Over this time, thousands have died to protect and defend the Kingdom against many foes. Wars have always been part of the Levant, just as peace has always played its part too. The past deeds our ancestors are not our own, and should never be construed as such.

Several years ago, a dispute between the Fatamids and myself broke out along the coastal settlements between our realms. They and my Kingdom had long been enemies, ever since the 1st crusade took the holy city in the name of Christ. Our initial success allowed Salahuddin Ayyubid to seize control of Egypt from the Fatamids. With our Fatamid enemies defeated, the Sultan and I created a peace between as that would not only bring an end to the present conflict but to help secure the peaceful relations between our realms for future generations. In return for the lands seized from the Fatamids, the Ayyubids allowed us to assume control of Damascus and Syria from our former ally, the Emir of Damascus. Such an arrangement was not born from force or trickery on our part, but rather a desire for peace in both the Sultan and I.


The eyes continue to gaze endlessly at the Turk


The dealings between the Emperor and myself were not for any in this courts' ears but our own. However, I swore an oath to support the forces of the Empire in Cicillia. An oath is not something I will willingly break, unlike some in this court. Honour is not something that I would expect lesser men to fully understand, but it is the code that we live by. True to our word that was presented in this very chamber long ago, we did not seek to control any land in Anatolia. The arrangement between the Basileos and I is again not for your ears, but true to our word, what lands and possessions we took in Armenia were not to be under Latin control, but were to be under the control of the Empire. As you can see, our actions match our words, and our honour remains intact.


The figure sags slightly and closes its eyes. For a short while, nothing moves. When the figure finally opens its eyes again, they no longer have the twinkle behind them. Only cold fury and determination burns in them


The army of Jerusalem has marched far and wide, further than by my orders, but that has been settled already. In respect for peace, they have marched neither into Cicillia, Anatolia nor across the Euphraties nor have any been threatened with such a transgression. Our enemies, traitors and Muslims alike, have felt the power of Jerusalem and my Kingdom is now secure. Only peace is to be achieved now. Time and time again, you, the Turks, have rejected our reasonable demands for peace. Who is truly the warmonger here?


The figure collapses in exhaustion, and the four men in blue rush to his side. The two in tunics tend to the fallen figure while the soldiers draw their swords. The Caliph motions to his guards, and they open the doors again. The attendants gently support their king out the door, with the bodyguards in position fore and aft. The entire group leaves, leaving behind a stunned collection of men.






















Some time after the strange party in blue has departed, the original delegation from Jerusalem reenters the room, with the old man at the head. Without so much as a glance at any other person in the room, they resume their seats.

The Turkish ambassador, while impressed that King Baldwin has chosen to directly address the assembly in person, remains unimpressed at his explanations for his destructive war against Armenia. Truly, the attempted assassination of an entire race of people is nothing to call honourable.

However, since our intervention has spared their lives, and the Armenians have at last been restored most of our nation, Baldwin's attempt at genocide proved quite unsuccessful. And now that he retreats his armies back towards his own borders where they belong, his shame is easily viewed by all. Sad that but a small band of peasant hunters could turn back the destruction wrought upon the innocent by a supposed king who has turned his back on the race of civilized men. You, Baldwin have no respect at all for the rights of the innocent. You who would deal in dark alleys and exchange loyalties for coin, and then bring your supposedly pious forces in arms against those who have never once threatened you now talk of honour. I am appalled at your actions to date, and am entirely dissatisfied with your pitiful explanation.

However, if you choose to turn back your unwashed dogs and return to your lands in peace, as a TRUE man of my word I have to honour my commitment to peace. You have your offer of cease-fire for now, which you have not signed for many turns, and you have our rejection of your demand for reparations for a war which you started against the innocent. You should rightly pay the Armenians reparations, but I leave that for them to demand.

The council will have to forgive me for not using flowered words when addressing this lawless criminal who calls himself a king but behaves like a petty thug. Until he makes a true effort to beg Armenia and the council for forgiveness for his multitudes of crimes, I will not speak of him as a fellow human being, but the plague upon this earth which he is. Until he starts to behave like a man of peace, we will not extend the courtesy of polite diplomatic words which we once thought he deserved. His empire is one filled with scum and villiany, and his horrendous manner with which he conducts himself diplomatically will not be easily forgotten. Truly this is a man who honours no one, and speaks detestably about even his friends and neighbors. He speaks with condescension and threatens with force to take what his evil blackened heart desires.

In my view, the plague which now eats away at his body is one which the righteous Allah has sent upon him, to administer justice to this tyrant. Perhaps now that he feels one small hint of the pain he's inflicted upon the innocent, he is motivated to become serious about peace. In which case we might consider allowing his delegation to sit at the same table as us. Baldwin's manner in this court presented some shred of hope that he might finally learn the language of peace and diplomacy which we have, until now, extended towards his rogue nation. Now that we are entirely fed up with his nastiness and bullying, this murderer will be excluded from all diplomatic talks in Anatolia. He has much to do in order to satisfy us that the concept of peace talks with Jerusalem will not be a waste of our precious time. The only reason I even offer a cease-fire with this scum is because I have sworn to this body that I am a man of peace. My commitment to peace, however, does not take precedence over my commitment to justice and freedom from tyranny. Surely the rights of the innocent are more important than sparing the lives of latin murderers. It is only through my peaceful interpretation of the Holy Qu'ran that I do not take my sword and hack my way through the Latin delegation's guards and cut this bastard's throat myself.

And there the treacherous snake Baldwin has our response to his most dubious pledge of peace. He will have to prove it with more than one season's retreat from hostilities and his flowery but completely untrustworthy words. With due respect to the rest of the council, this man has acted nothing like a peaceful nation since this august body was convened, and his criminal actions cannot simply be wished away or forgotten so easily.

Forgiveness is extended to those who ask for it, not demand it. Baldwin has shown no sincerity or humility, and this implies that the man has no real interest in peace.


With all due respect to the Calph, Shiraz was not your lands when our man started scouting there, though we have admitted to our mistakes, and given reasons why they occured, we still call for the turks to call off their war machine, and to let their men be with their families.

In addition we also thank King Baldwin for gracing us with his prescence, and support his call for peace between the Sultanate of Rum and his little Crusader kingdom

muttering under his breath, the ambassador continues, but only so those nearby can hear and thank Allah the lepper didn't leave his arm behind....

As for the Shah, our offer to work with our allies to reach an honourable peace for both sides stands. But they are acting in defense of their nations from a duplicitous leader who has raised a large army near their borders and has worked feverishly to undermine the peace between them. I can offer to mediate the dispute, but the Sultan's role of Supreme Commander of Coalition forces is powerless to command the allies in peacetime. Neither nation has asked for a resolution calling for an activation of the alliance, which would place the Coalition in a state of war with Khwarezm, and thank Allah this has not happened. I can only call for peace, I cannot order them. They are acting in self-defense, according to all my intelligence reports, and although I desire peace I cannot force a nation to relinquish their sovereign right of defense especially when coerced and threatened as you have done to them.

We cannot tell them not to act, but if you should be serious about peace, we would call an emergency session of the Coalition council and your delegation would be invited to attend. Should you offer peace terms the Seljuks can live with, I would think that war could be averted.

This conflict between nations in the north was not MY idea. I had actually proposed a working relationship and a possible bilateral alliance, and other interesting deals to the Shah... it is only because of recent hostilities that such negotiations have been suspended. I am deeply disturbed by the events that have happened. I do not like it when I see two friends go to war.

I cannot condemn the Seljuks for defending themselves, but if you demand immediate peace talks, that I can arrange. With Allah's will, we can have peace with our Muslim brothers, even though sometimes they are misguided.


The entire Ayyubid delegation bows upon King Baldwin's entry. The Ayyubid ambassador's jaw drops, as slaves struggle to help him bow. After the king has left, the sweaty ambassador struggles to find his words.

Ambassadors, the king of Jerusalem himself has traveled to the Caliph's court ! Surely, there is hope for peace in Anatolia.

We know the actions of Jerusalem have been questionable, and outright abonimable with regards to Armenia. However, we are all to blame for the current degradation of the situation in Anatolia.

The Ayyubids urge all parties involved to meet and freely discuss terms for a cease fire and peace. As treachery should not hinder such talks, the Ayyubids feel it is important that such dealings be rendered public.

We are at a turning point in History, ambassadors. Let us work together to stop this bloodshed. Let the belligerent nations stop their offensives and find peace.

Turning towards the Vizier

The Ayyubids praise the Caliph for all his efforts regarding this volatile situation.


As the Ayyubid ambassador speaks, a man whispers in the Seljuk ambassador's ears. Smiling broadly, the Seljuk ambassador leaves the court.


Bah, more nonsense from the East. Have the seeds of a new conflict already been planted ?

I urge the honourable Ayyubid delegate to not give this Baldwin more respect than he deserves. Should he wish to be viewed with the honour and dignity the title of a King deserves, he should act like one. That being said, we appreciate your calls for peace and your honourable actions to date. The Sultan Saladin is perhaps the most respected man in all of Turkish Anatolia.


The Caliph rises and departs from the chamber, accompanied by the senior members of the Turkish delegation.

The Vizier announces:

Praise be to Allah!

The emissaries of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Turkish Sultanate have agreed to join peace talks hosted by the Caliph in an antechamber here at Court.

Let all here present pray the talks will result in a lasting peace for the troubled lands of Anatolia.

Messengers of the Caliph will keep the Court informed on events in the negotiating chamber as they happen.

OOC: I'm setting up a separate thread for these talks, feel free to observe but please don't comment in that thread unless the Caliph invites you to join the talks. Discussion by unininvolved parties can take place here instead.

We can confirm that bilateral peace talks with the Romans have failed, for their demands are not compatible with their current strategic strength nor their honour to date. However, we will agree to the peace talks in the hopes of ending this war before we do something they regret.


The mail-clad messenger from Armenia re-enters the chamber, with word from Takavor Hetum I.

Great Caliph, while we thank you for seeking a peaceful solution in the war-ravaged lands of Anatolia, our leader is disappointed not to have been included in the peace talks.

War erupted from the unwarranted agression on Armenia by the agressive Romans, simply because our former King refused to let them have all of Anatolia for them.

Now, I hear they come back to the negociation table with almost the same exact terms while our lands have been burnt to the ground and our innocent people put to the sword.

Indeed, that is precisely what they asked for in the bilateral negotiations.


Furthermore, our own armies are at this moment waging war on Rome and will not be turned back until some favourable issue can be found.

I would also point that at this point if Armenia is still to be represented in this Council it is through Turkish gift of lands taken from Jerusalem and intended as a gift to the Romans. If both our Christian neighbours had their way, Armenia would now be history. Only the fierce fighting spirit of our people and Turkish help saved us.

We were the victims in this war and thus it would be our right to make demands to be met by the Romans. We understand the need for a meeting and thus will keep our demands for that meeting.
I hope the Caliph will forgive our leader's anger and will allow our participation in the peace talks.

Bowing deeply to the Caliph, the Armenian messenger takes a seat on the benches reserved for Armenia in the Council.

Although the Treaty of Adana states that it is the Turk's responsibility to negotiate on behalf of the Armenians until they can once again stand as an independent nation, they have nearly recovered all of their lands from the treacherous dogs on our flanks, and so if they wish to be included in the talks and speak on their own behalf, we will step aside and allow them to do so. The treaty was not intended to be a binding device for our allies, but to facilitate peace talks by allowing our enemies one voice to speak on behalf of both the Turkish and Armenian people, for our fates are as one and our foriegn policies are as one. There can be no seperate peace with Armenia and Turkey. If war is declared on one, it is the same as declaring war on both.

That said, we welcome the Armenian delegation to our peace negotiations.





Now we will announce that there is to be no cease-fire agreement until the peace negotiations are concluded, as neither the Romans nor the Turks can afford to hold our arms while the other state continues to persue the war, especially with our grip tightening around the Roman capital. We could be in a position to force a settlement with arms once Constantinople falls, and be in a much better bargaining position with the unclean dogs who now occupy our capital. Unless the Romans immediately offer a cease fire and hand over our Capital, the war will continue.

If Rome does not agree to a peace, and we do capture Constantinople, then let it be known that we will take our reparations by force.

[00jebus]

As for the Shah, our offer to work with our allies to reach an honourable peace for both sides stands. But they are acting in defense of their nations from a duplicitous leader who has raised a large army near their borders and has worked feverishly to undermine the peace between them. I can offer to mediate the dispute, but the Sultan's role of Supreme Commander of Coalition forces is powerless to command the allies in peacetime. Neither nation has asked for a resolution calling for an activation of the alliance, which would place the Coalition in a state of war with Khwarezm, and thank Allah this has not happened. I can only call for peace, I cannot order them. They are acting in self-defense, according to all my intelligence reports, and although I desire peace I cannot force a nation to relinquish their sovereign right of defense especially when coerced and threatened as you have done to them.

We cannot tell them not to act, but if you should be serious about peace, we would call an emergency session of the Coalition council and your delegation would be invited to attend. Should you offer peace terms the Seljuks can live with, I would think that war could be averted.

This conflict between nations in the north was not MY idea. I had actually proposed a working relationship and a possible bilateral alliance, and other interesting deals to the Shah... it is only because of recent hostilities that such negotiations have been suspended. I am deeply disturbed by the events that have happened. I do not like it when I see two friends go to war.

I cannot condemn the Seljuks for defending themselves, but if you demand immediate peace talks, that I can arrange. With Allah's will, we can have peace with our Muslim brothers, even though sometimes they are misguided.

.



Definding themselves?
THEY ATTACKED US!!!, I find the suggestion that we were the aggressor quite insulting, as no Khwarezmani troops have ever attacked Seljuks, except in self-defence, and it seems as though the turks have killed our skilled shah...


coerced and threatened?
when?
although I admit that the seljuks can't even spell their own name, I highly doubt what we said could be confused for either, even a European wouldn't think that

Have you actually seen messages between the shahdom and the seljuks or are you just taking the oppressors at their word?

[Askthepizzaguy]

For the moment, we are taking no one's word.

We are not involved here, except as a possible peace envoy. The Seljuks receive no support, financial or otherwise, in their war with you. From what I've been told the cause was just, and several states can vouch for your actions.

Unless you can prove they are all liars, we must side with our allies diplomatically and remain neutral in military terms. I also urge the Shah not to direct his perhaps righteous anger at our delegation, for we were not consulted nor are we involved in the Seljuk's actions. We can just as easily wash our hands of the matter if our offer to mediate is seen as something that it is not. It was never intended to be an insult, but if you choose to view it that way then I cannot intervene on your behalf.

We do not have all the facts, it is true. But rather than stand around waiting for all the reports to come in, which you haven't volunteered, we chose to act on your behalf by saying we wouldn't involve ourselves in the Seljuk's actions, as our alliance is defensive, not offensive in nature. If you can prove that their actions are unwarranted and that they are the true aggressors here (and from what I'm hearing from several states, you cannot) then I will condemn the Seljuk's actions and ask that they be censured or asked to pay you reparations.

But as I said, such proceedings could only happen if you could prove that they are the aggressors, and you've already admitted to instigating conflict between the Ghaznis and the Seljuks. Unless you can clarify your position, you cannot act as though you are innocent in these affairs.

We will no longer be involved if you wish us to mind our own business, but we are trying to help you.

With respect, friend and Shah of the Khwarezmids.

[00jebus]

The ambassador is visibly offended by this
and how do you suggest we tried to drive the Seljuks and Ghanzivids to war?

we gave one of the others movements and troop strenght, that hardly counts as attempting to bring them into conflict, unless of course Ghanzi were planning on invading the seljuks, which they assured us, they were not.

If the romans had not attacked Armenia, would you not send them the same infomation if they (romani) were massing on the armenian border right now?

This admits that we have several spies in seljuk provinces, which they are, but they are not in fact, in their cities sowing discontent, so I fail to see how that can be seen as an act of war, unlike say, infiltrating our city and killing our shah in a sneak attack....

We admitted to our mistakes, apologised for them (though we doubt this was needed), thats hardly the action of a warmongering state, or an excuse for war.

His eyes darken

Do not pretend turk, that you can be considered a friend of the Khwarezm by keeping your troops our of a war several hundred miles away, when the romans are keeping them in check.
Nor should you pretend that this "coalition of peace" is anything more than an excuse for its western members to attack whomever they please.

[Ferret]

The Ghorid ambassador is once again asleep, he would rather be joining in the conquest of India...

[Ramses II CP]

The Rajput emissary strides into the room, a look of calm resignation on his face.

Great lords it is with no pleasure whatsoever that I announce the Ghorids have acted precisely as my people have long expected in repudiating the agreement they swore to the Caliph they would uphold and attacking my own fair nation. The first invasion army, having lured a small Rajput force into the open by a vague deception, has been completely destroyed, but there are at least two other Ghorid armies operating in the region. Their total forces even before the sneak attack were about five times my own. I put the current situation at more like seven to one odds.

A battle marker has been erected to commemorate the most recent battle, in which eleven Rajput soldiers lost their lives to drag down well over a thousand of the quickly fleeing enemy. Yet, even with such valor, it will not be enough, and our enemy knows this.

I have only one thing left to say; lest you wish the name of Islam to echo down the halls of eternity as a dishonorable supporter of shameful and pathetic tactics shun the Ghorids and their leader for the rest of time. Discard your trade agreements, refuse his requests, and turn him away from your meetings. His word is dross, his armies cowardly, and his nation doomed to suffer the judgement of history.

The emissary bows deeply to the Caliph and then moves to speak with the representative from Ghazni.

:egypt:

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador withdraws from any more dealings with the spiteful Shah who blames others for the consequences of his own misdeeds.

I now convene an emergency meeting of the Member States to discuss the Ghorid attack on the Coalition, which will result in the most severe of consequences.

[00jebus]

What misdeeds?

actually, first things first.. what dealings?

we were unaware of any agreements we shared...

anyway, what misdeeds?

we provided the council with reasons for any dishonourable actions we have undertaken, and maintained every attempt to resolve this peacefully... *Looking at the seljuks* As we still do

I can understand how the turks of rum would think those are misdeeds... given their character so far has shown them to break the laws of Islam... put another nation in debt... and used a matter between christians as a pretext for a landgrabbing war....
But to reasonable and just nations in this court, most we feel, would be satisfied with our explanations, and yes, even our piety


Actually, when did we blame anyone but ourselves and the Seljuks for the current situation?

To our knowlage, we have not.. and never will...

[TheFlax]

As per our signing of the Treaty of Tiblisi, we see no other alternative as to declare war on the Ghorids. Of course, our armies are incapable at this moment of assisting our allies, but we will do all in our power to to give aid to the Rajputs. Unwarranted acts of aggression shall not be tolerated by our coalition.

We wonder what pretense the Ghorid will use to justify this attack...

