Baltic Council: Teutonic Hotseat IC Thread

[Zim]

The Baltic Council is held on the island of Gotland in the independent city of Visby. Long years of warfare had impressed upon the powers of the region the need for a neutral place to talk, and the merchants who ran Visby were all too happy to provide them with one. The council building consisted of a long rectangular hall filled with tables for each regional power, flanked by two wings which held the sleeping chambers of those diplomats assigned there. In theory this is where representatives from regional powers can publicly debate issues important to the Baltic, and work out alliances or issue proclamations. In reality they mostly bicker with each other, and gloat over victories. Occasionally a Monarch actually graces the floor of the Council Chamber, to issue some proclamation, or even just to harass a foe.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

IC thread for the Teutonic Hotseat 2. Since posts by non-players of the game could cause problems within the hotseat game, I ask that only players post in here.

[Redemption]

The delegation of the Ordensstaat is the first to enter the grand hall of the Baltic Council. A monk with his scribe accompanied by two unarmored knights takes place at the Order’s table. Seeing as the other delegates have still to arrive, he starts reviewing a map of the region and dictates a few letters to his scribe.

[Zim]

The lone delegate for Lithuania, a nervous looking man in worn but high quality robes, steps in to take a seat at his nation's table. As he reaches it, he sends a worried glance towards the Order representatives.

[Zim]

The Lithuanian delegate stands.

The Grand Duke would like to express his peaceful attentions to all of his neighbors. He also demands that the Teutonic Order cease their attacks on Lithuania's sovereign territory.

[Emperor of Graal]

The Holy Roman empire emperor comes through
I wish to show my concern over Novgorod,they are dangerous...
Also I wish that my relations with Poland and the Order become better

[Ignoramus]

The entourage of the Republic of Novgorod files in. Among them are many prominent merchants of the city, as well as skilled diplomats and representatives of the Grand Duke.

We wish peace with all realms, and especially trust that there be no continuation of the unfortunate hostilities that have broken out between ourselves and the Teutons.

We are desirous to increase our trade, and to avoid direct conflict unless it is provoked.

[_Tristan_]

The emissary of the Great Khan walks into the hall. Upon his entrance, you can almost hear the howls of the steppenwolves. His appearance brings in your mind images of huge and empty plains of grass.
A burly man of undefinable age, his gait tells you that the man has spent much more hours on horseback than you have been on your own feet. His complection set him apart from the rest of the assembled emissaries, reminding you that the steppes are the door to the Far East.Your gaze goes up to his face. A large mustache frames a mouth that seems frozen in a perpetual smirk. His black gaze scans the room and seeing nothing of interests, he walks to a table and sits astride the chair behind it.

[Redemption]

The delegation of the Order watch with suspicion as the Tartar diplomat takes his place at the Council. There seems to be a mixture of awe and defiance in the knights' gaze, the recognition of an enemy whose deeds are renown but whose soul is evil nonetheless and an eagerness to cross blades in glorious battle.

Breaking the tension, the monk walks to the center of the room, the Order's flowing white robes drawing immediate attention to him, and adresses the other representatives in the monotone voice of one who is used to hours of prayer:

The Ordensstaat is pleased to hear that the people of Novgorod are open to peaceful relations. In time we hope that the good vertues of Catholicism will light your way to a fuller understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. We understand that you still face challenges from the Tartars and pray that God grants your arms the strength of Samson in your tribulations.

As for Lithuania, the Order will not stop to hound your heathen blasphemous preachers and their followers until all of your cursed temples have been burnt to the ground. We will follow the blessed cross to the very heart of Lithuania if need be. Only by abandonning your evil ways and embracing the Master of Heaven can you spare your souls from eternal damnation and the edge of our blades. My council to you at this time is to repent and relinquish your sovereignty into the most righteous hands of the Order and we will guide you on the way to absolution.

Now, to the great Catholic Kings, the Order hopes to impress upon you the need for unity in these trying times. Put aside your petty squabbles and join the Knights of the Order in cleansing the world of the infidel and spreading the love of the Blessed Mary through all the lands of Scandinavia and the Baltic. A Catholic union is the only option and if you listen to your souls, you will see it has been ordained by God Himself.

The monk sits back down. Even at the height of speech against Lithuania, his voice was little more then a flat, word-string with little intonation. No trace of the Order's renown fanaticism could be heard in his words, but they were charged with meaning.

