Broken Crescent 2: RoPG (IC diplomacy thread)

[Askthepizzaguy]

IC Diplomacy thread for BC2:RoPG

Byzantine Empire (ERE)........Ignoramus
Kingdom of Jerusalem..........Askthepizzaguy
Great Seljuks.....................Rossahh
Ghorid Emirate...................Ramses II CP
Kypchaks..........................Elite Ferret
Ayyubid Sultanate.............. 00Jebus
Khwarezmid Shahdom..........Barcamartin
Abassid Caliphate............... The Lemongate
Turkish Sultanate...............TheFlax
Ghaznavids........................Frodge
Hindu Rajputs.....................Tristan de Castelreng
Armenia............................Galain_Ironhide
Georgia.............................Monk
Makuria.............................Prince of Troy
Imamate of Oman...............Cassu
Malikate of Sindh................Emperor Zim, Destroyer of Worlds

Jerusalem, May 7th, 1174 Anno Domini
Royal Administrators Palace



Salutations, ambassadeurs!

Bienvenue à la cour du Roi Baldwin le saint, gouverneur des Terres Saintes. Le palais de l'administrateur royal est fier d'accueillir cette assemblée. Jérusalem est désignée comme terre neutre afin d'accueillir des membres de toute les fois, pour se réunir dans la paix et discuter de points d'importance.

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

Greetings, ambassadors!

Welcome to the court of King Baldwin the Saint, governor of the holy land. The Royal Administrator's palace is proud to host this assembly. Jerusalem is designated as neutral ground for members of all faiths to meet in peace and discuss matters of importance.

The honourable and magnanimous King Baldwin is also opening the borders of Jerusalem to civilian pilgrims to the Holy Land, whether they be Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or anyone else who has an interest in peacefully assembling. We ask only that other nations respect our territorial boundaries, and refrain from moving ships near our ports and shipping lanes, and any neutral or enemy ships caught transporting armies within sight of our nation's shores will be boarded. We ask also that no agents trespass into our nation, be they spies, sabateurs, assassins, merchants, monks or imams. Any security breaches will be considered acts of aggression, and certain transgressions involving spies or assassins will be considered acts of war.

That unpleasant business aside, we have already contacted the Ayyubids regarding the possession of Damascus and Homs, whose people yearn to live freely to practice their own faith. In exchange for certain diplomatic concessions on our part, the great and powerful Sultanate will consider removing their armies from territory so close to our heartlands and adjusting our mutual borders in a more permanent fashion. For this favor, I will be renouncing claims to Arabia and Egypt permanently, and formalizing a peace treaty. We await a response from Sultan Saladin discussing the exact terms. May their great kingdom expand and prosper with assurances of peace on their northern border.

We also seek to establish friendly diplomatic relations with all of God's children here in the Holy Land, Muslim and Christian alike. We welcome your diplomats into our lands, where they may assemble freely. If any diplomats should happen to "disappear", we will know exactly who committed this unclean act, for we will all keep a vigilant watch on one another and we will know exactly when and how it happened. Rest assured, Jerusalem will not tolerate sabotage of our peace process, and any attack on any diplomat in our territory will be considered an act of war both on Jerusalem and the kingdom who sent the diplomat.

Jerusalem is to be a neutral and safe place for business and diplomacy to take place in an otherwise harsh and unforgiving world. Any attacks upon the peace we intend to create will not be tolerated.

Those of you who are interested in trading our fine spices, silks, cottons, and other valuable merchandise will request trade access to our lands, and your requests will be granted based upon our ability to trade in your lands, or whether or not you would be willing to pay us a small surcharge every season for the privilege of doing business here.

We turn a blind eye to faith in matters of commerce. All trade will be considered solely on the basis of profitable and peaceful exchange, and nothing more.

As for Jerusalem's territorial concerns in the north, we claim Antioch, Aleppo, Edessa, Malatya, and Diyarbakir, as well as any settlements we bring under the rule of law before any other nation.

Because we have no place to expand to on our southern border, these 5 provinces which are currently ruled by outlaws, warlords, and dangerous criminals will be brought into the fold and the criminals will be brought to justice. This will allow lawful trade to be re-established between the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Kingdom of Armenia, the Turkish Sultanate, the Georgian Kingdom, the Abassid Caliphate, and the Great Seljuk Empire.

We will consider trading these provinces to interested parties at a future date, if the terms are profitable for us, and until further notice, we make no other territorial claims. All others will be respected.

I may allow the passage of merchants, diplomats, and other declared agents through these northern provinces, to allow greater freedom of movement in the region, however everything in Aleppo and south of there is to be considered off-limits, and you still need our permission to pass through these lands once they have been claimed by Jerusalem.

We wish to extend the hand of friendship to the Ayyubids, the Armenians, the Turks, the Georgians, the Seljuks, and the great and honourable Abassid Caliphate. I trust King Baldwin can form a pleasant and cordial relationship with the revered leader of all Sunni Muslims.

I now open the floor to your honourable delegates. In the spirit of this peaceful assembly, I welcome you all in the great language of peace and science, Arabic:

As-Salāmu `Alaykum
السلام عليكم



-Archbishop William of Tyre, acting chairman of the assembly

____________________________

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Forgive my butchery of the French language... I don't actually speak French, so I am asking French speakers to correct me.