[Ferret]

The Ghorid ambassador wakes up at the mention of his nation, his voice is heavy with sarcasm:

Oh no the mighty Empire of Georgia declares war, whatever are we to do? The Sweljuks should have wiped them off the map when the had the chance, their religion is as bad as the hindus.

[Askthepizzaguy]

FORMAL DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST THE GHORID SULTANATE


The Supreme Commander of the Coalition Alliance declares war on the Ghorids, activating the Coalition alliance against this naked aggressor and trespasser into peaceful lands.

Since the fate of the Romano-Turkish war seems clear, all Coalition forces are informed that the Ghorids are marked as enemy number one for the Eastern Coalition. All member states simultaneously declare a state of war against the Ghorid Sultanate. They are Muslims no more, now distant relations to honourable Islamic states have been disavowed. May they all die in disgrace.

The Coalition of Freedom is now at a State of War with the Ghorid Sultanate. Unless they terminate their assault on the Rajputs and pay reparations, they are to be wiped from the map immediately. As Supreme Commander I now accept the responsibilities of this office granted to me unanimously by the Member States of the Coalition.

May the Ghorids burn in hell for thier treachery.

https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh137/askthepizzaguy2/flagA1-1.jpg

[00jebus]

*the Khwarzmani ambassador looks at Georgia's*the shahdom wishes to make it known that any coalition armies marching east may do so unmolested and unopposed by his forces, provided of course they are not aiding the seljuks in their war upon us.

*now at the seljuks*
would you abandon your coalition, allow it to march to war without you for some petty sense of revenge for some wrong that we arn't even sure we have done?
come to peace, and join your brothers, we do not maintain grudges, there bad for business...

[Askthepizzaguy]

I would also encourage the Seljuks to reach a cease-fire as soon as it does not threaten their position. The Khwarezmids may have been mischevious, but they are not the blatantly evil aggressors the Ghorids are.

I am also seriously considering the Roman peace arrangements. If I am successful, the Ghorids will find that all the Western Coalition forces are aligned against them and sending supplies and materiale, not to mention funds, against this most untrustworthy foe.

The best move for the Ghorids now is to press for peace. I am losing in the west, so it makes little difference to me if I should empty my vast treasury in the aid of an ally. Rest assured, our inclusion into the Ghorid-Rajput war will NOT be in name only.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The Ayyubid ambassador chuckles at the mention of the Georgians declaring war on a far eastern nation. As his laugh gets louder, a raging cough brings the ambassador down. His slaves immediately bring him out of the court. Rumors have it that his physician treats him with unholy amounts of sweet honey.

[Ferret]

Bah! Who are you to declare who is and who is not Muslim. You Turks are pathetic! You cannot beat some puny outdated Romans and so you seek help from the infidel and now you protect them! You are the ones who are not Muslim! Allah would strike you down if he knew of this treachery

[Ramses II CP]

Rising to respond to the Ghorid's insults, the Rajput emissary still allows no anger to show in his voice or on his face.

Your brothers in faith are naturally dismayed to find that the word of a Muslim could mean so little in your hands, and so cast you out. Consider well your position in this life and the next, where honor counts higher than land. The Turks have nobly defended a weaker nation and so shown the world Islam's best face. You have done exactly the reverse, and now reap the consequences.

Your private letters have suggested that you seek a challenge, well, let me offer to meet that challenge. I would propose that you gather your best men from your nearest armies and meet me and my best men in the field for a fair test of our mettle. If you should find victory my nation's armies will be destroyed and my lands little protected, giving you a potentially easy expansion. As I've said, I have only perhaps a fifth the forces you command.

If I should find victory, against all odds, then your men will withdraw and respect the border as it was originally drawn. You will surrender the town north of Delhi and admit your lies regarding it. You will also admit your duplicity regarding the treaty the Caliph aided you in drawing up.

(OOC: To elucidate, I propose a multiplayer battle with the forces we currently have in theatre. You bring a full stack, including any men from the army southwest of Delhi, the remnants I just made retreat, and the army in the east that I haven't seen. I'll bring just the men I have at Gwa-whatever and my capital, which will be about half a stack plus two companies. Whatever our losses we'll reproduce in game via disbandment, and actually go through with the agreement afterward. We can elect a judge (The Caliph?) to oversee the creation of the armies and the enforcement of the results. This way we get around the abuse of the pathetic AI and get right to the heart of the matter. :yes: )

If you agree to this trial by combat you could have a single clean victory. If you decline your fellow Muslims will see you clearly as not merely an unfaithful liar, but a coward as well, as you will know well in your own heart.

I grant you a period of twenty four hours to respond.

The emissary returns to his seat with a look of defiance.

:egypt:

[Ferret]

OOC: I would love to rise to the challenge but multiplayer doesn't seem to work for me. When I click the tab in the game it says 'invalid CD key'. i think this is because Vista never asked for the CD key when I intsalled or it may be because my brother has the game installed with the same CD key. If anyone knows where to input the CD key or how to fix this problme let me know and we can have our battle.

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: Don't feel too bad, I've never even tried MP for a TW game. It didn't occur to me that it might be completely broken. I'll have to see if it works for me tonight. I was just thinking about the fact that we'll probably trade battle markers every turn absuing the poor AI and it might be more interesting to settle it in person. :laugh4:

:egypt:

[Zim]

OOC: If you guys really want to do this I could umpire a KOTR-type battle for you. I've been studying the past couple in hopes of helping out with the next game. We could make a special thread for it and make a big deal out of. It would be the first time such was attempted for a hotseat game.

Chances are good that it would even be finished before either one of you has your next turn. :yes:

[Ramses II CP]

OOC: There's no hurry on my account, I just put in a time limit so we don't slow the overall game down. If we do things that way we should just bring together all the forces we can muster in, say, the Gwal-whatever province next turn. That'd still give EF a huge advantage, but I'm willing to try my luck this way rather than in a drawn out production battle against the AI.

Thanks for volunteering Z. :2thumbsup:

:egypt:

[Zim]

If the Sultan of the Ghorids and Maharaj of the Indians wish to settle their dispute in such a manner, the Ghaznavids wish to offer their services in overseeing the battle. We suggest that the Maharaj and Sultan work out the terms of the battle here in the Council, and we will send representatives to India to ensure that the battle is a fair one and it's result properly determined. :bow:

[Askthepizzaguy]

Bah... if we had such an option against the Roman Imperialists, we would have easily defeated their forces at Amorium, and the Romans would now call Kilij Arslan their master.

:viking:

I will also leave it for my fellow Muslims, the Caliph, and Allah almighty to decide who is more of an honourable Muslim... those who do not speak their treacherous lies before the council and falsify documents, and help those neighbors who are threatened by traitors, and honour their agreements... or the Ghorids who are the exact opposite.

ooc- I hope we might actually fight on the SAME SIDE someday, Elite Ferret... it almost feels like I have a vendetta against you, but I don't.

[phonicsmonkey]

A messenger arrives at Court and hurries to speak with the Vizier, who nods and addresses the Court.

Caliph An-Nasir the Peacemaker invites the representatives of Takavor Hetum I, King of Armenia, to join the Romano-Turkish peace talks.

If the Armenian delegates would kindly follow the messenger to the antechamber - their statement is awaited by the negotiating parties.

The Caliph is devoting his attention to these talks, but has asked me to announce to the Court that he is preparing a statement regarding the Ghorid aggression in India - it will be heard here when it is ready.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Caliph enters the chamber to a fanfare from trumpet-wielding ghulams.

More ghluams follow, bearing a glass case in which sits a scroll.

The Vizier stands and addresses the court.

The Caliph is delighted to announce the Treaty of Baghdad, which bears the signatures of the leaders of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Turkish Sultanate, and the Kingdom of Armenia, and provides for peace between these nations in Anatolia.

The Treaty contains the following clauses:

- The Eastern Roman Empire, the Turkish Sultanate and the Kingdom of Armenia will cease hostilities.

- Rome is to pay 8,000 florins to Turkey in reparations, over a two year period.

- Ikonion is to be returned to Turkey immediately.

- The Romans renounce all territorial claims to Cilicia, and will return Adana to Armenian control immediately.

- The Roman force currently garrisoning Adana will withdraw peacefully, by ship or through Turkish lands.

- Heraklea is to be returned to Roman control immediately.

- Rome's territorial claims to Seleukeia and Krimeia are recognised by Turkey and Armenia.

The Caliph notes that a state of war still exists between the Kingdom of Georgia and the Eastern Roman Empire, but has been assured by the Turkish Sultan that the Georgians will cease hostilities at his request.

Nevertheless it is desirable that the representatives of Georgia make their intentions known here before the nations of the region.

The Caliph also recognises that a state of war exists between the Turkish Sultanate, the Kingdom of Armenia and the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

He hopes that the three parties will declare an armistice to accompany this Treaty, and offers his assistance in negotiating such an agreement.

All hail Caliph An-Nasir, blessed of Allah, descendent of the Prophet, Defender of the Faith, known by his people as the Peacemaker!

Another fanfare. The Caliph looks satisfied.

[rossahh]

"sate of war exists between...the Kingdom of Armenia and the Kingdom of Jerusalem."


The old man's head whips up in surprise from the map he was studying ( trying to figure out who got what in Anatolia) upon hearing the Vizier's words. He is more than a little bit surprised - Jerusalem and Armenia weren't at war as far as he knew. Was that European swine playing tricks again?

[Askthepizzaguy]

He's probably referring to the unified foreign policy of Armenia and Turkey. So far, you've rejected cease-fire with the Turks, even though we offered it again last turn.

So unless you're planning on extending that cease-fire with Armenia to Turkey, it's somewhat meaningless.

[rossahh]

ooc: I haven't received any diplomatic offers from you in game yet. I sent you a diplomat with an offer last turn. You should talk to BZ though (you'll understand when you do - but keep in mind that happened after my last turn).

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The entire Ayyubid delegation cheers at the words of the Caliph. The Ayyubid ambassador seems relieved

Allah has blessed us, for he has guided these negociations towards success.

Bless the Caliph, for without him, blood would continue to flow in the rivers of Anatolia.

The Ayyubids are greatly pleased by this peace treaty, and hope it will last.

We would like to congratulate the Turks, the Romans and the Armenians for concluding peace.

I would like to formally invite all of the ambassadors for a feast, to celebrate the dawn of a new age.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Caliph is visibly delighted at the prospect of a feast hosted by the Ayyubid ambassador.

[rossahh]

Seizing upon what the Turk just said

Oh, so if Armenia is united with you in foreign policy, what you are saying is that a mere season (turn) after offering and receiving a cease fire agreement, the Armenians declared war upon the Kingdom?

Or worse still, as you were a collective on these matters, did you negotiate a cease fire, only to violate it a season later by attacking us?


And you say we have no concept of honour!

[Askthepizzaguy]

What I am saying is that since you negotiated only a cease fire with the Armenians, and refused any such thing with the Turks, the cease fire is invalid.

The Turk rolls his eyes at the Jerusalem ambassador

You cannot be at peace with the Armenians and not with the Turks. According to the Treaty of Adana, we are one nation and we have one foreign policy. Since they are technically our protectorate according to the treaty, the proper course of action is to contact US in matters of foreign policy, as stated in the treaty which was made public to all.

Hands a copy of the treaty to an aide, who places it at the feet of the Jerusalem ambassador, and with a slight bow, returns to the delegate table.

[rossahh]

The man from Jerusalem kicks the scroll away


Your memory is fading somewhat. This is about what happened before the war between us started with your attack on our Cicillian holdings. Your words do not make sense. How could there be any cease fire arrangement with the Turks before there was any conflict?

[Askthepizzaguy]

You declared war on our ally... according to the terms of the treaty, that makes you our enemies. Our strike against your prone territories was the only thing we could do to help Armenia militarily, besides attacking Rome. And as for the cease-fire with Armenia, they have publicly stated what a hostage negotiation that was, and how glad they are that we have intervened on their behalf. It seems the only person who thought there was a real cease fire was you.

Now you can either discuss a real cease fire with us or not. We've wasted enough time talking about this. Any agreement must be a fair return to the status quo prior to the Armenian massacre and it must include both Turkey and Armenia, otherwise we will throw it out, like we did with your ever-so-generous ceasefire agreement with Armenia, which even the rats which nibble on those tattered scrolls now spit upon.

[rossahh]

The ambassador hears the Turks words and hurriedly motions to someone behind him. A scroll is passed forward, and the ambassador begins to read the Turks' own words back to him.


"In fact, on a more positive note, we seem to have reached a peace arrangement with the Latin kingdom, and we will verify this shortly. Therefore, we wish to make clear our position; Jerusalem is not an enemy of the Turks. Those who attack Jerusalem without just cause will not be friends of the Turks. That is the official position of the Sultanate of Rum.

We are committed to peace, great council. Since the Kingdom of Jerusalem has accepted the terms of a peace agreement, we must now press the Romans to do the same. Until then, we regret that we are still at war with the Imperialist aggressors."


The man looks up at the Turkish delegation briefly, before continuing.


"Forgive my servant, honorable messenger of King Baldwin. If you speak the truth, then there shall be no war. It has always been the stated policy of the Sultanate of Rum that we shall brook no aggression, we will arm ourselves to destroy aggressor states, but we will not be the ones who start wars against peaceful factions.

If you are serious about peace, then you shall have it. We have far more important matters to attend to on the Roman front, anyway."


The man hands the scroll back to one of those seated behind him, before facing the Turkish delegation once more.


Like I said, you seemed to have forgotten your own words and your nation's actions. I shall spell out the order of events for the court and yourself, as you have seen to forgotten them:

After Jerusalem attacked Armenia, you publicly declared war. Therefore, Jerusalem was at war with Armenia and the Sultanate.

The Turkish Sultanate concluded a peace where Jerusalem would cease attacking Armenia and let the refugees and survivors flee in Turkish-held Anatolia. The eastern part of Cicillia remained under the control of the Kingdom. Therefore, Jerusalem was at peace with the Turks but still technically at war with Armenia, though the fighting has stopped.

Armenia OFFERED a cease fire, which we, thinking that the war was over between Jerusalem and the nations of Anatolia, accepted gladly. Therefore, Jerusalem was at peace with both Armenia and the Turks.

The very next season, the Turkish Sultanate attacked our possessions in Cicillia, thereby declaring war on Jerusalem again, after already engineering peace less than a year before. And as you say the Armenians are united in your foreign policy, Jerusalem was at war with both the Turks and Armenia again, yet had just concluded a peace with both of them.

That is the way it stands at the moment, and so far you have rejected our cease fire proposals because you do not feel that we are in a position to demand compensation (for something slightly more complicated than ->), despite being suddenly attacked by a 'peaceful' nation. Likewise, we have rejected your proposal (I got one this turn) as there is absolutely no possibility of us rewarding you with a sum of money, no matter how small, for attacking us.


And you once accused us of not following our words, yet look at your own actions!

Do you not see how decietful both your nations have been to us?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Ah pity the poor kingdom of Jerusalem... yes indeed, we have been such terrible neighbors to you.

We sit idly by while you rape and pillage Armenia openly, not even bothering to hide your actions before the council. We sent an invasion army against Rome in the hope of limiting the war to one front. Hopefully Armenia was to fight a guerrilla war against you, but indeed they only succeeded against Rome and triumphed valliantly. Then you abandoned your lands, allowing Rome to take them by force (the ONLY reason someone would so this is so that they could pillage the city, which in an action objected to OOC by other players besides myself) and we were able to acquire your abandoned land.

Your cease-fire with Armenia was a farce, and now we can openly treat it as such. Surely you must have thought Armenia signed it as a delaying tactic, perhaps? Or to spare their lives from your unprovoked aggression and massacre?

Ah but they lied to you when they signed the cease fire. And so did we. So that makes us the bad guys.

Arrest me! I'm a criminal! Put me in chains, for I deserve to be crucified for this horrendous atrocity!

As stated above. A real cease-fire would include the restoration of Armenia, and nothing short of that. And by the way, since I managed to accomplish that, and through peace with Rome, that is now possible, I offered you a cease fire. I have allies that require my assistance in the East, and this squabbling is pointless.

Either you can accept the terms of an honourable and equitable ceasefire which doesn't even chastise you for your involvement in attempted GENOCIDE, or you can reject the cease-fire again. It doesn't matter to me.

[rossahh]

ooc: If you really want peace, then why ask for money in your diplomatic offer? Neither of us has offered a cease fire and trade rights only as of yet.

Also, to explain the "exploit", like I did to Ramses when he asked - Rome wasn't to take them by force. I had offered them a prearranged deal in which I gifted them (using in-game diplomacy) those 3 settlements in exchange for 2 others. That deal obviously didn't work by the time TheLemongate's next turn came around as I no longer controlled 2 of the settlements. I took all my troops out because it was easier to all leave at once rather than move them around neutral towns for a few turns and the war between Armenia, the Turks and I was over.



The old man from Jerusalem tilts his head slightly and gazes intently at the Turkish ambassador. It a quiet but forceful voice:


You knew what would eventually become of the Cicillian settlements. Do you forget the terms of that first peace?

[The Lemongate]

ooc: Also, to explain the "exploit", like I did to Ramses when he asked - Rome wasn't to take them by force. I had offered them a prearranged deal in which I gifted them (using in-game diplomacy) those 3 settlements in exchange for 2 others. That deal obviously didn't work by the time TheLemongate's next turn came around as I no longer controlled 2 of the settlements. I took all my troops out because it was easier to all leave at once rather than move them around neutral towns for a few turns and the war between Armenia, the Turks and I was over.

OOC: Yes that is what was to happen. I marched into Adana only because it would have fallen to Armenia who plays before rossahh. And yes I did pillage it. This will be described IC when I continue the AAR.

Also, such accusations should be kept to a minimum really. And not in the Council thread.

And this was, of course, the chair of the Roman delegation talking, OOC of course, because, as everyone knows, there are no Romans in the council!

[phonicsmonkey]

OOC: The Romans won't stay at Court now the Caliph has brokered peace and restored them to the international community?

[Askthepizzaguy]

All this OOC stuff doesn't belong in the IC Caliph's Court. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, I con-demn you all to hey-ell!

Whoops! Wrong religion... :sweatdrop:

[Banzai Kamikaze]

Friends, brothers, let us not plant new seeds for war.

We whole heartedly support a cease-fire between Jerusalem and the Turks, even if the conditions surrounding their state of war are unclear.

Let us stop this bickering and remember how no trouble filled our minds when we ate all those delicacies at the magnificent feast.

[Askthepizzaguy]

There was a feast??? I was off slaughtering Romans at the time... or trying to...

I was this close! This close! And the Caliph decides to go all noble and "let's have peace and sing kumbaya together" and I hold my axe for a few seconds and already I've missed a feast???

Dammit! Now I HAVE to kill some Romans...

:clown:

The Turkish ambassador's aides surround the exits and bar the doors. The Turk wields his weapon and marches menacingly towards the Roman delegation's table... upon getting there, he swings his mighty axe...

