The Sands of Time - MoT diplomacy thread

The Fatimid Caliph's courtroom at Constantinople is where he receives the diplomats and emissaries of the Kings of Europe and the Sultans of the East.

It is evident that the seat of Caliphial authority is but recently established here at the Blacharnae Palace - embroidered Afghani and Turkish rugs line the stone floors but their patterns are not in harmony and their edges are not quite straight, as if they had been laid in a hurry. Elaborately calligraphed hadiths have been hastily stuck over Greek orthodox iconography, there are marks in the stone floors and alcoves which bely the recent presence of statues carted away to storage and no-one among the newly-installed palace staff seems to know where anything is.

It is into this atmosphere of mild chaos and upheaval that the world's ambassadors arrive and are shown to their seats at Court.

The Sicillian diplomat is a man of middle age, with greying sideburns and dressed in a rich grab, with the Sicillian Crown's coat of arms ebroidered on his dublet and a cape in grey and white. He has bejewled golden rings on six of his ten fingers and a heavy golden chain hangs about his neck, unmoving as he walks. His eyes are narrow and piercing, making him look like a blue-eyed hawk.

"It seems your Caliph has made great use of the jewel of the East. I wonder how long it will take the Romans to remember the days of glory past and try to reclaim their capital city. Perhaps a day, or a week, or until there are only you and them left in Anatolia?"

The diplomat smirks as he sits down.

The Norse diplomat looks nothing like a viking. Dark brown hair frame a somewhat pudgy face with a short pointed beard. He wears the latest Flemish fashions with a lacy collar and puffy sleeves. He shuffles a number of papers and stands up.

My master would have the following be known:

The Kingdom of Norway and Sweden does not seek to be at war with any nation, and will dispatch diplomats to that effect at our earliest convenience.

The Kingdom of Norway and Sweden has undertaken to respect peace and stability and will, to that end, remove from foreign soil all troops that it currently stations there. To this end, the Kingdom of Norway and Sweden asks the owner of the province of Rum in Anatolia, he checks his papers which I believe to be the Khwarezm Shah, for passage of its armies through his lands in order to sail homewards.

The Kingdom of Norway and Sweden hereby formally declares its interest in Finland and the island of Gotland. It is, however, willing to renege on the latter claim as a sign of friendship to the Kingdom of Denmark.

Finally, the Kingdom of Norway and Sweden wishes to reiterate its sovereignty over East Flanders and Friesland. Any attempt to subvert that sovereignty will be met by the full force of the Norse armies.

The Swabian looks up from a daze in his seat, frowning at the Nord's statement.

"Whilst the Republic of Swabia itself cannot claim to be an entirely peaceful nation itself, especially with our current war in the Holy Roman Empire, your claim over the region of Flanders, Gotland, AND Finland is, may, in itself, be seen as an act of aggression towards countries of whom also desire the same regions your King speaks of. Maybe you should take a leaf out of the book of the Republic of Swabia - my sire and the Roman Emperor are to exchange lands in Greece and the Balkans come next season, proving a new step towards greater economic strength and stability in that region, as well as starting a new page to the Republic's somewhat troubled history with the Romans in the East. Might I suggest that, instead of reasserting your own power over these regions, why not simply sell Flanders to France or Denmark in exchange for money or another region, and, regarding the rebel regions of Gotland and Finland, why not simply share the spoils of war with Denmark? If you wish to be seen as a friendly figure in your region, cooperating with your potential enemies and their own desires might be a more tempting idea for your King to consider on this fine day..."

The Danish diplomat rises and starts to speak.