[Monk]

A man enters the hall. He is dressed in fine clothing, carrying at his side an empty sword sheath, a symbol of his peaceful intention. His eyes gaze about, noting that not many ambassadors seemed to have arrived yet.

It would appear we are first to arrive, yes? Then it is my greatest pleasure to be first to extend our high opinion of the Great King Baldwin for holding this assembly. My lord the great ruler of the Kingdom of Georgia, Giorgi the Champion, wishes me to convey that it is his deepest hope that this council shall see the cause of peace furthered in the world.

We would like to echo the request of our noble host, King Baldwin, and request all ships and navies be kept clear of our ports and our trade routes. Any infringing upong the waters of the Eastern Black Sea, or any ships near the port of any Georgian city, shall be considered a hostile act and responded to as such. Furthermore, any spy or assassins found within our borders...

The man spits on the ground.

Shall be given no quarter and executed thusly. These are not the reasons I have come to you today, however. I come not to discuss death, but life! Allow me to be among the first to speak on the importance of trade and it's impact upon the world. Our people could profit greatly from trade rights with our neighbors, As the ambassadors in question have not arrived, I shall not adress them, but all who share borders or trade lanes with the Kingdom of Georgia are urged to contact us in setting up a trade agreement.

My leige bids me to inform the world he has eyes upon the settlements of Ani, Dvin and the great fortress of Yerevan. He also has his eyes upon the city of Van, although he admits himself that this settlement is far from his mind, and would be willing if he controls it before others reach it, to negotiate in trade for something the Kingdom could use. The first three I mentioned, however, are considered to be nonnegotiable. Great King Giorgi considers the people of these settlements to be our brothers, and for them to swear allegiance to a foreign kind is unacceptable. We humbly request that those nations around the Black sea look elsewhere for their expansion, and allow Gerogia to annex these three settlements to further unite our scattered peoples.

Turns to the Jerusalem delegates.

Once more, thank you kindly, Great King, may God's will be done here!

[Askthepizzaguy]

Archbishop William of Tyre, scholar, historian, and diplomat, holds the chair of the assembly and recognizes the honourable Georgian delegate.

The honourable Roi of Jerusalem's representative officially greets the Georgian delegate with a comfortable chair at the front of the huge assembly hall, an official table for their ambassadors and entourage, and first dibs on the welcoming feast prepared by Baldwin's personal kitchen staff.

Rumor has it that Baldwin himself is still in the Holy City somewhere, and is scheduled to make an appearance once more delegates arrive. A scribe will be making note of the proceedings here, so any absent delegates will be brought up to speed. Enjoy the banquet, Georgian delegate.

The chair re-opens the floor to new arrivals.

[Ignoramus]

A representative of the Romans arrives.

We find it strange that the Latins are eager to extend the hand of friendship towards their Muslim neighbours, yet ignore those Christians who helped them take Jerusalem in the first place.

Antioch is under our protection - any advance against it will be considered the same as a declaration of war against Constantinople itself. It is but our due, as under the oaths sworn by the first Frankish Crusaders pledged to restore such territory to our rule that was lost to the Turk after that fateful day at Manzikert.

As to the matter of trade, no merchant may enter our lands without a trade agreement being signed between our two realms. If this is ignored, then I regret that we will be forced to treat the merchants as spies and kill them.

Likewise with honourable diplomats. All diplomats must not pass past our frontier provinces. Any diplomat found, even by an ally, must regrettably be executed. Should you wish to move through our lands, you must have our express agreement.

And may I remind you that if any assassin is found inside our borders, that this will be treated as a declaration of war. Spies will be dispatched if caught, and I need not remind you that this will be frowned upon by our court.

To the representative from Georgia, we extend the hand of friendship to you. We respecct your sovereignty, and wish to conclude an alliance with you, that those Christians of the true faith may stand together.

[rossahh]

A man in vivid blue robes enters with a flourish, an entourage of scribes in tow. He takes a seat at the table away from the Georgians and Romans, lazily plucking a goblet from the table, which he sniffs and then takes a sip. He samples some of the food on offer, admiring its quality. Munching away, he eyes the Archbishop and casually inquires

We have no concerns with your claims to the Christian lands just north of your border, unlike some it seems gesturing to the Roman delegation, but we do wonder why you should seek to control the far northern provinces? Malatya and Diyarbakir are Muslim settlements, so what interest does a Christian ruler have in them?

[Askthepizzaguy]

The aged and wise William of Tyre addresses the newcomers:

To the honourable Seljuk delegate, I bid you welcome to this hall of peace and prosperity. Your words are most welcome.

As for Diyarbakir and Malatya, removing criminals and warlords near our borders is a top priority for our nation. I did not say we intended to hold those provinces forever. When our noble soldiers have brought order to the region and eliminated the raiders who threaten not just our nation, but peaceful trade and expansion of all nations, we will be willing to offer them to the highest bidder.

We have few territories to pick from, so that is why we have claimed these and no more. We've left provinces available for the Abassids and the Armenians, the only other claimants in the region. Turkey has already discussed purchasing these regions, as they contain people of Turkish ethnicity.

The only other rightful claimant to those lands would be Seljuk Turks, and you're rather far away. We're always at your disposal to discuss deals, but first SOME one has to claim these rebel territories, and I feel that we will be the first to arrive there, thus making them rightfully under our dominion. I'm sure you use a similar standard for determining which provinces will be under your control, and which ones you intend to keep.

