Court of the Caliph: BC Hotseat Council Thread

[Quirl]

OOC: lol. Yeah, I made it. I thought it would lighten the mood in court since everyone's diplomats are at each other's throats right now...

... not that that's necessarily a bad thing. Conflicts make for smashing stories in the BC story thread.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier stands to address the court. He is swathed in black, with a mournful expression on his face, his sunken eyes red and bleary from weeping. He grasps in his left hand an enormous silk handkerchief which he waves around theatrically as he speaks.

Sirs, I am charged to deliver to you the terrible news that the young Caliph Abu Bakr (praised be his name in Paradise for all eternity!) has perished of the plague. Oh cursed day! He shall be known to history as Abu Bakr the Unfortunate...

The Vizier is wracked with a series of terrible sobs which seem to drain him utterly as he slumps into his handkerchief and blows his nose noisily. Finally he gathers himself and addresses the Court once more.

The late Caliph's blessed brother Sulayman the Righteous is, as we speak, undergoing the coronation ceremony at the Grand Mosque.

He bids me to inform you that he will be appearing at Court in person presently - unfortunately, for the time being he has some......internal matters to attend to which take priority over diplomacy, I'm sure you will understand kind sirs.

The new Caliph wishes to reaffirm the message of the opening address of his brother Abu Bakr: all are welcome here and current diplomatic relations will be maintained.

The Vizier's gaze suddenly hardens and he drops his mournful demeanor for a moment.

There is but one exception: in his final act as Caliph Abu Bakr had ordered the Eastern Army into Firuzabad, and to Al Muharraq, to dislodge the Ghorid garrisons therein.

The Ghorids have proved themselves faithless in their dealings with other nations, and a recent military build-up of their forces at Firuzabad posed a threat to the Caliphate.

This threat has now been neutralised, and the Ghorids have been presented with a diplomatic offer: hand over control of the castle at Al Muharraq in exchange for peace and trade rights with the Caliphate.

We trust they will do the sensible thing.

[Quirl]

The Avidid diplomat rises and bows deeply to the grieving Vizier, who still weeps openly in the court.

These are dark times that would snatch the beloved Abu Bakr from us so hastily. Surely though, he lies in paradise this day and we again pledge our friendship and loyalty to the new Caliph.

But, though there is much to mourn, I fear there is also much to discuss. While this humble diplomat and his King do not dispute the evils of the Ghorid rulers, we do pose this question: Why does the Caliphate turn their swords on their Muslim brothers in the east and ignore those infidels in the west who continue to taint the Holy Lands with their very presence and spread the vile plague which has caused the deaths of now two Caliphs?

We mere slaves of Egypt have always been friends to the Caliphate and have always respected the their divine wisdom and judgment. But I fear that we must now question these recent actions. Why judge the evils of one when unwilling to judge those of another? Have not the Franks and their plague hurt the Caliphate more than the Ghorids ever did? These questions trouble my King and I humbly ask for an answer that I may send back to him which would ease his worries.

The Avidid diplomat continues to stand, waiting for a reply...

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier rises once more, a steely glint in his eye as he stalks across the courtroom floor towards the Avidid emissary.

Indeed sir, indeed, a point well made, and entirely to be expected, if I may say so, from your particular vantage point - an excellent one for the debating chamber, and one which I have no doubt our own dear Caliph, fresh from his coronation, will be pondering most closely at his leisure.

Consider this if you will kind sir - having engaged the Caliphate in a lengthy and bloody jihad against the infidel, having contracted in the process an abominable plague which has slain countless of our people and not one, but two of our beloved Caliphs; having bankrupted the Caliphate and having lost considerable political influence as well as territory through the consequent cecession of Georgia, and at the last, at the very last, even as we were forced to terms with our enemies, extracting from them, at considerable cost to ourselves, a promise that they would no longer harass your dear selves in Egypt, a promise which sadly has gone unkept.......taking all this into account, is it not just a touch unreasonable to accuse us of inconstancy in our policies, and to deny us the right to secure at least one of our borders against attack?

We feel great pity for our Egyptian friends, we really do, but we have done much in their cause at great, great cost to ourselves...so that for now, we must say, Egypt fights alone.

[Ramses II CP]

(OOC: Okay, so I was missing considerably more than the 'half a stack' I couldn't account for last turn. )

The emissary of the Rajput people, the same grim, gray haired veteran who has attended the court for many years, takes a package from a messenger and rises to address the Council,

Gentlemen I have served here, far from my home, for many years now and it is time that I retire to the farms which my line has tended for countless generations. That I am able to do so, at long, long last, stands testament to the fact that the invaders of India have finally been repulsed and cast out.

