Broken Crescent 2: RoPG (IC diplomacy thread)

A man wearing the colors of the Malikat of Sindh, robes dusty from travel, enters the room.

Greetings, he bows to the Latin delegate, I thank my Frankish friends for sending my nation an invitation to join this Council, and apologize for my tardiness. My nation is very remote, and we are not rich in horses or carriages with which to send our delegates long distances.

I am somewhat worried to hear that in my absence other nations have been deciding the fate of my own. Whether we prosper or are destroyed we would like to think we have some say in the fortunes of our people.

We would like to repudiate the Maharaj's claim of lordship over us, and extend a hand of friendship to all People's of the Book, especially our Ghorid, Omani, and Ghazni neighbors. We will not be laying claim to extensive tracts of land, although we ask leave to take at least a few of the rebel settlements in our region. I hope we can live at peace with all the nations whose representatives sit at this council.

Bowing, the Sindhi delegate sits back down.

Suddenly the aide from the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem, seated at the Kypchak table, stands up and reads from a scroll, as if ordered to, in halting tones and feigned belligerence.

Ahem...

"We the mighty... Kypchak hordes. had. forseen this... uh, day when our leader..." Uh... I can't quite make out the name... "Our leader had a vision that. the Malikate of Sindh would one day. Rise. To take over the entire fertile crescent."

Does the leader of the khaganate really talk like this?

The Latin delegate continues awkwardly.

"Indeed, the great and powerful Malikate of... Sindh will one day rise and shatter the forces of... the Caliphate with the massive forces of... Oman supporting them."

Wait a second... this looks like Roman handwriting. This isn't really from the Khaganate is it?

The Roman delegate is seen snickering. Embarrassed, the latin delegate sits down and turns red, and eyes the Roman delegate angrily.

The radiant blue robes flutter slightly as the Seljuk laughs silently at the spectacle. There's nothing the man likes to see more than Christians squabbling amongst themselves.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zim

We will not be laying claim to extensive tracts of land...

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At the words "extensive tracts of land" Sheik Ahmed's mind wanders off. His eyes glaze and a contented smile rises to his features. His hands caress absentmindedly the huge watermelons in a emerald-encrusted fruit bowl at his side. Rising at once he stammers:

Ahem! ... Dear delegates I shall humbly take my leave from this chamber for today. I must attend to the uh... lodging of my wives who have accompanied me to this most chaste Cit... I mean HOLY City! I have to manage ahem... huge... tracks of land.

And uh... the Caliph would condemn any aggression on the small but proud Sindhi people of India... We... This will all be discussed tomorrow.

As-salaamu aaikum friends!

Nearly taking the petal-thrower and the bell-ringers by surprise, the Sheik briskly exits the chamber. Obviously he is a very busy man.

A slight smell of incense still remains about the Abbasid delegation's table.

A group enters the chamber and their leader hands a letter to the latin delegation speaking a few words in french, one of the latins departs with the letter and important look on his face, their leader then addresses the room

I am Shariq Omar, ambassador to this court and Jerusalem of the Ayyubid dynasty of Eygpt and the great and wise sultan Saladin.
You may deal with me, as though dealing with Saladin himself, my words will represent the Ayyubids here.

We are already in negotiation with our neighbours regarding teritorial boundaries, our claims that all here should know about are the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, we will watch over these cities of the blessed prophet, and protect all muslim piligrims during their Hajj.

My lords, in order to avoid confusion the shah of Ghazni has instructed me to inform you honourable men that he stakes claim to the lands of Bost, Firuzkuh, Khandahar and Herat at this point in time. If any man has issues with the shah's decree he may take up his argument with me.

' The Shah of Khwarezm sends word of peace to his neighbours in Ghazni and Rayy. May our nations live in peace and prosperity. He also wishes to announce that the caring hand of the Shah will be extended to Astrakhan and Gorgan in the west, Birjand in the south and Balkh and Samarqand in the east. If any nation has any objections to the claims, feel free to contact us and negotiate. '

The Archbishop William of Tyre arrives in the main chamber after meeting with the Ayyubid's messenger, and speaks.