Now, on a less enthusiastic note, we turn to our brothers the Byzantine Empire:

You speak of the crusades which helped create Jerusalem. Indeed we owe our christian neighbors loyalty and respect for that action. However, by our count, that was nearly a century ago. And orthodox christians did not go on the crusades, so I don't understand why you take credit. This Latin Kingdom owes its allegiance to the Papacy and the Franks, and would consider an allegiance to your nation as well, were your words more diplomatically phrased. We take some exception to your claims on a province on our border nowhere near your own, especially when you will be in no position to take it within the next 20 years. We dispute that claim entirely.

Our apologies, as we wish to remain friends, but we will not be coerced under threat of war, especially by those who have no rightful claims to our territory. I'm afraid you would have gotten much further with us using positive, rather than threatening, diplomacy. As such, our relations have suffered. Please do not form your words into swords to threaten us, as we find it most unfriendly.

You at once declare that we should be friends and fellow christians, then threaten us with war. It is no wonder some rift exists between Catholics and Orthodox Christians, but I will not paint Georgia and Armenia with the same brush based upon your less than diplomatic choice of words.

I am also dismayed that you would choose to drive a wedge between your fellow christians by declaring one side to be of the "true faith". Are we so different in your eyes that you would cast us out? A pity...

At least the Muslims stand together as brothers.

Should you choose to deal with us in a more... well... Christian manner, you will find us more amenable to your requests. Regrettable that we had to start off on the wrong foot, ambassador. I'm an old man and I did not work my entire life to establish peace just to see our young generation get shipped off to war, fighting fellow christians on the basis of some ancient promise made by a different nation entirely because of territory your ancestors lost to Turkish bravery, which has since been reclaimed by Latin Crusaders, some of whom we have parted company with, and now intend to bring back into the fold.

Surely you can see that there is no reason why we should comply. If you have anything further to add, I will have one of my aides work with you in private to discuss terms, as I don't want warlike rhetoric in this chamber of peace and brotherhood.

[rossahh]

The Seljuk emissary inclines his head slightly

As you say, many of those people in those settlements are Turkish in origin, so we would naturally be concerned if they were to be unduely scourged without just cause. That said, we see no reason to contest your claims. However, acting in the name of our wayward brothers in Anatolia, as you would be by taking and then simply handing over those settlements, would not be the path to open and friendly relations with our people.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The aged man nods.... and warmly smiles.

This is precisely how diplomatic disputes should be handled. With such subtlety, this man has told me that acting unilaterally to aid the Turkish Sultanate, considered a rebellious sect by the Seljuks who were once their brothers, would be an insult to Seljuk interests.

This kind of diplomacy is a language which I speak (of which there are many). The politeness and skill with which you handled this dispute makes me inclined to believe that the Kingdom of Jerusalem can do business with you. The ways of threats and of the sword do well outside these walls, but here, peace and brotherhood will always reign.

Perhaps you mean to say that when we deal with the known criminal outlaws in the region, the innocent civilians are not to be dealt with harshly? And that they should be allowed to serve a Muslim overlord?

As was precisely our plan all along... should any Muslim nation capture Christian lands which have rebelled, we would be equally inclined to govern these wayward people. Though I myself have no fear of the mixing of the faith, I also believe that some people are not ready to be governed by those in the minority with a different religion. That usually leads to undue animosity towards an entire faith simply because the local government is disagreeable. We have seen enough bloodshed over the years because of that kind of shortsightedness on both sides.

The Muslims in our lands will be allowed to live in peace, and leave in peace if they so choose. These lands are rich with many cultures and faiths, and we have no intention of forcing our particular brand of christianity upon them. It is through this respectful treatment of the Muslim faithful that I hope to mend fences and address long-held resentments on both sides regarding wars of the past. In my opinion, the wars of the past have been long fought, and are now long over. The only way they continue is if we let them. I personally have seen too many of the finest men in God's creation perish under the sword on both sides, Muslim and Christian, to stand for the perpetuation of that emnity. We can either live with those long held resentments or seek a way to change it; I choose the latter.

I witnessed firsthand and wrote histories regarding the so-called "crusades". Unlike some of our more zealous soldiers, I do not believe it is God's will that the messege of Christ, one of nonviolence and peace, should be spread through the force of arms. Nor do I believe in forcing one man's view of God or Allah upon the many or even the few. There may yet be representatives here who have different beliefs besides those held by Christians and Muslims, what of the many pagan tribes to the north? What of the many pagans who have not yet been converted to islam who currently reside in Persia? What of the Jews, the Bhuddists, the Hindus, and the african tribes who have yet to side with the Muslims or the Christians?

While I may firmly believe in the message of our Lord, I also have listened very carefully to that message, which tells us to turn the other cheek when one is struck by an enemy. It states very clearly in our sacred book that we should not kill. What of this business of Crusades and Jihads? What of spreading a message of peace using the sword? One might as well set fire to a field of wheat in order to fight hunger, or bathe in sewage in order to fight disease.

I have read the Holy book of the Muslim people, and our faiths began as one. You believe that the man we call our lord was indeed a holy prophet, and you agree with the message he preached. Both of our great religions teach peace and brotherhood, and that we should not raise up a sword against the innocent. Only those who pervert our great faiths will teach that the path to God is the same path as murderers and thieves.

Unfortunately, I can only speak for myself on this one. Indeed there are elements in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim communities who believe that God's message of peace can be spread through war, and some nations represented here, mine included, were founded based upon that belief.