Oh finally, letter from Kingdom of Denmark arrived to me. Long time my king had to think about future of Scandinavia, now time of thinking is over.
Path of road was clear with declaration of war against remains of Holy Roman Empire.
But path wasn't clear about future of entire Scandinavia. It's clear now, so listen! Especially you, Norske bror! War has been declared on King of Norway!
Kingdom of Denmark is calling for unification of entire Scandinavia to secure it's position in Northern Europe. Rest is up to nordic Gods now...
Why war is declared? Because dream of uniting Nordic lands is stronger than ever before. Wars have been fought for this goal before our time and will be fought after our time.
Anyone, who takes lands which are geographically part of Scandinavia or lands that are under control of our banner, will be punished with full firepower.

Thank you for listening. That's it for now.
Skål!

The Sicilian diplomat raises his eyebrows and comments with a bland voice. "Norse Gods? We thought you men of Christ, who had abandoned the reaving days of old. It seems we have been mistaken. His Holiness the Pope shall scarcely like this!"

A fanfare sounds and the great doors of the Blachernae Courtroom swing open to admit a procession of gaily-dressed Nubian ghulams bearing ostrich feathers which they wave in the air as they march to a slow drumbeat.

Following the ghulams is a thin, North African arabian man with an impressive thick, black beard. He is garbed in flowing white robes which are embroidered at the collar, cuffs and hem with intricate patterns in rich gold thread. Atop his head is an Indian-style turban beset with an enormous emerald in the shape of a crescent. His fingers are beset with glittering rings of gold and silver encrusted with gemstones of every hue. At his side, in a holster attached to his embossed leather belt, is a tiny and ornate Q'uran.

His name is Ibn-Battutah and he has become quite the celebrity due to his extensive travels around the Islamic world. His travel has taken him from his homelands in Moorish Iberia, through the lands of the faithful on hajj and to the court of the Delhi Sultan. Rumour has it he has visited even the Mongol Khan in his court at Qara Qorum. There is no greater authority on the world at large and specifically the habits and customs of the faithful. Here at Constantinople he is serving as qadi and vizier to the Khalifa and is empowered to speak for him on matters of diplomacy.

The procession having come to a halt, he mounts the dais and seats himself languidly in the throne of the Byzantine Emperors. In a thin, wheedling voice he begins to speak to the assembled dignitaries.

Lords, diplomats and emissaries of the world, ahlan wa sahlan, I welcome you to the court of al-Khalifa Habushan the Just, Prince of the Two Seas, Commander of the Faithful, Guardian of the Holy Places and Arbiter of Conflicts, Allah bless his house and preserve all those who meet in it, let his enemies be smitten by the terrible sword of vengeance.

It greatly pleases the Khalifa to be able to reveal to you certain aspects of the Caliphate's diplomatic and military position.

Firstly, let it be known that our longstanding allies and friends the Moors will continue to receive our full support in all their endeavours.

Secondly, we hereby announce an alliance with our former enemies the Khwarezm Shahdom. Long may the union of all Islam bring light and joy upon the peoples of the ummah.

Thirdly, we are much heartened by the reasonable attitude of the Italian States. Specifically our newfound allies the Normans of Sicily who place reason and truth ahead of petty differences and have agreed to support us in our war against the so-called Roman Emperor. Also the Venetians and the Genovese who have agreed to bring to an end our years of war and commence trade with our richly-stocked ports once more. Inshallah these ties will bind us together in harmony for years to come.

Fourthly, on a less pleasant note, we confirm the continuation of our righteous jihad against the barbarians of Rum, the former occupants of this very palace. We had hoped that their Basileos might see reason and indeed we had seemed to strike a deal with him which would lead to peace and an alliance, but unfortunately his unreasonable demands and lack of respect for our territorial claims led us to quarrel and he chose the mountainous path of war instead of the fertile valleys of peace, advancing on Adana with two armies intent to seize the castle for his own. Needless to say this attack was repelled.

He now lies dead in Adrianople alongside two of his family. Another of his generals fought in vain to save Nicaea and in the field the armies of Islam have scattered his forces to the four winds.

Should the new Basileos find that pragmatism and piety overcome bloodlust, we are open to negotiations to bring our war to an end, but until such a time let he and all who succour him fear our righteous anger!

