Court of the Caliph: BC Hotseat Council Thread

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Seljuks and the Ghaznavids have yet to inform me of any attempts at peace on your part. Would you call for a cease-fire and mediation, and would they accept, we have more pressing matters to deal with anyway.

But since your counter-offensive, talk of cease-fire has ended, and I must side with my allies. What talk of peace from the Shah we recieved was vague and did not offer terms.

I cannot offer terms as I am not a belligerent in this war, and I do not have the most recent territorial maps, nor am I obliged to speak on behalf of the Seljuks or the Ghaznis. But I will call for a new round of peace discussions in a seperate chamber, if the Caliph, the Seljuks, the Ghaznis, and the Shah are interested in joining me.

If no talks are forthcoming, then yes, let the Coalition prevail in this war and smash the viper in the North incapable of peace or diplomacy. Should you offer reasonable terms, I think they can be persuaded to disengage. But you will have to talk to them, not just me.

And if you suggest that we are all a pawn of the Seljuk Empire, I question the Shah's knowledge of the Coalition government. Indeed they are perhaps our most massive and powerful member, but since their inclusion to the Coalition of freedom they have been nothing but pious, humble, and faithful to their agreements with us. It is still disputed that they are the first ones to violate the treaty of Rayy, but since I was not there I cannot prove or disprove that, and the issue is long since buried.

The Shah would be wise to hold his tongue unless he is willing to truly negotiate for peace. Feel free to prove your intentions by starting a new diplomacy thread and opening the talks.

[00jebus]

*the ambassador listens to the turks suggestions with a confused look on his face, after he finishes, he explains this look*..................what counter offensive?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

*A messanger arrives with an arrow still stuck in his midriff, he runs to the Khwarezm ambassador, who then stands and addresses the court, reading from a note the messanger handed him*

Gentlemen, I have just recieved word that the shah's uncle, Malik, has led a steely defense of Balkh from the GhaZims....

*He mutters to the messanger*

Gah Zims? what in Allah's name is a gah Zim?
are you sure thats right?
Dont you mean Ghanzi? or even Ghazi?
Oh well then...

*returning his attention to the court and his voice to the normal level*

The gahZim force outnumbered our own considerably, and they faught like lions, but at the end of two days fighting, and an honourable duel between Malik and Jusef, the gahzim general, the shahdom proved victorious.
Prisoners were released on the condition they give up all weaponry and armour.

THAT counter-offensive.

I'm still interested in peace, and not seeing the Shah eliminated, but you aren't giving me much to work with.

[00jebus]

that was a defensive action, not a counter-offensive.
Then again, Im not the war monger here, so we should probably ask the seljuk ambassador what it was...

in any case, you have given us little reason to trust in your abilities, wanting the seljuks to collect our heads certantly doesn't help matters, but we will not be giving you any indication of our currently avaliable resources, all I wish to know, is what precisly the seljuks want from this war, then negotiations can start.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Just as we have little reason to trust you... and so I ask the most wise and benevolent Caliph to mediate instead, as I clearly have a bias in favor of the Seljuks.

Sorry, they are our allies, and since they were provoked, I cannot condemn them. You've apologized for the former Shah's actions, but peace talks have stalled and the war continues. I want an end to this conflict one way or another, as it suits the interests of peace and brotherhood if the Shah survives.

OOC- even if totally defeated in battle, having another human controlled faction to govern conquered rebel lands allows maximum player control over the resources of this map. The fewer human players there are, the more corruption and waste in total there is. So even if the war were to conclude in our favor, I'd still rather see the Shah respawn than to be destroyed.

Having said that, if an equitable peace is not forthcoming, then so be it. It seems the war will be over soon one way or another, and there truly are bigger issues which warrant attention.

You pose a valid question. What do the Seljuks want?

[Banzai Kamikaze]

The Ayyubids must disagree with their Turkish brothers on this matter.

The Seljuk aggression on its Muslim neighbors is utterly unacceptable. The so called "shady dealings" of the Shah have never be presented to this court, and even if the Shah did manipulate its neighbors through words, this was no reason for a surprise invasion of their lands, aiming for their capital.


Looking towards the other delegations:

We are certain there are other nations here who would not want their capital threatened because of accusations of "shady dealings".


The Ayyubids stand by the Shah, the obvious victims in this matter, and firmly condemn the Seljuks and the opportunistic Ghazims.

