Court of the Caliph: BC Hotseat Council Thread

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Quote:

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Originally Posted by phonicsmonkey

The Vizier rises.

If the Ghorids and Rajputs would have peace, let them not be distracted by bickering over this map, which is of no consequence.

If their previous agreement is in dispute then let them come to a new understanding which reflects the reality of the situation in their border regions, and which will provide for a long-lasting peace in the East.

The Caliph is willing to mediate in such a negotiation should his services as Peacemaker be required - he has no territorial ambitions in the area.

The Caliph would also renew his offer to act as mediator to the warring factions in Anatolia, should they wish for an end to the pointless struggle there.

Have not enough souls been hurried to paradise?

---

It is indeed a glorious and joyous day when souls of honourable men are given to advance the cause of freedom. Allah blesses those who FIGHT for their convictions, rather than simply sit idle and watch their lands and their rights disappear to aggressor states.

We have no need for the Caliph to mediate this dispute, as the Romans have but two options: Surrender and become our friends, or die in glorious battle against the righteous arms of the Turks who are simply defending our lands and those of our allies against aggressors.

Should the Turks fall in battle, that is what Allah has willed. Peace with bullies is not peace at all, but surrender.

We value your judgment, great and honourable Caliph. In fact, your words have inspired us to reaffirm our friendship with both states involved in the Hindu territorial dispute. Indeed, your words are most wise, and we tend to agree that peace can still be achieved.

However, the reverse is not true for the Romans and the Turks. Numerous attempts at peace have failed, and the Romans wish to claim all of Anatolia. Only Turkish arms have prevented Armenia from falling, and only Turkish arms prevent Muslims from being enslaved under Roman rule.

Great Caliph, we honour and respect you, however this is a matter only Allah can mediate. In the meantime, we will defend ourselves with our brave hearts, our righteous deeds, our honourable agreements, and our cold steel.

:turkey:

The Jihad continues... and it will not end until Constantinople is renamed Istanbul, and then perhaps given to the Armenian refugees.

My people would welcome any arbitration, as we seek only peace and prosperity. Mighty Caliph if you can find justice for us in this situation my people will surely be in your debt.

The emissary of the Maharaja bows deeply to the Caliph before returning to his discussions with the Ghazni envoy.

:egypt:

The large Ayyubid ambassador nods at his slaves who quickly bring the large ambassador up. One of the slaves falls down in the process, but a large Nubian slaves catches the falling ambassador, preventing what could have been an earthquake. Short of breath, still recovering from his near fall, the ambassador addresses the court, red with fury:

Will the Romans and Turks ever come to an understanding ? How many innocent women and children must be slained and sold into slavery before this bloodbath ceases to flow !

Calming down, the large bearded man gives an order to his guards. The fallen Nubian slave is brought away from the court, crying for what seems to be forgiveness. The ambassador then addresses the court:

Surely Anatolia can be shared peacefully by both nations. Surely Constantinople must stop its aggressive stance towards the Armenian soldiers, as only then will the Turkish fury be satiated.

Let it be clear, our Sultan, may Allah reserve the most exotic virgins in heaven for him, our sultan wishes Constantinople and the Turks to find peace.

Turning towards Jerusalem's ambassador

We wonder what King Baldwen thinks of the situation. Surely, the outcome of this war will have a great impact on the Levant. We also wonder whether Jerusalem plans to pursue the Armenian survivors in the future. Their issues with their Christian neighbor are none of our business, but we remain curious about their stance.

Eying the Georgian delegation

Will Georgia remain neutral in this conflict ? We haven't heard from your ambassador for quite some time. Does worshipping your Jesus take up all of your time ?

Looking at the Seljuk delegation

And what of our Seljuk brothers ? Surely they must be interested in this conflict...

Turning towards the rest of the court

Ambassadors, I feel their is an uneasy silence in this court by many delegations every time the Anatolian War is debated. We wonder whether their silence is a sign of uninterest.... or secrecy...