While I don't necessarily approve of some of the plans of our top generals, I tend to agree that the presence of the Ayyubids on all sides of our borders is provocative and needs to be addressed. Without an alliance, we cannot have a double front with the Ayyubids.

I don't wish to start a war over some meaningless territorial dispute. I am entering another round of negotiations with the Ayyubids... I want to avoid war at all costs, but the rather large price for the territories in the region was more than we can afford. I wish to inform all the ambassadors here that our claims to Damascus and Homs are not indicative of a policy of aggression or conquest.

If there were a way to maintain the security of our nation without claiming these former provinces of our own nation, our generals would not be advising that such a move would be necessary. I bring this matter before the assembly in the hopes that open dialog will promote understanding.

Surely the others in the council can see why a non-contiguous Ayyubid Empire to our north and south is an intolerable situation for our nation. It's not sustainable for us, and it's not sustainable for the Ayyubids. If they were attacked from the north by a hypothetical belligerent power, they would have to send reinforcements through our lands. We cannot sustain the defense of our nation when a large power of unknown intent surrounds our tiny nation and is prepared to launch an attack from both sides in just one season's time.

We understand that the Ayyubids have reason to want to keep as much territory as possible, and the loss of income and the reduction of territory is a a rather large favor. That is why we have offered to renounce all claims to Arabia, offered a defensive pact, trade rights, map exchanges, free passage through our territory to our southern border, promises not to build churches in the region, nor pillage or sack the provinces, and treat the muslims there with the same respect that we treat the honoured citizens of our kingdom. We already have a large Muslim minority who are well treated.

I am prepared to sweeten the deal. I would offer half the tribute they requested per turn, as well as any florins obtained through the confiscation of stolen goods (occupation, not sacking) from the rebel warlords and criminals in Antioch and Aleppo, immediately upon capture.

I would however suggest that the period of time they offered for tribute every turn is far too long. I propose that if at any time we can offer them a lump sum of 2500 gold, the regular tribute will be cancelled instead.

1) So, 500 per turn indefinitley until we can pay a lump sum of 2500,
2) free passage out of our lands,
3) alliance (defensive only),
4) trade rights,
5) the renunciation of all Jerusalem's claims to Africa and southern Arabia (including the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina) for as long as there exists a peace between us,
6) Demilitarization of our southern border in exchange for similar demilitarization of their northern border,
7) The usual pledge of no spies or any other agents in their lands which do not have explicit permission to be there

While it's far short of their demands in terms of total florins asked, it's a reasonable and realistic offer. We ask that they consider it and let us know before the season begins for us.

I am wondering if we could get some international support from my other friends in this matter. If anyone can offer us some small amount of gold to sweeten the pot for the Ayyubids, this deal can be conducted peacefully and bring stability and security to the region. For that, I will owe my other friends a favor or a generous repayment if my nation ever escapes it's utter poverty.

(OOC- we start the game losing florins every turn, so our only options are to disband or expand, and we would need to expand before we are comfortable disbanding.)

We are also offering the Ayyubids one free pass for a merchant to take advantage of our resources without having to pay an export surcharge. We understand our resources are of great value to other nations, and in order to be friendly, some nations are being offered free access of one merchant, conditional that they do not disrupt the trade of other merchants in the region, or else they will be expelled diplomatically, or by force if necessary.

The nation of Sindh would like to claim the rebel settlements of Kolachee, Bela, Quetta, and Sukkur, and begin negotiations with the Shah of Ghazni over the remaining unclaimed rebel lands between us.

*The Ayyubid ambassador has a thoughtful, though slightly annoyed look on his face whilst considering this proposal*

Though we do admire the latin kingdoms openness in this regard, questions must be asked...
..2500 florins?
for Damascus?
for the grand mosque of Damascus?
your missing a 0 on the end of that aren't you?
we will agree to your terms for no less than 15,000 lump sum...
and you'd be suprised how well Eygptian troops can move through the desert to be frank.