The sins of the past will continue to haunt us unless we atone for them. I for one am trying to make peace with my Muslim brothers, so that not one more Muslim man, woman, or child dies at the hands of a Christian, and that not one more Christian man, woman, or child dies at the hands of a Muslim. As an archbishop of my faith, I speak the message of my faith... which is one of peace. I also have the ear* of King Baldwin, who is an honourable young man, suffering from a terrible affliction. I believe it is a curse placed upon this nation for the sins of the past.

But this Baldwin is a good and decent man, and I think he is suffering for the crimes of lesser men. Such is the logic of the Almighty, would I dare to try to understand it. When great men such as this young and honourable Baldwin are made to suffer for the crimes of his forefathers, it inspires us to stop committing those crimes. Perhaps we don't care enough about ourselves to hesitate when we are punished... when we see good people suffering for our crimes, it causes us to finally feel the pain we inflict on others, this time on those we care about. It has opened my eyes to the crimes of the past... that is why I have travelled to many lands, learned many languages, and written the terrible tragedy of history for all to see.

Maybe enlightenment and atonement will allow us all to finally treat one another like human beings again, regardless of faith. Or perhaps, because of it.

Having said these things, the old man retires to his bedchambers, exhausted. A younger delegate fills in his place during the old man's absence. Briefly, he announces that the chair has opened the floor for the next delegate to speak, and gets himself a goblet of wine.


_________________

*pun intended

[_Tristan_]

A man of very dark complexion with a mane of dark and wavy hair seen under his orange turban walks into the hall. He is dressed in large silk trousers and a matching silk doublet. A large bare-bladed scimitar hangs from his belt and he holds a hook in his left hand, letting it rest in the crook of his right arm.
After a flourishing bow to the Archbishop, chairman of the assembly, he rises and starts talking with a strong unplaceable accent.

Noble lords, my name is Devadas Avinash and I speak here with the voice of the Maharaja of the Rajputs, benevolent rulers of India.

Our Lord seeks to unify all Hindu people under his benevolent rule and according to the precepts of Vishnu, god of mercy.

Our hosts will bring back into the fold the Malikate of Sindh and all the petty fiefdoms where mere bandits claim to rule.

Our territorial claims extend north to the border of Tibet and west on a line going from the Thanesar province in the north to the Sindh lands in the south.

All these people are of our blood and will accept no other rule.

The Maharaja is a strong believer in non-violence and will only resort to force as a means to police those unruly provinces, as Vishnu professes.

However, our gods are numerous and should our claims to these lands be contested, our Maharaja is assured that Shiva and Kali will help us wreak havoc on our aggressors.

The Maharaja wishes to present to all kingdoms here represented an offer of trade of the many riches of India. We understand trade agreement as meaning free coming and going of merchants into each other country's lands, unless trade restrictions are deemed necessary by the parties.

We, Rajputs, like many of you here I believe, do not take kindly to spies and assassins roaming through our lands. Discovery of such agents in our lands will certainly make our relationships difficult with their owners. War could even be the order of the day, may Vishnu preserve us. Such will be the case also if some priests of your Christian or Muslim faith are found in our lands.

Though we perfectly understand the need for other beliefs than our own, though I personnally have difficulty to comprehend how one God is more beneficial than many Gods, our faith needs to be respected and will be respected on pain of death fior the trespassers.

Diplomats are welcome in our lands. We would only ask that their arrival be annoucned so that a convenient place of residence can be prepared for such eminent people.

The Maharaja of the Rajput wishes peace and prosperity on all the nations here assembled and thanks King Baldwin for providing more than suitable quarters for the lodging of is emissary.

With another bow to the Chairman, the Rajput emissary walks to the bench emblazoned with the Golden Sun of India.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The younger chairman nods to the Rajput emissary, and greets him privately, as this one appears either unwilling or unauthorized to speak in the absence of chairman Archbishop William of Tyre.

[rossahh]

The Seljuk emissary listens politely to the small man talk, though he is still munching away at the food in front of him. As the man from India sits down, he addresses the young representative from Jerusalem


When your master returns, tell him that he speaks wisdom that we thought his nation had forsaken long ago. Your Kingdom's history shows little peace with Muslims, as your former allies in Damascus can only too well reveal, but we are pleased to hear that your King's illness seems to have given him clairvoyance and compassion which his predecessors lacked. Perhaps this is truly the dawn of a new age between Christians and Muslims?


Turning to the rest of the Seljuk party, nodding his head slightly at the Romans, the emissary whispers, quite audibly:

Or at least between some Christians and Muslims.

[The Lemongate]

An Arab richly dressed in flowing, multi-colored robes enters the room. His hands are bedecked in rings of impressive sizes and his enormous turban is gilded in gold. Wherever he walks, a servant covers the floor in scented rose petals and little silver bells accompany his every move. As he advances in the room, a herald announces:

Esteemed Sheik Ahmed ibn-Ali ibn-Khalid ibn-Nasr of the city of Basra, representative of the most wise and holy Caliph An-Nasir li-Din Allah, guardian of the ummah and representative of God to the faithful of Islam, may the Allah bless his reign!

Sheik Ahmed bows before the Latin representative:

As-salaamu aaikum honored speaker of the Great King Baldwin! This humble representative of the Caliph is thankful for you hospitality.