[Emperor of Graal]

The HRE emperor stands
Now I need comfromation that the Danes are not going to be agreesive....
For now

[Ramses II CP]

The Polish emissary, a bearded, roughly dressed man with a heavy wolf's head cloak drawn over his shoulders, enters the chamber and nods amiably at all present before speaking,

King Wladyslaw sends greetings and tidings of peace and prosperity to all. Additionally he asks me to make these proclamations for everyone to hear;

Poland vows never to start a war against any fellow Catholic, and further asks that all other Catholic nations immediately open trade routes with one another to ensure the propserity of God's people.

Poland pledges her priests and funds to spreading the word of God anywhere that it cannot yet be heard. Assailing or otherwise hindering priests in their noble mission will be an act of war. Any nation which does not wish to hear the word of God in their lands is welcome to make their protests known here so that their reasons will be heard by all.

Finally Poland wishes to express her support for the aims of the Teutonic Order with a public pledge of permanant non-aggression between our two peoples, and the promise of a further developing relationship in the near future. Let all enemies of either people be duly warned.

With a deep bow the emissary retires to a seat set aside for Poland.

[Redemption]

The Ordensstaat welcomes most warmly the declaration from the Kingdom of Poland. Truly the enemies of the Christian faith must tremble this day before our unity of purpose and when our armies shall assemble every heathen will lift his eyes to the Heavens and repent his hideous ways.

[Emperor of Graal]

The Emperor stands
I accept to Wladyslaw's agreement may we flourish under Gods blessings

[oz_wwjd]

The Hre Delegate stands

We of the HRE would like to confirm that the danes will refrain from making war on our peace-loving nation,as we only wish to live in peace,for now anyway,although our policy may change over time.

We would also like to discuss a mutual defense treaty with the Great King Wladyslaw,ruler of the poles,where you you assist us if we are attacked unjustly,in return we would offer you the same agreement if you are attacked,with whatever troops we can muster..

[Ramses II CP]

The emissary of Poland rises to address the council,

King Wladyslaw sends word that he would greatly welcome a treaty of non-aggression with the Holy Roman Empire! A diplomat will be dispatched as soon as one becomes available.

The King also wishes to make it known that a few little villages of Polish rebels have been brought back into the nation of Poland, and one or two more are held under siege. Poland is a nation of peace, but rebellion against the authority of the crown will not be tolerated. If any nation wishes to dispute the ownership of these little places let them present their case here, in public, and God willing an agreement will be reached.

[TheFlax]

A large fellow enters, bearing the colors of Denmark. By his build it is easy to recognize he was obviously a warrior once, but age has replaced most of his muscles with fat. The ashen hair covering his scalp is in disarray, as his full beard of the same color is tangled up, still soiled by bits of a recent meal. His once sharp eyes look around aimlessly, before focusing themselves on each of the representatives. After a few moments he turns to a smaller, bony man, carrying a stack of stained paper. He takes one of the sheets and glances at it for an instant before reading its contents out loud.

Great kingdoms of the Baltic,

I, King Knud of Denmark, wish to extend the hand of friendship to any who wishes to grasp it. Already, I have agreed to an non-aggression pact with the Holy Roman Empire and would wish to do the same with the Teutonic Order and the Republic of Novgorod. If a spirit of friendship and understanding is reached, then I may even be willing to discuss the possibility of an alliance.

Regarding the conflict between the Teutonic Order and Lithuania, I declare my kingdom neutral.

Finally, I wish to welcome any merchants who desire to trade in the kingdom of Denmark, but they should bear in mind that all honey inside my borders is reserved for Danish merchants only!

Upon finishing the short letter, both men take their seat at the table reserved for the Danes.

[oz_wwjd]

The Hre emissary rises,with a look of urgency on his face

Great kingdoms of the Baltic,it has come to my attention that a new threat has risen to the north,the plague of the mongol Horde. These barbarians know no respect as they burn,rape and pillage there way through all the known lands. I propose that a close eye be kept on them,and if they continue there reign of terror a joint miltary force be sent to deal with them before they become a major threat to all our lands.

[Ramses II CP]

The emissary of Poland rises once again,

It is deeply regrettable that the Roman Empire has decided to open the doors of war rather than negotiate in good faith, as they were invited to do so here before all present. The people of Poland are saddened to find themselves unjustly attacked so, but there will be a reckoning.

Know also, however, that if the Romans should come to their senses and decide to sue for peace we will be listening for a little while yet. Compensation need not yet be heavy for this transgression.

God's blessing on all here.