The emissary then upends the leather case, spilling the torn and bloodied personal banner of Sultan Muhammad the Godfearer onto the ground.

The Sultanate of Ghor is at an end. Their peasants are now our peasants, their soldiers are scattered to the winds, and their lands are returned to the people from whom they were stolen. The Sultan's final act, in defiance of his moniker, was to brutally exterminate a city overwhelmingly populated by citizens of his own faith. Perhaps his death is his god's revenge for the slaughter of so many faithful?

No matter.

I come, too, bearing gifts! To the Ghazni, our new and steadfast neighbors, I bring the sword of the former Sultan.

The emissary's aid opens a box from which the diplomat draws a naked blade. The blade bears the notches of recent use and has clearly been beaten blunt, but it is also chased in gold and of considerable worth.

To the Caliph, our great and recent allies in this battle against oppression, I bring the signet ring and seal of the former Sultan.

The emissary produces a heavy gold ring bearing an elaborate design which has been struck through by a single deep mark across the widest part of the face, as though marred by the strike of a blade.

And to our neighbors across the sea, the ever watchful Omani, I bring title to the last elephants ever to serve the invaders of India. You will find the beasts themselves penned on the outskirts of the city, though they have been hard used by their former masters...

A worn and dirty scrap of parchment is now presented, on which is written an accounting for a quantity of beasts in Arabic script.

I salute our fallen foes. They were not always honorable, they did not observe the traditions of our ancestors, and their word was worthless, but they knew how to die. On their feet, facing the charge of the elephants, with their useless weapons cast aside and water in their shoes to slow any coward who so feared to meet god that he might seek to flee.

Go in peace, good men, and go easy on my replacement, eh?

So saying the emissary departs without a backwards glance.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier receives the ring of the fallen Ghorid Sultan and holds it aloft. It catches the sunlight, glinting wickedly.

May Allah preserve the eternal soul of his wayward servant Muhammed the Godfearer of Ghor!

Once he was mighty among the leaders of men; now, alas, he is fallen upon the battlefield, a broken straw trampled underfoot.

Muhammed was not always a tyrant - in his early days as Sultan he sat at the Brotherhood table with great An-Nasir and parlayed with his Islamic Brothers.

His first war in India was a righteous jihad, which met with great initial success; his second was the desperate act of a bitter man, gambling with the very life of his nation.

His crime was to allow his pride to overwhelm him, causing him to break with all noble tradition and act in a faithless manner in his dealings with his Islamic Brothers and with the noble Rajputs who at last bested him.

For this may he be forgiven in paradise, now that his time on this earth is ended.

He examines the marred ring more closely, and with a look of evident distaste hands it off to a ghulam boy, who bears it away.

The Caliph thanks his Rajput allies for the gift and congratulates them on their great victory.

May this usher in a new era of peace between Hindi and Moslem!

Allah-u-akhbar!

[Zim]

Some may have noticed the old Ghazni emissary had been replaced by a small, nervous looking man. For the last month he has sat silently at the Ghazni table, listening intently but making no contributions to the often raging discussions taking place in the Council. But upon hearing the Rajput Emissary he gets up and bows awkwardly before accepting the gift.

The Shah of Ghazni gladly accepts this gift from his friend and ally, although he protests it is too extravagant for the little aid he has been able to provide in this trying war. He hopes that a new era of peace and prosperity will take hold of the east.

He would also like to announce that the Shah of Kwarezhm has been defeated in battle in his capital. He died honorably, stubborn to the last. While distant cousins of his have taken up arms and formed a horde, they have no home in Transoxania. We expect these last remnants ofthe bloated and corrupt Kwarezhm regime to be shortly defeated.

[The Lemongate]

The new Roman ambassador examines with distaste some letters he has just received.

The Roman Empire is rather keen on maintaining the fragile peace it has attained with its Moslem neighbors. However, the continued disruption caused by Seljuk and Abbasid agents in our land does nothing to improve our relations.

Remove your agents at once or face the consequences.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier looks bemused.

We are not aware of any 'agents' having been dispatched to your lands under our orders.

Should you apprehend any ruffians claiming to act on behalf of the Caliphate, we are sure you will take the appropriate measures against them to preserve your own security, and treat them as the common criminals they no doubt are.