He bows once more to the young man and addresses the assembly:

As-salaamu aaikum brothers from around the world! The generous Caliph of the most holy city of Baghdad has sent me here to explain the Caliphate's plans for the future and to negotiate, in good faith, with all the peoples of the world, be they of the ummah or not. Baghdad claims all lands in Iraq, from Basra to southern Kurdistan. Our northern border would be Diyarbakir, Harran, Mossul and Kirkuk.

I understand previous claims were made to certain settlements, but I am certain that arrangements can be made to accommodate all parties. The Caliph strongly believes that negotiation, not arms, must be used to resolve conflicts when no wrong or sin has been perpetrated. That is what the sharia commands and that is what the Caliph commands.

Bowing once more, Sheik Ahmed ibn-Ali ibn-Khalid ibn-Nasr and his impressive delegation sit down at the place richly prepared for them by the King, but not before their ghulams have added numerous layers of cushions and carpets from Persia and Afghanistan to their chairs. While he waits for the other delegates to speak, Sheik Ahmed distractedly eats exotic fruits from far off India in a silver-inlaid ivory bowl while imams recite passages of the Qur'an to him in hushed tones.

[Galain_Ironhide]

A large burly, bearded man enters the hall. Dressed in red stockings and a beige garb with the mark of the Kingdom of Armenia on it, almost seeming not to fit over his stomach. He looks quite odd in such an ornate outfit for such a large man.

Shooing away his retinue to see about his accommodation arrangements, he first views the food awaiting his pallette and then notices the few men of different colours already sitting around the table. He sits down, acknowledging the men sitting around him, then starts to read the manuscripts that the chairman has already recorded. Only once during his reading the manuscript did he let out a stubborn 'Harumph!', looked at the Roman Emissary with a wry grin and then continued reading.

Finally after piling several berries into his mouth, a quick gulp of the fine wine from his goblet and then letting out a loud audible burp, he stands and addresses the dignitaries

My young host and fellow emissaries, my apologies for my late arrival. The winds were not favorable for my vessel to dock into your city harbour of Jaffa nor were my porters able enough to carry me here to the Holy City fast enough.

My name is Vartan Xortchean, emissary for Takhavor Rueben Roupenian of the Amenian Kingdom of Cilicia.

The intentions of my Takhavor is simple. He has interests in the independent region of Vahka, North East of our Capital of Sis and also we intend on bringing Seleuka, just south west of Tarsus under our rule. We have also been approached by Famagusta on the island of Cyprus. These people have become sympathetic to our cause and do not wish to serve under any other Lord. An early attack on these lands will treated as an attack on Armenian lands itself! We may consider a deal later of course.

All nation's Emissary's are free to pass. However, the Takhavor will not tolerate spies and assassins within his country and they will be put to death! This then of Course will be of taken as a declaration of war! Do not try his patience with this matter. All trade resources within the Kingdom of Armenia belong to the Takhavor and only through negotiation and possible royalties, will they be available to use for other country's merchants.

Vartan then takes his goblet and has another large sip of the wine, wiping his moustache, he then continues.

From what has already transpired I would like to extend my deepest heartiest well wishes to my King's Christian Brothers, in Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and Giorgi the Champion of Georgia and present to you an offer of alliance. With this offer I pledge economic wealth through a strong trading partnership and an offer to Arms should you, our neighbors be in need of our help.

On a small matter of trade, regarding our nations Merchants, I would like to point the fact to Baldwin IV that he does not rule Aleppo as yet, meaning the various resources of Slaves do not and should not come under your jurisdiction. What I ask of you my humble friend is that you allow the free passage of at least one of our Merchants into Aleppo to begin dealing with the local slave trader there. When you do, however, stake your claim on Aleppo we may negotiate the terms of that Merchant's withdrawal or even possibly negotiate terms of paying a royalty to yourself.

Vartan then turns to the Roman Emissary

To the Romans, I also extend you this offer to an alliance to strengthen our respective borders should religious unrest tip the Levant into war. However, I find your tact with regards to Antioch somewhat lacking. Should you bring arms against the Kingdom of Jerusalem or any other Christian nation, with out what would be considered due cause, the Kingdom of Armenia, although of small stature will reply to you, my friend, in kind. We are proud to call ourselves true Orthodox Christians and we support any who are or may be in need of help.

To all of our Muslim counterparts, I would like to offer Trade Rights to all of you as a notion of goodwill from Takhavor Rueben. We currently have no intentions of any expansion north through the mountains and should your neighbors grant my fellow Armenian emissaries free passage, they will be in contact with your respective homelands in good time. I do intend on speaking with many of you who will arrive later today on this matter.

He notions to the scribe to make sure he records that on the manuscripts

To my foreign friends the Solanski Rajputs and Makurians, I also bring you the offer of Trade Rights with our Country. Should the need arise at a later date, hopefully the positive outcome from a healthy trade partnership in the years to come, may even stronger ties be made.

He draws another drink from his goblet and again wiping his moustache with his sleeve leaving a nice red mark, he wraps up his speech.

I am most grateful to have been put up within your most amiable accomodation. Takhavor Rueben Roupenian would like to thank the good King Baldwin for arranging such a meeting so we may all prosper and build closer ties with one another. Never before I have I heard of such a feat. The shrine of Christianity obviously shines over your lands with such awe.

Vartan takes a bow to the young chairman and then to the other emissaries and seats himself back in front of the food. He had spent days travelling on such meagre food. He is not going to allow this to go to waste.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The honourable latin delegate appears unwilling to speak, but nods to the Abassid delegation, and formally bows on his hands and knees to the Caliph's representative as a sign of respect.