Finally, al-Khalifa would like to let it be known that he seeks no quarrel with any man and is open to negotiation on any issues which Kings, Khans or Sultans might bring to his attention. He is willing to end all open conflicts on agreable terms and resume trade with any kingdom which desires to lay down the blade for the plow.

My guests, avail yourselves of all the hospitality this great city and palace has to offer, you are the guests of the most magnificent ruler of the world.

As salamu alaykum!

The doors to the hall open and the heads of the delegates turn as the arrival of the Vassili Alexandrovic, the Lithuanian ambassador is announced. With a proud, but slightly limping step, the tall man enters the room. He is clad in a richly adorned fur coat, his white beard is neatly trimmed and silver or golden rings are gleaming on four of his seven fingers.

Slightly embarrassed at arriving several days late, he nevertheless addresses the assembly with polite greetings and then takes his seat at the table. While he is trying to push aside the impressive images of the City of Constantinople his mind finds comfort in the memories of his own long and eventful life.

His career did in fact start out to make him a great warrior. As a young man he had learned to ride a horse and to handle the sword and the bow. But after several victorious, his luck had turned and he had almost lost his life in a fateful attack which instead left his sword hand crippled and he realized he would never ride a war horse in battle again.

So his fate had changed and he had joined a merchant on his travels in the West. Now, a man in advanced years, he had studied the alphabet and the numbers, learned to read and to write, and picked up Latin sufficiently to converse in the international community. And it was this skill of language, which had led the Grand Duke to appoint him as ambassador.

Much had changed in the steppe since his young days. The tribes had grown into states and nations and the feuds had grown into wars. Of the old enemies of Lithuania now only the people of Novgorod and the Rus remained. But these were stronger than ever and had recently formed an alliance. “Go to Constantinople and listen to the talks”, the Grand Duke had told him. “I don’t know if talks will be any help, but they cannot harm. And perhaps we will find new friends if we are in need.”

A slender man in his late forties rises from the back rows, his thick robe somewhat out of place in the great hall of the Fatmids. With a stern gaze at the Caliph he announces with a deep voice:

"I speak for the Kievan Rus, we request the Caliph to return Constantinople to Byzantine rule or at least allow free passage for the Varangian Guard and their families to pass freely to Kievan lands. Our ancestors and many of our brethren have fought under their banners, we ask that their legacy is not unmade."

Taking a few steps from his seat to the more open walkway, he faces the concentration of Christians:
"I advice you to pay heed to the developments of the East. Thread carefully or their union will be the end of you, and the teachings of Christ."

Turning, his gaze shifted from the imposing caliph over to the Sicilian diplomat:
"Is this true? Have you forsaken the faith for coin, united with these men against the Basileos? Have your king forgotten his roots, his responsibilities?"

Bowing to the Caliph, he looks to the danish diplomat:
"It is good that some at least remember the honorable ways of old" He mutters.

As the man moves sit down he waves his hand to his servant, sending the requests for various audiences thinking "So it has begun"

The Byzantine diplomat raises from his seat and starts to speak

Greetings to all those present here. As you have already known, the Egyptians are currently holding Constantinople, the Jewel of the East. We tried to settle the matters of war through negotiations, but their demands were simply too much. Now, we have no choice, but to take it back by force. Constantinople will be taken back soon. And so will be Nicaea and Adrianople. The Egyptians will feel the very might of the Ancient Rome upon them.

Ibn-Battutah laughs scornfully at the Greek and waves his hand dismissively.

Negotiation? Your so-called Emperor barely grasps the meaning of the word. For barely was the ink dry on a peace deal and alliance with al-Khalifa than he demanded possession of this great city! And in exchange for what? For territory which belonged to others and which the Basileos was in no position to grant!