Finally gazing at the Hindu delegation

Only the strength of Allah dictates how nations will be shaped. However, we hope war in the Orient is not brewing, as we would not want any spice or silk routes to be interrupted. Surely this matter is a misunderstanding. Praise be to the Caliph, for his offer of mediation must be heard in this dispute.

The Turkish ambassador is most pleased to hear the words of Sallahuddin Ayyubid's messenger. He asks all the right questions at just the appropriate moment in this council's history.

:turkey:

One would however wonder at the true stance of the Ayyubids. He asks questions but doesn't answer them himself. A man of peace, especially one who can not lift his own sword should not be trying to join a war far from his coasts.

The Roman ambassador glares at the Ayyubid.

Stay far from Anatolikon and its politics unless you truly want to wake up to a nasty surprise down in Aleksandreia. Your meddling has already been noted by Rome and we are most displeased.

One would wonder about the true stance of the Ayyubids. They have many rebels and other fiends ruling the lands to their south, so why would they be looking north so much? Surely your time would be better spent pressing your rights southwards than worrying about the wars in Anatolia.


However, our own stance has not changed. We are entirely neutral in the Turkish-Romano war, and can only pray that peace will break out soon. We have concluded our own peace with Armenia and there is no plan nor desire to pursue them into the heart of the Turk's lands.


We are worried though by Rome's previous statement. Are they threatening the Sultan in Egypt? We have no desire to see a war developing right on our southern doorstep. We hope nothing comes from it.

The Turkish delegate nods approvingly at the Latin delegate's words, but says nothing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Lemongate

One would however wonder at the true stance of the Ayyubids. He asks questions but doesn't answer them himself. A man of peace, especially one who can not lift his own sword should not be trying to join a war far from his coasts.

The Roman ambassador glares at the Ayyubid.

Stay far from Anatolikon and its politics unless you truly want to wake up to a nasty surprise down in Aleksandreia. Your meddling has already been noted by Rome and we are most displeased.

---

Bloating with fury:

Are these threats and insults coming from your half-wit simpleton ambassador, or do they truly reflect the thoughts of your Emperor ?

Roman, know that they will be noted by our Sultan and that it will influence our stance towards Constantinople. Should you ever plan a military invasion of our lands, your fleets of old boats shall be sunk by ours. Your Jesus may come and help your drowning soldiers, but Allah will not forgive those who have a false faith. Remember, Roman, that it is only through Salahuddin's iron grasp that our armies refrain from joining the Jihad called by the Turkish Sultan. Pray that your threats do not reach the ears of our imams.

The Ayyubid ambassador calms down and drinks from a colossal cup presented by one of his many slaves. Rumors has it that its contents are sweeter than any cake.

We will disregard your threats as a misunderstanding of our previous comments, for now. We wonder how simple questions were interpreted as meddling, while peace is on the only thing we strive for.

Looking at Jerusalem's delegation:

Salahuddin is indeed preoccupied by the large armies of black soldiers in the south, and has no intention of involving itself in the Anatolian war, rest assured. Our questioning was merely a matter of curiosity, as we fear neighboring nations may be engrasped by this whirlwind of war. Our Sultan works for peace and stability for all great nations.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Banzai Kamikaze

[I]Eying the Georgian delegation

Will Georgia remain neutral in this conflict ? We haven't heard from your ambassador for quite some time. Does worshipping your Jesus take up all of your time ?

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The georgian ambassador sighs and addresses the Ayyubid's ambassador.

Perhaps if you were not so busy fufilling your insatiable appetite you might have heard that Georgia is strictly neutral in this conflict. To make our stance clearer we have just broken our alliance with the Romans and are waiting for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Anatolia. Now we answer you question with one of our own.

Why do the Ayyubid, not only meddle in things that don't concern them, but also mock us in the process? Indeed it is an odd way to show you desire peace.