We propose a new deal, we will keep Syria, including Hama, which is currently under the rule of a petty gang... but instead of such a complicated process, in which we would always think you are getting more from the deal than us, we will pay your deficit in full, until you start to make a profit.
Obviously we wont pay you to build an army, or even elements thereof, since our generals have reported your current one is quite considerable in power.
However, so long as buildings cannot be used for military purposes, we shall foot the bill for you, in this new deal.
Since the kingdom of Jerusalem already owns all of christianity's holy sites, I see no reason why they should take an offensive posture in Syria.
In addition to that, an alliance shall be signed, to secure our, what would be considerable investments, and to prevent any attack on either faith's holy site's.

*the ambassador continues more quietly*
unless of course you turn out to be completely useless with economic matters, use our money for building an army or bases for it, or we can't afford one turn, in which case you'll get the money when we can afford it (probably the turn after).
The fact that you have so many coastal castles doesn't help, but thats your decision I suppose.

*back to usual volume*
Alternatively, your terms would be fully acceptable if you hand Kerak over to us, it is in Arabia after all... and we dont trust that Reynald fellow.... or that Prince Guy as a matter of fact.....

(ooc: first kingdom of heaven, subtle reference :joker:)

The subtle tinting of bells and not-so-subtle calls of "Allahu Akbar" announce the return of Sheik Ahmed ibn-Ali ibn-Khalid ibn-Nasr of Basra, the humble representative of the Caliph of Baghdad, petal throwers, incense-bearers and other assorted retinue in tow.

To everyone's surprise, the Sheik is also accompanied by single, white goat. The sturdy little animal makes a dash for the fruit bowls installed for the delegates' convenience before sprawling with a yawn at the foot of the Ghorid diplomat.

As-salaamu Alaikum dear friends!

This morning I went wandering around town and I stumbled upon this adorable little creature, may Allah watch over her! I believe it is one of the goats brought up from Afghanistan by our Ghorid friends! Don't you think she would make a fine addition to this court? A perfect specimen! Pearl white in color and such energy!

He sighs as his imams intone: Alhamdulillah!

Seeing as you were discussing the fate of Damascus, I must permit myself to humbly side with the Ayyubid delegate. Damascus is one of the holiest cities of Islam. Already the Crusaders occupy Jerusalem. Though their rule is benevolent, the Caliph would surely not appreciate seeing another great Muslim city be ruled by Christians. It is a matter of principle and faith, not base economics.

But let us forget these quarrels for now and marvel at the vitality of this most wonderful animal!

Having said that, the Sheik orders one of his servants to throw grapes and other little fruits to the goat, obviously to the great joy of the animal.

*The Ayyubid diplomat is seen licking his lips whilst looking at the goat, clearly wondering if it would make a nice kebab filling, with the right vegetables and spices of course, it could not be more obvious that he hadn't heard a word the calph's representative said, but his entourage are nodding happily in agreement, which most people take as the official line on this*

The Ghorid diplomat looks quite surprised to see the little animal. He makes a gentle, subvocal clucking sound which perks up the goat's ears and causes it to turn in his direction, whereupon he holds out his hand, cupped down. The little goat scampers over and nuzzles the hand, nudging it over to find some little morsel of food concealed within.

Indeed, this may well be one of the ones we brought south. I will speak with my retainers, but most likely this is one of the extras we brought to account for, ahem, natural wastage during the journey, which escaped and ran free. If so, truly it is blessed of Allah, for my herdsmen could track a lizard over a mountain top rather than let it escape from my Sultan's ownership.

No matter, let the creature entertain my fellow emissaries as they will. I will guarantee with my life that the King here recieves the full and correct total sent by the Sultan.

So saying, the Ghorid emissary bows very low towards the man from Jerusalem, and makes another low sound which causes the goat to walk quickly and warily away from his side.

:egypt:

Quote:

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Alternatively, your terms would be fully acceptable if you hand Kerak over to us, it is in Arabia after all... and we dont trust that Reynald fellow.... or that Prince Guy as a matter of fact.....

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The Archbishop William of Tyre consults with his negotiators




We cannot match the 15,000 florin offer either... such a large amount could be used to raise arms against us.

We would counter with the following:
The very same terms as before, plus the castle of Kerak thrown in. We are most willing to cede this province intact, with all the buildings there untouched, provided you do the same with Damascus and Homs.