It is to Caliph Habushan's great credit and a testament to his patience and reason that he politely responded to inform your upstart King that he valued Constantinople somewhat higher than that and gave an example of the price he would be willing to accept for it. He gave no ultimatum and invited the Basileos to form a counter-offer, but instead the Greek tyrant willingly chose the path of war.

I recount all this not for the benefit of the late Basileos, for we have seen that he is unreasonable and now we are allied with the Normans of Sicily, with the Moorish Sultan and with the Shah, all of whom are now ranged against him, we see no reason to be accomodating. The Emperor had his chance and threw it away.

Truly he reminds me of the Sultan of Malaya who in his pigheadedness was unable to come to terms with the local infidels and was finally defeated and dragged from his citadel at the back of an ass, his concubines and their children wailing behind him.

Nay, I explain this in detail for the other rulers of the world who bear witness, so that they may not gain a false impression of al-Khalifa as warlike and unreasonable. In fact great Habushan (peace be upon him) welcomes genuine negotiation and will always come to the parley table before resorting to the blade.

This I say in the sight of mighty Allah and his prophet, blessed be his name and may he dwell forever in paradise amid the angels.

He then turns to the Russian.

Good sir, as you can see there is little chance of this great jewel of the Bosphorus ever being returned to the grasping claws of the so-called Romans. However, we are greatly inclined towards peace with your mighty Tsar and we urge him not to side with the tyrant in this matter.

As to the Varangians, they are free to come and go as they please. We seek not to oppress any people, regardless of creed or religion.

The Sicillian grins, displaying a golden canine tooth, as he stands up and strolls leisurely towards the map of the known world.

"The Roman Basileos is not solely to blame, as even after his death the schemers and lunatics that hide and inbreed in Greece still continue the collective suicide of the former Roman empire. They have less of the blood of old Roma in their veins than us, and less of a claim to such a bold title than either nation on Europe. However their ludicrous siege of Naples and their scheming against the good Fatamid Caliph, who has thus far displayed more noble intent than certain Christian rulers we have dealt with, secured their fate and aided ours trough indirect means.

To the Russian Tzar we offer to instead turn his gaze inward and to secure his lands, instead of raising his starved armies to defend those who wish to commit suicide, least the dead drag them in the grave with them."

Anger clearly written in his face, the man of Kiev stands facing the Sicilian:
"We men of Kiev have always known battle, make no mistake when I say we are prepared! You should know not to underestimate us,
our ruler may be young but he has the council of both Huginn and Muninn, His very arm guided by Thor himself!"

Calming himself, he turns to the Caliph:
"We are pleased that you have decided to allow the Varangians free passage to our lands,
they will be welcomed home with open arms, roaring fires and with drink and song! "

"Know that we may frown upon your war with the Basileos, but our warriors shall not be the ones to pay the price of their folly as we have before."

Once again bowing slightly, he sits down and studies the Caliph with both interest, and perhaps a hint of fear.

A tall, thin man wearing flowing silk robes of cream colors enters the room. He bears in his hand a ripe orange, and a servant follows close behind with a large basket of them which he places on the table.

Greetings my fellow diplomats, I am Fārūq Zulficar, and I come on behalf of the Moorish Sultan
While it is certainly a pleasure to be among you all, I come bearing grave news from the Sultan.

Fārūq unrolls a scroll of parchment, spreads it out of the table in front of him, and begins to read while idly peeling the orange with his hands.

The French have made numerous veiled threats and nefarious attempts to bring nations to war against the Moors. All while oppressing the people of the Republic of Genoa, friends of the Moors. We can no longer stand for this, and have moved to help the Genoese in their struggle. Moorish forces march on France; Marseilles has already been captured, and will soon be handed over to its rightful owners the Genoese!

Well, as you heard, my people are now fighting those of France, I am curious to see what the reactions of your rulers shall be.

Fārūq leans back in his chair and casually places a slice of orange into his mouth, looking around amiably at his fellows, and gesturing for them to help themselves to an orange of their own.

