- ARCHIVE - Ducal Court of Venice

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The Doge sitting in his chair next to a small table listens to the men, his demeanor i quite different then usual, but very calm and collected. He stands from the his seat near the window and moves to one around the table. He sits around the table where all the delegates now are placed, all but one.

Welcome to Yalta, I hope that this conference will be very fruitful and I am sure that we will all work t that end. Let me first begin by describing my personal espectations.

This conference serves a purpose gentlemen, and that as I see it is for both our sides, now beginning to become polarized, to unite and decide on how we will deal with the current borders, the current war and most importantly how borders will look upon our planned reaction to the possible Crusade that I have heard. I look for decissions to be made upon how our postwar world will look.

I personally hope that these decisions will help persuade me to stay in complete neutrality. Now the goals it seems are as such


1. Seek an appropriate solution to the northern war.
2. Each side seeks peace, for that peace there are boundaries, we must decide on those boundaries, and what limits there are on our neutrality policies.
3. Establish guidelines for how to react to a Crusade on both sides.
4. Establish closer ties and show each other appropriate recognition.


Please gentlemen I'd like to hear your oppinions on these issues, and of course most when negotiating, considering each others position are most important.

Now the Ayatollah presents an interesting proposal, the idea not a bad one, however time iwll only tell. I agree with the idea of creating such a buffer zone and think that it will of course create peace for many years to come. These issues however have to be agreed upon by the Horde and the Lithuanians. I think that we can most definately go forward with this plan, Venezia specifically has the abillity to put diplomatic pressure, but this pressure will be in vane if not put on both parties. It seems in my honest oppinion that both parties are too proud and too stubborn to come to some sort of agreement, our pressure can bring this to an end. Your thoughts?
​

The Doge stays completely still.

 

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The Doge leans forward and speaks again.

Well see here. I will get to the point since we have little time to daddle around. This is what I wish as Venezia. You can react as you wish afterwards but these are points I must insist on.

On the Lithuanian war, there armies and especially their navies can be crushed for all that I care. I hope that there will be some duty to the soldiers to keep excessive brutality to a minimum, but that is unrealistic since it is war and is something that I wouldn't doubt occurs on both sides, this is not a major issue. However the one thing I do not want to see is Mameluke and Ottoman armies entering Lithuania or Russian land. Both have been my trading partners and I have personally gone to great lengths to create supply lines through the rubish and waste that is that land. The only wealth I can see there is the buildings and the merchants that are on those lands. For me also as a slightly pious man I have to say that I can not accept demands on those lands, simply as a good Christian.

Look it is simple. Both Christian and Muslim sides have for the longest time demanded lands that are at each others borders. The Muslims have refused because they realize that if they give one province the Christians will only ask for another. This we can all agree on. Of course the same has been true with Muslims demanding Christian land. Many wars have been started over such issues and the current developments further north are nothing new. So it is simple the boundaries after this war should end up being the way they were before. That I see as the only solution to stopping a crusade.

However I worry that the Holy Church in Rome will not understand what you have stated. You have said General that you only look to take back the lands of the Golden Horde. Now when that happens will you go to peace? What action will cause your peace? That question seems to be of most importance and one that the Muslims need to answer. An exact definition of when your nations stop supporting the Horde, for the longer you support them the larger the chance for a Crusade to develop to balance the military power that you have assembled in the north. I would recommend to taking back the Hordes land...offering white peace to the Lithuanians and accepting the Russians white peace. This would force the Horde to also accept for their only power in the current developments are the Mameluke and Ottoman armies. Without your two nations involvement they would have nothing. My concern is that an unreasonable and head strong ignorant man is leading you three into death. Excuse me if I am blunt but those are my thoughts.


That is in the case of peace before a Crusade. If a Crusade is called things greatly change. I of course shall do my best to stay neutral and think that I have very good reasons currently to do so. Now as I look to King Constantine, I would guess that his neutrality is also guaranteed for he is a smart man, known for conservatism and one not willing to risk his lands...all of them. Now gentlemen I have received some reports that there is a chance, that in the event of a Crusade, the Muslim nations would unitedly declare war on Aragon. That simply is unfair and would easily cause Venezia to join the war. I make a proclamation here and now. If you declare war on Aragon, Venezia shall join the Crusade. It is that simple. The only caveat of course is whether Aragon is the aggressor or not. If they seek war, then of course it is for there loss. Venezia will keep its hands clean whenever it can, and will onlly join the war when it can benefit. It cannot benefit from the destruction of Aragonese holdings in the Mediterannean and so Venezia shall be watching such developments.