500 per turn until a lump sum of 2500 is paid, Alliance, trade rights, demilitarization of our mutual borders. Also, we offer two free passes for merchant traders into our lands with no surcharge, in exchange for two free passes for merchants to trade in your lands, and the same pledge of no spies or other agents without authorization. Also, if I can convince my other friends in the region to grant me some gold as a loan, I will throw that on top.

This is more than we can truly afford, but it is what we have to offer. The counter-offer suggesting that you keep Syria interferes with our claims there, and thus would not be acceptable. The entire idea of this deal is that Jerusalem and the Ayyubids will have only one border to be concerned with.

As for the Caliph's concerns regarding Damascus, the Mosque will remain intact and under the guard of a full compliment of all-Muslim soldiers who are on our royal payroll. Christians will not even be permitted to enter the mosque, and the city will remain open to all Muslim travellers who arrive unarmed. The city itself was only just recently a Christian possession, and there is a large percentage of Christians who reside in the settlement. So I believe it would be possible for the Holy sites in Jerusalem and Damascus to remain open to Muslims, while the Muslim holy sites in Mecca, Medina, and elsewhere will remain closed to Christian travellers.

So, the same terms as before, plus an extra merchant pass and the castle of Kerak. We are pleased that we can negotiate in good faith with the wise and honourable Muslim delegates, whom I have only the highest respect for. They know the language of diplomacy, which is more than I can say for some who have come to this gathering.

Although we have yet to reach an agreement, I hope you will consider our offers in good faith and not end the bartering process prematurely.

The Archbishop is pleased that negotiations in good faith seem to be more effective than threats of military force, which the Archbishop despises. He yields the floor to the other delegates.

The sound of trumpets are heard, and a blue carpet is rolled down the main aisle. A large contingent of decorated palace guards in full dress regalia march down the sides of the aisle, and Prince Guy enters the chamber. He addresses the assembled guests.

Ambassadors,

It has come to my attention that Reynald and myself have had suspicions thrown about regarding our character and good name. For however long King Baldwin IV rules this great land, I will follow his lead and implement his policies. The Ayyubids have nothing to fear from me, and there is no reason to distrust me or my honoured colleague.

I ask that we be granted a chance to prove our honour and worth to this assembly on the battlefield, not against righteous Muslim or even Christian armies, but against the hive of scum and villainy to our north in the lawless expanse of Syria. These rebels will continue to raid our lands and disrupt trade between our great Kingdoms, and until they are dispatched, peaceful business cannot be concluded between the Kingdoms in Anatolia in the west and the Sultanates and Caliphate in the east.

As mentioned previously, any unarmed and innocent civilians will not be harmed when we bring them back into the fold, and we will be more than willing to discuss the peaceful transfer of power in those regions to interested Kingdoms at the bargaining table. We don't wish to establish an expansionist empire, but to secure our borders, cut the throats of the criminals who will not obey the laws of the land, and make peaceful relations with all Kingdoms.

As this august body is assembled here in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and our commitment to peace and cooperation has been made plain, we would not be interested in picking fights with other nations, only creating defensive pacts for the security of all.

Any who have not been contacted already regarding terms of cooperation, peace, and prosperity; it is only because our diplomats have been dispatched by camel and it will take some time to reach you. We would be willing to discuss matters with the delegates already assembled here.

I am leaving now to secure our northern border from the raiders and rebels in the region. I leave the delicate matters of diplomacy to our wise and accomplished scholar, the saintly Archbishop of Tyre, who has been left in charge of domestic matters in the absence of myself and the King.

God be praised, for an agreement with the Ayyubids, whom we have come to greatly admire and respect on the field of battle, is nearly at hand. Should this deal be reached and executed in good faith, it will truly mark the beginning of a restoration of trust and peace between Muslims and Christians, and will set a precedent of cooperation and diplomacy over matters of state rather than the almost instinctive use of arms whenever there is a dispute.

May God show us all the path towards peace and understanding.