The emissary of the Genoese stands up.

We hope that the King of France now sees the folly of attacking our Republic, which has done nothing to justify the the war against our lands and property.

Diplomat of Denmark jumps up, upon recieving royal letter from Scandinavia. Then he turns to court...
Heir of Norway is slain, killed during the Siege of Antwerp! Poor prince... brave he was, bravely he fought. Should his soul find the way to Valhalla.
Norway has now 2 cities left and this war should end soon, bringing peace and prosperity to entire Scandinavia. And which is most important, our people will be united.

Turning to Moorish diplomat
Your actions shall be punished by armies of Christendom. Genoese don’t count as christians, after swearing allegiance to muslim infidels. That’s all King Bjorn has to say.

Diplomat takes seat, eyes looking towards diplomat of Norway, slight grin and sadness on face at once.

Ibn-Battutah is still at Constantinople representing the Caliph, despite the Fatimids' ejection from the city at the hands of the re-conquering Romans. He eyes the great throne with the look of someone who imagines he will be sitting in it again soon enough...

Ahem.

Great Caliph Habushan, who will presently return to reclaim this city by the grace of Allah, his name be praised forever, wishes it to be known that he has signed a pact of mutual non-aggression with the noble Kievan Rus. The pact has a span of ten years and in this time the two great empires will respect one anothers borders and make not war on each other.

In the name of great Allah, his light and beauty render us awestruck, the Caliph would also let it be known that he intends to unite all of Anatolia under his benificent rule. The work has begun and will take less than two years to complete. Other Kings and rulers are advised to stay out of this territory lest they incur his wrath.

The Sicillian diplomat stands up and speaks in Latin for all to understand.

"Fellow representatives of the worldly powers of the west, north and east. The Genoese Dodge has gone mad with greed, as if securing trade across some of Italia's finest provinces were not enough for him. He was our ally in times past yet they struck at the honourable Dodge of Venecia and Duke of Swabia, who had done them no ill. Genoa schemed for war against the honourable Caliphs of the Moors and Fatamids, even as the Moors went to war with France on their behalf. It appears that Genoa has gone corrupt from the inside, and it falls to Sicillia to cleanse the filth from her body and liberate the good and pious people of the realm. Ajaccio has fallen during the small hours of this day, and all the defenders have been put to the sword, so that they may answer for their sins before God! The Genoese fleet has been sunk after the capture of its' home port, and soon we shall rejoice with the liberation of this realm.

Siciillia formally annexes Pisa, Bologna and Genoa, and vows to return Milano and any other provinces back to Venetia. We lay no claim to Tolouse and any other cities that may have been wrongfully plundered from France, and who have little to do with Italian matters."

Vassili Alexandrovic, the Lithuanian diplomat, leans over to his neighbour and, in a quiet but not secretive voice, speaks: “Really, the situation in the West is confusing. The alliances there seem to be changing faster than the seasons.”

Then, in a more formal voice, he addresses the Moorish diplomat.
“Fārūq Zulficar, honour may go with your name. If indeed the Sicilian gentleman speaks true, the Genoese have thanked you badly for your help and protection. But what will the Sultan do now?

Forgive them and allow them again to shelter under the protective shield of the Moorish Empire?

Or reprimand them for their behaviour and take their French provinces in compensation?"

Vassili picks up one of the offered oranges, leans back in his seat and casts a questioning look at Fārūq as he waits for him to answer.

I agree sir Vassili Alexandrovic, these western lords quite confuse me. We had attempted negotiations with the French as well, but they were most uncooperative, and now those we have taken under our protection attack us as well.

As to their territory in France, all of that they controlled they did by the permission of the Moorish Sultan. We held our forces back from taking the rebel garrisoned Toulouse that they might have a center to train quality troops. This castle cannot be allowed to remain in Genoese hands. It is quite near our heartlands and would provide them too easy an opportunity to betray us. For these reasons, Toulouse must be turned over by the Genoese immediately, if not, troops shall be organized for its forceful capture.