When this mess is over I wish for the lands to be in the same hands as they are before the war, that is my greatest goal. Otherwise I can only see an unbalanced scale, which forces Venezia in war to rectify the situation. Please as a friend I ask you to think of my people when moving.

I would like to hear your reaction.​

The Doge stays completely still.

 

[Prince Eugene]

Candarli Halil had arrived a few minutes before the Doge began his first speech. Attempting to not further show off his tardiness, he hastily seated himself and listened intently. After the Doge finished speaking, he rose and addressed him.

Good Doge, might I first thank you for your hospitality in calling so many leaders and envoys to Yalta to find a peaceful solution to the conflict that daily threatens to expand and engulf all of our realms in the flames of war. Before going into serious discussion and presenting the views of the Ottoman Empire before this most noble assembly allow for me to address the goals you have stated:

The great conflict that plagues all of us began when the Lithuanian King and Russian Czar seized Samara from the Great Khan of the Golden Horde; however, there is no doubt that the Great Khan was innocent in this conflict either. Both sides provided sufficient provocation to the point where a conflict was inevitable. The Lith king simply drove the final nail into the coffin of peace, so-to-speak. With this said, a peace with no gains on either side is only fair between the Golden Horde and Lithuania. If the Lith threat to the Golden Horde is no more, I can assure you immediate Ottoman withdrawl from the conflict. Though I wish not to speak for the Sultan of Egypt, I know the man well enough to say that he would also pull himself away from conflict with the Liths.

The Russian Czar, however, is not in the same position as the King of the Liths. He broke a nonaggression pact with the Great Khan of the Golden Horde and had no means to go to war, unlike the King of the Liths. He even spoke to the Great Khan as a friend as he rode at the head of his army to seize his territories. Tell me, what kind of honor is demonstrated in this? There is none, and no one can deny that this behavior ill befits a sovereign of any realm. The Sultan's envoys have spoken with the Great Khan of the Golden Horde, and I must say that his demands are ridiculous. Perhaps he feels betrayed by the Russian Czar, who after all gained over half of his current territory by backstabbing the Great Khan Damdinsuryn. The Sultan's envoys have worked out a compromise with the Great Khan, however, and have manage to reduce his demands simply to two fiefs: Kazan and Ufa. We support these claims as they provide a buffer zone to protect the Golden Horde's capital of Samara as well as to satisfy the Great Khan without punishing the Russian Czar too severely.

I feel that these demands provide a reasonable permanent border between the Golden Horde and between Russia. Of course, nonaggression pacts would need to be signed between the Golden Horde and LIthuania and the Golden Horde and Russia. I am unsure if the Russian Czar would honor this nonaggression pact should an opportunity arise for him to once again take these lands from the Great Khan, however I can assure you that the Great Khan is an honorable man and will live up to his words.

Once this war is ended, might I propose that the three previously mentioned parties be encouraged to enter trade with each other, forcing them to depend on each other rather than using their wealth to bend themselves on each other's destruction. I'm sure that you, noble Doge, would gladly take part in such matters.

Very well, gentlemen, with all of that aside let us discuss the possibilities of a "Crusade." I know little of the technicalities of such a quest, however I do know of their negative effects to all parties involved. I see no reason that one of these massive machines of destruction would be put to action, however rest assured that no invaders will be allowed to seize lands of my Sultan. I shall work the the fullest of my abilities not to provoke any such action, however I will never allow for any of the Sultan's people to be harmed.
​

 

[Hamilcar]

Ayatollah Chameney glanced at the Ottoman and nodded.

A very good summary of the situation, I applaud the noble Halil.
As for the question of "crusade", the aga Khan will surely be ready to defend Dar-es-Islam against any foolhardy campaign by religious extremists.

 

[Hamilcar]

Chameney wrote and read several letters from and to the Russians and the Golden Horde.

 

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The Doge hearing the two men begins to speak.