Truly the Latin chair understands the customs of these great cultures and seeks to honour them.

Just as the latin delegate rises, the chamber doors open, and King Baldwin himself makes an appearance, being led by Archbishop William of Tyre, who helps the ailing man to the podium to address the assembly. He is wearing a silver mask over his face, and every inch of his body is covered with a wrap, with not an inch of his skin exposed. Baldwin speaks in soft, measured tones, with a hint of deliberate effort, as though he were tired.

Welcome, honoured delegates to this hallowed chamber. Please forgive my appearance, as I suffer from leprosy, a most terrible ailment. Contrary to rumor and common misconception, it is not a disease which causes body parts to fall off, but it does damage the skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes. It is a most debilitating illness, but it is not spread in the usual ways, and I assure every ambassador here that they are quite safe.

I have taken the liberty of keeping my skin covered so that no one may be forced to see the cursed skin beneath my wrap, and my face covered as well. I may be a man not long on this earth, but I intend to do what I can to bring peace and prosperity between nations for as long as God blesses me with life.

Even under these most trying of circumstances, life is most precious and irreplaceable, and shorter than we would like. Do you know that in this year of our lord 1174, I am a mere thirteen years old? I feel as though I have suffered for three lifetimes in such a short span. Doctors tell me I have perhaps between five and ten years left to live.

Yet what a tragedy it would be if I were to outlive the finest men, healthy and decent, virile and proud, that your nations called your own. War is the plague more serious than the one which afflicts my skin. War is the most terrible disease upon human life that has ever cursed this earth. War takes otherwise honourable, decent men in perfect health and puts them in the grave in their prime... leaving behind shattered hopes and dreams, broken families, fatherless children, and wives who have no means of supporting their families. It leads to the destruction of temples and holy places, the spreading of disease, poverty, and famine. War, gentlemen, is the final plague upon mankind, and it will be the end of civilization as we know it.

Many times there have been great places of business, academic institutions, holy shrines and government offices which held great volumes of scholarly tomes which contained within their gilded pages the knowledge and wisdom of the ages, of saints, philosophers, theoreticians, scientists, mathematicians, theologians, and governors. During many events in human history, these places which symbolize the very greatest pinnacle of enlightenment and civilized discourse have been pillaged, sacked, and burnt to the ground, rather than employed by the conquerors thereof to bring knowledge and wisdom to the people who have triumphed in war.

I have to point out the error and sin of willful ignorance and wanton destruction. When centuries of work by our brightest scholars, who have dedicated their lives to bringing about a more hospitable world, become thoughtlessly destroyed by those who seek only plunder and destruction, humanity becomes little more than a race of rabid dogs, tearing into one another, killing one another needlessly, never achieving anything of value, destroying whatever we had achieved previously, and spreading the disease of war, of hate, of senseless destruction.

With what time I have left remaining on this harsh but sometimes wonderful and beautiful world, I will look upon each of your great nations with the eyes of a grateful man. I am grateful for your decision to join this assembly of peace. I am grateful that you have chosen to open a dialogue with your brothers of the faith and your brothers of the book, as well as your brothers who are your fellow man regardless of faith. I am grateful for my life, hard though it has been. I am grateful that, perhaps, while I am still alive and governing Jerusalem, there may be a time of peace and cooperation between us. The fewer who suffer the disease of war, the fewer who die because of it, for however long that respite from The Plague lasts... brings hope to my heart.

May all of your sons and daughters outlive me, for I truly wish to be the first one of my generation to die, and let none before me be sacrificed like a lamb for an unholy cause. God has seen fit to afflict me with this deadly malady, but I hope that it is only I who should rise and enter the Kingdom of Heaven before his time. May you all hear the wisdom of this Archbishop William of Tyre in my absence, he is my teacher and the one who has brought the message of peace to my realm, for though I am King, this man has granted me the gift of his counsel and wisdom, and many of my decisions will be based upon what he has taught me.

Baldwin turns to Archbishop William of Tyre, and places a hand on his shoulder as a sign of respect and close friendship, as a healthy man might shake hands or embrace a colleague. William bows respectfully to the young King, and escorts him out of the chamber. He will return shortly. The young chairman seems anxious for his return.

The young chairman reads from a scroll:

The honourable delegate from Jerusalem wishes to seek friendly relations with the Caliphate and would consider the peaceful division of territory between us, once the criminals have been driven from the lands and order has been established. We would ask that you make your bid for the lands we have claimed once we have them in our possession. We will consider all offers for the peaceful trade of lands between honoured nations, but we will not resort to blackmail nor will we respond to demands, under threat, implied or explicit, from any nation of any faith. We are committed to peaceful relations with other nations, and we do not give in to barbarism and demands made at the point of a sword. We consider honour and courage to be more valuable than gold or territory, and we will not sacrifice one for the other.

[Monk]

The Georgian ambassador bows his head in reverence to King Baldwin as he leaves the hall, nodding to his entourage he stands, looking around the room, pleased to see the many arrivals since he last took notice. With a quick drink of wine he breathes deep again.

Ah! A fine feast this is, dare I say, fit for royalty. My deepest compliments unto Great king Baldwin for organizing such, and also to the chefs of course!