May Allah be merciful to all those who betray their brothers in faith. May He whose knowledge knows no bounds guide the blade of the Shah.

[barcamartin]

' I have just recieved word that Merv, capital of the Khwarezm, has fallen to Seljuk forces. Such success isn't easy to come by, so our cause can't be entirely forsaken by all-mighty Allah as some of you seem to believe.

You ask what the Sultan would demand in order for peace to be reached, and although I can't be sure I don't think he is to keen on it. The last, and only, peace offer from the Shah was ridiculous and judging by that I find it hard to believe that the Shah really wanted peace at the time. If their attitude has changed, they are welcome to propose some more reasonable terms. If they want this war to end, they will have to make sacrifices, instead of demands . '

[00jebus]

OOC: how did you manage that?!
you dont have any seige weapons in the region and that city had 2 spy's!


IC: your in our homelands! you have taken one of our ancestral cities!
for peace to happen, that must be returned to us, then we may talk about whatever "sacrafices" the seljuks want from us.

[barcamartin]

' We are still far from reaching a peaceful agreement, I see. Not that the Sultan truly minds. '

OOC: I had more of them.

[Askthepizzaguy]

OOC:

In case anyone would have concerns, I would volunteer to check the save to see if there were indeed enough spies to take the capital. Or phonicsmonkey could, as he's impartial.

We've had accusations and proof of foul play in other hotseats, and as that was such a critical move, you could ask for independent verification of the maneuver as being legal. Not that Barcamartin has ever been accused of bad play. Two spies... that's a pretty stiff defense, but not insurmountable!

Surely the Khwarezmids would surrender now? Can there be peace?

[Zim]

Qiwam sits sleeping at the Ghaznavid table. Although appearing fearful of what his reaction may be, one of his aides wakes him and whispers something to him.

"What's that, Balkh has fallen? Good news. People have been accusing us of being opportunists? Just because their generals have all the foresight of a gnat and can't imagine we've been planning along with the Seljuks ever since the Shah...well, it's of no matter anyway. Let them think what they wish."

With a yawn, Qiwam goes back to sleep.

[phonicsmonkey]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: I trust barca - it's not unlikely that with a bunch of spies he could get into a city that had two spies defending it

no need for any investigation unless 00jebus really wants one...

[rossahh]

The old man from Jerusalem stands and even though he is adressing the whole court, he directly faces the Armenian delegation


We are, of course, aggrieved by the news of Armenia's aggressive and fiendish actions, especially since so fine a man and many a good knight of the Kingdom died because of them. We are willing, graciously it must be said, to listen to a reasonable offer of peace.

You sir, addressing the mail-clad Armenian representative, said earlier:

"All we would require of King Baldwin for the safety of our lands would be that the fort at the border between Adana and Antioch be handed over to Armenia."

I must you remind you that the border between Antioch and Adana is not at the mountains, but rather the river beyond them. We therefore see no proper reason why we should hand over one of our own defensive emplacements that resides deep into our own territory to one of our enemies. If that is your demand for peace then it shall not be forthcoming.

I would like to also point out to the court that Adana is presently Turkish, not Armenian.

The fort you so rashly took is already surrounded by soldiers from the Kingdom, and those men you have in there will not be allowed to leave under arms. They, through their actions, are forfeit and will not be considered in any peace deal.

If Armenia wants peace, then let them come and discuss it in private.



A slightly mocking smile appears on the man's face, and almost if he is talking to himself, he coments

Listening to the reports from the east, I find it somewhat ironic that the Coalition, built upon "peace and defense", is quite adept at starting wars and denouncing their enemies, especially that they attacked first, as the true aggressors. Is the coalition truly a body of peace or not, I wonder?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Be thankful I have held my tongue, Latin worm. My response to your insults would have been more painful than the lash.

[barcamartin]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

OOC: I had spies in Merv for three turns before they finally succeeded in opening the gates. Despite rather high procentual chances of success, they didn't until now. I assure you that I did NOT cheat, and I don't know how I could have cheated even if I wanted to. If anyone would like a screenie or something to shake the "suspicions", I'm sure I have one somewhere. I can't see why this debate of foul-play suddenly popped up, though.

PS: Thank's for your trust, phonics.

[rossahh]

I was not talking to you Turk, I was talking to your Armenian puppet. They, as you say, struck out on their own in violation of your treaty with them so they are the ones we will be negotiating with.