I see. This news of Russian underhandedness is news to me, and I had no clue that they under any situation had betrayed their word. As for the Khan's honor, I am not sure how pure it is for I do not see his representatives here working for peace. Regardless I care not. My major concern in the north is my trade and the movement of the Horde's army may increasingly interrupt trade through Bogutjar. What happens if that province is taken and the Horde refuse Venetian trade? Venezia looses out of no fault of its own. In fact we go out of our way to not be involved, so I hope that these are remembered after the war. Now even with a peace to arrive between Russia and the Khan, this leaves the Lithuanians who stood to gain the most, and now I am curious what will happen to them. I understand you and the Mameluke Sultan have sworn not to invade his lands, however I need guarantees, and I also need to know what you plan to do about the Khan who I feel does not share in your favor for peace.


Well that will be fine, I am glad to know that the Christian nations, as long as they stay neutral in the Mediterannean are not in any danger. That was my goal, and I hope that you can confirm this statement. I would like to take your word as your bond, and am sure that you are the most honorable of men. I would not be in the same room with you if I did not think so.

Now Candarli Halil that I have your word on this, it is a pleasure that we have talked over peace, now let us talk over trade and land. I am most interested in expanding the foundation of Thrace, and increasing our stake in Ottoman silk. Maybe Ionia maybe a good place to start.​

The Doge nods his head in approval.

Later in the afternoon as the wind blows through the shudders of the windows, the men feast on fresh fruit while discussing more relaxed topics, mostly of legendary women and famous wrestlers. Franco Berlusconi passes a a letter to his grace Candarli Halil.

 

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The quality of Venetian artisans sent to Bavaria ​

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The quality of Venetian artisans sent to Bavaria is beginning to become apparent. Several months after their arrival it is readily apparent that the Venetians have sent only one type of thier fine workers, but which is it?

1. product is marketable (Excellent)
2. product is marketable (Very good)
3. product is marketable (acceptable for supposedly fine)
4. product is marketable (average street work)
5. product is not very marketable (Poor workmanship)
6. product is totaly unmarketable (Terrible workmanship. They must be having a laugh)

A 3 is rolled

The Venetian artisans sent to Bavaria produce an acceptable "fine" piece of work. Nothing too special but nothing that is poor.
(No effect)

 

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A day like any other was marked by the visit of the Hungarian ambassador László Tamás to the doge of Venice, Foscari. Tamás had been sick for some time now, but he was now better, though he did need a cane to support himself when standing. Something in his left leg wasn't fully healed, but that was just a minor matter.
László bowed before the doge and spoke.

"Most noble and excellent doge of Venice. I have not been well for some time, and I apologise for not being able to raise important issues concerning our two realms. However, I feel much better now, thanks to the skill of Venetian experts of medicin.
I have been following this war in Serbia and have just recently reported back to king Ugo. As your excellency knows, Hungary has ancient interests in that particular realm, and we are not sure what the intentions of Venice is on this matter. To avoid any misunderstandings, my king humbly asks for a clarification on this issue, for we know not what has been going on. The whole thing stands in a kind of blur to our observers in the region, and we are even told that the Venetian armies have stopped marching.
Hungary has, as I mentioned, ancient ties with the Serbians, and we feel an urge to gain light and clarification on the matter. We hope your excellency will do us the honour of informing us about the matter."

 

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King Constantine was listening to the procession. He was interested with the comment of the backstabbing Russians. He wonders whom are telling truth... if Russian did really went back on their words or if Goldern Horde was twisting the words to imply that Russians broke their words. However, he doesn't really care as it is very distant land. He spoke,

I see... Well, from what I saw, it seems that Khan has alot to gain if he just keeping warring upon Russia and Lithuania. I had heard of their success in war, especially aided by Mameluks' aid. Also, with Ottoman Empire involved.... so it seems that Khan has every reasons to purse his expansion policy which may eventually trigger Crusade. However, with such poor show for Crusade at the last time, I doubt that it would be any difference. Hence Khan have every reason to believe that war serves his aim best.

He turned to look at Ottoman and Mameluk representative and stated,

Khan doesn't share your concern, at least it doesn't what I hear. Your nations are the ones with most to risk in opposite to Khan. If there is a Crusade, it would be most likely to launch toward you especially as you left your armies in Russia. Whereas Khan could just use Russian winter to whittle down any potential Crusaders whom wouldn't be eager to help Russians or Lithuania.