[The Lemongate]

The Roman ambassador gives a cold look to the vizier:

I hope for you we do not catch any "ruffians" claiming to work for the Caliph.

[barcamartin]

' I believe all agents have left or are on their way out of your lands, Roman. I know of no plan to infiltrate or in any other ways disrupt life in your cities. '

[The Lemongate]

The Ambassador looks at the Seljuk for a moment and then concedes:

I'm nearly more inclined to believe the Turk then the Vizier. They'd have much more to lose from a rekindling of hostilities then the Caliphate.

[barcamartin]

A man approaches, covered in a layer of dust and sweat dripping from his hair. A blue cloak whips behind him, as he enters the room with haste. With an air of pride and self-esteem, he bows to the Vizier before turning to the assembled diplomats.

' I am here on behalf of Sultan Arslanshah, Defender of the Faith, Beheader of Infidels and Ruler of the Seljuk Nation. He wishes the world to know, that he has succesfully led the invasion of Georgia and their lands south of the Caucasus. The cities of Sokhumi, Kutaisi and Telavi have been purged of Christian authority, and brought into the Seljuk realm, and put into the hands of Allah. The Defenders of Georgia fought valiantly, but were no match for the Riders of Seljukia. The True Faith will be spread here, and the people will find the way to Salvation.

No declaration of war has been considered necessary, since the Mephe made himself an enemy of all Islam when he betrayed his benefactor, the Caliph. '

Bowing once more to the Vizier, he walks over to the Seljuk ambassador and hands him a few scrolls and documents. With one last look at the shocked Georgian representative, he hurries out of the room. With a small smile growing in his face, the ambassador stands.

' You see, Roman, we were true to our word. None of our agents have been active in your lands, and no hostile maneuvers have been committed there. '

Sitting down, he reaches for the plates of food, and starts eating with a pleased expression on his face.

[TheFlax]

The Georgian envoy rises and stares at his Seljuk counterpart.

You opportunistic scum, you've been waiting for this ever since you first tried to rape our lands, haven't you?

Without waiting for a reply, the man walks to the Seljuk diplomat and spits at his feet before leaving the room.

[The Lemongate]

The Roman ambassador lets out a loud harumph at the Seljuk's news but says nothing.

[The Lemongate]

Edit for continuity.

[rossahh]

The court clerk hands one of the records to the ambassador from Jerusalem


I wish to re-read this earlier announcement.

"I am also instructed to warn the Omanis that a return to your fort at the Aqaba border will be seen as an overtly hostile action. The Gulf of Aqaba is not your concern. "




The ambassador stares directly at the Omani delegation


Given that the Omanis reoccupied the fort last season, a force from the Kingdom has attacked and destroyed the fort and it's garrison, including the Grand Iman and leader of Oman.

You were warned.

[Quirl]

The Egyptian delegate sighs.

You know very well, Frank, that no fort lies in Aqaba. The fort in question was in Tayma, Avadid lands. Not only does this make your warning null and void, but it is a testament to the snake you are. The royal Omani had every right to occupy a fort in lands which were not yours to begin with.

The man then turns to the Omani delegate

We grieve for your losses, great and noble ally. As these losses were incurred in an attempt to help us (your forces merely there to restore balance in the region by defending our wayward city) we take responsibility. And as you offered substance and not mere words, we will also do the same. Denari is already on its way to you and consider Tayma, though still strategically valuable to us, yours-- if you will still have it.

The delegate takes a glance at the general court

I hope when Allah's will is carried out in Georgia, the remaining rulers if Islam will finally see the true plague which lies in the Holy Lands.

He is silent once more...


OOC:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Egyptian delegate then sniffs the air. "And what is that smell?" He thinks. "Smells like... rotting, moldy lemons."

[The Lemongate]

Edit for continuity.

[rossahh]

We never said the fort in question was in land held by the Kingdom. It was the view of the King that if Oman were to return to their former position on the border of our nation then their only reason for being there was to reinforce their ally. This we considered to be a overtly hostile act. Therefore, we decided that they should not be allowed to join the fight in Africa and be destroyed.

The warning was clear and specific. That the Omanis choose to ignore and it is none's fault but their own. They disregarded our warning and have suffered the consenquences.

[Quirl]

The Egyptian delegate makes no expression

Again you seek to tell others what they may or may not do outside of your own territories; and there is nothing hostile about defending an ally's borders--save that it impedes your own ambition. But again words are wasted here. You will see our reply soon.