If it is your southern borders that preoccupy you, one has to wonder what need you would have of military access to the Levant. I believe it is Crusader steel more then Salahuddin's will that keeps you in check. Your disastrous losses in Syria should make you think twice before engaging in distant struggles.

The Seljuk diplomat appears to be slumbering, but his assistant carefully pokes him in the side and informs him that the Ayyubid has questioned him. Yawning and rubbing his eyes, he clears his throat.

' The Sultan isn't obliged to make his diplomatical will known to this council. '

Leaning back again, he closes his eyes, clearly showing his lack of interest.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by The Lemongate

If it is your southern borders that preoccupy you, one has to wonder what need you would have of military access to the Levant. I believe it is Crusader steel more then Salahuddin's will that keeps you in check. Your disastrous losses in Syria should make you think twice before engaging in distant struggles.

---

Cheeks red with blood, the Ayyubid ambassador speaks hesitantly:

How would you... how would you even know of our dealings with Jerusalem ?

Turning towards the Latins:

What nonsense is this ? Who has been feeding lies to these warmongers ? Surely someone is trying to turn Constantinople against Salahuddin. Bah ! Let them turn against us. We do not fear a broken Empire.

Staring at the Romans:

Romans, the more you speak, the more we sympathize with the Turkish cause. Do not invoke a self-fulfilling prophecy for your sake.

The Ayyubids have no intention of going to war in Anatolia, but your late aggressive comments towards us require our Sultan's attention. We sincerely hope your words do not reflect the thoughts of your Emperor, who once seemed to be a reasonable man.

Now looking at the Gergians:

Isn't the purpose of this council to discuss political matters in the hope to find peaceful agreements ? I would hardly consider my questions "meddling", as opposed to clarifying all of our nations' intentions. Clearly we all have a duty to work with both the Turks and the Romans to find a peaceful solution to this conflict. Is the Caliph the only one working for peace in this council ? I believe this war should be discussed much more openly. Secrecy only fuels fear and aggressiveness.

The Turk finds recent events in the council to be most worrysome. He immediately dispatches his messenger to meet in private with his allies to ascertain what is going on.

The Turk eyes the Latin delegate with grave suspicion. He is unsure how peace can be achieved with nations who cannot even make a simple agreement to assist one another in secret without betraying one another to their enemies. The Turkish delegate speaks:

If these people cannot handle private dealings with honour, how then could they make public moves towards peace? Indeed the Turks have many secret dealings, but we have never once betrayed those who would converse with us privately, or publicly for that matter. Our foreign policy has been MOST open and clearly stated. Our enemy is clearly marked.

The Turkish delegate would like to call to attention the lies of the Latin delegate stated in this very chamber:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rossahh

Still red in the face, the ambassador waves off the Ghazni representative

Jerusalem will not join the war against the Seljuks. We fear war on our northern borders looms between our neighbors, so we keep our armies close to the Kingdom.

Turning back to the Turkish delegate

We have no desire to attack the your Sultanate, nor control any lands in Anatolia. The honour of this kingdom is behind that statement.

---

Indeed, the honour of the Kingdom was behind that statement. None at all! Keeping your armies close to the Kingdom includes attacking your brothers of the faith and lying outright to the council? At this point, I am troubled that the peace agreement we have is even worth the scrolls it is written upon!

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Banzai Kamikaze

Now looking at the Gergians:

Isn't the purpose of this council to discuss political matters in the hope to find peaceful agreements ? I would hardly consider my questions "meddling", as opposed to clarifying all of our nations' intentions. Clearly we all have a duty to work with both the Turks and the Romans to find a peaceful solution to this conflict. Is the Caliph the only one working for peace in this council ? I believe this war should be discussed much more openly. Secrecy only fuels fear and aggressiveness.