Prince Guy of Lusignan exits with his entourage, trumpeters blaring, palace guards marching in unison, and the blue carpet is rolled back up. Finally, after the entire group has left, a lone palace servant is seen sweeping up the hall, dressed in tattered rags, who grumbles about his lot in life and his distaste for royalty, in a rather anticlimactic end to a flourishing exit.

Five Makurian men enter the chamber and after sitting down and drinking the Largest of the group and one other, a strangely small man stand up. The Larger begins speaking in their native tongue while the smaller stands in back and acts as a translator.

"May the Peace of the Lord be with you, we have traveled very far to this Holy City of Jerusalem bearing the Gifts of Peace and Trade Rights in the Name of our King Negus Melku. We offer this gift to all nations, Christian of Muslim. We only wish to make claim to the Provinces of Axum, Meroe, Debarwa, Qasr Ibrim, and possibly Siwa and Massawa. We have already talked about Aswan and if any other besides the Ayyubids and ourselves takes it, then they will be considered enimies of us and our people. If their are any objections to these claims than I implore you to raise them now."

With that they both takes their seats, waiting for any kind of reply.

The Georgian ambassador cannot hide a snicker, and perhaps louder than he intends to, speaks to one of his personal bodyguards. "The prince's got quite the view of himself, eh?". Perhaps too late he realizes just how loud he spoke and stands awkwardly, feeling the eyes of those around upon him.

Uh.. Yes, as I was saying.. the Georgian delegation would be very interested in seeing just how this Prince Guy conducts himself at war. After all, what is a better way to bring out either the best and worst of us than war upon ruffians and brigands? Indeed, one way or another we may see his true colors should this campaign of his be allowed to commence!

Feeling a bit embarrassed, the ambassador takes his seat once more.


(ooc edit for clarification.)

Silence follows the Georgian's words. The Seljuk emissary suddenly breaks the silence by giving the Georgian a enthusiastic round of applause. As his clapping echoes around the now thoroughly-stunned chamber, the man in blue calls out loudly "Well said, my friend, well said". Oblivious to the multitude of eyes now staring at him, the man in blue leans back in his chair with a sigh and smirk on his face. Seeing the eyes of the chamber upon him, he frowns. Shrugging his shoulders, he asks "What?"

The young Latin chairman stands at the podium and follows the Seljuk's applause with that of his own.

Yes, friends of the assembly... let us prove ourselves to you. We realize that trust is earned, not given away, so allow us to earn it. Jerusalem's armies are perhaps troubling to some, as well as our intentions to reunite ourselves with our brothers in Damascus, but rather than talk flowery words and then take what we desire in an unprovoked assault, we have chosen the path of cooperation, of diplomacy. We have extended the hand of friendship to everyone here, and that offer is genuine. History will record that Jerusalem will from this point on always side with the just and the righteous, not the bullies or the tyrants, no matter who they are. We vow to treat all nations with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Let Guy of Jerusalem prove himself honourable, when he defeats the rebels in Syria and grants those lands back to their rightful owners. Who would oppose us in this endeavor?

It is my hope that how we handle the Damascus dispute with the Ayyubids will show the assembly how we are prepared to resolve with words any issue our nations have. We continue to grant our friends in Egypt concession after concession, hoping that we can reach an honourable agreement. Our desire for peace is genuine.

We have even offered the Ayyubids a way to retain Damascus and Homs, to prove that our desire to be reunited with our brothers is not paramount... there is a way we can reach the desired peace without any territorial exchange for now. Peace and cooperation is more important to us than even these vital settlements.

The latin chairman bows to the Ayyubid delegate, and once again yields the floor.

Frowning at the Latin's young delegate


Who are these "brothers" you are talking about? Damascus has always been a city of Islam. Though yes, for a time (before your kingdom rashly attacked them) they were loyal allies of you Latins, the people within those walls were no more your brothers than the Romans are mine. Do not forget that while cooperation between Christian and Muslim is always possible, there will also always be differences.

And, at least from our perspective, a measly sum of money for one of the holiest cities in all Islam is not a fair bargain. We hope that our brothers do not surrender the city for naught but trinkets.