Our negotiations with your nation have reached an impasse with you now rejecting our fair offers of peace. Your war mongering will only ruin us both so accept the offer and embrace peace. You, as the aggressor, started this particular conflict after the previous one had ended, so it is up to you to end the hostilities and match your words with actions.

[00jebus]

Qiwam sits sleeping at the Ghaznavid table. Although appearing fearful of what his reaction may be, one of his aides wakes him and whispers something to him.

"What's that, Balkh has fallen? Good news. People have been accusing us of being opportunists? Just because their generals have all the foresight of a gnat and can't imagine we've been planning along with the Seljuks ever since the Shah...well, it's of no matter anyway. Let them think what they wish."

With a yawn, Qiwam goes back to sleep.

*the Khwarezm ambassador coughs in suprise at this, and brings it up again*
I believe that is more proof, as if any were needed of who the aggressor was in this war.

As for a surrender, the seljuks may have it, though we will not transfer a single peace of bronze before our capital is returned

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Im fine without an investigation, just shocked a spy managed to get past two, as Im guessing other people are

[Askthepizzaguy]

Looking at the thing the occupiers of the Levant sent to speak in the name of the disease-ridden rat

You speak as if the international community gives a brass denari what you think. And I was speaking on behalf of the Coalition which you continue to slander at your own risk.

[rossahh]

You call it slander when your own duplicity is revealed to you?

[Askthepizzaguy]

The Turk laughs at this cur and his insinuations of "duplicity".

Let's see... I declared war on you the instant you attacked Armenia. I have yet to sign a cease-fire. The war never ended, you idiot! Nor did it truly begin until now.

A small nation such as Armenia, and your "mighty" empire couldn't take it by yourself? Her small forces turned you back for the moment, and yet you claim such military genius that you will triumph over the Rum, who are backed by many on the council which you've repeatedly insulted and threatened?

As for Jerusalem, their actions leave us little choice but to declare war.

I do not see how they can repay the Armenians for slaughtering their royal family nor butchering their fellow Christians. I question their commitment to the spirit and message of their lord. If one is to be called a hypocrite, it is you Latins and Romans who doubletalk about Christ and mercy and peace and then wage wars of aggression against peaceful neighbors, and then say that you are the victim?

When did we once sign a peace accord with you? When have you once offered to pay reparations for your crimes? When have you once honoured your word not to invade Anatolia? Why am I even speaking to you at all, you diseased pig? I should cut off your head and feed it to my goat.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

edit: there was talk of a peace treaty, but it was never signed.

[rossahh]

The old man holds out a hold and an aide quickly passes him a scroll. The old man then begins to read aloud

In fact, on a more positive note, we seem to have reached a peace arrangement with the Latin kingdom, and we will verify this shortly. Therefore, we wish to make clear our position; Jerusalem is not an enemy of the Turks. Those who attack Jerusalem without just cause will not be friends of the Turks. That is the official position of the Sultanate of Rum.

We are committed to peace, great council. Since the Kingdom of Jerusalem has accepted the terms of a peace agreement, we must now press the Romans to do the same. Until then, we regret that we are still at war with the Imperialist aggressors.


***


For now, we are much too busy with the Romans to take any action. But beware, Jerusalem. We now suspect you DO mean to attack us. And I have assurances that when you do, my Muslim brothers will punish you swiftly.

We will honour OUR agreement of peace with you until YOU break it.

Peace was declared between us, your nation and Armenia for the past conflict. It is YOU and THEY that have started THIS conflict by attacking us after making peace. You have ended one war only to start another.

I will not pretend that my nation has not committed low acts in the past, but do you now see your own duplicity? You now balk at the peace you sought and received. You cannot hide your aggressive action behind your twisted words no more.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Just saw your spoil. It was "signed" when it was agreed. I did not pursue Armenia westwards and let their sole family member live, as we agreed. I did not push north into your lands and withdrew entirely. You got opportunistic by taking those settlements and started this mess.

[Askthepizzaguy]

Yes, there was much talk of peace. Yes, we did agree to a peace treaty.

So where is the document? Where is your signature? WHAT WERE THE TERMS WE DISCUSSED???

1. Nowhere
2. Nonexistant
3. None

There was NEVER any verification. No public or private treaty signed. At best we had a vague verbal agreement, which did never materialize into a formal treaty.