---

Forgive us if we were not clear enough, we did not mean your position in the Anatolian crisis. By meddling we were talking about your asking of Georgia's position in this matter, a position that is quite clear to all who are directly involved. Our intentions are none of your business, our neighbors know our intents and that alone is enough. You speak of the need to be open, yet do you reveal to all every single negociation in which you participate? Why a sudden interest in Georgia? If we recall correctly you discounted us as irrelevent in one of your first announcements to this council...

We can see you have more important matters to attend to near your borders, you should look to them and speak no more of this. Your "brothers" the Seljuks seem to think the same thing. finally, may we remind you that the region of the Caucasus is quite stable and devoid of intrigues, it does no require your scrutiny.

The Turkish ambassador sends messengers to smooth relations between the Georgians and the Ayyubid Sultanate. They are both our friends, and we see no need to quarrel over minor diplomatic misunderstandings, especially when they have no real disputes.

But for now, the ambassador yields the floor to the recently crowned Sultan of the Anatolian Turks, Kaikosru the Magnificent, himself:

"I ask that the Ayyubids please choose their words more carefully when addressing our honourable friends the Georgians, and that the Georgians forgive our friend the Ayyubids for a minor misstatement of their intentions.

We all have more pressing matters, with belligerent powers still roaming free, threatening weaker nations. I propose we renew our friendships by agreeing to deal with warlike powers first, and then we can afford to squabble over the words of delegates.

In times of peace, such disputes hold more weight. For now, it is in our collective interest to join hands and fight the aggressors. We have nothing more to state publicly on this matter."

:turkey:

I would also like to point out that the peaceful relations between the Georgians and the Seljuk have warmed the heart of the Sultan.

Official Signature of Sultan Kaikosru the Magnificent of the Turks, Defender of Armenia, Destroyer of Romans, Friend of Georgia, friend to all noble, peaceful, and honourable nations.

Standing slowly to his feet, the representative from Jerusalem addresses the council in quiet, but firm, voice.


Turk, your ignorance is great, but shall be forgiven.

Quote:

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Still red in the face, the ambassador waves off the Ghazni representative

Jerusalem will not join the war against the Seljuks. We fear war on our northern borders looms between our neighbors, so we keep our armies close to the Kingdom.

Turning back to the Turkish delegate

We have no desire to attack the your Sultanate, nor control any lands in Anatolia. The honour of this kingdom is behind that statement.

---

It has obviously escaped the Sultan's attention, but the Armenian lands we took have been abandoned so that they can become under Roman control - AS WAS ALWAYS THE AGREEMENT. We never sought to gain more lands in Anatolia - it was the destruction of Armenia we sought.

I would also like to remind the Sultan that we have never attacked, threatend your lands and people, nor do either in the foreseeable future. Where have we broken our word?

With a significant glance at the Turkish Sultan

We are not ones to break our promises, no matter what course of action they lead us down.


Waving to the Ayyubid delegates

You have our response already.


Without another word, the man sits down and sighs. He has a very real feeling that war will engulf the Kingdom soon, yet he has no idea why.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rossahh

Standing slowly to his feet, the representative from Jerusalem addresses the council in quiet, but firm, voice.

Turk, your ignorance is great, but shall be forgiven.

It has obviously escaped the Sultan's attention, but the Armenian lands we took have been abandoned so that they can become under Roman control - AS WAS ALWAYS THE AGREEMENT. We never sought to gain more lands in Anatolia - it was the destruction of Armenia we sought.

I would also like to remind the Sultan that we have never attacked, threatend your lands and people, nor do either in the foreseeable future. Where have we broken our word?

With a significant glance at the Turkish Sultan

We are not ones to break our promises, no matter what course of action they lead us down.

Without another word, the man sits down and sighs. He has a very real feeling that war will engulf the Kingdom soon, yet he has no idea why.

---

The Turkish delegate turns red, and says in a seething voice:

Do not insult us with your lies, Crusader! You had no desire to control Armenia, but for several turns, that is exactly what you did. Simply because you now hand these lands over to your "buddy" the Romans, that somehow wipes your hands clean of the stains of blood?