[TheFlax]

The burly envoy of the Danes nod as the Polish emissary speaks. Once the man is finished, a letter is delivered to the Danish table. After a quick reading, the Danish emissary rises, incensed.

First the Romans attack the Poles for trivial matters and now I have just heard that the Rus have attacked the Danish Castle of Narva without reason or provocation. Did the mighty Republic of Novgorod feel threatened by a small Danish castle garrisoned with peasants?

He snorts.

It seems to me this is simply some opportunistic land grabbing! End this now, in negotiation, and you may yet have the land you covet, with minimal losses. If you pursue the path of war on the other, we will not relent in shedding the blood of ten of you people for each Dane you kill. You may think yourself safe at the moment, and you would be correct, but the Danes are a patient people. We will strike when it will be convenient for us... and not for you.

[Ignoramus]

The leader of the Novgorodion council rises, with a neutral look on his face.

We do not seek a war, but currently we have no access to the sea, and so desire the castle of Narva.

We are willing to settle this now, on these terms. The two Estonian provinces currently in the possession of the Danes are to be surrendered to us, and an indemnity of 2000 florins is to be paid to us directly. Until then, we are forced to continue hostilities so as not to give opportunity for increasing our enemy's strength.

[Redemption]

Interrupting the man from Rus, the monk from the Ordenstaat quietly states:

The agressive moves of Novgorod towards the catholic settlements under the care of the Danish King are not well seen by the Order. The weak excuses you make betray suspicious motives. Novgorod should do well to consider returning every property stolen from its neighbor before it alienates those who would have nothing but goodwill towards it.

As for the conflict in the West, the Order has no intention to take sides. We would however offer our help to mediate your dispute if you should chose to ask for our council.

[Redemption]

As soon as he finishes speaking, an armor-clad knight enters the council and delivers a note to the head of the Order's delegation. The monk reads through the missive quickly. After a small prayer he adresses the council.

Amidst all these talks of war among Christians, our Grandmaster, Gunther von Wullersleben the Chivalrous, brings us a ray of hope. The Grandmaster and his valorous knights have stormed the castle of Palanga. After some good swordplay, the pagans were routed and the good men of the Order have claimed it in the name of the Ordenstaat. In an effort to show the beastly heathens our holy ways, the place was spared destruction as would have been the soldiers' right following the customs of our time. We praise God for this victory over the forces of evil and hope that our Christian neighbors can set aside their differences and join us in our righteous crusade.

I would also like to take this moment to express the Order's gratitude to the Kingdom of Poland for signing a pact of peace and cooperation with the Ordenstaat. May our relations always be as cordial.

As he sits back down, the monk gives a sorrowful look towards the Lithuanian representative. He clearly pities the poor man's soul.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: Just for you Zim. A little view of things to come

[oz_wwjd]

as the delegate from the Order finishes spreaking, a messenger enters and hands the Roman delegate a note..
Our King wishes to end the hostilies with the Polish. We also regret that this shedding of blood had to take place,but the re-taking of Gorlitz from the German rebels was neccesary,lest there rebellious ideas spread to the rest of our lands. We would also request that the fort that you have built below Gortlitz be removed,or there shall be more blood shed,as we cannot tolerate such an outpost near our castle of Prague,blocking off our access routes..

We would also desire the end of the conflict between the danes and the Rus,as we are worried about the conflict spreading over our borders.

[Ramses II CP]

For all their pretty words the Germans have made us no offer of compensation for their aggression at Gorlitz. As such the war between our nations has been prosecuted accordingly and two German armies near the Polish border driven back. The German Prince was graciously allowed to escape the field of his defeat today, but if a healthy offer is not produced this forbearance on the part of Poland's armies will not continue.

Specifically Gorlitz, which was needlessly assaulted, must be returned and an offering of compensation for the lives lost in it's capture made as well. Our diplomat is near your own (Just to the south of him, southwest of Neustettin) and at your disposal for discussions.

Bowing deeply the emissary of Poland loudly proclaims,

God's peace on all present!

[oz_wwjd]

We regret to inform the Polish that the return of Gorlitz would be next to impossible,as we have just expended significant resources constructing a castle on the site,and the demolishing of this fortress would consume even more resources. Would there be some other way to redress the conflict between our two great nations? Also the attack on our prince was unneccesary,he was just returning to Prague for a well-earned rest and regroup,but the fort between Gortliz and Prague delayed his march..

[Ramses II CP]

The emissary of Poland rises and fixes a firm eye on the German diplomat,

So, you stole our settlement, killed our soldiers, and needlessly began a war between Christians while pagans howl at the gates, and your peace offer is exactly what?