The only other territory in question is Marseilles, which the Sultan's troops captured from the French and were prepared to hand over once the war with France ended. Thankfully the city remains in our hands as it was still being used as a staging post for the war when this distressing news reached the Sultan. Given their treachery, the Sultan sees no reason that this city should be handed over.

This said, the Sultan is merciful, and does not believe it necessary for Genoa to be destroyed utterly. If Genoa surrenders and agrees to become a vassal state of the Moorish Empire, we shall take them under our protection. They would be allowed to retain control of their home city of Genoa, as well as the important city of Milan, but no more than that. If they serve well, and show no future signs of treachery, the Moors will attempt to negotiate for the return of more of their original territory.

Fārūq Zulficar turns to face the Genoese

Sir, I advise you to take up our offer with your Doge quickly. Hand over Toulouse and declare yourself a vassal of the Moorish Empire. If you do not, we can do nothing to protect you and surely your people will be wiped out by the other lords of Italy.

The Sicillian diplomat stands, he is tall and broad shouldered, his Norman blood is apparent as even if he is dressed more as a merchant than as a knight. "My Lord, this is hardly prudent. We have formally annexed all their cities in Italia and my King shall not let such a nest of treacherous vipers brood at our borders. Once proven corrupt, such a nation can only be redeemed trough conquest - leaving then to plot and stab at our back or that of our allies is something we shall never agree to. We warn you that should you insist on enforcing said protection, as well as denying us Genoa and Milano to Venice, you shall inflict war upon yourself, which would be regrettable as we wish for naught but trade and cooperation as we have stated long ago. If you truly harbor love for Genoa, grant them provinces in Western France or Iberia, far away from our own, and tend to them as you would a pet wolf. We want none of their ilk here!"

Originally Posted by Myth

The Sicillian diplomat stands, he is tall and broad shouldered, his Norman blood is apparent as even if he is dressed more as a merchant than as a knight. "My Lord, this is hardly prudent. We have formally annexed all their cities in Italia and my King shall not let such a nest of treacherous vipers brood at our borders. Once proven corrupt, such a nation can only be redeemed trough conquest - leaving then to plot and stab at our back or that of our allies is something we shall never agree to. We warn you that should you insist on enforcing said protection, as well as denying us Genoa and Milano to Venice, you shall inflict war upon yourself, which would be regrettable as we wish for naught but trade and cooperation as we have stated long ago. If you truly harbor love for Genoa, grant them provinces in Western France or Iberia, far away from our own, and tend to them as you would a pet wolf. We want none of their ilk here!"

The Sultan has no intention whatsoever of breeding hostility with Sicily or with Venice, and would not grant Genoa military protection against said powers. He only entreats them to see mercy and allow Genoa to live as a small client state. I of course understand your ruler's hesitation to let them survive so close to you, and he is free to act as he will without fear of war with us. The Sultan simply wishes to act as a mediator so that the destruction of a sovereign nation can be prevented if reasonably possible without further bloodshed.

The Genoese emissary rises to his feet, and addresses the Sicilian envoy.

"You speak false, you faithless cur! The Republic of Genoa had no intention whatsoever of war with the Moorish Caliphate. Our trade was prospering with the income of their many wares, and we had much to lose and naught to gain from engaging in such a foolhardy venture. Would we be fool enough to risk the possession of Marseilles, which had so recently been promised to us?

He thens turns to the Moorish representative.

"We only sought assurances from the Sicilians that if aggression proceeded from the Moors, that they would come to our aid. Any state of our size would be imprudent if they did not do so.

It is rather the unparalleled greed, aggression, and treachery of the Sicilians here that is most sickening. We at least, gave warning to Venetians that war was imminent, and then sought to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict that would be agreeable to both sides. But the Sicilians not only gave us no such warning when we asked their opinion on the matter, but led us to believe that such a move would be in their interests. Their true nature is revealed when, instead of warning us to leave off the Venetians, they play the fox and seize our lands!