You sit there in blood-soaked clothing playing the innocent sheep, but it is fooling NO ONE!

The Turkish Sultan, not having left the Council yet to go to the Roman front, returns to the chambers and silences his representative.

"Forgive my servant, honourable 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.

Send King Baldwin my apologies, but his conduct has been most confusing of late. Tell him also that if he breaks his word, we will be ready."

Many in the council rise as the honourable Sultan leaves the court. His visit to these chambers serves to honour all the nations who have sought peace.

:turkey:

The Ghazni rep looks closely over the Ghorid maps.

"I am not sure this is authentic. It appears as if the ink used to to line the settlement in question is of a brighter hue than that surrounding the rest of the Ghorid territorial claims. I think these lines were added in later, and are brighter because they have had less time to fade."

I would caution the Ghorid Sultan not to attempt to trick his Muslim brothers, lest he want to see his own image tarnished while that of the Maharaj grows ever brighter.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elite Ferret

maps:
https://img394.imageshack.us/img394/...1zp4yo4.th.jpg

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The Vizier rises to the sound of a gong.

The Caliph is pleased to announce that under his good auspices a peace deal has been negotiated and signed between the Rajputs and the Ghorid Emirate.

He is not at liberty to disclose the precise details of the agreement, but I can say he believes it to be equitable to both parties.

Rejoice my brothers, for there will be no war in the East!

With a glare at the Ghaznavid emissary.

Let the Ghaznavids stay their tongues and not stir up trouble - their intervention could not have been less timely and is not welcome.

The Turkish delegate applauds the Caliph's mediation, and the Ghorids for accepting the peace agreement.

We also wish to once again extend the hand of friendship to the Ghorids. As you have once again proven to be a reasonable and honourable nation, you are by definition a friend of the Turks.

:turkey:

A messenger arrives in the council chambers bearing an official document, and hands it to the Turkish representative. The messenger then approaches the Vizier, bows with respect, and submits a written request to address the entire council. The Turkish delegate then moves to the front of the hall and announces to the assembled ambassadors of peace:

"The great and peace-loving nations of Anatolia are pleased to announce a new, formal Treaty of Alliance and Mutual Defense. Let all peace loving nations respect our new friendship and do not aggress us. The public terms of the Treaty are now made available to all, with the signature of the majority of its member states and the consent of all. I would also announce that this alliance is defensive in nature and is not valid if any member state becomes an aggressor towards a neutral party, and so therefore it is an honourable and peaceful agreement that non-member states should not fear. Also, invitiations are being sent out to non-members to petition our Coalition for membership. If you have not received an invitation yet, consider this announcement your invitation."

:turkey:

The Treaty of Tbilisi

As recognized by Sultan Kaikosru the Magnificent of Turkey, Takavor Hetum, Proud Avenger of the Armenian People , and King George III the Valiant of Georgia.

Addendum: The Maharaja of the Solanki Rajputs now also is a signatory of this treaty. The Ghaznavid Shah is now also a signatory of this treaty.

This Treaty of Alliance and Mutual Defense is between the free nations of Armenia, Georgia, and the Turkish Sultanate, and all other co-signatories.

Terms of the Treaty:

1. All involved parties are to declare a public and formal alliance

2. All involved parties are to exchange military access (given and received)

3. All involved parties are to exchange map information and trade rights

4. All involved parties are to declare war on any aggressor who attacks any member of the alliance. The reverse is not true, if a member state declares war on a neutral or allied party, the others will not, and it can be used as grounds for termination of the alliance.

5. Turkey and Armenia are to remain united on foreign policy, as if they are one nation. This does not necessarily apply to Georgia, as we understand Georgia has prior commitments of greater precedence.

6. Georgia is to reveal her allied commitments, public and secret, to the Turks, that we might align our foreign policy with Georgia's, and that we might not threaten our alliance by engaging in conflict with a state that Georgia considers a friend.

