French King's Court - SS6.2 Hotseat Council Thread

**The Lemongate** · 05-29-2009, 06:05

The Palais de la Cité is a sprawling complex of structures straddling the Île de la Cité on the Seine in the middle of Paris. First built in Roman times to house a military garrison, it has been upgraded ever since to suit the needs of the various rulers of Paris. Fortified to resist the attacks of Frankish and Norman raiders in the early Middle Ages, the Palais now serves as the seat of power of the Capetian dynasty. The King of the Franks holds hist court in the Grande Salle. Here he receives the grand barons of France, the prelates of the Church and the burghers of various chartered cities. Recently, embassadors from all over the world have been gathering in Paris to form a great council of nations at the call of King Philippe de France.

Dressed in fine silks from the best artisans of Sicily and sporting various rings and other jewels, King Philippe greets them personally in his throne room.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**Cultured Drizzt fan** · 05-29-2009, 11:11

A emissary of the Normans arrives, he is a small man dressed in somber cloths, his face is thin and angry looking and he walks with his back almost painfully rigid.

King William sends his regard to King Philip. I am John Kenneth, King Williams chosen representative in the court of his FORMER king. (it is glaringly obvious the representative is trying to point out the Normans very recent split with the Franks) However, my king still respects king Philip, and I am also here to see if we can discuss terms for an alliance, and a Military treaty. In private preferably.
The representative waits for the Franks response.

**Merlox** · 05-29-2009, 12:46

A diplomat and two escorts would follow him from the Fatamid Caliphate would arrive shortly after the Norman one. His face on the other had is rather excitidly and so would be the escorts.

Caliph Al-Munstansir sends the diplomat posted in Rome, to now Paris. We are excited, As I and my escorts are fond of western culture. Though we doubt any diplomacy here can deal with our Caliph in Cairo. We will be ready to listen.

**The Lemongate** · 05-29-2009, 13:18

King Philippe observe the Norman emissary's entrance with a calm expression and the hint of a smile. His eyes betray the slightest twitch at the man's barb, but he courteously sends a squire to fetch a chair for his guest, a rare honour in the Court of France. His stare hardens when he sees the Saracens and waves a servant away to take care of the exotic guests.

The King lifts a white-gloved hand to silence the Court.

We are grateful for your presence mes seigneurs. Sieur John Kenneth, I shall have my chancellor, Monseigneur Étienne de Reims, take care of the administrative details regarding an entente between Our Majesty and the Duke of Normandy but we are inclined to agree to the principle of an alliance. In the meantime gentlemen, welcome to the Kingdom of the Franks.

The King lowers his hand and nods to an elderly man of imposing stature standing besides him whose red and white flowing robes clearly identifies him as a cardinal of the Holy Catholic Church. At the clap of the clergyman's hands, young men bring in additional chairs for the expected arrivals. Tables are pulled to the sides of the room were a rich banquet is being served.

**Ignoramus** · 05-29-2009, 14:15

An Aragonese nobleman arrives, attended by two tall knights, clad in full mail armour.

We salute you, Philippe, King of the Franks!

Your highness, my name is Garcia de Hierro, I come representing Sancho, King of Aragon.

Our king has sent us to negotiate an alliance between your fair realm and our fledgling kingdom. We are particularly concerned with the continued Moorish presence in Andalusia, and seek to strengthen ties with your kingdom.

I believe negotiations about claims upon neighbouring lands should also be discussed.

**The Lemongate** · 05-29-2009, 15:17

A simple flexion of the wrist from the King has servants scurrying in ten different directions. Two men pull in a large oak table that they set in the center of the room, between the King and the assembling diplomats, while another unfolds a large map of Europe, North Africa, the Baltic and the Middle East. On it are represented the various nations and the lands that they currently claim.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

A young woman clothed in a loose fitting dress poses a smaller map next to it. And remains by the tableside.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Philippe gestures towards the second map.

Welcome to Paris, Sieur Garcia de Hierro. You are indeed right, We have called this Council of Nations to discuss of exactly such matters and it is high time we started.

We plan to push the borders of the royal demesne from the English Channel to the Mediterranean. These lands are already under Our de jure jurisdiction and with the help of God, the rebellious nobles who oppose Our will shall be dealt with in a fair and swift fashion. We require the assistance of no outside sovereign in this enterprise and wish your Majesties the best of fortune in establishing your authority on your respective lands.

The young woman smiles mischeviously as Philippe speaks. When he is done, she turns invitingly towards the assembled emissaries and gives them a radiant smile.

**rouroux** · 05-29-2009, 17:05

"We have finally arrived master, though we are a bit late."

Do not worry Andreas. The secret of Diplomacy lies in how you present yourself. Being late is a way to tell that you are willing to come and negociate, but that you will not let yourself be confined by other's rule.

"I see" says the servant.

The Emissary, his servant and 2 cohorts enters the grand palace of the French King and walk along his unending hallways. As they arrive at massive iron twin-doors, the emissary raises his chin high and speaks to the soldiers guarding the door.

I am Gabrielus Angelus. I have come in the name of my sole Emperor, Alexius Comnenus, at the request of the Grand King Philippe.

Silence, followed by a loud grinding. A stream of light falls upon Gabrielus's face as the twin-doors open before him.

**Asinus Asini** · 10-13-2009, 08:14

The german ambassador looks elated.

Welcome Sir Quittiben, if it is a title by which we may adress you.

**phonicsmonkey** · 10-13-2009, 09:26

The Magyar Joszef is busy eating a large plate of bread and cheese, cramming huge hunks of the loaf into his mouth at once and washing it down with long drafts from a wineskin that lays on the table in front of him dripping claret onto the stones. He looks up and through a mouthful of cheese and wine says

Welcome.....Quittiben? And share a drink with me if you will.

**rouroux** · 10-13-2009, 14:04

The roman diplomat rises while the new fatimid ambassador searches for his seat.

Our two nations are at war Quittiben Al-Mezzehan, still I will greet you with all the honesty I have to spare. Please excuse me with my rudeness but I am weary of all these negociations that were going nowhere... I hope your new coming will mark a better future for both of us.

**barcamartin** · 10-13-2009, 21:47

Again, it is very flattering to hear and see the interest by foreign nations in our affairs. Thank you!

Regarding the matters at hand, we will not purchase Smyrna and Dardanellia. They are to be handed over to the Seljuk Sultanate of Konya if peace is to be reached. Otherwise, our valiant troops will liberate them the coming seasons.

Constantinople is clearly a thorn in many nation's eyes. Yes, it is true that we have agreed to hand the city over to Venetian control. However, if this move will spark hostisilty from allies of the Romans, we are willing to renegotiate the city's fate. It won't be cheap however. You are welcome to present your offers. Until I get a good offer from any of the Roman allies, most notably the Rus, I will stick to my former deal with the Venetians.

**Asinus Asini** · 10-14-2009, 02:52

We politely ask the Doge of Venice if he would be willing to release his claim over rebel Milan or exchange it after its capture. Milan would be the only region that could link the HRE with its cities in Italy.