I call upon the Moorish Caliph to address these injustices that have been inflicted upon our Republic, by the jealously and greed of the Sicilians, who were envious of our wealth and trade in the Western Mediterranean."

The Moorish diplomat raises an eyebrow as he listens attentively to the Sicilian diplomat, before turning to the Sicilian one and giving him a smile.

Well sir, are these claims true.

My Sultan was informed by your King that the Genoese had refused to accept peace when you gave your warning. If those words were false we can hardly support you in this war against the Sicilians. I am sure that the Sultan does not wish to begin hostilities with Sicily, but actions such as this are likely to be seen as a grave insult, and may damage future relations between our people if your King does not admit his guilt and relent from his attack on Genoa.

Of course, if we receive good evidence that the Genoese diplomat lies, the Sultan shall be just as displeased with the Doge.

Perhaps these matters can be settled now without any further bloodshed.
Genoa may back down from their war with Venice, and Sicily shall back down from their attack on Genoa.

The Venetian diplomat frowns at the Genoese diplomat, before chuckling to himself to face the Sicilian and Moorish diplomats

My King finds it most amusing how all this squabbling has aroused from an attack on our Kingdom! If you want any evidence of the Genoese lies, just ask them yourself - did they give us warning of the attack, and the demands they supposedly put before us? There were no demands of such! Demands were only made after the invasion and capture of Bologna!

Our hands were tied, we had already lost one region completely unprovoked, and the only offer of peace that followed was to hand over Milan to Genoese hands - all aggression from the Genoese towards our nation still appears completely unprovoked and unjustified to my King.

The Venetian diplomat begins to scowl at the Genoese diplomat.

Oh, and, dear emissaries, lest you not remember the apparent friendship that was once shared between the Genoese and Venetians? My King has good reason to believe that such talks of 'friendship' between our nations were only a distraction and ploy in order for us to have a false sense of security of the Italian Venetian borders, leading my King to move his Italian armies north to where they were needed most.

He then turns solely to the Moorish diplomat.

And this is why, with a heavy heart, that our war against the Genoese must continue, for, whilst they have only attacked my Kingdom in recent years, who is to say that they may attack another Europoean state, also unprovoked? Their very nature shall prove to be there very downfall! Great emissary of the Sultan, is this not enough evidence of pure, Genoese treachery and greed??

The Sicillian laughs heartily and gestures to show his amusement. "*clap* *clap* *clap* A splendid theatrical performance, truly worthy of a nation of men who wear makeup and scented perfumes. Genoa had stated "We shall make war upon Venetia" to which we responded that it makes little sense, as Venetia could crush them with half of its' army. But somehow they mistook this as a sign that we would join them in this treachery and make ill of our alliance? Furthermore, the alliance between mine own King and the Dodge of Venetia has been signed in person, a pact between warriors and honourable Catholics, whilst the treaty of alliance with Genoa had been never ratified, but rather inherited from rulers past.

In fact, we have gotten naught from Genoa but their desires for land. They first coveted an island already secured by our armies. Then they signed for alliance with the Moorish Caliphate in order to be able to bite a piece of meat from France's rump while the main part of the war was carried by the Caliph's soldiers.

We never gave sign that we would stand by an obsolete alliance and betray a man of worth and whom we would trust with our lives. The attack on Venetia was purely a Genoese adventure, aiming to secure two rich cities for them. And yes, Genoa did try to play at intrigue, attempting to instill fear, warning us of the alliance between the Moors and the Fatamids, trying to present them as a looming threat to which we must answer by unification. After plundering Venetia of course. Little did the Dodge know that we had already allied with both Muslim nations, the Fatamid Caliph being a brother in arms against the depraved Eastern Romans, and your Lordship well knows of our demeanor towards thine Caliph and lord-liege of Western Africa and Iberia.