And cuts the big, juicy turkey into two equal halves. Then he takes his assassin's blade and serves himself some fresh slices of the tasty meat.

What? You thought I was going to... really? Nah I'd never do that...

[Zim]

A tall thin man walks into the Council chamber, his diplomatic robes dusty from recent travel. He identifies himself as Qiwam, the new GhaZim representative to the Council. Clearing his throat, he addresses the Council.

"Shah Khusrau of the GhaZim would like it known that his state is now officially at war with both the Shah of Kwarezhm and the Sultan of the Ghorids. May Allah decide whose cause is more righteous".

The man then turns and slowly walks to the GhaZim section, taking the head seat of his nation's table.

[Askthepizzaguy]

:cheerleader: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :duel: :duel: :duel: :duel: ~:cheers: ~:cheers: ~:cheers: ~:cheers: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :dancing: :shakehands: :shakehands: :shakehands: :bounce: :bounce: :viking: :jumping: :jumping:




...and there was much rejoicing!

[Ferret]

so be it, the GhaZims will be crushed just as the Indians were.

[00jebus]

And are the Ghanzivids bothering with an excuse or do they see this as an oppertunity to take undefended settlements?

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier rises and reads from a scroll.

The Caliph is appalled that while he has been working for peace in Anatolia, new conflicts have begun in the East.

The Ghorids have earned the Caliph's contempt by betraying the terms of the peace he negotiated for them in good faith.

The Rajputs' offer of a trial by combat seems a sensible way to resolve the issue, minimising the bloodshed and the disturbance to the lives of the peoples of India.

As for the war that rages in Transoxania, the Caliph is not convinced at the Seljuks' claims to be acting in self-defence (whatever the Turks say) - he remembers the similar claim that accompanied their attack on Georgia.

And the Ghaznavids seem to be acting with the utmost opportunism in joining in the aggression to sieze lands from the Shah.

The Caliph condemns this naked aggression against a fellow Islamic leader, and appeals to all parties involved to cease the fighting and come to a peaceful arrangement to end the war.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Commander of the Coalition forces would also sponsor a peace arrangement, if one were possible with the Ghorids who agree to treaties and then break them... but of course that would mean the immediate cessation of hostilities and the total withdrawl from Rajput territory. Reparations would also seem to be in order, but it is not for me to dictate what the wounded party should receive for their scars.

However, with so many large armies and such easy conquests ahead, it seems doubtful the Ghorids would even pretend to agree to a peace deal now.

As for the Khwarezmids, I have done everything in my power to resolve the dispute between them and their neighbors. At this point I would ask for the Caliph's assistance. I could move for a vote in the Coalition council if the international outcry becomes loud enough.

Would those of you in the Caliph's court who would like to see the cessation of hostilities in the Khwarezmid lands please send me a message? I'm a wartime commander who holds no executive power whatsoever in the internal decisions of Member States, so I cannot order them to stop fighting. If I were to offer them something in exchange for thier mercy towards the Shah, I might be more persuasive. Perhaps those interested in peace could contribute to the negotiation process by offering something to compensate those involved.

Frankly, if there were no reparations from Rome, there probably would have been no peace. I'm not sure there can be a peace between myself and Jerusalem without some kind of monetary gift. Promises of peace are nice, but gold holds more weight. At this point, what else could convince the Ghorids to stop attacking the Rajputs? What else could convince the Seljuks to stop their attack on the Shah? What else could cement the peace between the western coalition and the King of Jerusalem?

I am willing to donate to an international peace package which could convince the belligerents in the east to stop the fighting. If the Ghorids were to turn back their arms as well, I am sure we could come to some arrangement.

But with armies already deployed in a superior fashion and the war is nearly over... it is doubtful anything short of an international fund dedicated to compensating those at war for laying down their arms will be very effective. That's my idea anyway. I am willing to listen to others.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

Surprised by the Turkish comments, the Ayyubid ambassador stands up:

I... do not understand your associations between events in the east and your relation with Jerusalem, brother...

Are the Turks asking for gold from Jerusalem ? I... the Ayyubids...

An assistant whispers in the ambassador's ear. The latter sits down and reads newly arrived scrolls from his Sultan.

Our Sultan officially condemns any Muslim nation who betrays its faith in Allah by launching muderous assaults against their own Muslim brothers.

The Shah has the official support of the Ayyubids in this court.

The Ghaznavids and the Seljuks must stop their assaults at once, in the name of Islam !

The Ayyubids ask the Coalition of Freedom to put every effort in stopping this senseless war.

As for the Ghorids, our Sultan hopes your war will not impede on the eastern trade routes. Already, goods from the east have started to disappear from our markets.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Sultan Kaikosru's representative at the court hears the Ayyubid's words, and looks at him incredulously

Surely you are more concerned for the lives of the Hindus than the profits to be gained from trading with them?

As for my association between the events in the east and the ones in the west, it is a simple comparison. Peace has become an option between two hated enemies on the brink of mutual destruction, Rome and Turkey, through the application of monetary payment. Both the Turks and the Latins asked for compensation for peace as well. Perhaps such lessons would apply to our eastern friends... perhaps gold could provide for peace between nations who are starved for resources and lands for their poor citizens... perhaps the wealth of others could provide comfort to those who do not have. Perhaps that can turn an army of hungry and tired men, who desire food and trade, not bloodshed, into an army of peace-loving servants of allah.

One can sit back and condemn the violence until they are blue in the face, but unless one is prepared to offer something more influential in the cause of peace, such as relief aid, reparations, generous gifts towards brothers both Muslim and Hindu... peace may not be attained.

I am prepared to offer something real to the peace negotiations, besides simple protests. Can anyone else offer that? And if so, perhaps we might be able to talk seriously about peace. Anything else is superficial and intended only to make one appear pious and caring, and still safely contribute nothing to the cause of peace.

That is the Turk's position. The Sultan Ayyubid is also a wise and generous man, I know he can appreciate our words. We mean no offense with our disagreement with the Ayyubids on this one issue. I also happen to know that the Sultan Ayyubid has a long history of doing exactly as I propose, helping others achieve peace through negotiation, through generosity rather than naked aggression.

So we honour and respect our brothers in the south, though we appear to have some differences on some issues.

[Zim]

Qiwam glances disdainfully at the Kwarezhm ambassador before speaking.

While I do not feel the GhaZims need to explain our actions as their causes are self evident, but for the benefit of those here who have difficulty discerning them I will.

We join the war against the Shah in support of our comrades the Seljuks and their cause of punishing one who has wronged us as well as them. Aside from a need to pay back wrongs done to us, we also wish to rid ourselves of such a powerful neighbor who sees no wrong in attempting to turn other nations against us.

We join the war against the Ghorids because they have attacked our allies the Rajputs, and for no other reason.

We believe these causes to be both simple and just. We are quite content to let Allah decide the righteousness of our wars. If any are expecting us to implore upon high minded ideals, we must disappoint them as we consider idealism better suited to the students and teachers in Madrassas rather than to politicians and ambassadors.

[00jebus]

wondering whats going on back home, the shahdoms ambassador stands

We thank the turks, ayyubids and the calph for their support in this matter

he takes a momment to bow to their respective parties

however the seljuks have thus far turned down peace terms at every turn, even though they signed a treaty that was supposed to make behavoir like this impossible, they continue their war of expansion against us.

now it appears that ghanzi has joined their war, allow me to refute their excuse for it;
If we had wronged you in any way, we are sincerly sorry, but quite frankly, we havn't, innocent until proven guilty they say, so unless you provide proof of your claims, this war, will always be illigal in they eye's of islam, and all peoples who care about peace and justice.
In addition, if someone insults you, you insult them back the momment after, not years later, this suggests that your nation cares more for revenge than honour, even if your outlandish claims were true. As it happens they are not, and it would be rather impossible for us to attempt to drive you to war with the seljuks of late

[Ferret]

Do not beg for mercy when you reach your demise Qiwam. It is your own fault that you allied to the infidel, there is no uncertainty about who Allah will support. Allies of the infidel are as bad as the infidel themselves and all but the loyal Muslims will fall to the might of Allah's servants, the Ferrets.

The following factions will be spared retribution:
The Kwarzehm Shah
The Abbasid Caliphate
The Ayyubid Sultanate

All others will fall.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Do not beg for mercy when you reach your demise Qiwam. It is your own fault that you allied to the infidel, there is no uncertainty about who Allah will support. Allies of the infidel are as bad as the infidel themselves and all but the loyal Muslims will fall to the might of Allah's servants, the Ferrets.

The following factions will be spared retribution:
The Kwarzehm Shah
The Abbasid Caliphate
The Ayyubid Sultanate

All others will fall.

The Coalition takes your words as an act of war against those who have not even wronged you, Ghorid Sultan. Why would you bother threatening the Roman empire, for example? That's ludicrous.

Seeing as they are on neutral terms with the Coalition, one might have thought you would seek them as allies in your cause, but instead you paint them with the same broad stroke as those who have declared war on you for your bloodthirsty actions. This proves you are a madman who cannot be reasoned with, and you are a fool.

You will feel the backlash of all nations you have declared war upon. I personally vow that as long as the Turks are aligned with the Coalition, I will do everything in my power to aid and support all your neighbors, whom you have declared war upon.

No empire can withstand the combined might of all the others. Now that there is a peace declared in the west, you now face the wrath of the entire Coalition. I laugh at your grandiose plans for world domination, for the Rajputs will be the last of your victims, and you will fall swiftly thereafter.

Until my dying breath, I pledge the unconditional support of the Turkish Sultanate towards the Ghaznavids, and whatever aid my neighbors and allies can spare will also go towards their cause.

I am now entering negotiations with the Great Seljuks and the Ghaznis regarding the status of the Khwarezmid Shah. Surely he is more valuable alive than dead, so I ask that even if there cannot be a peace agreement today, there will be a pledge not to destroy the Khwarezmid homeland, the Shah, or his people. They will lose territory and the ability to make war upon their enemies, and that should be more than enough. It is my intention that the Khwarezmids not be destroyed under any circumstances. I do not approve of such a goal. Defeating the Khwarezmids is one thing, removing their ability to make war upon their neighbors is a legitimate war goal. However, it is not necessary to turn weapons against the civilians, destroy non-military buildings, or wipe out the royal family.

I will strongly protest any such actions. In the meantime, as there are more pressing matters in the east, I offer renewed peace talks towards the Latin King Baldwin. If the terms are more reasonable, then there shall be peace in our time, and we can begin to return our soldiers to civilian life and send aid to our allies.

It will be my great pleasure to oversee the downfall of the Ghorid Sultan. Should he be slain in battle, and his successor should take power and be more reasonable, then I will consider a peace agreement. For now, there will be no such thing as peace until I see the Ghorid Sultan's head upon a pike.

[Ferret]

I would also like to add that if any Muslim nation leaves the pointless coaliton of heresy, headed by the infidel Turks, then they will also be aided in their wars on the infidel. The East belongs to Islam and we cannot let the Turks ruin our power!

The Turkish Sultan has no faith in Allah, he is no Muslim. The Ghorid Sultan however is pious enough even to be known as the God Fearer! We have Allah behind us and cannot be defeated, all true Muslims should join us.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The lunatic Ghorid would be advised that the half of all Muslims are a part of this Coalition of "heresy". The Ayyubids and the Abassids are also protected friends of the Coalition. It is YOU who have been expelled from the one true faith by your brothers. It seems pointless to declare all of them as heretics when you seem to be attempting to curry their favor.

Again I question your sanity. Surely the people of the Ghorid Sultanate will breathe a sigh of relief when this evil creature has his head removed.

[00jebus]

I am now entering negotiations with the Great Seljuks and the Ghaznis regarding the status of the Khwarezmid Shah. Surely he is more valuable alive than dead, so I ask that even if there cannot be a peace agreement today, there will be a pledge not to destroy the Khwarezmid homeland, the Shah, or his people. They will lose territory and the ability to make war upon their enemies, and that should be more than enough. It is my intention that the Khwarezmids not be destroyed under any circumstances. I do not approve of such a goal. Defeating the Khwarezmids is one thing, removing their ability to make war upon their neighbors is a legitimate war goal. However, it is not necessary to turn weapons against the civilians, destroy non-military buildings, or wipe out the royal family.
.



If such is true, then they may aswell call off their war machine now, considering they destroyed our main army and took both our southan castles.

In a rather carrying whisper

Of course that wont happen as the seljuks lack honour in war and would never win against a prepared enemy, and the ghanzivids, well, I'm wondering if the Afgans have a word for "oppertunism" or have even bothered to read the qua'ran
Actually, can afgans read?
I've heard stories that both Kabul and Kandahar are devoid of all types of books, writing equipment and even ink....nevermind teachers...

Though their not the only one's, certain non-aggression treaties clearly have not been read by certain factions

*The ambassador boldly states the latter whilst looking directly at the seljuks*

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador laughs uproariously at the Khwarezmid delegate's comments.

Even when faced with the destruction of thier nation, the Khwarezmids do not roll over and die. Yes, even when staring death in the face they continue to lob insults in the direction of their enemies unapologetically, rather good ones at that. It takes a large amount of gall to do such a thing.

I admire gall. We need people with such attitudes should there ever be a large scale invasion of the middle east from an unknown power.

I have assurances from the Seljuks that the Khwarezmid war is nearly over. They appear to have met their objectives, and have urgent business in the east which requires their attention.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Coalition members are invited to attend the yearly summit of member states to discuss our policies regarding the Ghorids. Attendance is not mandatory, but it is urgently requested.

[00jebus]

*A messanger arrives with an arrow still stuck in his midriff, he runs to the Khwarezm ambassador, who then stands and addresses the court, reading from a note the messanger handed him*

Gentlemen, I have just recieved word that the shah's uncle, Malik, has led a steely defense of Balkh from the GhaZims....

*He mutters to the messanger*

Gah Zims? what in Allah's name is a gah Zim?
are you sure thats right?
Dont you mean Ghanzi? or even Ghazi?
Oh well then...

*returning his attention to the court and his voice to the normal level*

The gahZim force outnumbered our own considerably, and they faught like lions, but at the end of two days fighting, and an honourable duel between Malik and Jusef, the gahzim general, the shahdom proved victorious.
Prisoners were released on the condition they give up all weaponry and armour.

*The messanger falls to the floor, the ambassador looks at him the at the Seljuks*
You could at least allow messangers through unharmed!

*Bowing to the chamber, the ambassador helps the delegation move the messanger our to the nearest hospital*

[Ramses II CP]

The Rajput emissary strides to the center of the room with a look of resignation.

Once again the Rajput people try to deal honorably with the Ghorids, and once again we are betrayed. After going to great lengths to arrange a trial by combat in which we were to be outnumbered more than two to one the vile cowards fled the region where our forces were gathering and lay siege to a distant town. I suppose our shock is not so great only because of how often these beasts retreat from honorable combat.

In response to this disgusting act the Maharaja has commanded that the people of Mumbai surrender themselves to the enemy peacefully, thus forcing the invader to occupy the town without ransacking it.

Eventually these cowards will have to stop hiding their vastly superior forces and face the tiny armies of the Maharaja again, and on that day they will be annihilated no matter the odds, no matter the cost. Take your victory and slink back to your hole in the ground.

With this last directed straight at the Ghorid emissary, the Rajput man turns his back and walks away.

:egypt:

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador hands a scroll to the Rajput emissary.

We wish to publicly announce our intention to host the government of India in exile. They are to be granted lands inside Turkey, much like the Armenians had once been granted lands. The details of the treaty are similar, but the Rajputs are to decide on the exact terms for themselves.

We understand that the Georgians, Seljuks, and perhaps others have offered to host the Rajput government in exile, however this might interfere with the war effort against the Ghorids.

We ask permission to host the Indian government.

[barcamartin]

Entering the chamber after his abscence, the Seljuk emissary is handed a scroll from one of the scribes in the room. Having read through it, his eyes darken. Rolling up the scroll, he turns to the council.

' You may not have been the aggressors, but you are in no way innocent. You have brought this upon yourself.

Regarding the treaty that Sultan Sanjar, may Allah guide his soul, signed with your nation we are still of different oppinions. Sultan Arslanshah has officially nullified the treaty and doesn't regret it. Investigations show that he was right in doing so.

You say we have turned down peace at every turn ? We have recieved no more than one offer of peace from you. Considering the terms it contained, I doubt you are truly desiring peace. The war will go on until Allah in his wisdom or the great Sultan sees fit to end it.

It saddens my heart that the warriors of the Ghaznavids initially failed to live up to our expectations. I do not doubt however that they will push forward and redeem themselves. '

Nodding to the Ghaznavid ambassador, he turns his back to the council and returns to his seat.

[Ferret]

the Ghorid representative had been drinking heavily, he staggers over to the Rajput section and sticks his middle finger up.

You know what I'll do to your wife infidel?

he then collapses on the floor with drool spilling from his mouth. His aid can be seen writing a letter, probably asking the Sultan for a better ambassador.

[00jebus]

*A young timid man, ignoring the Ghorid representative, takes the centre chamber, and quietly says*

The treaty of Rayy clearly states that if it is nullified, both sides are bound by its terms for 1 year, 2 seasons, 2 solus's, 2 turns..whatever you wish to call 2 6 month periods... in the event that it be nullified, our former rulers made sure to include that particular clause in event that warmongers took over their nations... quite clearly, you and you alone are the aggressor...whom insults the memory of the late sultan by your actions.


*impressed by his first ever jibe, the young man retakes his place with a grin on his face, and awaits the return of the senior ambassador, meanwhile an Iman from Khiva takes over*


And once again seljuk... it appears that you have claimed to be an equal to Allah!
That... is blasphemy of the highest order!!
to imply you are an equal to him... A man whose only real wisdom comes in the form of his ability of attacking unprepared nations in the dead of night... comparing himself to the all-mighty!
Better men than me would kill you where you stand!

I wonder what the Ghorids would do to punish your person.... they seem to be very..... creative at that....

*the Iman then spends the next few seconds deciding if its even worth lecturing the Ghorid representative, but decides better of it muttering "well.. at least they dont fight muslims" before sighing deeply*

[barcamartin]

' I didn't compare my Sultan with Allah. I said that only they have the power to end this war. Allah by divine intervention, and Sultan Arslanshah by calling his men back. The Seljuk Sultan, mighty as he may be, will always be a servant of Allah. He is a pious man and is doing what he believes is best for his people. '

[TheFlax]

A young man enters the chambers and brings a message to the Georgian emissary, who after reading it quickly, rises.

Apologies noble lords. It seems this letter is somewhat late, yet I will inform you of its content as it is still relevant.

We, the Kingdom of Georgia, will abide by the treaty signed between the Roman Empire, the Sultanate of Rum and the Kingdom of Armenia. As soon as it can be arranged we will sign a formal cease fire with the Roman Empire.