Just a season later, we questioned whether you were even serious about the peace... and we heard nothing from you.

Then of course, we took your victim's lands back and handed it to them. And we offered you a cease-fire you SHOULD have accepted. And here we are.

I laugh at those who bring up our history, but turn a blind eye to their own aggression and the consequences thereof.

[rossahh]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

We've hit a snag with the game mechanics. As you only declared war IC in the court, we weren't at war in the game. You then withdrew that declaration when we made a secret deal which I will not disclose. Therefore, from both our perspectives, we were at peace both out-of-game and in-game. Armenia made peace later on, probably not knowing the full terms of our own peace. As said above, you took those settlements back by force when you weren't supposed to (from my perspective) which I objected to, considering the terms of our deal, resulting in an in-game conflict but an out-of-game peace. However, that in-game conflict was never fully resolved, leading to this present state of hostilities.

The point I'm trying to make is that there doesn't need to be any "treaty" here IC for the peace to be binding. We both agreed to the terms and the in-game limitations meant that there was never (going to be) any war between us at that time.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

EDIT: As it seems necessary to, I'll reveal one minor term of our agreed peace deal. You were to get the Armenian provinces once your war with Roman was over. You specifically wanted Sis, the leading castle, and either Adana or Tarsus, a coastal town. We agreed to this so when the war with Rome was over, you would get those settlements to do as you wish. You were aware, or should have been, that at some point they would have come under Roman control for a period of time. Like I've been saying, you jumped the gun by taking them so soon.

ooc: That begs the question, does there need to be a formal "document" here in the court for an agreement by pm to be considered binding? I didn't announce the terms of my peace deal with the Ayyubids in a treaty format, but simply announced that peace had been made. Does that now mean that that peace is void? I think it's a personal preference for the player/s involved, don't you?

[Askthepizzaguy]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Well... semantics. I did publicly declare war on you, and though we spoke of a peace treaty, all we had was a verbal agreement which did not have all the settled terms of a formal agreement. I consider that we perhaps, at best, had agreed to a cease-fire if you want to call it that, and yes indeed I broke that. But since I formally declared war, and never formally received or presented a document to make peace, I won't be held to my informal agreements any more than you can be held to your informal promise never to invade anatolia.

You broke your word, I broke mine... but without a formal peace treaty, I can't be accused of breaking one.

It doesn't matter to me really... the state of war exists now and I reject the cease-fire as it stands because you rejected my original terms, only to demand reparations. Plus the deployment of your forces suggests an invasion, and I would be a fool to sign anything unless you disengage.

I also want to be clear that everything above was IC, and though my rhetoric will most likely become more intense, it's nothing personal.

She turned me into a newt!

-A newt?

.........................I got better.

[Askthepizzaguy]

yeah... lol I was to get the Armenian provinces... and hand them over to Armenia. I thought that by leaving those territories empty, you were inviting me to gain posession of them.

I think the peace deal was smashed before it could begin because of a miscommunication. I don't understand how the provinces being transferred to Rome would have led to them being in Turkish posession.

Frankly based upon your deal to hand them to Rome, I could consider our informal arrangement null and void by default. I don't think I was aware that you were going to hand everything to Rome, which I was at war with... I would have assumed that action meant a betrayal of our informal agreement.

I would say that it could all have been a misunderstanding. But I will clarify in the future that if I publicly declare war, a formal peace treaty will be needed to end it. Just to make things nice and legal.

[rossahh]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

That issue of real/not real is addressed in my previous post.

I demanded reparations because I lost out on getting Cyprus when I lost the settlements, so I demanded that you pay me their income (the two Cyprus settlements) for the money I wouldn't be receiving in the following format: 3000~ up front (1st turn offer countering a flat cease fire and trade), 3000~ spread of 10 turns (2nd turn offer countering an offer of peace and trade and me giving 500) and finally a straight cease fire and trade rights agreement (3rd and 4th turn) the first of which was rejected with no counter, and the second of which is pending.

And now your argument is what, that it took too long?









On a happy side note to prove that I'm not completely wound-up in this debate, I had a delightful time watching my best friend and my girlfriend go at each other in public today. It was classic. The best entertainment I've had all year by far. I'll elaborate if you guys really want to know.

Edit: I know that's what you thought at the time. But by the time my turn came around again I decided to make you pay at least a little bit. Now look where we are.