OOC:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Egyptian man turns slightly to watch as the Roman lich inadvertently shoots himself with his own severed eye.

[The Lemongate]

Edit for continuity.

[navarro951]

*The Imam of Oman rises...

"Let it be evidence today of the treacherous acts of the infidels. Because my people have not forgotten what it means to lend a helping hand to their friends we are now looked upon as invaders?!? Our armies are there as nothing but a simple defense, for we no not what your hunger for power will lead to, perhaps the extinction of the Egyptian way of life, perhaps an invasion upon our own land. Who are you to tell us we may not set foot in our ally's land hmm? Answer me that!"

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier looks uncomfortable, but says nothing.

[rossahh]

Treachery implies some sort of betrayal or deceit on our part. We clearly warned Oman not to return to our borders. If you were defending Tamya, why not move your army next to the town, preventing any attack?

The army in question had already departed Ayyubid lands, but then reveresed course, bypassed the town it was "protecting" and encamped itself on the border of their ally's enemy. To us, this army had no reason for being there but to militarily engage the Kingdom in defence of the Ayyubids. This constituted a clear threat to the Kingdom, so the threat was elminated.

[Quirl]

The Avadid ambassador hears the words of the Frank and says nothing. Then he turns to the Oman delegate, stands, and bows.

You ask good questions, friend, and again we grieve for your losses.

Then he turns to the general court.

But know that the Omanis have been avenged, for the sins of the Franks have turned the mighty wrath of Allah upon them. We were fortunate enough to be His sword.

The Frank's main army in the south has been destroyed in the recapture of Luxor—these were the soldiers who followed King Baldwin to Egypt, and now their souls rest with him in hell. Also, a contingent of shock troops have recaptured Qahira and slaughtered its two defending generals, Hughes de Blois and Godfrey de Edessa.

In testament to Allah's majesty, a mere 35 of his elite soldiers at the battle of Qahira were killed as opposed to 150 heavily armored spearmen and 40 generals' cavalry on the infidel's side.

The ambassador then flips through his papers to read a second notice.

In one final announcement, due to difficulty in reaching the Omani representatives in Baghdad, we have handed Tayma over to the honorable Roman Empire, who will act as a neutral party in the exchange of Tayma to the Omanis.

Though I doubt the Franks will honor such a peaceful exchange if they decide it otherwise suits their purposes, know that any invasion of Tayma will be an act of aggression on these, presently, neutral parties.

The Avadid ambassador bows and begins to take his seat. But before he sits he takes one final glance over at the Latin delegation.

You cannot lie to God, Frank.

The Avadid ambassador takes his seat.

[The Lemongate]

Edit for continuity.

[Zim]

A messenger enters the court and passes a note to the Ghazni representative, who looks rather pale at reading its contents. The rep turns to the Vizier.

I understand there is some trouble brewing on the Sultanate of GhaZim's doorstep. The Shah of Ghazni* hopes that this conflict will be resolved swiftly and not spill over into his border.

*

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Inexplicably the "Sultanate" has a "Shah", if I recall correctly.

[phonicsmonkey]

The Vizier stands, with a brief nod of acknowledgment to the Ghazni emissary.

Indeed sir, there are military actions taking place near the border of your great realm.

The Caliph Sulayman (eternally blessed be his name!) has charged his uncle Al Qahir with the noble and righteous task of carrying out a holy jihad against the Ibadi heretics of Oman.

For too long has the Imam of Oman perpetuated his slanderous heresy against the true faith! It is long since time that his benighted subjects are restored to the glorious Caliphate, that they may enter paradise alongside their brothers of the ummah.

To this end, the cities of Hormuz and Chabahar have been liberated from heresy, and the cities of Suhar and Muscat are besieged, awaiting redemption in the coming season.

Blessed be the mighty Allah, and blessed be his Caliph Sulayman the Wise!

[barcamartin]

Rising to his feet, the Seljuk clears his throat and looks out over the assembled.

' The liberation of Georgia is complete. The Georgian King has agreed to lead his people into exile, in return for peace. The Georgian people will now prosper under the Sultan's guarding hand and in the Light of Allah.

I also wish to announce that Seljuk warriors have once more initiated the righteous struggle in Anatolia. Romans have held Muslim lands for too long, forcing false religion on it's people. The people of Ani, Dvin, Trebizond and Amasia now rejoice as Seljuk arms have brought them into the protection of Allah. '