OOC: Sorry, last two weeks were my finals, so I kinda forgot to reply. :shame:

[Askthepizzaguy]

the Ghorid representative had been drinking heavily, he staggers over to the Rajput section and sticks his middle finger up.

You know what I'll do to your wife infidel?

he then collapses on the floor with drool spilling from his mouth. His aid can be seen writing a letter, probably asking the Sultan for a better ambassador.

The Turkish ambassador is horrified.

We already expelled one diplomat for tasting alcohol which is forbidden in Islam. So watch who you call an infidel, as your drinking and bizarre sexual exploits make you a sinner against Allah.

You are an embarrassment to your fellow Muslims, and your evil empire has all but declared war on the entire world. I think I will end your disgraceful and sinful ways myself...

The Turk slowly withdraws his razor sharp sword from its sheath...

[Askthepizzaguy]

A messanger arrives with an arrow still stuck in his midriff, he runs to the Khwarezm ambassador...

Good Merciful Allah!

WHY HASN'T ANYONE GOTTEN THIS MAN A DOCTOR??? HE IS BLEEDING ALL OVER THE CALIPH'S PALACE! HE'S CLEARLY DYING AND NO ONE HAS UTTERED A WORD!!! OH THE HUMANITY!!! THE HUMANITY!!! YOU SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED FOR NOT EVEN TRYING TO HELP THIS MAN!! CALIPH, OH PLEASE HELP THIS MAN! WHERE IS THE DOCTOR??? HE HAS INTESTINES POKING THROUGH HIS ABDOMEN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!! HELP! HELP!!! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP THIS MAN!!!

WHY AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO CARES THAT THIS MAN IS DYING??? SOMEONE CALL IX,I,I!!!!

HE'S LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS!!! I THINK HE'S BEEN MORTALLY WOUNDED!!! THE ARROW HAS PIERCED HIS LIVER, AND HE'S BLEEDING PROFUSELY!! HE IS GETTING COLD TO THE TOUCH!!!

Is that... is that his spleen?

MERCIFUL ALLAH HIS SPLEEN IS SHOWING!! THIS MAN IS LOSING HIS SPLEEN!!! SOMEONE HELP THIS MAN'S SPLEEN IT IS DYING!!! HE'S GOING TO DIE RIGHT HERE IN THE CALIPH'S PALACE!!

The Turk gives mouth-to-spleen resuscitation

THE SPLEEN IS DEAD!!! HIS SPLEEN HAS DIED, AND NOW THERE IS NO HOPE OF SAVING THIS POOR, DYING MAN!!!

turning to the Khwarezmid man

You're going to be all right. Don't you worry. Everything will be just fine. We can fix this small wound in a jiffy. By the way, did you see the gladiator match between Samson the Strangler and Cyrus the Syrian Assassin?

turning back to the assembly

HE'S ABOUT TO DIE!!! HE'S GOING TO DIE YOU HEARTLESS MONSTERS!!! WHY WON'T YOU HELP HIM??? PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALLAH, THIS MAN IS NEAR DEATH!!! HE HAS NO CHANCE OF SURVIVAL WHATSOEVER, NONE!!!! HE'S PRACTICALLY DEAD ALREADY!!!!

I CAN'T FEEL A PULSE!!!!

the Turk's aide has arrived with a medicine kit. He immediately begins open heart surgery on the dying Kwarezmid man.

WHY AM I OPERATING ON HIS HEART??? IT'S HIS SPLEEN WHICH I'VE TORN FROM HIS GAPING WOUND WHICH REQUIRES MEDICAL ATTENTION!!! No matter, he's as good as dead anyways... maybe I could try something risky and ill-advised to attempt to save his life... first, I need about 150 feet of his intestines...

begins slashing up the intestines and begins to fashion bandages out of them

Now if I can just slide the spleen back into place and tie it around his heart which I've just cut open needlessly... and if I can saw off his leg...

begins sawing through bone

and take the meat from his leg and fashion new abdominal muscles... and take my large butcher knife which I carry with me for no apparent reason and hack off the skin and apply it to the huge opening in his chest... and wrap the intestines around the whole thing like a large bandage...

THERE! Good as new.

The Khwarezmid man is alive! HE'S ALIVE!!! I'VE SINGLE HANDEDLY SAVED THIS MAN'S LIFE!!! HE'S BREATHING!!! HE'S BREATHING!!! HE'S REGAINING CONSCIOUSNESS!!! HE'S GETTING BETTER!!! Wait...

No... He has died. Sorry, didn't mean to get your hopes up. Ah well. Life goes on I guess. You gotta take the good with the bad, no one ever said life was a box of roses. You win some, you lose some. Every cloud has a silver lining. Wise men say, only fools run an empire without luxuries.

DISPOSE OF THE CORPSE!!!

[phonicsmonkey]

The Caliph averts his eyes as several ghulams armed with buckets of water and sponges clean up the mess on the floor. The body of the hapless Khwarezm messenger is dragged out by its remaining leg, leaving a trail of spleen-juice on the flagstones which is cleaned up hurriedly by the ghulams. There is a wet thud from outside the door as the body is tossed atop a pile of corpses on a cart bound for the mortuary.

The Vizier, a handkerchief over his mouth, stands and addresses the Khwarezm diplomat.

The earthly remains of your compatriate can be reclaimed from the Caliph's mortuary at any time, good sir. While the urgency of the message is beyond doubt, perhaps next time the Khwarezm emissary can receive his visitors outside?

Inshallah the Turkish ambassador will not then have to practice his peculiar brand of doctoring.

[00jebus]

problem had already went away...

*The messanger falls to the floor, the ambassador looks at him the at the Seljuks*
You could at least allow messangers through unharmed!

*Bowing to the chamber, the ambassador helps the delegation move the messanger our to the nearest hospital*

The Khwarezmani ambassador watches the turks version of medicine with a disgusted look on his face, doing nothing to interfere since he was rather busy examining his hands at the time, when the turks finished, he looks at the turk and speaks as though he's the only other person in the room

woah...... you just killed my cheif eunoch... not cool dude!
I was saving him in case I ever needed food
You were right about that place round the back of Bazaar though... best in the world

both ambassadors break out in giggles

Bazaar... heheh thats a fun word!
awwf man... whose hungry?
I could eat a whole cow... no kidding..

Disregarding all protocol, the Khwarezmani ambassador then ups and leaves, shocking his own delegation most of all, who still have confused looks on their faces as though they wen't included in the joke

[Askthepizzaguy]

The turkish ambassador only reads what he wants to read!

:laugh2:

[_Tristan_]

The mail-clad "diplomat" from Armenia walks in, a smug look upon his face. For once, he is accompanied by a men in rich silks wearing on his cape the arms of Armenia. The messenger sits down on the Armenian benches while the man in silks walks to the center of the hall in order to stand before the Caliph.

Great Caliph, I bow respectfully before you.

I speak here in the name of Takavor Hetum I, King of Armenia, Survivor of the Armenian genocide.

I am here to make known to you Great Caliph and the noble assembly some news both sad and joyous.

Sad because I must inform you that a renewed state of war exists between the Kingdom of Armenia and The Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Joyous because in a daring assault by a small Armenian force, Count Raymond of Tripoli, main perpetrator of the Armenian Genocide has been captured over the Jerusalem border. He has been tried and hanged from a tree, a quicker death than most of our countrymen and women had the chance to meet.

I know that some will cast us as aggressors in this matter but please consider that all we have done is only jsut retribution for the evils commited against the Armenian people.

We have no desire of conquest and will be content to sign a new ceasefire with Jerusalem now that so many of our folks have been avenged by Tripoli's death. Our first ceasefire was extorted on pain of death for our kingdom and therefore was only a token agreement. Now, while still not on the same footing, we are in a better position to negociate and will not feel as much robbed as before.

All we would require of King Baldwin for the safety of our lands would be that the fort at the border between Adana and Antioch be handed over to Armenia.

I hope these news have not distressed you, Great Caliph.

Let me assure you that Armenians are a peaceful people led to such warlike extremities by circumstance and external threats.

Having delievered his message and with a deep bow to the Caliph, the silk-clad man walks back to the Armenian benches and engages in whispers with the mail-clad messenger.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador stands and looks at the Armenian delegate

We were in the middle of cease-fire negotiations with Baldwin... how are we to achieve a lasting peace now? Also, I have word from Rome that you've violated the Treaty of Baghdad by seizing Seleukia!

Are you also violating the Treaty of Adana by not consulting with your rightful lord, Sultan Kaikosru, before making these unilateral decisions? We have been lax in enforcing such provisions, but when you declared an alliance with the honourable Khwarezmid Shah, it interfered with our allies' movement and we were not informed.

Plus your first cease-fire was an insult to the Turkish people, as we risked war with both Jerusalem and Rome to help your nation in it's most desperate hour, only to have you sign agreements with the enemy without consulting us also.

At this point I find you in violation of several treaties, and you are going against the Coalition's policy of non-aggression. If you take this aggressive action, you do it alone, just as the Seljuks have not been granted the full support of the Coalition, nor the Ghaznavids for assisting them unilaterally.

I must remind Coalition members that they are not to unilaterally declare war on sovereign states ...no matter how vile and treacherous they may be... without consulting with Commander Kaikosru, as your actions have wide implications to all your allies. Indeed some may be embarrassed by being allies with aggressor nations when our very formation was based upon wiping them out!

At this time, I see the reasons for why Armenia took this action, as Tripoli was a war criminal and deserved to be hanged. But as my forces are still on the far side of my territory, I cannot assist you in this rash decision to attack.

My decision to attack Jerusalem was based on reclaiming your lost territories and to fulfill my treaty obligations in doing so. Now I have pressed for a cease-fire while you have decided to attack without consulting me. See how a united foreign policy would be better, that we might not step on one another's toes?

While I make war on your enemies, you sign cease-fires... while I fulfill treaty obligations and finally attempt to make a lasting peace, you declare war. I hope you are prepared to take on the armies of Baldwin, because I am sure the Caliph will be most displeased by your actions, and I don't want to risk my friendship with Allah's mighty emissary defending your actions.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Caliph is furious. With a face like thunder he jumps to his feet, sending a tray of drinks offered by a stooping ghulam crashing to the floor.

My patience is sorely tested! Why must these Christians squabble amongst themselves like children?

I have toiled to broker agreements between them and they break them without the slightest regard! The ink on the Treaty of Baghdad is not even dry and already I hear the Armenians are in defiance of it.

And their belongings have not yet been restored to their reclaimed dwelling places when they launch an assault on their neighbour and brother in faith Jerusalem!

The Caliph cares not who is the wronged party in this dispute, and he mourns not for the butcher Raymond who courted disaster in his actions towards Armenia.

But mark my words well when I warn both Armenia and Jerusalem that they should cease and desist this trouble making on my border, or I, Caliph An-Nasir li-din Allah, will be forced to intervene to secure a lasting peace by other means!

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The Ayyubid ambassador nods:

The Ayyubids firmly condemn this act of vengeance by the Armenian army.

There was no need to risk engulfing the Levant in another senseless war. Your Jesus clearly stated the dangers of vengeance.

We urge King Baldwin not to lower himself to this cowardly aggression by launching another assault of vengeance.

Surely the Armenians are aware there are more noble ways of restoring their nation's honor than launching a childish assault on their enemies.

Looking at the Turks:

We praise our brothers for condemning this assault by one of their coalition members. We feel the coalition of freedom truly respects its non-aggressive stance.

[_Tristan_]

Hearing the fury of the Caliph, the Armenian rises slowly from his seat and bows deeply to the Caliph.

Great Caliph,

We perfectly understand your outcry at what seems a outrageous breach of the treaty you so impartially brokered between the Kingdoms of Anatolia.

But be assured that the taking of Seleukeia by our King was only a matter of policing our unruly Christian neighbours. Already as a sign of goodwill and even before you intervened before this assembly of Lords, Seleukeia has been pledged to the Romans as a sign of our goodwill.

It would already be in their hands had we had some means of contacting them this season.

Please accept the excuses of our King if we disturbed the peace you fought so hard to install at your borders.

Taking the fort occupied by Raymond of Tripoli scored on both count for Armenia in providing some security for our borders and in bringing to justice one of the worst criminals the world has ever seen.

Now, Armenians are a peaceful people forced to such extremities by unwarranted aggression on their lands and countrymen.

We have no desire for war unless attacked and have already sent an offer of ceasefire to the latin kingdom of Jerusalem (OOC though not in game yet...)

So, please Caliph, be patient with Armenia.

With another deep bow, the diplomat sits back down.

[00jebus]

The Khwaezmani ambassador returns to the court, just in time to hear of the developing crisis between the christians, he stands and carefully measures every word

One must question the coalition of peace.. it appears that its members have been the aggressors in most conflicts that have occurred involving them, I can't help but wonder if they have less than honourable intentions, or if these are just the actions of rouge elements of the coalition that prefere war?
Then again, isn't fighting for peace something akin too fasting for your hunger in the first place?

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turk grips the hilt of his sword and resists the temptation to slay the Khwarezmid ambassador for such insults

Hold your tongue before I cut it out, vile ambassador of the treacherous Shah! In every single instance the Coalition has been reacting to the aggression of others.

While I am sure you would rather us all lay down our arms and allow conspirators and aggressors such as the Latins, the Ghorids, and the Khwarezmid Shah to conquer us at will, we are not so suicidal. And in every case where there has been a serious and fair request for peace, we have granted it. There is no assembly of civilized nations in this chamber more dedicated to peace and goodwill between nations, races, and religions. It is a shame you have chosen to make us your enemy, for you were to be included as a protected friend of our alliance of free nations.

But with your continued warlike actions, there has been no ceasefire, and with your continued insults, there can be no diplomatic solution to this mess. I resent that you besmirch the good name of the Coalition of Freedom. But having tasted our steel for your lies and conspiracies, now you call us the aggressors and the conspirators, just as Baldwin accused us of trying to conquer the world and dominate our neighbors, which is something he himself is guilty of. It is laughable to watch those with forked tongues reveal their own crimes by pinning them on their victims.

What attempts at peace and/or reparations have YOU made towards the neighbors you attempted to manipulate? What attempts at restoring peace in India have the Ghorids made? What attempts at reparations and lasting peace have the Latin murderers made in the west concerning Armenia?

At least the Romans were willing to discuss terms, and now peace is upon us. You all could have the same, were you serious about it. All this doubletalk must end.

The lies of the Ghorids prove them to be unworthy of peace treaties or the Caliph's attempts at peace, so they are forever excluded from such things, unless they immediately withdraw and grant the Rajputs their territory, and begin reparations. But I will not sit at the negotiation table with THAT!

points to the drunken Ghorid ambassador, lying unconscious in a pool of his own vomit next to his many prostitutes.

Were you serious, were Baldwin serious about peace, there would have been peace by now. I question whether or not it is worth my time to waste good words on you, Khwarezmid serpent. If you do not make amends with your neighbors, they will cut off your head and crush your skull.

[Ramses II CP]

The Rajput emissary glances sharply at the Shah's man.

If my nation survives the vile treachery of the Ghorids I will hear it's name withdrawn from your accusation or I will settle your insult by personal combat.

:egypt:

[deguerra]

Quite frankly, the Imam Sultan of Oman and Muscat laughs at the implication that this faction, glorious as it may be, can wage wars of aggression.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish ambassador corrects the humble Rajput delegate;

If the Shah survives, you mean.


So long as the Turks host the great people of India's government, indeed their nation may be the last one standing.

Already great numbers of refugees and immigrants from India are crossing the desert into the former Sindi homelands, where temporary refugee camps are being set up. I've also hired a transport for your royal delegation to escape via the sea. The Caliph will grant your delegation safe passage through Abassid lands with the protection of his royal ghulams, and a refugee camp is already set up in Anatolia for you.

As for your remaining forces, they are brave to seek to engage the Ghorids and defend their homelands until the very end. May they die well, with honour, and may Allah smile upon these people who practice faith in their own way, even though they are not of the Book. While we do not understand the ways of the Hindu religion and philosophy, perhaps your emissaries and monks will be able to share the mysteries with us. Sultan Kaikosru is a man of great curiosity, and though he will always be a Muslim, he wishes to understand your distant people and form a bond of brotherhood with the honourable indians who are so much better than the Ghorid scum...

again looks at the drunken lecher passed out on the floor next to his nubian harlots

...who defile the name of Islam when they speak it. And their leader calls himself pious! What pious man sends the whorish cur of the devil himself to represent his people?

[00jebus]

*The ambassador is rather taken aback by this*

Oddly, only the peaceful members of the coalition responded to my claim, excepting of course the turkish sultanate, whose double-talk and double-standards is and are the stuff of legend....

Cheering for the seljuks to... what were your words? crush our skull? and cut off our heads?
hardly the words of a nation capable of bringing about mediation or peace, so maybe your claim that we have not done all we can to bring about peace is true, more because of our failure to choose a go-between who actually wants peace than a lack of honourable intent on our part.
Also so unlike the words of a nation whose sultan is supreme commander of an orginisation called the "coalition of peace"... "the vassal states of the seljuk empire" may be a better name based on your showing so far!
At least then it would conform to what its policies allow!

As for our warlike actions, some facts, for you all to decide whom is the warlike aggressor in this war
2 turns ago, the seljuks laurnched a suprise attack in our southan regions, mixing a brutal resolve, vile propaganda, massive numbers and the most capable inteligence service in the region. These cities had minimal garrisons, no fortifacations at all... so how can we possibly be seen as aggressive? Yet they continue their attacks, and our now camped on route to Merv, our capital, and yet they still claim we are the aggressor!

This isn't the first time they've done this, *he nods at the georgian delegation*, nor will it be the last, the diffrence between this time and last though is its coalition status, removing any chance any non-member has of protecting itself through diplomacy!

*looking back at the chamber*
We have not even recieved any demands from the seljuks!
ever!
no warning!
no independant checks!
hardly the actions of a state who is intressted in peace!

but that doesn't change the fact that we still want it, and are still open for talks with both Ganzivids and Seljuks.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Seljuks and the Ghaznavids have yet to inform me of any attempts at peace on your part. Would you call for a cease-fire and mediation, and would they accept, we have more pressing matters to deal with anyway.

But since your counter-offensive, talk of cease-fire has ended, and I must side with my allies. What talk of peace from the Shah we recieved was vague and did not offer terms.

I cannot offer terms as I am not a belligerent in this war, and I do not have the most recent territorial maps, nor am I obliged to speak on behalf of the Seljuks or the Ghaznis. But I will call for a new round of peace discussions in a seperate chamber, if the Caliph, the Seljuks, the Ghaznis, and the Shah are interested in joining me.

If no talks are forthcoming, then yes, let the Coalition prevail in this war and smash the viper in the North incapable of peace or diplomacy. Should you offer reasonable terms, I think they can be persuaded to disengage. But you will have to talk to them, not just me.