The Genoese may not speak of honour, as their forewarning of war came whilst they lay siege to an undefended allied settlement. Ours is similar, but we have the means to storm stone walls and avoid lengthily sieges. We ask then, if Genoa was indeed so sure of the trade and cooperation with the Moors, why did it seek our military reassurance in a war against them? They seem to us like scheming rats, trying to secure the favor of all, and somehow start wars and take sovereign lands unpunished. None of these shall slip by us my Lord, as the men assembled here are not fools!"

Elated Norse diplomat rises from his seat

War in Northern Europe is over! Quick fall of Bergen and major battle for Eikundarsund were won and Kingdom of Denmark has claimed throne of Norway, uniting people of Scandinavia under one banner.
And within birth of Kingdom of Scandinavia, war broke out with French. There's no point of leaving lands for others when downfall of France is inevitable, no matter what Casus Belli others have.

After short discussion with one of his assistants, diplomat continues

Such intrigues going on in Liguria-Italia is really confusing and waste of huge amount of tint and papers, not to talk about lives that are being killed in armed conflicts. But oh well, fall of Genoa would have happened sooner or later, Doge of Liguria just triggered it to happen earlier, his wish hasn't gone unnoticed that's for sure.
King Scandinavia supports Swabia and Sicily in their war against Genoa and hopes that Genoese will get their severe punishment for such actions.

Sir Norseman, I should let you know that the Moorish Sultan has already claimed the lands of France, aside from those parts claimed by England, as was made known to those who were already involved in the war. I tell you this now because the Sultan is likely to see your invasion as an attempt to steal lands that Moorish soldiers have rightly battled for. I urge you to put down your arms and create prosperity within your own lands.

As to the Italian fiasco, it seems clear none are ready to resolve this matter peacefully. Given the many contradictory accounts, I believe I have delivered the truth of the matter.

Genoa, being saved from their war with France, felt a need for the acquisition of further territory. They looked to Northern Italy and declared war on the Republic of Venice. Before doing so, they asked the Sicilians opinion on the matter, and got a warning that the war was dangerous, but no indication that it would create war between them. Genoa took this to mean they could fight a war against only Venice, and attacked. Sicily has now followed their alliance with Venice and attacked Genoa.

From this, I can reach no conclusion other than Genoa's fault in the matter. However, I urge the other lords of Italy to see the mercy your religion advocates and leave the Genoese their home city, under heavy guard.

Oh really? Although it wasn't our intention to grab all lands, only those which are bordering Scandinavian territory and are geographically suitable. I'm sure neither Swabia nor Scandinavia doesn't want to see infidels roaming in Cologne and Metz, not to mention that its geographically and politically vulnerable and threatening to both of our sovereignty. I don't know about England.
To make it clear, I'll make list of currently claimed territories: Cologne, Metz(taken), Rheims and Dijon.
We can negotiate about Dijon, but about other cities... Your armies must take them by force.

Please do not portay us as a threatening menace. We respect you as equals and Scandinavia wants as much peace as you do, but it's in our warrior blood. And this means we don't back off easily.

So now you call us infidels as well? While claiming you desire peace? Surely you jest. These are not the acts of a warrior, but of a small child grabbing at what he has not properly earned. Have you defeated large french armies? Have you any reason besides greed to begin this war? No, the is answer is no to both. We will cede you Cologne as it is quite far East, but Rheims, Metz, and Dijon belong to us. As your forces already have taken Metz, we will pay you a reward for its capture and return to the Moors, but allowing you to keep it would be allowing theft.

We do not make you out as a threatening menace, and are sure you do wish peace. However, we cannot allow you to leech off of our accomplishments. So long as you respect us, and do not take actions such as this, you have no reason to fear a common border with us, and indeed may fidn trade very profitable.