Well, as much as we are saddened by your position, Seljuk delegate, we did bring this private matter into the public realm, so we will humbly take note of your disapproval and hope this will not affect our relations on other matters.

So long as the Ayyubids accept and honour any deal we make, that is what is most important, and I would hope that if they profit from the deal, you will be supportive and happy for them.

Standing this time


While the reality of the situation and peace might force matters through no matter what, we mearly hope that our brothers and Islam itself are shown the proper respect that's due to them. If the transition of control of the city takes place, we simply wish for our brothers to be compensated adequately for their great loss, no more.


With a low and enlongated bow to the Latin chair, the emissary sits down again

Honoured Seljuk delegate, your position is clearer to us now.

Yes, we do not want the Ayyubids to feel pressured into accepting any raw deal. We want a lasting peace, so we have entered this multiple-round negotiation process publicly and in good faith, and I feel given the Ayyubid delegate's last offer, which involved the castle of Kerak on top of our prior offer, we have now reached an honourable middle ground that both sides can profit from.

We will always treat the Muslims there, as well as the Muslims here, with only the greatest care, dignity, and honesty.

The latin chair bows very respectfully toward the Seljuk and smiles warmly, and re-opens the floor.

*All this talk of the Ayyubids has made a few in the room turn to his seat, which the goat is currently occupying, all of the Ayyubid delegation bar a notetaker are absent*

EDIT: Negotiations resumed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 00jebus

*All this talk of the Ayyubids has made a few in the room turn to his seat, which the goat is currently occupying, all of the Ayyubid delegation bar a notetaker are absent*

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Such a lovely little animal!

The Makurians rise again,
"Our King has decided that we will pledge 500 florins to the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Ayyubids in their land agreement so as to promote peace in our area, we hope this money we give to the Kingdom of Jerusalem will be used well and in the name of peace. We support any agreement that will keep both parties happy."

The Latin delegate breaks out into shouts of glee

We greatly welcome the honourable Makurian delegate's pledge to assist us in settling this matter with the Ayyubids. To be honest, such generosity was quite unexpected. We are adding the 500 florins to the top of the pile and restating the agreed upon terms here for the Ayyubid delegate to sign:

TREATY OF DAMASCUS

turn 1: The Kingdom of Jerusalem camps outside Damascus, sends a diplomat to the Ayyubids with terms to hand Kerak over for Homs, and trade rights.

turn 2: Ayyubids accept, KoJ moves army into Homs, and asks for Damascus in exchange for regular tribute of 500 florins per turn and a defensive alliance.

Sometime in the future, the KoJ will offer an undisclosed but agreed upon amount to the Ayyubid Sultan for Damascus.

Conditions: Damascus cannot have more than one unit inside it at any given time, and no generals, for we take that as provocative action and the raising of an army against us. Neither nation will destroy ANY buildings within the walls of any of the three discussed provinces.

Other terms: Ayyubids are granted an extra 500 florins the turn we receive the Makurian contribution. Ayyubids are granted 2 merchants in our realm free of charge in exchange for 2 of our own.

Should the Ayyubid delegate agree to these terms, which are nearly identical to the ones he just proposed and include previous promises regarding trade and tribute he neglected to mention (these additional terms are in his favor... we did not forget them), then the first blow will have been struck for a long and everlasting peace between honourable Christian and Muslim states who have both learned to resolve their disputes as civilized men!

May the Holy Land be eternally devoid of all war and barbarity, and may Jerusalem's message of peace and brotherhood spread far beyond our own borders.

The Makurian bows happily.
" It is a pleasure to know we have been a help."

The entire Georgian delegation stands, applauding. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Georgia steps forward, still applauding.

The Kingdom of Georgia expresses its utmost joy upon the news of the Treaty of Damascus. Let us all be we Christian, Muslim, Pagan or Hindu; take this great moment in the histories of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Ayyubid Caliphate as an example to us all. That no matter what is the challenge or dispute, peace and diplomacy can always prevail! I commend not only these two but also the Makurian diplomats, who no doubt aided in keeping the peace between them and providing a moderate standpoint from which to ease the negotiations. Let us all commend these three kingdoms, for they are true seekers of peace!