And if you suggest that we are all a pawn of the Seljuk Empire, I question the Shah's knowledge of the Coalition government. Indeed they are perhaps our most massive and powerful member, but since their inclusion to the Coalition of freedom they have been nothing but pious, humble, and faithful to their agreements with us. It is still disputed that they are the first ones to violate the treaty of Rayy, but since I was not there I cannot prove or disprove that, and the issue is long since buried.

The Shah would be wise to hold his tongue unless he is willing to truly negotiate for peace. Feel free to prove your intentions by starting a new diplomacy thread and opening the talks.

[00jebus]

*the ambassador listens to the turks suggestions with a confused look on his face, after he finishes, he explains this look*..................what counter offensive?

[Askthepizzaguy]

*A messanger arrives with an arrow still stuck in his midriff, he runs to the Khwarezm ambassador, who then stands and addresses the court, reading from a note the messanger handed him*

Gentlemen, I have just recieved word that the shah's uncle, Malik, has led a steely defense of Balkh from the GhaZims....

*He mutters to the messanger*

Gah Zims? what in Allah's name is a gah Zim?
are you sure thats right?
Dont you mean Ghanzi? or even Ghazi?
Oh well then...

*returning his attention to the court and his voice to the normal level*

The gahZim force outnumbered our own considerably, and they faught like lions, but at the end of two days fighting, and an honourable duel between Malik and Jusef, the gahzim general, the shahdom proved victorious.
Prisoners were released on the condition they give up all weaponry and armour.


THAT counter-offensive.

I'm still interested in peace, and not seeing the Shah eliminated, but you aren't giving me much to work with.

[00jebus]

that was a defensive action, not a counter-offensive.
Then again, Im not the war monger here, so we should probably ask the seljuk ambassador what it was...

in any case, you have given us little reason to trust in your abilities, wanting the seljuks to collect our heads certantly doesn't help matters, but we will not be giving you any indication of our currently avaliable resources, all I wish to know, is what precisly the seljuks want from this war, then negotiations can start.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Just as we have little reason to trust you... and so I ask the most wise and benevolent Caliph to mediate instead, as I clearly have a bias in favor of the Seljuks.

Sorry, they are our allies, and since they were provoked, I cannot condemn them. You've apologized for the former Shah's actions, but peace talks have stalled and the war continues. I want an end to this conflict one way or another, as it suits the interests of peace and brotherhood if the Shah survives.

OOC- even if totally defeated in battle, having another human controlled faction to govern conquered rebel lands allows maximum player control over the resources of this map. The fewer human players there are, the more corruption and waste in total there is. So even if the war were to conclude in our favor, I'd still rather see the Shah respawn than to be destroyed.

Having said that, if an equitable peace is not forthcoming, then so be it. It seems the war will be over soon one way or another, and there truly are bigger issues which warrant attention.

You pose a valid question. What do the Seljuks want?

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The Ayyubids must disagree with their Turkish brothers on this matter.

The Seljuk aggression on its Muslim neighbors is utterly unacceptable. The so called "shady dealings" of the Shah have never be presented to this court, and even if the Shah did manipulate its neighbors through words, this was no reason for a surprise invasion of their lands, aiming for their capital.


Looking towards the other delegations:

We are certain there are other nations here who would not want their capital threatened because of accusations of "shady dealings".


The Ayyubids stand by the Shah, the obvious victims in this matter, and firmly condemn the Seljuks and the opportunistic Ghazims.

May Allah be merciful to all those who betray their brothers in faith. May He whose knowledge knows no bounds guide the blade of the Shah.

[barcamartin]

' I have just recieved word that Merv, capital of the Khwarezm, has fallen to Seljuk forces. Such success isn't easy to come by, so our cause can't be entirely forsaken by all-mighty Allah as some of you seem to believe.

You ask what the Sultan would demand in order for peace to be reached, and although I can't be sure I don't think he is to keen on it. The last, and only, peace offer from the Shah was ridiculous and judging by that I find it hard to believe that the Shah really wanted peace at the time. If their attitude has changed, they are welcome to propose some more reasonable terms. If they want this war to end, they will have to make sacrifices, instead of demands . '

[00jebus]

OOC: how did you manage that?!
you dont have any seige weapons in the region and that city had 2 spy's!
:annoyed:

IC: your in our homelands! you have taken one of our ancestral cities!
for peace to happen, that must be returned to us, then we may talk about whatever "sacrafices" the seljuks want from us.

[barcamartin]

' We are still far from reaching a peaceful agreement, I see. Not that the Sultan truly minds. '

OOC: I had more of them. :clown:

[Askthepizzaguy]

OOC: In case anyone would have concerns, I would volunteer to check the save to see if there were indeed enough spies to take the capital. Or phonicsmonkey could, as he's impartial.

We've had accusations and proof of foul play in other hotseats, and as that was such a critical move, you could ask for independent verification of the maneuver as being legal. Not that Barcamartin has ever been accused of bad play. Two spies... that's a pretty stiff defense, but not insurmountable!

Surely the Khwarezmids would surrender now? Can there be peace?

[Zim]

Qiwam sits sleeping at the Ghaznavid table. Although appearing fearful of what his reaction may be, one of his aides wakes him and whispers something to him.

"What's that, Balkh has fallen? Good news. People have been accusing us of being opportunists? Just because their generals have all the foresight of a gnat and can't imagine we've been planning along with the Seljuks ever since the Shah...well, it's of no matter anyway. Let them think what they wish."

With a yawn, Qiwam goes back to sleep.

[phonicsmonkey]

OOC: I trust barca - it's not unlikely that with a bunch of spies he could get into a city that had two spies defending it

no need for any investigation unless 00jebus really wants one...

[rossahh]

The old man from Jerusalem stands and even though he is adressing the whole court, he directly faces the Armenian delegation


We are, of course, aggrieved by the news of Armenia's aggressive and fiendish actions, especially since so fine a man and many a good knight of the Kingdom died because of them. We are willing, graciously it must be said, to listen to a reasonable offer of peace.

You sir, addressing the mail-clad Armenian representative, said earlier:

"All we would require of King Baldwin for the safety of our lands would be that the fort at the border between Adana and Antioch be handed over to Armenia."

I must you remind you that the border between Antioch and Adana is not at the mountains, but rather the river beyond them. We therefore see no proper reason why we should hand over one of our own defensive emplacements that resides deep into our own territory to one of our enemies. If that is your demand for peace then it shall not be forthcoming.

I would like to also point out to the court that Adana is presently Turkish, not Armenian.

The fort you so rashly took is already surrounded by soldiers from the Kingdom, and those men you have in there will not be allowed to leave under arms. They, through their actions, are forfeit and will not be considered in any peace deal.

If Armenia wants peace, then let them come and discuss it in private.



A slightly mocking smile appears on the man's face, and almost if he is talking to himself, he coments

Listening to the reports from the east, I find it somewhat ironic that the Coalition, built upon "peace and defense", is quite adept at starting wars and denouncing their enemies, especially that they attacked first, as the true aggressors. Is the coalition truly a body of peace or not, I wonder?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Be thankful I have held my tongue, Latin worm. My response to your insults would have been more painful than the lash.

[barcamartin]

OOC: I had spies in Merv for three turns before they finally succeeded in opening the gates. Despite rather high procentual chances of success, they didn't until now. I assure you that I did NOT cheat, and I don't know how I could have cheated even if I wanted to. If anyone would like a screenie or something to shake the "suspicions", I'm sure I have one somewhere. I can't see why this debate of foul-play suddenly popped up, though.

PS: Thank's for your trust, phonics. :yes:

[rossahh]

I was not talking to you Turk, I was talking to your Armenian puppet. They, as you say, struck out on their own in violation of your treaty with them so they are the ones we will be negotiating with.


Our negotiations with your nation have reached an impasse with you now rejecting our fair offers of peace. Your war mongering will only ruin us both so accept the offer and embrace peace. You, as the aggressor, started this particular conflict after the previous one had ended, so it is up to you to end the hostilities and match your words with actions.

[00jebus]

Qiwam sits sleeping at the Ghaznavid table. Although appearing fearful of what his reaction may be, one of his aides wakes him and whispers something to him.

"What's that, Balkh has fallen? Good news. People have been accusing us of being opportunists? Just because their generals have all the foresight of a gnat and can't imagine we've been planning along with the Seljuks ever since the Shah...well, it's of no matter anyway. Let them think what they wish."

With a yawn, Qiwam goes back to sleep.


*the Khwarezm ambassador coughs in suprise at this, and brings it up again*
I believe that is more proof, as if any were needed of who the aggressor was in this war.

As for a surrender, the seljuks may have it, though we will not transfer a single peace of bronze before our capital is returned


Im fine without an investigation, just shocked a spy managed to get past two, as Im guessing other people are

[Askthepizzaguy]

Looking at the thing the occupiers of the Levant sent to speak in the name of the disease-ridden rat

You speak as if the international community gives a brass denari what you think. And I was speaking on behalf of the Coalition which you continue to slander at your own risk.

[rossahh]

You call it slander when your own duplicity is revealed to you?

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turk laughs at this cur and his insinuations of "duplicity".

Let's see... I declared war on you the instant you attacked Armenia. I have yet to sign a cease-fire. The war never ended, you idiot! Nor did it truly begin until now.


A small nation such as Armenia, and your "mighty" empire couldn't take it by yourself? Her small forces turned you back for the moment, and yet you claim such military genius that you will triumph over the Rum, who are backed by many on the council which you've repeatedly insulted and threatened?

As for Jerusalem, their actions leave us little choice but to declare war.

I do not see how they can repay the Armenians for slaughtering their royal family nor butchering their fellow Christians. I question their commitment to the spirit and message of their lord. If one is to be called a hypocrite, it is you Latins and Romans who doubletalk about Christ and mercy and peace and then wage wars of aggression against peaceful neighbors, and then say that you are the victim?

When did we once sign a peace accord with you? When have you once offered to pay reparations for your crimes? When have you once honoured your word not to invade Anatolia? Why am I even speaking to you at all, you diseased pig? I should cut off your head and feed it to my goat.


edit: there was talk of a peace treaty, but it was never signed.

[rossahh]

The old man holds out a hold and an aide quickly passes him a scroll. The old man then begins to read aloud


In fact, on a more positive note, we seem to have reached a peace arrangement with the Latin kingdom, and we will verify this shortly. Therefore, we wish to make clear our position; Jerusalem is not an enemy of the Turks. Those who attack Jerusalem without just cause will not be friends of the Turks. That is the official position of the Sultanate of Rum.

We are committed to peace, great council. Since the Kingdom of Jerusalem has accepted the terms of a peace agreement, we must now press the Romans to do the same. Until then, we regret that we are still at war with the Imperialist aggressors.


***


For now, we are much too busy with the Romans to take any action. But beware, Jerusalem. We now suspect you DO mean to attack us. And I have assurances that when you do, my Muslim brothers will punish you swiftly.

We will honour OUR agreement of peace with you until YOU break it.


Peace was declared between us, your nation and Armenia for the past conflict. It is YOU and THEY that have started THIS conflict by attacking us after making peace. You have ended one war only to start another.

I will not pretend that my nation has not committed low acts in the past, but do you now see your own duplicity? You now balk at the peace you sought and received. You cannot hide your aggressive action behind your twisted words no more.



Just saw your spoil. It was "signed" when it was agreed. I did not pursue Armenia westwards and let their sole family member live, as we agreed. I did not push north into your lands and withdrew entirely. You got opportunistic by taking those settlements and started this mess.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Yes, there was much talk of peace. Yes, we did agree to a peace treaty.

So where is the document? Where is your signature? WHAT WERE THE TERMS WE DISCUSSED???

1. Nowhere
2. Nonexistant
3. None

There was NEVER any verification. No public or private treaty signed. At best we had a vague verbal agreement, which did never materialize into a formal treaty.

Just a season later, we questioned whether you were even serious about the peace... and we heard nothing from you.

Then of course, we took your victim's lands back and handed it to them. And we offered you a cease-fire you SHOULD have accepted. And here we are.

I laugh at those who bring up our history, but turn a blind eye to their own aggression and the consequences thereof.

[rossahh]

We've hit a snag with the game mechanics. As you only declared war IC in the court, we weren't at war in the game. You then withdrew that declaration when we made a secret deal which I will not disclose. Therefore, from both our perspectives, we were at peace both out-of-game and in-game. Armenia made peace later on, probably not knowing the full terms of our own peace. As said above, you took those settlements back by force when you weren't supposed to (from my perspective) which I objected to, considering the terms of our deal, resulting in an in-game conflict but an out-of-game peace. However, that in-game conflict was never fully resolved, leading to this present state of hostilities.

The point I'm trying to make is that there doesn't need to be any "treaty" here IC for the peace to be binding. We both agreed to the terms and the in-game limitations meant that there was never (going to be) any war between us at that time.


EDIT: As it seems necessary to, I'll reveal one minor term of our agreed peace deal. You were to get the Armenian provinces once your war with Roman was over. You specifically wanted Sis, the leading castle, and either Adana or Tarsus, a coastal town. We agreed to this so when the war with Rome was over, you would get those settlements to do as you wish. You were aware, or should have been, that at some point they would have come under Roman control for a period of time. Like I've been saying, you jumped the gun by taking them so soon.


ooc: That begs the question, does there need to be a formal "document" here in the court for an agreement by pm to be considered binding? I didn't announce the terms of my peace deal with the Ayyubids in a treaty format, but simply announced that peace had been made. Does that now mean that that peace is void? I think it's a personal preference for the player/s involved, don't you?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Well... semantics. I did publicly declare war on you, and though we spoke of a peace treaty, all we had was a verbal agreement which did not have all the settled terms of a formal agreement. I consider that we perhaps, at best, had agreed to a cease-fire if you want to call it that, and yes indeed I broke that. But since I formally declared war, and never formally received or presented a document to make peace, I won't be held to my informal agreements any more than you can be held to your informal promise never to invade anatolia.

You broke your word, I broke mine... but without a formal peace treaty, I can't be accused of breaking one.

It doesn't matter to me really... the state of war exists now and I reject the cease-fire as it stands because you rejected my original terms, only to demand reparations. Plus the deployment of your forces suggests an invasion, and I would be a fool to sign anything unless you disengage.

I also want to be clear that everything above was IC, and though my rhetoric will most likely become more intense, it's nothing personal.

She turned me into a newt!

-A newt?

.........................I got better.

[Askthepizzaguy]

yeah... lol I was to get the Armenian provinces... and hand them over to Armenia. I thought that by leaving those territories empty, you were inviting me to gain posession of them.

I think the peace deal was smashed before it could begin because of a miscommunication. I don't understand how the provinces being transferred to Rome would have led to them being in Turkish posession.

Frankly based upon your deal to hand them to Rome, I could consider our informal arrangement null and void by default. I don't think I was aware that you were going to hand everything to Rome, which I was at war with... I would have assumed that action meant a betrayal of our informal agreement.

I would say that it could all have been a misunderstanding. But I will clarify in the future that if I publicly declare war, a formal peace treaty will be needed to end it. Just to make things nice and legal.

[rossahh]

That issue of real/not real is addressed in my previous post.

I demanded reparations because I lost out on getting Cyprus when I lost the settlements, so I demanded that you pay me their income (the two Cyprus settlements) for the money I wouldn't be receiving in the following format: 3000~ up front (1st turn offer countering a flat cease fire and trade), 3000~ spread of 10 turns (2nd turn offer countering an offer of peace and trade and me giving 500) and finally a straight cease fire and trade rights agreement (3rd and 4th turn) the first of which was rejected with no counter, and the second of which is pending.

And now your argument is what, that it took too long?









On a happy side note to prove that I'm not completely wound-up in this debate, I had a delightful time watching my best friend and my girlfriend go at each other in public today. It was classic. The best entertainment I've had all year by far. I'll elaborate if you guys really want to know.



Edit: I know that's what you thought at the time. But by the time my turn came around again I decided to make you pay at least a little bit. Now look where we are.

[_Tristan_]

The mail-clad messenger from Armenia rises to speak but a firm hand on his shoulder from the silk-clad man, forces him down.

Latin scum... You may not have noticed but my friend here (squeezing his mail-clad companion shoulder) is not the voice of my people anymore... Therefore, if you have something to say, talk to me... Though I would prefer you refrain from it or do it from a distance... I do not want your King's leprosy spreading in my Kingdom...



The old man from Jerusalem stands and even though he is adressing the whole court, he directly faces the Armenian delegation

We are, of course, aggrieved by the news of Armenia's aggressive and fiendish actions, especially since so fine a man and many a good knight of the Kingdom died because of them.

Yes, truly, a damn fine man... If that's the best the Kingdom of Jerusalem can produce, then may our Lord preserve us from the worst King Baldwin has to offer...


We are willing, graciously it must be said, to listen to a reasonable offer of peace.

You sir, addressing the mail-clad Armenian representative, said earlier:

"All we would require of King Baldwin for the safety of our lands would be that the fort at the border between Adana and Antioch be handed over to Armenia."

I must you remind you that the border between Antioch and Adana is not at the mountains, but rather the river beyond them. We therefore see no proper reason why we should hand over one of our own defensive emplacements that resides deep into our own territory to one of our enemies. If that is your demand for peace then it shall not be forthcoming.

I would like to also point out to the court that Adana is presently Turkish, not Armenian.

The fort you so rashly took is already surrounded by soldiers from the Kingdom, and those men you have in there will not be allowed to leave under arms. They, through their actions, are forfeit and will not be considered in any peace deal.

If Armenia wants peace, then let them come and discuss it in private.

We made a reasonable offer. We ask nothing in compensation for the wrongs done to our lands, of that you should be satisfied.

All we ask is that certain military fortification be handed into our hands to prevent another unwarranted and unpredictable attack by men that King Baldwin seems to have problems keeping on tight leash, dogs that they be...

We are even prepared to keep those fortifications very lightly garrisoned. All we ask is have an outpost capable of warning us of any Latin treachery.

The men you hold hostage in that northern fort knew full well they might be going to their death but these men had nothing to lose... Tripoli was the one who ordered the massacre of their families and friends... If they die, they will die happily in the knowledge that their loved ones have been avaenged and that they will get to meet them soon in Paradise...

Spare them if you will, kill them if you must... That makes no difference.

As for Adana being Turkish, that is none of your concern... We ask for that fort on the border of Antioch so that never in History may another Latin leper set foot on Cilician soil... Be that land held by Turks, Armenians or even Romans...

Our demands are few and not onerous... Will you meet them ? If you truly want peace, you shall.


A slightly mocking smile appears on the man's face, and almost if he is talking to himself, he comments :

Listening to the reports from the east, I find it somewhat ironic that the Coalition, built upon "peace and defense", is quite adept at starting wars and denouncing their enemies, especially that they attacked first, as the true aggressors. Is the coalition truly a body of peace or not, I wonder?