7. Similarly, Turkey and Armenia will reveal all formal commitments to the Georgians, that they might not inadvertantly trigger a war with one of our allies.

8. Terms not publicly disclosed

9. Provision for Armenia:

I. Georgia agrees that resettling Armenia near their ancestral lands is a good idea, both for the defence of Armenia and Georgia

II. Georgia is willing to extend some territory for the short or long term use of Armenia, at their discretion. But the terms of this treaty do not specify where and when this consideration is to be extended, as it is entirely the Georgian's decision.

10. Agreement of foreign policy: Terms not publicly disclosed

All parties agree to these 10 terms unless the coalition votes unanimously to change them.


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






OFFICIAL SIGNATURES:

I. Official Signature of the Sultan Kaikosru the Magnificent of the Turks

II. Official Signature of King George III the Valiant of Georgia

III. Official Seal of Takavor Hetum, Survivor of the Armenian Genocide and Proud Avenger of the Armenian People

IV. Official Signature of the Maharaja of the Solanki Rajputs

V. Official Signature of the Ghaznavid Shah, leader of the Ghazni people
==================

Other nation states are allowed to petition this body for membership, and in most cases, a simple majority vote will be the only approval required, with the terms of their inclusion to be negotiated through either Georgia or the Turks directly.

The Solanki Rajputs have petitioned this coalition for membership and have been accepted.

The terms of the treaty extend to the Hindu people now, and include map information, trade rights, military access given/received (not that such will be needed... ever...) and alliance.

Also given are the terms of voting in new members, and the veto power against changing the terms of the treaty.

Current members include:

Turkish Sultanate
Kingdom of Armenia
Kingdom of Georgia
Hindu nation of the Solanki Rajputs
The Ghaznavid Shah

Invitations to other nations have been extended, and we intend to fill only about 7 or 8 slots, so petition us for membership now.

My my....

So this is the reason for so much secrecy...

An Alliance between Muslims, Christians and Hindus ? We do live in modern times....

We hope this alliance will light peace in the dark world in which we live.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Banzai Kamikaze

My my....

So this is the reason for so much secrecy...

An Alliance between Muslims, Christians and Hindus ? We do live in modern times....

We hope this alliance will light peace in the dark world in which we live.

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OOC-

Let's just say the Sultan of Rum is most... progressive in his ideals. Although Kilij Arslan has died, his philosophy lives on. And actually, other than my alliance to Armenia, all of the above events happened in the past 24 hours, from start to finish. I've been a very busy little bee both in public and private.

:bow:

Just remember, folks, it's all about peace and defense. I know that many of you are already committed to alliances of your own. This is just another group, except it's comprised of weaker states and there are more of them. We also tend to be aligned towards chivalry rather than dread.

Banner of the Coalition: (updated)
https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/...y2/flag2-2.jpg





__________________
The Green stands for Turkey, The Orange for Armenia, The Yellow for Rajputs, and the White for Georgia. Teal stands for the Ghaznavid Shah. The Crescent stands for Islam, the Cross for Christianity, and the stars represent each of the 4 founding member states.

Member states:
[IMG]https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh137/askthepizzaguy2/flag2-2.jpg[IMG]
Just insert the "/" before the second "IMG]" to use this banner yourself.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I made it myself. See? I TOLD YOU I would end up knitting banners of peace, but you didn't believe me! WHY didn't you believe me?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Askthepizzaguy

As for the rest of us, we are content to sit at home and practice our needlepoint. I've already quilted a great banner of peace, knitted the Romans some very nice little mittens to keep their hands warm while they slaughter us, and sewn together some very nice ladies' unmentionables to wear while I am out on the battlefield not killing things.

Don't hold your breath on the rest of what I said, though... as I said, I was drunk.

---

https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/.../flag2-2-1.jpg

avatar sized image- use reply with quote to get IMG code.