[_Tristan_]

The mail-clad messenger from Armenia rises to speak but a firm hand on his shoulder from the silk-clad man, forces him down.

Latin scum... You may not have noticed but my friend here (squeezing his mail-clad companion shoulder) is not the voice of my people anymore... Therefore, if you have something to say, talk to me... Though I would prefer you refrain from it or do it from a distance... I do not want your King's leprosy spreading in my Kingdom...

The old man from Jerusalem stands and even though he is adressing the whole court, he directly faces the Armenian delegation

We are, of course, aggrieved by the news of Armenia's aggressive and fiendish actions, especially since so fine a man and many a good knight of the Kingdom died because of them.

Yes, truly, a damn fine man... If that's the best the Kingdom of Jerusalem can produce, then may our Lord preserve us from the worst King Baldwin has to offer...

We are willing, graciously it must be said, to listen to a reasonable offer of peace.

You sir, addressing the mail-clad Armenian representative, said earlier:

"All we would require of King Baldwin for the safety of our lands would be that the fort at the border between Adana and Antioch be handed over to Armenia."

I must you remind you that the border between Antioch and Adana is not at the mountains, but rather the river beyond them. We therefore see no proper reason why we should hand over one of our own defensive emplacements that resides deep into our own territory to one of our enemies. If that is your demand for peace then it shall not be forthcoming.

I would like to also point out to the court that Adana is presently Turkish, not Armenian.

The fort you so rashly took is already surrounded by soldiers from the Kingdom, and those men you have in there will not be allowed to leave under arms. They, through their actions, are forfeit and will not be considered in any peace deal.

If Armenia wants peace, then let them come and discuss it in private.

We made a reasonable offer. We ask nothing in compensation for the wrongs done to our lands, of that you should be satisfied.

All we ask is that certain military fortification be handed into our hands to prevent another unwarranted and unpredictable attack by men that King Baldwin seems to have problems keeping on tight leash, dogs that they be...

We are even prepared to keep those fortifications very lightly garrisoned. All we ask is have an outpost capable of warning us of any Latin treachery.

The men you hold hostage in that northern fort knew full well they might be going to their death but these men had nothing to lose... Tripoli was the one who ordered the massacre of their families and friends... If they die, they will die happily in the knowledge that their loved ones have been avaenged and that they will get to meet them soon in Paradise...

Spare them if you will, kill them if you must... That makes no difference.

As for Adana being Turkish, that is none of your concern... We ask for that fort on the border of Antioch so that never in History may another Latin leper set foot on Cilician soil... Be that land held by Turks, Armenians or even Romans...

Our demands are few and not onerous... Will you meet them ? If you truly want peace, you shall.

A slightly mocking smile appears on the man's face, and almost if he is talking to himself, he comments :

Listening to the reports from the east, I find it somewhat ironic that the Coalition, built upon "peace and defense", is quite adept at starting wars and denouncing their enemies, especially that they attacked first, as the true aggressors. Is the coalition truly a body of peace or not, I wonder?

You may mock the Coalition all you want though I would not push your mockery too far...

As for the Coalition being for peace and defense, it truly is and I think nobody will deny that in acting as they did our men acted in the defense of Armenia, a small and powerless country, bordered by a hulking and menacing power bent on treachery and aggression... He who wants peace, prepares war, said the Ancient... We took that saying to heart...

I was not talking to you Turk, I was talking to your Armenian puppet.

Indeed, I thank my Turkish friend for taking the defence of our country but it is us and us only that attacked Jerusalem, and thus it is for us to find a solution to this state of affairs... Know, Latin dog, that it is only your actions that made us seem the Turk puppet but what we seem to be and what we truly are, is quite different... As you will soon learn... We are nobody's puppets...

Peace was declared between us, your nation and Armenia for the past conflict..

As for that peace, there was no peace... There was a ceasefire that was extorted out of us on pain of death... Had we not come forward with that offer (and the threat of Turkish armies marching on you), our kingdom would be no more...

Now, with the death of Tripoli, we have obtained what little compensation we think was necessary to a long-lasting peace between our Kingdoms, though there has been too much bad blood to ever work together...

The choice is now yours...

Extending his hand forward as if making an offer, the Armenian diplomat stares long and hard at the Latin emissary before sitting down.

[Askthepizzaguy]

At the moment, our IC argument is that since you rejected our initial offer of a straight cease-fire, it must not have been good enough for you. Surely you want something more, and the massive forces on Armenia's border would seem to indicate so.