You may mock the Coalition all you want though I would not push your mockery too far...

As for the Coalition being for peace and defense, it truly is and I think nobody will deny that in acting as they did our men acted in the defense of Armenia, a small and powerless country, bordered by a hulking and menacing power bent on treachery and aggression... He who wants peace, prepares war, said the Ancient... We took that saying to heart...


I was not talking to you Turk, I was talking to your Armenian puppet.

Indeed, I thank my Turkish friend for taking the defence of our country but it is us and us only that attacked Jerusalem, and thus it is for us to find a solution to this state of affairs... Know, Latin dog, that it is only your actions that made us seem the Turk puppet but what we seem to be and what we truly are, is quite different... As you will soon learn... We are nobody's puppets...


Peace was declared between us, your nation and Armenia for the past conflict..

As for that peace, there was no peace... There was a ceasefire that was extorted out of us on pain of death... Had we not come forward with that offer (and the threat of Turkish armies marching on you), our kingdom would be no more...

Now, with the death of Tripoli, we have obtained what little compensation we think was necessary to a long-lasting peace between our Kingdoms, though there has been too much bad blood to ever work together...

The choice is now yours...

Extending his hand forward as if making an offer, the Armenian diplomat stares long and hard at the Latin emissary before sitting down.

[Askthepizzaguy]

At the moment, our IC argument is that since you rejected our initial offer of a straight cease-fire, it must not have been good enough for you. Surely you want something more, and the massive forces on Armenia's border would seem to indicate so.

As for your complaints regarding Cyprus, that's between you and Rome, and I will not pay you for their refusal to hand it over. I might as well demand reparations from the Ghorids for their refusal to return Indian settlements. It's none of my business and not under my jurisdiction.

It all boils down to:

1. you invaded Armenia
2. I declared war formally and publicly
3. Armenia escaped and was placed under our protection
4. They signed a cease-fire which I did not authorize, but I was willing to extend it, so I entered renewed peace talks.
5. We decided that I was to get Cilicia... my purpose being to hand it to Armenia, as proven by our in game actions when we took the provinces
6. You intended to give Cilicia to Rome instead, which is fine... but it negates our agreement, trustworthy as the Romans may or may not be, I would have preferred a direct transfer of the territory into my realm
7. We discussed much, but nothing came to pass which we discussed, and no formal peace agreement was signed. I attempted to rectify the situation by offering you both publicly and in-game an end to the hostilities now that some of the conditions of the peace had been fulfilled, i.e. Turkey had gained possession of those provinces and handed them to Armenia.

8. To our surprise you rejected the cease-fire, and full scale war is about to break out. Your reasons for the rejection of peace are your own, and we don't question your motives.

My only point is that due to a lack of formal peace, and the informal agreement having been dissolved due to both of our actions, I can claim by technicality that my state has been at war with you since the very first declaration, and that's all I need to persue this war.

You would prefer it if some very brief peace existed in between, but I see now that such peace was all imaginary, and had never truly materialized. But I honestly don't even need semantics to persue any war I choose to fight.

And so, deal with Armenia seperately, as they are hereby absolved of the bounds of the Treaty of Adana's provision that they have a united foreign policy with Turkey, and they are now an independent nation again. Our relationship is that of friends and allies only.

[rossahh]

The old man thinks long and hard before responding


Peace between us and Armenia is something we desire and we make no demands, but we cannot accept your claim to our own fort. A wise place to put your own fort would be near the bridge that marks the actual border between our lands. The road and bridge are the only safe means of moving a large force of men, such as army, so would it not make sense to guard that spot? It is on the border and would give you the protection you desire. It is up to your country to defend itself, no matter how untrue your fears are. You cannot use our own defences against us. Move on past this ridiculous demand and there will be peace.



The old man frowns slightly as he listens to the Turk's list

I think your memories are slightly out of order, but we shall let it pass. It seems that you considered our peace as non-binding, so nothing more than a sham, while we took it to mean actual peace. A slight difference of opinion, it seems. A shame you would now use this as a pretext for war.

However, in regards to point 6, need we really remind you of our special, undisclosed and agreed upon term that makes that argument rather redundant?

[_Tristan_]

The silk-clad Armenian stands up, a clearly surprised look on his face.

So, it seems you truly want peace...

Know that our border shall soon be at the mountain pass separating Adana from Antioch, thus the fair city of Adana will never be out of reach of your men unless you surrender that border fort to us.

Moreover, the sacking of our cities and the obligations we were forced to contract to save our Kingdom make all but impossible the investment needed in the building of such a fort whereever it may be built.

Now, perhaps you understand our insistence in laying our hands on that single fort...

That leaves the matter of the northern fort to discuss... Your previous stance was to claim to take that fort back by force of arms, declaring forfeit the brave Armenian men that are currently manning it... Is that still so ?
Though these men are prepared to die as martyrs, my king would very much prefer to greet them on their safe return from their mission.

Because we will do all that is in our power to keep that fort or reclaim it in the event of its capture...

These two mountain passes north and south are the locks to Cilicia and we cannot allow any other Kingdom to hold the keys to these locks...

Be sure that if you surrendered them, only the smallest of garrisons would be stationed there, only for the maintenance of the building and to serve as outlooks.

I am even allowed to include a demilitarization of Adana to our deal, once it is returned into Armenian hands, proof that we have no intention of leading an invasion of Latin-held lands.

The hands of Armenian men would be put to better use holding scythes and trowels, rebuilding Armenia than holding spears and swords warring on a Christian neighbour.

But this they cannot and will not do until the threat on our eastern border is removed...

I hope you understand our position...

A sad look crosses the diplomat's face as he regains his seat. A vigorous exchange in low tones starts with his mail-clad colleague.

[Askthepizzaguy]

My memory isn't what it used to be, or ever was. Feel free to remind me. It is only because everything public is on record that I can even engage in this kind of debate.

But I do agree that what agreements we might have had were special all right... I think it might have included something along the lines of destroying Rome together... attacking the Cilician settlements when they were under Roman control... something to that effect. I didn't see the need to bother with that unnecessary step, seeing as how the settlements were prone and Rome could have sacked them again.

And I do recall why they were left undefended, and that business has long been cleared up. No accusations there. But at the time I found it rather curious.

Looking back on all that has transpired... I find it amusing that there had once been proposals to attack Armenia... to ally with Jerusalem... and the Ghorids... my what tangled webs we weave. In the end, all my enemies can say that they were once offered peace and alliance, and that they were foolish not to take it, I suppose.

At times I am thankful my memory isn't what it should be, because going back and reading the record from the beginning is quite entertaining. Like an alzheimer's patient, I can enjoy the same bit of reading anew every few months and delight at the bickering.

[rossahh]

To the Turk

Yes, that one. By breaking the deal, you created Rome's staunchest supporter.





Addressing the Armenians

Ask your allies for the loan - you have many. Though we would build the fort for you across the river, any noblemen we sent into your lands would be captured and executed, no doubt, so I do not think it would be possible for us to construct it. Nor would we be willing to pay the necessary money - there would be no way to garuntee that the money would be spent on the fort. It is not our problem if you are too poor to defend yourself.

Also, your army at Tarsus is just as equally able to march into the Levant as ours at Antioch is to march in Cicillia, so you are not the only ones that fear a sudden strike by their neighbor. The forts are there for our defense, and will not be removed whatever your wishes. We, quite reasonably, suggest you build your own in your own lands. I cannot understand your reluctance to do so.

[_Tristan_]

OOC : being more than 10000 into the red doesn't make it anywhere possible for me to build a fort...

The Armenian diplomat slowly rises, mimicking the Latin accent of his opponent.

"It is not our problem if you are too poor to defend yourself"

It might not be your problem but it is your fault if our treasury is in such a sorry state...

Only desperation comes from where we stand now... And you are the witness of what desperation leads us to do, claiming forts that belong to our enemy for our own defence either througn negociation or by force of arms.

So, I will not allow for Armenia to appear in the Caliph's court as unable to make concessions in order to achieve peace.

Allow us to retain that northern fort... It threatens none of your cities and merely acts as an insurance against any treacherous maneuvers from men such as Tripoli, may his soul rot in Hell...

I would take you up on your offer of building a fort for us... Only the building site remains to be determined. The river crossing you proposed is too far inland on Armenian soil. Were you to build it facing right on your own fort at your border, I think a deal could be reached between our Kingdoms...

I perfectly understand that a nobleman of Jerusalem will certainly put his life at risk for the task. So mark my words : should anything happen to that nobleman coming or going to the building site of said fort, Takavor Hetum I swears before this court that before the man is put to rest, he will have mounted his horse and ridden to the nearest Latin outpost to surrender himself and be tried and disposed of as seen fit by King Baldwin.

Is that enough guarantee for you ?

I personnally think this is more than you deserve...

The man sits back down, a clear look of disgust upon his face.

[Askthepizzaguy]

I personally think that speaking the language of diplomacy to the festering rat Baldwin is more than he deserves. He only understands THIS!

The Turk pulls out his sword and whips it across the chamber, the weapon impacting dead center on the Jerusalem delegate's table, inches from the Latin diplomat who gasps in surprise and alarm.

I will meet you on the battlefield. I can see talking with the likes of you is pointless.

The Turk exits the chamber with his entourage.

[rossahh]

Slighty confused, the old man asks


Just where do you want the fort to be built?

I suggested that you build it on the actual border blocking the river crossing, while you want a fort opposite the present defensive line in OUR own territory, correct?

[Askthepizzaguy]

A messenger arrives bearing a scroll from the Turkish Commander:

The Khwarezmids have offered most reasonable terms of surrender to the Ghazni and the Seljuks. I would urge them both to please consider these terms, as we have use for another ally and the war has been decided in the Seljuk/Ghaznis favor with no real threat in the long term from the Shah.

The Seljuks and Ghaznis are not commanded to do anything except consider his proposal, the terms are more than reasonable.

If it is his armed forces which trouble you, perhaps he could surrender/disband them. He asks for a turn of retreat only... surely that's reasonable.

Thank you for your time, honourable friends and allies.

I would advise the Shah that he might consider migrating his faction... he can keep what remains of his homelands of course, but what remains is too dangerous in the long term. I'd suggest moving west or east, but the Kypchak lands have been claimed already and the Ghorids are most unfriendly.

If you would be willing to put down the Kypchaks with what remains of your forces, there may be profitable exchanges of territory in your future.

[barcamartin]

' My leaders have considered the offer, and are mainly positive to it. We will have no claims to the Khwarezm lands west of Urgench. The only matter of dispute is the time for the hand-over. We will review the situation when the time comes (OOC: our turn :P) '

[00jebus]

In other words gentlemen, he's waiting to see if his team of spies that has infiltrated Urgesh can open the gates for his army.

The terms are more than in your favour, only a fool would risk the lives of his men on an attack when we offer to hand over control diplomatically.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turk chuckles at the Khwarezm delegate's rhetorical mastery, whose cutting words shame the Seljuk delegate almost as badly as the Seljuk armies shame the Shah's forces.

:laugh2:

Well, he would chuckle if he were present, which he is not...

I also want to announce that I've renamed my faction heir inexplicably to:

Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nurnburger-bratwustle-gernspurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shonedanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft... of Ulm

The sad part is, he's not even German.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

I personally think that speaking the language of diplomacy to the festering rat Baldwin is more than he deserves. He only understands THIS!

The Turk pulls out his sword and whips it across the chamber, the weapon impacting dead center on the Jerusalem delegate's table, inches from the Latin diplomat who gasps in surprise and alarm.

I will meet you on the battlefield. I can see talking with the likes of you is pointless.

The Turk exits the chamber with his entourage.

The Ayyubid ambassador frowns at those words, and looks distressed by the spectacular exit of the Turkish delegation:

These...these are troubling news.

Dear ambassadors, have we stopped a war in Anatolia simply to start a new one in the Levant ?

We urge all parties to return to the negociating table and work toward a lasting peace.

We are sure there can be peace with Jerusalem.

The Ayyubids... must condemn any nation who would launch an assault against Jerusalem.

You may not trust him, but we believe King Baldwin could have crushed our Turkish brothers a few years ago, and could have pursued the Armenian survivors. They did not help the Romans militarily, and have made their intentions to reach peace very clear to this court.

Should the Coalition of Freedom launch an assault against king Baldwin in the current circumstances, we will consider their agenda aggressive in the future. We urge the members of this coalition to see reason in our words and not prepare for an invasion of the Levant.

Turning toward the Vizier:

We urge the Caliph to bring the Turkish delegation back to this court and help them negociate a lasting peace with Jerusalem.


Looking at the Seljuk delegation:

We are greatly distressed by the fall of the Shah's armies. We urge our Seljuk brothers to negociate fair terms of surrender, and avoid killing innocent women and children. We all are Muslim brothers after all.

[rossahh]

The Jerusalem delegation begins to pack their things. The old man stands and addresses the court for the last time


And so it has come to this. The Coalition's invasion of the Kingdom has begun, and every man of the Kingdom has been requested to help defend against the invaders. Already, despite the loss of Aleppo in Armenia's surprise attack, our armies have struck back, destroying two large Armenian armies with just a single one of our own. The King himself has ridden forth into the field to defend all that is precious to him.

We fully expect the other Coalition members to join the attack, and we are most distressed to see that at least one of the Coalition members, the Turks, is not moving across their ally Armenia's lands but rather is taking a northern routing, which can only lead them across the Caliph's lands. Surely the Caliph will not stand for this transgression?

To the Ayyubids, Rome, the Shah and the Ghorids, may you long resist against the tyrannical Coalition. Know that whatever the outcome, the Kingdom of Jerusalem will rise again.

Fare yee well, my brothers.

[Askthepizzaguy]

A turkish straggler watches the Latin delegation leave and laughs uproariously


Ah, you don't frighten us, Latin pig-dogs! Go and boil your bottoms! Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!

The turk makes obscene gestures, mocking the latin delegation in their own laughable accent.

So we Coalition folk outwit you dappy Latin kniggits a second time! Look at this so called Baldwin king with his silly, knees bent, running around advancing behavior. I unclog my nose in your general direction and call your feeble attempts at defending your nation a silly thing, you tiny brained wipers of other people's bottoms, Yes, depart a lot at this time and cut the approaching any more, or we fire arrows at the tops of your heads and make castanets out of your testicles already!

And now, remain gone, illegitimate-faced bugger-folk! And, if you think you got a nasty taunting this time, you ain't heard nothing yet, dappy Latin k-nnniggets! Thpppt!


I found a drawing of your mother, so called Baldwin king who has the brain of a duck!

https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh137/askthepizzaguy2/800px-Peach.jpg

See? le hamster.... hohohohoho

[rossahh]

Since when do the Rum Turks have the same sense of humour as Pomes do?

[Askthepizzaguy]

It's all the Romans fault. They supplied the wine, and we supplied the drinking of the wine.

You know, after so many shots of Roman spirits, Baldwin slightly resembles Brooke Shields. Come here Brooke... let me show you my sword...

the drunken turk chases the remaining Latin knights out of the chamber, who are rightly fearful for their lives.

[The Lemongate]

OOC:



the drunken turk chases the remaining Latin knights out of the chamber, who are rightly fearful for their sanity.

fixed

IC:

The Roman delegation's chair, after a rather long silence, wonders out loud how come the spirit of the first Turkish emissary managed to take possession of the new Turkish emissary's body...?

[Askthepizzaguy]

I believe you know the answer to that question, keg boy. Don't play innocent with me.

to the entire delegation:

He's the one who got me smashed! Yes... he did it... bravo. I must say, excellent ale. The wine was a bit too tart for my taste though. Next time, bring some more of those sweet Roman girls to my casbah.

inexplicably, a donkey in a party hat wearing lipstick trots by.

Where's that Ghorid delegate? He's always good for a laugh...

[Zim]

A messenger in Ghazni colors rushes in and whispers something to Qiwam, who immediately looks alert for the first time since entering the Council. Briefly questioning the messenger, Qiwam stands to address the Court.

Gentlemen, I am proud to announce that a Ghazni army has taken the settlement of Bukhara with minimal losses. No civilians were harmed in the occupation, and the garrison was allowed to return home after laying down their weapons.

If the Kwarezhm delegate would offer any complain, we would remind him that no treaty has been finalized between him and the Ghazni Shah, and that his nation's expansion east gives the lie to his supposedly agreeing to retreat all forces to a position west of Urgench. Should he sign the treaty drawn up by the Seljuk Sultan and my Shah, we will gladly take hold of Samarqand and ceasefire next season. Otherwise hostilities will continue.

We would also like to inform all those here today that a Ghorid force outside Ghazni was vanquished, and as expected the Ghorid Sultan had spent all his money on alcohol and woman, and refused to pay a ransom for his men. We took pity on them and have decided to let them live peacefully in Ghazni as farmers. We would remind the Sultan, Qiwam's voice suddenly hardens, that once the Kwarezhm war ends, we will be coming for him, and that he'd be advised not to make another attempt to take our capital.

[00jebus]

With a sense of moral superiority, the Khwarezmani ambassador begins

Ah, I see I was right about the Afgans ability to read gentlemen!

Read your treaty again, you will see we did nothing wrong, and have complied with its terms, whereas you, and your bloodthirsty generals, have not.

[Zim]

Qiwam smiles at the Kwarezhm ambassador, trying so hard to keep his nation's dignity intact in the face of yet another defeat.

I have indeed read the Seljuk's proposed treaty, but have not signed it, and will not until your men have abandoned every settlement from Urgench eastward, to rendezvous at a point west of the aforementioned castle. Only then can peace be had.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The Jerusalem delegation begins to pack their things. The old man stands and addresses the court for the last time


And so it has come to this. The Coalition's invasion of the Kingdom has begun, and every man of the Kingdom has been requested to help defend against the invaders. Already, despite the loss of Aleppo in Armenia's surprise attack, our armies have struck back, destroying two large Armenian armies with just a single one of our own. The King himself has ridden forth into the field to defend all that is precious to him.

We fully expect the other Coalition members to join the attack, and we are most distressed to see that at least one of the Coalition members, the Turks, is not moving across their ally Armenia's lands but rather is taking a northern routing, which can only lead them across the Caliph's lands. Surely the Caliph will not stand for this transgression?

To the Ayyubids, Rome, the Shah and the Ghorids, may you long resist against the tyrannical Coalition. Know that whatever the outcome, the Kingdom of Jerusalem will rise again.

Fare yee well, my brothers.

As the Jerusalem delegation leaves the court, the heavy Ayyubid ambassador tries to stand up, clearly shocked by the words from the old man. In an inexplicable and possibly miraculous surge of strength, the ambassador stands up without any help from his slaves:

These are unholy days. Allah will curse us all for eternity, for we allow another terrible war to grow in the Levant.

The Ayyubids stand neutral in this conflict, and will not intervene. We ask the belligerents to avoid bringing war to Damascus and Jerusalem's doors. These are holy cities who should not pay the terrible price of war.