We have no comment on the status of Gorlitz at this time. We will await an official offer from your diplomats before providing an answer. No one wants war amongst Catholics, but Poland will not be the lapdog of the west to have her lands taken heedlessly.

[Redemption]

Sensing rising tensions between his fellow Catholic, the emissary of the Ordenstaat rises to take the floor.

Noble lords! These senseless disputes between brothers can not be tolerated! The Order will not stand by as two of its neighbors and friends fight over some stronghold while good Christian men and women die for their folly! The Order has a special offer to make you if you will but sheat your swords and listen to reason. I will contact you both further on such matters.

As for the Rus' aggression upon the lands of Denmark, we warn the princes of Novgorod that a large army of valorous knights and their sturdy retinues is within range to defend the lands of Western Christiendom from any unwarranted aggression. The Danish crown's claim on Reval is under our protection. Since you now have access to the Baltic, your military goals have been accomplished and a peaceful settlement should be forthcoming on your part towards the most righteous Danish Kingdom.

Indeed, the deceitful pagans have moved an important force towards Livonia and the Order has pulled back its forces in hopes the heathens will at least spare the good citizens of Riga the depredation of their soldiers. The Grandmaster himself is mustering an army and vows to reclaim the town should it fall!

But despair not good men of Christiendom, the darkness of paganism will be expunged from Lithuania and its citizen will be welcomed into the Light of Christ!

[Ignoramus]

The delegation of Novgorod stands up and speaks to the Council.

We have declared war against the Order of the Teutons. Even now, our emissaries are negotiating an alliance with the Grand Duke of Lithuania.

We have done this because of the Order's bellicose attitude towards non-Catholic kingdoms. Such aggression cannot be tolerated.

[Ramses II CP]

The rough hewn emissary of Poland rises to speak with a grim look on his face,

The Holy Roman Empire has been fully repayed for their heedless act of war at Gorlitz and their lazy attempt to circumvent the fair terms offered for peace by the Order. Gorlitz now belongs to Poland, and the German Prince Nikolaus lies dead on the field.

Furthermore Poland has claimed Prague as war reparations; the army in garrison there was completely destroyed when they sallied to try to save the few German archers camped just beyond the walls. Prague will remain a Polish holding in any peace agreement. It is not up for debate.

A series of battles were also fought outside Potsdam, resulting in the Roman Emperor fleeing the field in shame and the German siege of Potsdam being throw off and replaced by a Polish siege. Alas, the Polish Prince Boguphal gave his life in battle with Emperor Heinrich, who slew him foully before turning tail to run back to Madgeburg.

The new Polish prince is (Errr, I think) unmarried if there are interested parties.

Poland very greatly hopes the German people have learned their lesson well and will accept peace on our terms now, as vassals of the Empire of Poland. It is past time for the war between Catholics, begun over such a petty issue, to be at an end.

[oz_wwjd]

If we agree to this can we actually trust the Polish to keep there word,being that you have just broken a peace treaty Brokered by the Teutonic order

The Order can not tolerate this war between Christians right at its very gates. Three nations to the East threaten Christianity: the schismatic Rus of Novgorod who dare attack the settlements of the Danish crown, the vicious Mongols who have thrown their lot with the Mahometans and the heathen Lithuanians. To beat back the hordes of the faithless we must unite in a most holy crusade.

Since your dispute is over the pitiful castle of Görlitz, we offer you this compromise:

1- That Görlitz remains in the hands of the Reich;
2- That the Castle of Thorn, currently in the hands of the Order, is traded to Poland in exchange for 1000 florins;
3- That the Reich pays 1000 florins in war reparations to Poland;
4- That the Reich agrees to finance the crusades of the Order at the rate of 500 florins per turn for 10 turns;
5- That the polish armies currently stationed North and South of Görlitz immediately depart to join the Lithuanian Crusade;
6- That the Imperial army in Görlitz and the one besieging Potsdam immediately depart to join the Lithuanian Crusade;
7- That all parties sign military and economic treaties to seal this union.

In addition to this,you have destroyed out army that was setting off to join the Lithuanian Crusade,and broken our siege of the rebel village of postdam,so how do we know that if we agree to becoming your vassals,you won't condider that as an agreement to lay siege to more of our towns?

[Zim]

All I see is a proposal from the Hochmeister. Did the King of Poland actually agree to it? If not no breach has been made...

I also rather resent this apparent conspiring to send "crusades" to my lord's territory. My people will not be converted by the sword.