It is my duty to also inform the Great Caliph in his Holy City of Baghdad, who may soon find himself in contact with the Kingdom of Georgia should his plans for expansion continue, that we seek nothing but peaceful relations between our people and your own. Indeed, the time may come when we could be united with a trade agreement and witness economic prosperity between us, but that is for a later date, of course! Until then, we extend our humblest well wishes to the Great Caliph.

The Georgian ambassador bows deeply and sits once more.

[The Lemongate]

Sheik Ahmed keeps his eyes in rapt attention on the King as long as he remains in the room. As Baldwin exits, he pulls the ear of the servant carrying the rose petals and whispers in an angry tone:

You son of a goat! Could you not see that this was King Baldwin himself! Next time show more courtesy to our most magnanimous host!

Grabbing another slave by the arm:

Go propose the services of my personal doctors to see the King. They must have ointments and brews that could help ease his woes. And have the imams ask Allah for mercy.

Turning to the young Latin:

All praise be to Allah for the wise words of King Baldwin! Indeed let not arms dictate the relation between nations. We should strive to understand the words of the Prophet and live in peace and harmony in the time that has been given to us. We agree with the Latins that the first priority of all nations in the Levant should be to rein in the rebellious city-states that have arisen everywhere for only when true nations have established their borders can true claims be made.

On this matter, the humble representative of the Caliph would permit himself the opinion that both the Romans and the Armenians have made bold claims. Antioch is quite far removed from Roman lands to be considered under Rome's protection, and Famagusta seems much more within the Empire's sphere of influence then that of the Armenians. However, since this seems to be a matter between Christians, I would believe the King of Jerusalem or the Emperor of Rome are better candidates to arbitrate these conflicts. For Islam, the Caliph would be more then willing to arbitrate the conflicts of any nations of the ummah.

Furthermore, the Caliphate would be interested in opening diplomatic relations with all Muslim nations (OOC: trade rights, map information and alliance should you wish). Christian nations are also invited to submit any fair proposal for our consideration.

Inch Allah, there will be peace in our time.

[Askthepizzaguy]

The latin chair speaks uncharacteristically out of turn

I think that an alliance with your great and powerful neighbors to the north would suit your interests quite well, representative of the great Caliph. If his aide is any indication, his Sultan is a most wise and learned man who surely understants the harsh cost of war, and is a man honourable enough to defend his fellow muslims from undue incursion.

Realizing that venturing such a personal opinion may not reflect the interests of Jerusalem itself, the young chairman's face suddenly turns white and realizes his error. He excuses himself from the assembly to apologize to William of Tyre for his breach of protocol.

[Galain_Ironhide]

Vartan smiles at the young chair's breach of protocol. Then urges himself back onto his thoughts. He stands and delivers his response to Sheik Ahmed.

Pah! I'll have you know I could swim to Famagusta faster from my home shores in Armenia than any Roman boat could sail from the nearest mainland port of theirs. Granted, Nicosia in the southern half of Cyprus is under Roman rule, however, Famagusta has been bereft of their rule for many years now.

Realising his voice was sharper and more pointed than what it should have been, Vartan then changes his tone to a more softer one and addresses all present.

It is not a declaration of war that I demand that Famagusta - and the north of Cyprus, become a province under our control, however I can vouch for Rueben when I say we are more than receptive to any counteroffers the Romans may have for us if they dispute its rule. We intend on living in harmony with our christian neighbours - not bringing war.

Vartan seats himself once more and pours another goblet of wine.

[The Lemongate]

With a ring of silver bells and a whiff of incenses and burnt spices, Sheik Ahmed nods to Vartan's words.

It was merely the opinion of this most humble servant of Allah. Christians are more then able to decide peacefully between themselves how best to divide their lands.

Pushing the man with the plate of fruits who nearly trips, he hisses:

Can't you see this man has had a long journey? What are you waiting to offer him some of these delicacies from the four corners of the ummah!

Turning again to the Armenian:

Please excuse my servant! This son of a camel herder is as dim witted as he is lazy. I wonder why I still bring him with me on these important diplomatic endeavours.

The sheik claps his hands twice, his many rings sending a dazzle through the assembly. A ghulam brings forth a little black box of Lebanese cedar. The box is opened by a second man who picks from it a old parchment map and hands it to a young boy-slave. The boy holds the map in front of he Sheik.

After taking a good look, the sheik shoos the boy away.

Having finally had a look at my map (he gives a cold stare to the man who brought the box - For you it will be the lash! - ) I can give the assembled delegates an idea of what settlements the Caliph wished to rally under his noble rule: Diyarbakir, Mardin, Mossul, Harran and Kirkuk in the north, down to Ahvaz, Basra and Hillah in the south.

Of course, as I said earlier, all these claims are open for discussion. I will be most pleased to negotiate a fair and just distribution of all the land according to the laws of Islam.

You can advise good King Baldwin that I shall contact him shortly on these matters.

[cassu]

A man that wears the blue red colors of the Oman enters the room

I bring greetings from the Great Imam Murshed and the lands of Oman. The Great Imam says thank you for the invite to this assembly of kings.

He wont consider a merchant or a diplomat in his lands as a hostile act as long as they don't try to take out our merchants. Spies and assassins will be consider as hostile.

He wishes to agree on trade rights with anyone who has a port in the same water as ours and as soon as possible.