We... We still hope the belligerents will see their folly and return to the negociating table.

[00jebus]

Qiwam smiles at the Kwarezhm ambassador, trying so hard to keep his nation's dignity intact in the face of yet another defeat.

I have indeed read the Seljuk's proposed treaty, but have not signed it, and will not until your men have abandoned every settlement from Urgench eastward, to rendezvous at a point west of the aforementioned castle. Only then can peace be had.


Whats the point of us bothering with this demand?
it was added on After we agreed to terms, as the Seljuk took the lead in the war, it was their perogitive to negotiate terms.
As Im sure everyone here will agree, you talk to the man, not his horse...
Lets ignore that for a minute.
You demand that of us, but your actions belie that, forts are at every crossing between Samarquand and Khiva... none of which we control.
How do you suggest we evacuate?
magic?
Or would you have us fly?

You try and sound reasonable, yet offer no course of action but blood, let all nations here, be warned, for we assure each of you, that, though we managed to kill many of them, the ghanzivids will use any weakness you show as an oppertunity to take your most prized posessions... and even then wont do most of the fighting.


OOC :end:

[Zim]

Qiwam lets out a small yawn before turning towards the Kwarezhm ambassador.

We placed those forts as a cautionary measure against a counterattack from Samarqand. If you had not chosen to expand east while negotiations were ongoing for your men to retire to your westernmost provinces such a measure would not have been taken. We feared an attempt to retrench your forces in the area around Samarqand. There is no point in berating me and my nation for actions you have made necessary.

As for the demand as far as we are aware it has always been part of the terms. No peace can be had while Kwarezhm armies wander the lands they are supposedly surrendering. You are the ones preventing a course of action that would avoid bloodshed. Agree to our and the Seljuks' demands and we will negotiate safe passage for your Shah through our newly won territory. Decide not to do so and the war continues. The choice is yours to make.


Whats the point of us bothering with this demand?
it was added on After we agreed to terms, as the Seljuk took the lead in the war, it was their perogitive to negotiate terms.
As Im sure everyone here will agree, you talk to the man, not his horse...
Lets ignore that for a minute.
You demand that of us, but your actions belie that, forts are at every crossing between Samarquand and Khiva... none of which we control.
How do you suggest we evacuate?
magic?
Or would you have us fly?

You try and sound reasonable, yet offer no course of action but blood, let all nations here, be warned, for we assure each of you, that, though we managed to kill many of them, the ghanzivids will use any weakness you show as an oppertunity to take your most prized posessions... and even then wont do most of the fighting.


OOC :end:

[00jebus]

Oh we do apologise, but, thats not going to happen, not now anyway, as you, so far have broken the ceasefire we made with the seljuks when you attacked Bakhura.

Equally, the treaty only demanded that Urgesh and Bakhura be surrendered, it made no mention of Samarquand or Temez...
read it yourself.

I propose a compromise.
We will surrender the city, though not to you, or the seljuks, to a neutral party, who will hand it over to you once our forces are safe.

the ambassador looks around for volunteers

[Ramses II CP]

The Rajputs would be happy to oversee the exchange, and will guarantee the honorable dispensation of said territories. (OOC: We'd need to flesh out the details and make sure that the cities aren't rebellion prone, but I don't believe anyone would trust the Ghorids to do it, so Oman and I are the closest possibilities)

:egypt:

[barcamartin]

' Any volunteers are most noble, but in my eyes highly unnecessary. The deal my nation proposed wasn't signed by any party, as a slight disagreement wasn't worked around. In any case, the terms in the document should have been respected and upheld by the Shah if they truly wanted peace. In vague forms, the treaty said that the Shah was to move their forces west from Urgench and Bukhara in order for them to be protected by the agreement. Any man with decent education and knowledge of the cardinal directions must understand that Samarqand can't be seen as west, from any of those regions. If you intend to make the Ghazni seem like the breakers of the unsigned-treaty, you are wrong, Khwarezmian. Your Shah moved forces east and if the treaty would've been active, which it isn't, you would've been the first to break it. So Khwarezm, just hand over the settlements to my nation or the Ghaznavids and be done with it. '

[00jebus]

I now quote this deal the seljuks proposed
Originally Posted by barcamartin
These are our demands:

- Surrender Bukhara and Urgench immidiately. All armies marching west from these settlements will be spared, unless they are making hostile advances towards Seljuk or Ghazni settlements.

- You withdraw all claims to Sari, Amol and former Khwarezm lands (i.e. Urgench, Merv, Bukhara, Balkh, Tus, Mashad, Nishapur, Gorgon and Birjand) to the Great Seljuks and/or the Ghaznavids.

This means, that you in the current turn (which you haven't played yet?!) abandon Urgench and Bukhara, moving your troops towards your western city (Khiva is it?). Your future expansion will obviously be limited west into the Steppes (or if you find any other way to avoid Seljuk and Ghaznavid lands).

Your demand to get four turns of "transport" can't be met. Seeing as we are at war and will be until the final settlements are "handed over" we can't trust you to not use those four turns for war purposes.



Your future expansion will obviously be limited west into the Steppes (or if you find any other way to avoid Seljuk and Ghaznavid lands).

Well, we found a way to expand whilst avoiding both of you.
Stop complaining.
Stop this war.
When I have your assurances of both, then I'll hand over Urgesh.


ooc: there is a link between Khiva and Samarquand on the very northan edge of the map.

[barcamartin]

' You quoted it yourself:


- Surrender Bukhara and Urgench immidiately. All armies marching west from these settlements will be spared, unless they are making hostile advances towards Seljuk or Ghazni settlements.

So stop complaining about the Ghazni attacking you. As I said, if you truly want peace, give up. We will not. '

[00jebus]

Samarquand was neither Seljuk nor Ghanzi settlement.... I dont see why you want it... is your own greed that great?

I hope that the council notes the constant warmongering of these nations, the disrespect for their fellow muslims property and persons they show, and a general callousness the cruelty of which would make even the most sadistic tourturer relent in horror.



And, oh dear representative of the tratorous wretch that passes for a sultan these days, we were not complaining, simply pointing out that it happened, and pointing out that a true follower of islam, or in fact, anyone with a shread of honour or dignity, would not do such a thing.
Whereas you, on the other hand, moan because we found a way expand without crossing your borders.... which was allowed in your deal, which we agreed too.

[barcamartin]

' I was pointing out that you're troops wouldn't be protected by the deal either way. They were not moving west, were they? Since the peace deal has effectively been blown off by your actions, why should the Ghazni respect a deal they didn't even sign? Your nation is moving troops east, and our proposed deal made them unprotected by peace there. You expect us to honour a non-existing deal when you do not? '

[00jebus]

allow us to understand you correctly seljuk... we obeyed your deal.... but you changed it on your own, when it suited you?
Why does that seem overly famillar?

the deal made no mention of Samarquand, nor the east, nor Khwarezmani troops moving east.

[Askthepizzaguy]

A new Turkish ambassador storms into the court, with a transcript of everything that has transpired, his face red with annoyance.

ENOUGH! Enough of this nonsense. The Khwarezm have surrendered, and as you all agreed to, any armies moving west will be spared. The Khwarezm have interpreted that to mean that they can go after Samarkand, which would end up being part of Ghazni or Seljuk territory in the long run, so those armies were rightfully available to be captured.

As for any armies in compliance with the treaty, they should be spared. So long as the Khwarezmids make no aggressive movements and they begin expanding west over northernmost point, then their settlements will either be peacefully handed over or taken by force anyway. So from a neutral point of view, none of this bickering even matters.

1. Any Khwarezmid troops not in compliance with the treaty, and any settlements agreed to be turned over which are not handed over, will both be captured by force.

2. Any Khwarezmid forces in compliance will be left alone, and any Khwarezmid settlements you all agreed to spare will also be left alone.

3. The terms of surrender have been offered, and it's up to both sides to comply with the terms. If not, other nations will have a problem trusting you. Which is also fine... do as you like.

It's that simple. Stop squabbling and end this war how you see fit, but gentlemen, this childish bickering demeans us all.

With a curt bow to the Ghaznavid and Khwarezmid delegates, but an annoyed look on his face, the Turk sits down uncomfortably and scowls. He looks around the room for the Armenian delegate, but he cannot find one.

Probably off on the front lines.... Why am I even here? The Turk muttered.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier stands, to the evident surprise of the Caliph.

Now, I know you told me you didn't want me to arrange anything, but...

The Caliph looks embarrassed.

The giant golden doors of the Court swing open and in come a group of ghulams in festive attire, bearing a large and opulently decorated cake, on top of which burn forty candles.

Next comes a troupe of jugglers, acrobats and musicians, creating quite a spectacle for the enjoyment of the bemused diplomats.

The cake is placed in front of the Caliph's throne, and the troupe of performers stop for a moment as the Vizier throws up his hands and declares:

Happy 40th birthday Caliph An-Nasir, Defender of the Faith, Peacemaker, descendent of the Prophet! Blessed be your reign and long may it last!

The ghulams:

Speech speech speech!

The Caliph stands, looking sheepish. He shakes his fist at the Vizier in mock anger.

You devil! Whose idea was this?

Well, yes, it is my birthday. Thank you for your good wishes. I hope that my next forty years are as good as my first forty..where's my son? Oh, away with the army..well, enjoy some cake everyone and let's get back to business.

He blows out the candles and cuts the cake.
:birthday2:

[Askthepizzaguy]

With a scowl, the Turkish delegate palms himself a chunk of the cake and eats it without even a hint of a smile. A large glob of frosting is left in his mustache, but no one says anything.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

It seems there is no end to the flow of saliva jerking out of the Ayyubid's ambassador mouth. The cakes would fill his belly... Yes... He would be very happy indeed.

I...congratulate the Caliph for this most holy day. I... Do you mind if...

As more saliva falls on an unlucky Nubian slave, the Ambassador faints, surely overwhelmed. A witty slave runs for a cake, graps a large piece whose cream falls all over the ground and stuffs it in the titan's mouth. His eyes open to the suprise of many. There will be much rejoicing in the Ayyubid delegation.

[The Lemongate]

Without much pomp, a small Roman delegation enters the court. With somber elegance, the chief representative addresses the assembly:

The Levant is in chaos. The holy places of Christendom have been compromised by the reckless diplomacy of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and by the warmongering antics of his and various other nations.

Rome, could not stand idle and watch as the most sacred places of the world were left defenseless before the gaping maws of war.

Though it pains us to have to resort to such actions, we must inform the court that Rome has taken forceful measures to prevent that the Holy City of Jerusalem, where our Lord Jesus Christ took upon himself all the sins of Mankind, be despoiled by the ravages of war. Basileos Manuelos Megas Komnenos has lead his most experienced troops through a nearly bloodless march into the heart of the Levant. The garrisons of Tyre, Acre and Jerusalem were given a chance to surrender, which they refused. All captured soldiers were released after a few short battles and the cities and their inhabitants were left intact.

On this day, the Basileos of Rome, Shield of Christianity and Defender of the Church, fully assumes the mantle of Overlord of All Christendom and Protector of the Holy Places. Let any who dare profane the House of our Lord test his mettle against the mighty soldiers of the Empire.

Seeing how the Crusaders were unable to properly command the protection of the Holy Land, we intend to seize and hold all land surrounding the City of Heaven, from Oultrejourdain to Lebanon, from Jerusalem to Damascus. This area is now under protectorate from Rome. Any interference with our troops in that area will be considered an attack upon our sovereignty and upon the Holy Church of Konstantinopolis.

We assure every nation that all cities will be treated with as much consideration as Holy Jerusalem and would demand that such humanity be show by all belligerents in this senseless war.

Further, to prevent senseless bloodshed, we have sent envoys to King Baldwin, suggesting that he hand over his remaining settlements south of Lebanon to the care of the Basileos. We fully expect him to disagree, but given his present position, it his very unlikely that he will be able to oppose any serious force to Roman law and legions.

In the name of peace, we demand all nations to recognize the Roman protectorate as legitimate.

With a bow to the Caliph, the delegate sits at the Roman table.

[rossahh]

The ghost that floats amongst the chairs the delegation from Jerusalem once occupied, seethes with anger. Staring invisible daggers at the Romans, the ghost knows which bed chamber he'll be haunting tonight.


Sneaky Lemongate. Very, very sneaky. :thumbsdown:

[The Lemongate]

Suddenly a coterie of priest from Jerusalem enter the room to banish all ghosts in the name of the Pax Romana.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish delegate continues to scowl, but it seems as though a darkness has been lifted. He rises to speak:

The crimes of Rome in Armenia have been wiped clean. With their brave signing of the Peace Accords, and their even braver strike against the Catholic infidels who have disgraced the name of Christianity, I formally recognize their nation as a great and honourable one again, a defender of good nations, rather than the attacker thereof.

I have been granted permission by Kaikosru the Magnificent to formally call off the Jihad against Constantinople which had never been resolved, and now that Jerusalem has fallen, I hereby call off the Jihad against the Kingdom of Jerusalem itself as well, which had been called in secret.

We welcome Baldwin back into these chambers, because we are now in a position to bargain. Otherwise, let the Silver-faced One know that the Coalition is still at war with you, and is massing in the North. It seems a two-front war is coming.

Master Baldwin... you have fought gallantly. Now, it is finished. Surrender, and your lives will be spared.

Continue to wage this destructive conflict, and it is you who will be destroyed.

[rossahh]

Forced to depart, the ghost of Jerusalem deliberately glides through the lead Roman spokesman's body, causing the man to shiver violently

[The Lemongate]

Useless priests! Get me Ghostbusters on the phone right now!

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turkish delegate does not know what a "phone" is, but is most intrigued to hear about this new Roman invention. How does it work?

[The Lemongate]

State secret! Now bugger off!

The Roman delegate then proceeds to carefully install his aluminum foil helmet on his head and wanders off talking to the "Ghostbusters".

[Askthepizzaguy]

Preliminary conditions of Jerusalem independence:

1. Disbanding of a large portion of Jerusalem's standing army, in peace. In exchange for this, The Coalition will back off from the Syrian invasion.

2. Armenia is to claim Antioch.

3. Rome is to claim Jerusalem, and the port of Jaffa.

4. Turkey is to claim Aleppo and Malatya (if Armenia would graciously cede this to us)

All other lands will be returned to Jerusalem, and in time, we may even be willing to cede these claimed territories back to you. But we need your peaceful cooperation.

(The entire west has a lot of rebuilding to do, and that involves a lot of disbanding)

5. Turkey in particular is hurting financially. I ask for a simple tribute of 500 florins per turn. For this, we would be willing to turn back the (5) stacks of troops we have amassed against you. They will never trouble you again.

(Not that they have ever troubled you yet... lol)

We also ask that you declare neutrality in all foreign policy matters. For this, you will also gain our protection from invaders.

The more armies you are willing to disband, the shorter our occupation will be, because the fewer armies we will have to keep to check your power.

We need massive demilitarization in the West to sustain all our economies. If you agree to temporary occupation of your lands, minor tribute, and a demilitarization, I will run this by the allies and see what they think.

The objective was simply to win the war, not destroy Jerusalem. We think we can be partners someday, assuming you can be cooperative.

The Turks in particular believe that cooperation is superior to destruction... (looks to his Seljuk and Ghaznavid friends... oh, won't you spare the Shah? Can the Shah not also cooperate?)

When this is all over, any threat the Shah might have posed will be gone, Jerusalem will be reunited with their neighbors as a peaceful state, and the Ghorids... well... the Ghorids...

looks at the passed out ambassador on the floor, still reeking of rum and vomit, and cheap prostitutes...

I'm sorry, but the Ghorids must die. That's not even open for debate. I should note that these terms are Turkish terms, and not that of the Coalition, nor have they been approved by Rome. However, if something SIMILAR to this peace plan is worth your consideration, I will pass it along to the allies and see what they think.

If you feel the terms are too harsh, there can be trade-offs. Demilitarization and tribute for territory, and so forth. But the negotiation will still reflect a surrender on your part, so don't ask for too much. And we still have to occupy certain key provinces until we all can rebuild. This war has cost us all too much already.

Consider this carefully, sir. We are prepared to invade, and I have signed ever so many nations into the commitment to your demise that I feel, given even your formidible defenses, we can prevail.

It should be fun either way, but if the attack happens now, there will be no peace deal.

[The Lemongate]

The Roman delegate looks at the Turk with incredulity in his eyes.

Do not dare to speak for mighty Rome!

For one we consider our actions to be in the best interest of the people of the Levant. As for disbanding troops or even entrusting a weakened crusader army to take care of the holiest of cities is an absurdity. Jerusalem must be defended from all comers and by God it will!

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turk reminds the Roman delegate that he specifically stated that he did not speak for Rome.

I was merely attempting to see what conditions this Baldwin might have agreed to... to find out what the price of peace would be. Next time we will run the ideas by your delegation, but I was trying to do this before the session closes this evening.

(OOC- it's 12:35 am where I am)

[The Lemongate]

OOC: Eastern time here as well! I lord over the mighty city of Montreal! Mwuahahahaha... eeeh, OOC, right :embarassed:

[Askthepizzaguy]

Quote: South Park


And where, pray tell us, is this... "Montreal"?



(he laughs, as if "Montreal" were as fictitious as "Candyland")

[The Lemongate]

OOC: Well there is one in Oultrejourdain...

[Askthepizzaguy]

Attention all Coalition members:

Sultan Kaikosru, Commander of Coalition Armed Forces, is up for re-election in the Coalition Council. Please attend the summit and nominate your choice to run against me.

I've already nominated someone besides myself, just so I won't run unopposed, who I think is a competent leader, and has much sway in the East.

-Sultan Kaikosru

[rossahh]

A young man, no more than a boy really, enters the chamber alone. He is tired and dirty from the long trip, but he hurriedly takes the former chair of Jerusalem and, after reading the Turkish demands, begins to speak.


My apologies, good sires. I am fresh from Antioch and Prince Guy has authorised me to speak on the Kingdom's behalf.

We disagree with, or at least wish to clarify, 4 of your stated demands for a number of reasons:


1. Disbanding of a large portion of Jerusalem's standing army, in peace. In exchange for this, The Coalition will back off from the Syrian invasion.

How much of the army would you want to see disbanded? What if the army was removed from all of the bordering territories?

As a sign of good faith, we shall disband a portion of the army.


2. Armenia is to claim Antioch.

We would only accept this if the city's position was compromised strategically, which it is not, or if the transfer was guaranteed to be done peacefully (ooc: in game diplomacy) as the people have suffered enough already.


3. Rome is to claim Jerusalem, and the port of Jaffa.

Rome has already forcefully claimed Jerusalem, so I assume you wish us not to retake our capital, which the Prince has assured me is quite possible. That we are willing to accept. However we do not accept the loss of Jaffa. Rome has already taken Acre, and surely that serves the same purpose? (deny us a port)


4. Turkey is to claim Aleppo and Malatya (if Armenia would graciously cede this to us)

Malatya means nothing for these talks. Aleppo has already been sacked once already by Armenia and is of little value now, so why do you want it?


