Court of the Caliph: BC Hotseat Council Thread

**The Lemongate** · 05-14-2008, 04:09

Without much pomp, a small Roman delegation enters the court. With somber elegance, the chief representative addresses the assembly:

The Levant is in chaos. The holy places of Christendom have been compromised by the reckless diplomacy of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem and by the warmongering antics of his and various other nations.

Rome, could not stand idle and watch as the most sacred places of the world were left defenseless before the gaping maws of war.

Though it pains us to have to resort to such actions, we must inform the court that Rome has taken forceful measures to prevent that the Holy City of Jerusalem, where our Lord Jesus Christ took upon himself all the sins of Mankind, be despoiled by the ravages of war. Basileos Manuelos Megas Komnenos has lead his most experienced troops through a nearly bloodless march into the heart of the Levant. The garrisons of Tyre, Acre and Jerusalem were given a chance to surrender, which they refused. All captured soldiers were released after a few short battles and the cities and their inhabitants were left intact.

On this day, the Basileos of Rome, Shield of Christianity and Defender of the Church, fully assumes the mantle of Overlord of All Christendom and Protector of the Holy Places. Let any who dare profane the House of our Lord test his mettle against the mighty soldiers of the Empire.

Seeing how the Crusaders were unable to properly command the protection of the Holy Land, we intend to seize and hold all land surrounding the City of Heaven, from Oultrejourdain to Lebanon, from Jerusalem to Damascus. This area is now under protectorate from Rome. Any interference with our troops in that area will be considered an attack upon our sovereignty and upon the Holy Church of Konstantinopolis.

We assure every nation that all cities will be treated with as much consideration as Holy Jerusalem and would demand that such humanity be show by all belligerents in this senseless war.

Further, to prevent senseless bloodshed, we have sent envoys to King Baldwin, suggesting that he hand over his remaining settlements south of Lebanon to the care of the Basileos. We fully expect him to disagree, but given his present position, it his very unlikely that he will be able to oppose any serious force to Roman law and legions.

In the name of peace, we demand all nations to recognize the Roman protectorate as legitimate.

With a bow to the Caliph, the delegate sits at the Roman table.

**rossahh** · 05-14-2008, 04:12

The ghost that floats amongst the chairs the delegation from Jerusalem once occupied, seethes with anger. Staring invisible daggers at the Romans, the ghost knows which bed chamber he'll be haunting tonight.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

**The Lemongate** · 05-14-2008, 04:35

Suddenly a coterie of priest from Jerusalem enter the room to banish all ghosts in the name of the Pax Romana.

**rossahh** · 05-14-2008, 04:39

Forced to depart, the ghost of Jerusalem deliberately glides through the lead Roman spokesman's body, causing the man to shiver violently

**The Lemongate** · 05-14-2008, 04:43

Useless priests! Get me Ghostbusters on the phone right now!

**Askthepizzaguy** · 05-14-2008, 04:45

The Turkish delegate does not know what a "phone" is, but is most intrigued to hear about this new Roman invention. How does it work?

**The Lemongate** · 05-14-2008, 04:49

State secret! Now bugger off!

The Roman delegate then proceeds to carefully install his aluminum foil helmet on his head and wanders off talking to the "Ghostbusters".

**Askthepizzaguy** · 05-14-2008, 04:38

The Turkish delegate continues to scowl, but it seems as though a darkness has been lifted. He rises to speak:

The crimes of Rome in Armenia have been wiped clean. With their brave signing of the Peace Accords, and their even braver strike against the Catholic infidels who have disgraced the name of Christianity, I formally recognize their nation as a great and honourable one again, a defender of good nations, rather than the attacker thereof.

I have been granted permission by Kaikosru the Magnificent to formally call off the Jihad against Constantinople which had never been resolved, and now that Jerusalem has fallen, I hereby call off the Jihad against the Kingdom of Jerusalem itself as well, which had been called in secret.

We welcome Baldwin back into these chambers, because we are now in a position to bargain. Otherwise, let the Silver-faced One know that the Coalition is still at war with you, and is massing in the North. It seems a two-front war is coming.

Master Baldwin... you have fought gallantly. Now, it is finished. Surrender, and your lives will be spared.

Continue to wage this destructive conflict, and it is you who will be destroyed.