The Ghaznavid emissary, humbled by the Caliph, sends a sharp glance towards the representative of the Maharaj before sitting down. He wished his allies had informed him of this development. Now, having embarassed his nation before the caliph, he would be sent as a diplomat to some minor emir in Khorasan, while another would have the honered position of ambassador to the Council.

The Turks, Armenians, Georgians, and Hindus welcome the newest member of the Coalition of Freedom, the Ghaznavid Shah.

The same status given to the Solanki Rajputs is extended to the Shah of Ghaznavid, and he is now a co-signatory of the Treaty of Tbilisi.

Let the Council know this coalition now has five members.

We also wish to extend the status of friendship with the following nations, according to the agreed upon terms of the original treaty of Tbilisi:

excerpt:

Quote:

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"III. The Seljuks are considered friends of this coalition until they aggress one of the member states.

(IV and V became member states)

VI. The Ayyubid Sultanate is considered a friend of this coalition until they join the alliance or declare war.

VII. The Abassid Caliphate is considered a friend of this coalition until they join the alliance or declare war."

---

Any member of the Coalition who declares war on protected friends of the Coalition unilaterally will have their membership reviewed, most likely punished, and possibly expelled.

If your nation is not found among the list of protected friends of the coalition, it is only because we have a lack of formal relations. This does not mean the Coalition sees you as enemies, only as neutrals. If you wish to improve this relationship, petition each of our members for an informal treaty of nonaggression, which the Turks extend to all nations not currently at war with members.

The purpose of protected friendship status is to ensure good, united foreign policy, and also show our commitment to peace and fair treatment, even to non-member states and neutral parties. This alliance is based upon peace, not aggression.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Updated Banner of the Coalition, to reflect Ghazni membership:
https://i255.photobucket.com/albums/...y2/flag2-2.jpg

Tis a fairly sweet looking flag. Perhaps my flag-knitting skills are as sharp as my diplomacy...

Perhaps it is a matter of good luck, but this is my 1,111th post.... :balloon:

The representative from Jerusalem shares a worried glance with the Roman ambassador. What other purpose does the alliance serve than to provide the Turks with a defence platform from which to crush the Kingdom and the Empire at will?

the Ghorid Sultan whispers to an aid
"I'd like to see the turks try and protect the Rajput fellows, they'd only have to march across half the world to get there. And shouldn't that flag have 5 stars if there are 5 members? Guess the new Sultan isn't too bright."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Elite Ferret

the Ghorid Sultan whispers to an aid
"I'd like to see the turks try and protect the Rajput fellows, they'd only have to march across half the world to get there. And shouldn't that flag have 5 stars if there are 5 members? Guess the new Sultan isn't too bright."

---

The influence of the Coalition, if measured only in soldiers, wouldn't be able to stop you, Ghorid. But I would caution you to reject that as the only measure of our abilities.

Considering two of our allies are on your border, I advise against aggression.

The configuration of the banner design reflects the 4 founding member states of our Coalition. The ghaznavid's late inclusion is welcome, but I've only modified the flag to include a stripe on their behalf. Why you should be concerned with my artwork is most puzzling.

Your words are also noted. We withdraw our offer of friendship to the Ghorids. If you're planning to attack the Hindus, I would question how bright your commander is.

Quote:

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The representative from Jerusalem shares a worried glance with the Roman ambassador. What other purpose does the alliance serve than to provide the Turks with a defence platform from which to crush the Kingdom and the Empire at will?

---

Perhaps to deter your combined forces from invading. But we'll see if it can even accomplish that. Nothing stopped you from invading Armenia. And if the two of you are truly worried about Turkish arms, then I doubt you would continue to hover so closely near our borders, and I doubt this alliance would change all that much between us. It is precisely BECAUSE Turkish arms are presently taxed that I've sought allies. But I don't need to answer to states whose goals and ambitions have been as nebulous and provocative as their aggressive actions were unwarranted.

I guess the Tuskish Sultan has good hearing...