You and Rome have left many unanswered questions.

What of our other settlements? If Jaffa, Antioch, Jerusalem and Aleppo are the only ones in question does that mean that the Kingdom retains all other settlements?

Nearly every province would share a border with a hostile nation - how can demilitarisation work?

How long a 500 florin tribute to the Sultan?

What of the other coalition members and their demands?

How long are the negotiations to take place (ooc: is it this turn and that's it, as that would mean that we have 24/48 hours to do this)?

What of Rome's demands and the fate of the other settlements they have captured?


These must be addressed before talks can go forward. You must decide on a collective set of terms before the discussions can truly begin in ernest.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Indeed, and the strike happened so quickly that I don't believe we have a full set of terms to give you, certainly with Rome disagreeing on some major points. Speaking PURELY as the Turkish delegate:


1. Basically, we seek to limit Jerusalem's armies to something less threatening to our neighbors. One stack of elite troops maximum, distributed however you see fit, and the rest of your forces as garrison (tier one troops only).

The forces you have now are provocative, and they drain your own coffers, as well as ours to mass forces capable of repelling them.

We either need to disband massively, or you do, or both. The entire list of Turkish-only demands is based upon sustaining Turkish defense forces, not even taking away key Jerusalem provinces. As I recall, Hama and Aleppo are nearly worthless, and given Jerusalem's finances after some trimming of your military should meet our tribute demands until we no longer require your indulgence.

2. I would like Armenia to have Antioch, but I am speaking purely as the Turkish delegate now. Armenia has no buildings or infrastructure, and they badly need income. Even a loan of Antioch to their cause would be wonderful. But since I'm not demanding Antioch and I'm speaking for myself, I leave that to you and him.

3. Jerusalem and Acre, and any other provinces, I wished to leave under Roman control. However, I don't speak for Rome, so you must deal with him.

(Gosh, this would be so much easier if the Coalition and it's allies had a peace agreement we all agreed on.)

4. Malatya we were publicly asking of Armenia, as well as Aleppo, if we managed to get Antioch for them. That's a seperate issue, and I'm dropping that as part of Turkish demands, as I'm only allowed to speak for myself.

Turkey seeks Hama and Aleppo, plus the 500 florins per turn/approx 20 turns tribute to turn back our forces. However, if cease-fire/peace is not achieved with Rome and Armenia, the assault goes as planned. We will not divide our forces, we will either stand together in battle or leave the field together.

There would seem to be no immediate danger for Jerusalem this turn, so negotiations can concievably take place all week. Don't worry about that. We have plenty of time.

[rossahh]

As you obviously planned this attack collectively, in order for there to be a true and lasting peace, you will need to present terms as a collective. It makes no sense to negotiate with one party while another contradicts the terms of that peace.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Indeed I agree. You sought a clarification of the terms I had proposed which are no longer valid, and I've given you that. But we do need to reach an accord with Rome... hopefully in the coming week there will be such an accord. I also agree that you cannot accept seperate and conflicting terms from everyone, I was merely stating what Turkey would be interested in, for your information and that of my allies.

Perhaps if the Roman delegate would be so kind as to inform us of what they demand? And also bring Armenia into this discussion. As for the Turkish delegate, it's 4:15 AM and quite past his bedtime.

[rossahh]

you can present your terms tomorrow my time, I've got plenty of time to sit on the save and see what moves I need to make for peace

[Askthepizzaguy]

I doubt if everyone will reach an agreement this turn, so make whatever moves you feel appropriate for the situation. Our main forces should still be way out of range anyway, so likely not much will change to affect any peace deal we could arrive at.

In the meantime, the war continues I suppose. And Homer go sleep now. Fo realz this time.

[rossahh]

Looking visibly surprised, the boy stands and unfurls a scroll fresh from the Prince.

https://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4750/littlearmdeathxv5.jpg


Choking back on his words, the boy reads the message accompanying the scroll.

It seems the Prince has launched a special raid into Cilicia, killing the last Takavor himself. In the process, he has decided to sacrifice himself to the Turks.

Shaking his head I knew my Lord was courages, but this? This I did not know he had within him. He shall be long remembered for this sacrifice in the Kingdom. There's is no doubt about that.

[The Lemongate]

A look of utter glee appears on the Roman ambassador's features. He jolts up before the Latin "delegate" has even finished talking, clearly unable to hide his joy at the news:

Rome will not shed a tear for the Armenians. Cilicia is rightfully a Roman province. We have stated so for the last 5 years. Grand Duke Kontostephanos will immediately return with full legions to assert Roman authority.

[Ramses II CP]

On hearing the boy's words the emissary of the Rajputs looks up with disappointment and sadness in his eyes.

It is with deep regret that we greet this terrible news of the end of the Armenian people. Alas, it would seem that it is ever the fate of weaker people to become victims and subjects of the stronger. In truth I am often given to wondering if this is not a consequence of the odd way of making war practiced by those in the west; a war without the clear, simple massing of forces for a single decisive battle.

Glancing at the Ghorid diplomat the Rajput man shakes his head.

In any event we mourn the loss of the Armenian legacy. The Maharaja would like to offer to donate funds for the construction of a museum of Armenian history. Perhaps somewhere in Georgia or even on Roman lands.

May their god grant them a peaceful transition and a worthy place in the next life!

:egypt:

[Askthepizzaguy]

Armenia's death is but an omen for Jerusalem... may they die as quickly and painlessly.

:viking:

Turkey now formally invites Rome into the Coalition of Freedom, given the destruction of one of our allies, with full membership and voting rights, as well as a seat at the table in our secret meetings. With allied approval, of course.

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The Ayyubid ambassador rises from his legendary chair, red with fury:

What is this ??? War ? War ? More war ?

The Levant did not need to be forced into surrender. Peace was possible...

Foolish... you are all foolish.

May Allah grant us mercy, for we all are unworthy of his magnificence.

The Ayyubids condemn the Roman occupation of the Holy Lands. We ask the Emperor to treat its people with justice and integrity, and protect both Christian AND Muslim Holy Sites.

The Ayyubids also condemn the Coalition of Freedom, for plotting the fall of Jerusalem with Constantinople, and for massing its troops near the Levant's borders.

Is this act of aggression a sign of things to come ? We will retain an amiable relationship with our Turkish, Omani and Seljuk brothers, for they are Muslims and blessed by Allah, but we firmly condemn the rats of Armenia and Georgia. News of the passing of the Takavor will not bring any tears from the Ayyubids. (OOC: it does bring tears but I'm too proud to admit it :) ).

Looking at the Georgians:

If your Jesus knows anything about integrity, honor and justice, he will smite your nation to the ground. Jerusalem and Armenia paid a heavy price for striking their own brothers. Cower in fear, for your Jesus and God will not come to help you, but to blow you into the wind.


Looking at the Assembly:

Ambassadors, we fear the recent events may pick up the interest of the Europeans, and the Pope.

You may have doomed us all...


Our Sultan is still unaware of these events, as he is still campaigning in Africa. Steady your feet, ambassadors, for our Sultan's anger will tremble the very ground upon which you walk.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Ayyubid ambassador rises from his legendary chair, red with fury:

What is this ??? War ? War ? More war ?

The Levant did not need to be forced into surrender. Peace was possible...

Foolish... you are all foolish.

May Allah grant us mercy, for we all are unworthy of his magnificence.

The Ayyubids condemn the Roman occupation of the Holy Lands. We ask the Emperor to treat its people with justice and integrity, and protect both Christian AND Muslim Holy Sites.

The Ayyubids also condemn the Coalition of Freedom, for plotting the fall of Jerusalem with Constantinople, and for massing its troops near the Levant's borders.

Is this act of aggression a sign of things to come ? We will retain an amiable relationship with our Turkish, Omani and Seljuk brothers, for they are Muslims and blessed by Allah, but we firmly condemn the rats of Armenia and Georgia. News of the passing of the Takavor will not bring any tears from the Ayyubids. (OOC: it does bring tears but I'm too proud to admit it :) ).

Looking at the Georgians:

If your Jesus knows anything about integrity, honor and justice, he will smite your nation to the ground. Jerusalem and Armenia paid a heavy price for striking their own brothers. Cower in fear, for your Jesus and God will not come to help you, but to blow you into the wind.


Looking at the Assembly:

Ambassadors, we fear the recent events may pick up the interest of the Europeans, and the Pope.

You may have doomed us all...


Our Sultan is still unaware of these events, as he is still campaigning in Africa. Steady your feet, ambassadors, for our Sultan's anger will tremble the very ground upon which you walk.

The Turk looks at the Ayyubid delegate:

Surely you mean when you walk, it will cause the earth beneath our feet to tremble?

I see no reason whatsoever for the Ayyubids to pipe up here... you refused to support the Coalition against Jerusalem aggression, and you have also apparently refused to defend Jerusalem as well. Should you wish to stay neutral, then sit down, and stay neutral.

We thank you for your assistance against Rome, and it is only because of this that we do not take your tacit approval of Jerusalem's aggression as proof of something more sinister, and that we do not consider you to be allied with them. I don't think you will find many delegates here besides yourself in support of Jerusalem, either.

Let any here who wish to defend Jerusalem speak now, or forever hold your peace.

[Ferret]

The Ghorid ambassador rises

The Ferrets will support Jerusalem, though not militarily due to distance but morally, you are not alone in suffering from the aggression of the coalition.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Turkish ambassador nods,

As expected. Although the aggression you speak of is in response to your own. As are all of the actions of all Coalition members.

Now that we have a Ghorid/Ferret ambassador who isn't passed out to speak to, perhaps you would be willing to discuss your own terms of peace?

[Ferret]

I am sorry at the moment the communications with my Sultan are cut due to the GhaZims killing my messengers and though I am confident enough to support Jerusalem I cannot make peace with the infidel without the Sultan's approval.

OOC:wait until the summer :clown: though I have a little free time now it is random and the exams are just getting started...

edit:which means I can't play the turns, I could make a peace deal but I'm not sure of the current situation and how happy phonics would be, or even whether I want peace.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Im considering taking another vow of silence because I never, ever seem to shut up.

OOC- Alrighty, well remember that PM is subbing for you, and it doesn't really matter how he wants to approach the situation, it's your faction after all. No offense PM~

Considering that the Rajputs are still standing after some couple Ghorid stacks bit the desert sand, and that the GhaZims are equally victorious in the west against lead Ghorid stacks, perhaps you might want to consider a peace deal.

However, I've been recently reminded that I'm a spokesperson for the Turks only, and you have to make such deals with the Rajputs and the GhaZims, not Turkey. Though I'd be happy to mediate the discussion.

Otherwise, it is the policy of the Turks that the Ghorids be destroyed for their warlike ways, and we're ready to give everything to our Coalition allies to achieve this goal.

:medievalcheers:

Try to keep the alcohol out of the Caliph's chambers will you? The last Turkish ambassador and the one before him both seemed to succumb to the drink... and your own didn't fare too well either.

[Ferret]

OOC:well you better give some more to the GhaZims 'cos last time I checked I was winning on that front, most of his forces were in the West. I would be happy to make peace with them though as they are Muslim, but the Rajputs must be eradicated no matter how many men die.

[Askthepizzaguy]

If the Rajputs are erradicated, so too shall be the Ghorid Ferrets.

And with that, I am now taking a vow of silence... contact me via pm if anyone wants to talk.

[Ferret]

by Allah those Turks are mighty fools, don't you just hate them? I could sit here talking about them all day and not run out of insults, all of them true as well. They seem to think they are the masters of the world and can dictate who lives and who dies, shameful really as they can't even beat an old worn out Empire, and let there closest allies dissappear for personal profit, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if it was a Turkish army that finished off Armenia, I bet that sneaky Sultan of theirs was desperate to get his hands on ex-Armenian lands, and remove the hefty debt he wouldn't stop monaing about.

too bad you can't reply :clown:

seriously though, talking is good, please don't shut up :beam:

[Askthepizzaguy]

Oh very well, if you insist.

It gives me great pleasure to hear the insults of the Ghorid Ferrets, because it is the only weapon they have left with which they can strike at their foes. Lo and behold their attempts at conquest of the righteous nations of the world have fallen to dust like so many Ghorid ambassadors have fallen to the drink.

Pious Muslims indeed... hah. Where is it written in the Holy Koran that we must make war upon the infidels? Did you even attempt peaceful conversion of the Hindus? Did you once attempt to offer them dhimmitude and service to the greater Muslim empire? Did you once consult with your Muslim brothers before attempting to wipe innocent people off of the face of this earth?

You feel you are at peace with Allah for your crimes, but that is not reflected on the battlefield. The cursed Ferretate of Ghur has been cast out of heaven and out of Allah's sight, and pray that this remains so, for he will smite you O leader of the Heretic Muslim extremists for your sinister ways.

We however have offered cultural exchange and peace with the Hindus, that the peaceful light of Islam may enlighten them, as their strange ways may also enlighten us. Surely you do not believe that Islam is so weak a religion that if given the choice, free people will choose to remain an infidel? Are you afraid of free exchange of ideas, or competition?

You who would force a PERVERTED version of Islam upon our friends, or slay them all in the process, are the ones who are the infidels who deserve to be destroyed.

So slander us if you must, you slimy, stinking, filthy, rancid, sinful, lecherous, lusty, greedy, despicable liar and betrayer of men! But remember this, you drowned weasel...

The Turk stands up and bellows

YOU WILL NEVER LIVE TO SEE THE DAY THE RAJPUTS ARE DESTROYED!!! BY THE HOLY BEARD OF ALLAH, I WILL CUT YOUR THROAT, INFIDEL!!!

Ululating, the Turkish ambassador draws his sword, and pushes his way through the Ghorid bodyguards who were caught napping, and he grabs the Ghorid Ferret by the throat and raises his sword to smite the infidel...

Just then the Caliph's Ghulam guards hoist the Turk off of the Ferret and disarm him, and drag him out of the chamber by force. Were it not for diplomatic immunity, the Turkish ambassador would surely have been killed then and there.

[Ferret]

The Ghorid ambassador goes red and quickly leaves the chambers, those who see him leave notice a wet patch start to form around his groin.

A ferret clerk sighs in the background, wondering what kind of a nation he belongs to.

[TheFlax]

Looking at the Georgians:

If your Jesus knows anything about integrity, honor and justice, he will smite your nation to the ground. Jerusalem and Armenia paid a heavy price for striking their own brothers. Cower in fear, for your Jesus and God will not come to help you, but to blow you into the wind.

The Georgian envoy seems suprised at these word.

I fear the recent offering of cake has addled the brain of the Ayyubid ambassador. What brothers of ours have we struck? While it is true we fought the Romans in short battle some time ago, we do not see how it is relevant to this attack on Jerusalem. Is this another choice personal attack our kingdom? For someone who is pretending to be neutral, you sure know how to make enemies quickly...

He ends his retort with a glare.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Perhaps the honourable Ayyubid delegate AND his grotesquely large ass need to go on a diet and stop eating so much cake!

The Turk replied as he is finally dragged through the chamber doors.

[rossahh]

Watching the Ghorid and Turk go back forth, the boy waits for his chance. Finally, during a lull, he stands


What of the peace talks? Where do we stand now?


you said continue as if the war was was still going, so I did

[Askthepizzaguy]

obviously still struggling with the ghulam guards, the Turk pokes his head back into the chamber

I'll need to get back to you on that...

and the Turk is dragged away.

[The Lemongate]

The Roman delegate stands up to address the court:

Rome does not see itself as an aggressor per see in the present conflict. We have not attacked any crusader army and have spared all the settlements we captured from the chaos of open war. If we had had greedy intentions, we would have simply sacked our way through the Levant.

Indeed, Rome is a protector of the Holy Places. And for such a protection to be effective, we need a stable territorial claim on the area surrounding Jerusalem.

In the eyes of the Basileos, this includes the entire coast from Tripoli to Jaffa and extends inland as far as Kerak and Damascus. We strongly doubt that the Crusaders or the other belligerent in this war can pose any significant threat to our claims. We would rather establish this protectorate peacefully, but if the tiny crusader militias currently holding the southern settlements resist, they shall be removed though Rome pledges to give full quarter to those who surrender.

Furthermore, we reiterate our claim on Cilicia. As the only other party who can argue is the Sultanate of Ikonion, we shall deal with them in private on this matter.

We do not seek to speak for any other participant in this unfortunate conflict.

[rossahh]

You are talking about the deaths of hundreds of our soldiers, and the end of our nation in general. Given the Turk's claims in the north, we would be left with only Tartus and Homs. That would be unacceptable to us.

You seem to forget that our armies can march straight back into the lands to the south and cleanse your presence long before you can land reinforcements. Think about that before you demand all you cannot have.

[Askthepizzaguy]

A fourth diplomat arrives from Turkey:

I would tend to agree that the peace plans laid out by the Romans is unacceptable. In order for Jerusalem to even consider the Roman offer, the Turkish Sultanate would have to withdraw all its claims, just to give Jerusalem space to exist.

Turkey would like to propose it's terms, which have been modified since the fall of Armenia, and inform other nations that we claim Cilicia and northern Syria.

-Antioch, Aleppo,
-tribute of 500/turn, 20 turns
-vassalage (10 turns)
-trade rights

This is by no means a final set of terms. Everything here is negotiable.

[rossahh]

We counter offer to both Rome and the Turks, the only ones we are officially at war with:

-Jerusalem, Acre, Tyre, Kerak and Baalbeck to Rome.

-Aleppo and Hama to the Turks.

-Tripoli, Tartus, Antioch, Damascus and Homs to be retained by Jerusalem. In that way we have a continuos border and no provinces isolated.

-That said, Jaffa is to be retained by Jerusalem.


-No border settlements (therefore all of Jerusalem's) shall contain more than 5 units.

-Jaffa shall contain no more than 3 units.

-Jerusalem's standing army in the Levant will be downsized to no more than 30 units (but only 5 per settlement, therefore some must be in forts out of the towns).


-Trade rights to both.

-Vassalage to Rome (ooc: they have a far bigger chunck than you do or will anytime soon).

-Tribute of 500 for 20 turns to the Turks.


-Prince Guy is forfiet (ooc: you'll understand when you see where he is).

[Askthepizzaguy]

I personally think this is reasonable, but:

Would prefer Antioch over the tribute and Hama.

So, I counter-offer same terms, but instead of Hama and 500/20 turns, Antioch.

That said, Rome still has to sign off on the deal, and (turning to the roman ambassador) he and I will discuss Cilicia amongst ourselves.

[rossahh]

The boy looks uneasy


Antioch would be our new Capital and is the only worthy city from which we can rebuild. Also, without Antioch we would forever be easy pickings for anyone who wished to eliminate us as our lands would be terribly open to attack.