Broken Crescent 2: RoPG (IC diplomacy thread)

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.