As for your complaints regarding Cyprus, that's between you and Rome, and I will not pay you for their refusal to hand it over. I might as well demand reparations from the Ghorids for their refusal to return Indian settlements. It's none of my business and not under my jurisdiction.

It all boils down to:

1. you invaded Armenia
2. I declared war formally and publicly
3. Armenia escaped and was placed under our protection
4. They signed a cease-fire which I did not authorize, but I was willing to extend it, so I entered renewed peace talks.
5. We decided that I was to get Cilicia... my purpose being to hand it to Armenia, as proven by our in game actions when we took the provinces
6. You intended to give Cilicia to Rome instead, which is fine... but it negates our agreement, trustworthy as the Romans may or may not be, I would have preferred a direct transfer of the territory into my realm
7. We discussed much, but nothing came to pass which we discussed, and no formal peace agreement was signed. I attempted to rectify the situation by offering you both publicly and in-game an end to the hostilities now that some of the conditions of the peace had been fulfilled, i.e. Turkey had gained possession of those provinces and handed them to Armenia.

8. To our surprise you rejected the cease-fire, and full scale war is about to break out. Your reasons for the rejection of peace are your own, and we don't question your motives.

My only point is that due to a lack of formal peace, and the informal agreement having been dissolved due to both of our actions, I can claim by technicality that my state has been at war with you since the very first declaration, and that's all I need to persue this war.

You would prefer it if some very brief peace existed in between, but I see now that such peace was all imaginary, and had never truly materialized. But I honestly don't even need semantics to persue any war I choose to fight.

And so, deal with Armenia seperately, as they are hereby absolved of the bounds of the Treaty of Adana's provision that they have a united foreign policy with Turkey, and they are now an independent nation again. Our relationship is that of friends and allies only.

[rossahh]

The old man thinks long and hard before responding


Peace between us and Armenia is something we desire and we make no demands, but we cannot accept your claim to our own fort. A wise place to put your own fort would be near the bridge that marks the actual border between our lands. The road and bridge are the only safe means of moving a large force of men, such as army, so would it not make sense to guard that spot? It is on the border and would give you the protection you desire. It is up to your country to defend itself, no matter how untrue your fears are. You cannot use our own defences against us. Move on past this ridiculous demand and there will be peace.



The old man frowns slightly as he listens to the Turk's list

I think your memories are slightly out of order, but we shall let it pass. It seems that you considered our peace as non-binding, so nothing more than a sham, while we took it to mean actual peace. A slight difference of opinion, it seems. A shame you would now use this as a pretext for war.

However, in regards to point 6, need we really remind you of our special, undisclosed and agreed upon term that makes that argument rather redundant?

[_Tristan_]

The silk-clad Armenian stands up, a clearly surprised look on his face.

So, it seems you truly want peace...

Know that our border shall soon be at the mountain pass separating Adana from Antioch, thus the fair city of Adana will never be out of reach of your men unless you surrender that border fort to us.

Moreover, the sacking of our cities and the obligations we were forced to contract to save our Kingdom make all but impossible the investment needed in the building of such a fort whereever it may be built.

Now, perhaps you understand our insistence in laying our hands on that single fort...

That leaves the matter of the northern fort to discuss... Your previous stance was to claim to take that fort back by force of arms, declaring forfeit the brave Armenian men that are currently manning it... Is that still so ?
Though these men are prepared to die as martyrs, my king would very much prefer to greet them on their safe return from their mission.

Because we will do all that is in our power to keep that fort or reclaim it in the event of its capture...

These two mountain passes north and south are the locks to Cilicia and we cannot allow any other Kingdom to hold the keys to these locks...

Be sure that if you surrendered them, only the smallest of garrisons would be stationed there, only for the maintenance of the building and to serve as outlooks.

I am even allowed to include a demilitarization of Adana to our deal, once it is returned into Armenian hands, proof that we have no intention of leading an invasion of Latin-held lands.

The hands of Armenian men would be put to better use holding scythes and trowels, rebuilding Armenia than holding spears and swords warring on a Christian neighbour.

But this they cannot and will not do until the threat on our eastern border is removed...

I hope you understand our position...

A sad look crosses the diplomat's face as he regains his seat. A vigorous exchange in low tones starts with his mail-clad colleague.