Apologies for being late, it is not easy to get here trough the desert

After he has spoken he takes a seat in a nearby empty chair and start to eat the exotic food that is being served

[TheFlax]

A delegate bearing the colors of the Sultanate of Rum enters the chamber. He is armed for battle and obviously annoyed at being sent here. His gaze sweeps the room until it settles itself on the Roman delegate. Eyeing the man with contempt he addresses all present. His voice is coarse and forceful.

I am to bring you greetings from the Sultanate of Rum and thank King Baldwin for his hospitality.

We have no qualms with the claims of the Kingdom of Jerusalem or those of the Kingdom of Armenia. As for the Romans...

You claimed you help the crusaders take Jerusalem? From what I can recall your Basileos turned back his armies, not even bothering to assist in the siege of Antioch. Yet you now lay claim to that very city!

I also recall that a few decades ago the very guides you gave to the crusaders wishing to help Jerusalem led them straight into an ambush by turkish forces.

We know by experience that the Roman's arrogance is only matched by their duplicity. I suggest that for once they forget about their once great empire and concentrate on the present. If they wish peace between us, I suggest we negociate privately. The Sultanate of Rum is willing to give one last chance for peace between us and Rome.

The man snaps his fingers and a retinue of slaves enters, bearing various gifts to the representatives of Armenia, Jerusalem and the Abbasid Caliphate. He then takes place near the Caliph's envoy.

[Frodge]

A tall man enters the chamber, he is dressed in flowing green and blue silks emblazoned with the personal arms of the ghaznavid shahs.

Greetings o lord of jerusalem, i bring salutations from the shah of Ghazni. My name is Ali and you may deal with me as if you were dealing with the Shah himself. On behalf of the shah i would also like to greet the honoured delagates already assembled in this chamber and extend the arms of trade and commerce to you all.
At this poin in time the shah would like to claim the settlements of Bost and Firuzukh along with others that shall be confirmed at a later date (OOC: i can't remember any other towns in that region)

With this the ghaznavid and his retinue sit down

[Askthepizzaguy]

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=88834

OOC:

I encourage newcomers and those who don't have a map to this mod to download the province map (the one with the starting positions of factions in color, with all names of all provinces)

Those of you having trouble telling one province from another need maps. The King Baldwin offers you all free maps as part of his hospitality.

[Frodge]

My lord balwin, thankful as i am for your hospitality these maps are faulty. (OOC: they don't show up)

[Askthepizzaguy]

https://img235.imageshack.us/my.php?...rtingpofq3.jpg

does this work>?

[Ferret]

A short dirty man enters and speaks in a gruff voice

the lord of all Russia hereby claims the following lands:
Belgorod
Kiev
Aqmesqit
Caffa
Kursk
Ryazan
Magas
Majar
Derbent
Samander
Saqsin

as well as the lands currently held by my lord. The provinces of Sokhumi and Baku are graciously and generously yielded to the Georgians and the city of Varna to the Romans. There will be no negotiations and there will be no representative in these changes for some time. Any diplomatic offers should be sent to the son of my Lord, many know him as Askthepizzaguy.

The man leaves without a backwards glance.

[Monk]

The Georgian delegate stands, going to speak but soon realizes the man is already on his way out. He stops, "Hmph!" can be heard. He crosses his arms in suspicion.

"Generous" and "gracious" indeed.

He sits back down, commencing in whispers with the members of his delegation.

[Askthepizzaguy]

An aide to William of Tyre steps forward and takes a seat at the desk reserved for the Kypchak delegation, and has been authorized to speak in their absence, after receiving instruction.

[Ramses II CP]

A rough hewn man in simple garmets enters the chamber and declares himself the emissary of the Ghorid Sultanate.

Noble Lords it is a great pleasure to address you. I have only a few announcements to make, the first is an open declaration that any and every Muslim nation is freely invited to enter into an alliance with the Ghorid Sultanate. The Ghorid people forswear for all time offensive actions against their fellow Muslims, and vow to act aggressively only in so far as such is necessary to repay treachery or foul assault against us. There will be peace if our neighbors wish it, so swears the Sultan.

Alas, we must disagree with the noble representative of the Rajput people. The Malikate of Sindh is a Muslim nation. It will always be a Muslim nation. It's people will always be Muslims. This is not a matter for debate, it is the dictate of Allah. An act of aggression against the people of Sindh will be regarding as a declaration of war against the Ghorids as well, and responded to accordingly. If truly the Sindh are a wayward people, as the Rajputs claim, they should be brought to heel by fellow Muslims who are best equipped to rule their brothers.

It is much to be agreed that there are far too many rebels in greater India, and those foul fools must be brought under control. We wish our Rajput neighbors every bit of luck in bringing those people under their rule.

The rough man then brings forth an official looking document and kneels to present it to the emissary of Jerusalem.

In honor of your noble nation hosting these proceedings the Ghorid Sultan wishes to present you with a gift of two hundred fine goats. Currently they are stabled just outside the city, but they will need better pasturage soon, so if you could advise me on where your King keeps his goat herds...

[Askthepizzaguy]

The young latin delegate enters, face still flush with embarrassment, but he speaks anyway:

The Ghorid representative certainly knows how to impress the latin delegation. Such a sincerely offered gift will not go unnoticed.

There is a large farm on the road towards Gaza, just outside the city walls, where the King keeps his royal animal stock. They will be safely herded inside the city during nightfall.

May the Rajputs and the Ghorids resolve their differences in peace, for they are both friends of Jerusalem.