So, keep it in mind that Khan's wishes and goals might be different than yours.

Then he fell silent, allowing the delegates to absorb what he had just said. He wonders if Mameluk and Turks knew that they hold a club over Khan as he needs their help and armies to continue his success. Then he spoke once more,

I had also heard of the rumors that Aragon is a target by Ottoman Empire and Mameluks perhaps among with few other nations.

He wonders if it is an intention to expand at Aragonese's expense or in self-defense against possible Aragonese support in Crusade. Perhaps a bit of both, he wondered. Time to reassure them, he decided as it is not yet time for him to recover his homeland, as much he wanted to. After all, Turks are honorable. After all, they dealt honorable with his father even during the fall of Roman Empire. Also, Aragon and Turkey's relationship have been warm recently. In a way, he liked the Turks despite their continuing occupation of Constantinople and Thrace, his homeland. He has no intention to jump on their back. So, he suggested,

Perhaps we could sign non-aggression treaty? This way, we have no need to fear eachother for now. Think about this, Ottoman Empire and Mameluks would lose Aragonese goods in event of war, just as Aragon loses any Muslim goods. My point is that we have everything to lose if we go to war now. So, how about 3 years of non-aggression between us?

 

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A week after his return from Yalta he hears the domestic report on the troops, and then listens to the Hungarian ambassador.

Good noble, let me ask you something first. Are you a slav? Is Ugo? If the answer is no, then I see no reason for your questions. It is not Hungary who is to be asking questions of the Doge, use your own informants but I shall not explain my actions. They are valid, approved, and have been put into practice. The sands of time do not move towards the sky, not even for Serbs.

If you want to speak of friendship and since you find the right to question the motives of a head of state, I'll ask you a few questions. What of your claims on Serbia, and Dalmatia, and Istria, on Athens? Do they stand, do you call them? In addition explain to me the reasons why Venezia does not have dominion and control of Danube control and instead is being replaced by Hungarian merchants and your forsaken trade union. Explain why Venetian merchants must pay higher prices in areas where they historically have never had problems, but now find themselves blocked.

So you see, in the past I have made sure to ignore such questions, so it is simple. The less questions I ask the less I expect to be asked of me, by you Tamás.

Now if you will my servants will bring you to a very nice villa, not the largest but very quaint and very ornate. I once actually stayed there myself as a younger man. Regardless I hope you enjoy your stay. Now is there anything else you wish for me to address? Any other issues.​

The Doge brings a glass of wine to his lips.

 

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At Yalta the Doge speaks.

Good Constantine in his conservatism is correct. I think that at times he has been maybe, with all respect, maybe too conservative, but here and now his wisdom serves us greatly. He is right a non-aggression pact that keeps the peace, amongst Mediterannean nations is a good idea. I must request of course that the caveat would be that if a Muslim nation which includes Algiers, the Mamelukes, Oman and the Ottoman Empire decide to aggress and declare war on Venezia, Aragon, Castile, Protugal, or France the deal would of course be off. That would work for both sides. I want to guarantee that the agressors take a heavy loss, thusly keeping there from ever being an agressor.​

The Doge looks around the room at the reactions.

 

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Having received the rather hostile reply, the Hungarian just smile and bows.

"I thank the doge for clearing up the matter somewhat. I shall inform my king of your... reply. I have nothing else, your excellency."

 

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In Yalta

General Omar bin Ahnaf who have folled the discussion without stating anything for awhile, raises his voice.

"Bah, crusades...

If crusaders will come they will come, wether there is a war between Lithuania and the Horde or not. The warmongers will always come up with some reason of some kind, will it not be to intervine on behalf of the liths they´ll claim they will "liberate" an island... If there are no islands to conquer, they will claim they shall conquer Jerusalem... If Jerusalem is held by a christian they claim they shall establish a buffert zone...

I have seen to many of these... crusades and all I do know is that it doesnt matter much what actions is taken... their lust for blood will always be greater...

As for debating the peace... as always the Mamluke position is very simple. We fight in the defense of the Horde, having no claims for ourself. As soon as a white peace is achieved between the Horde and the Liths the Sultan intend to marsch his troops home to Egypt, thus he have honored the alliance!"

 

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At Yalta the Doge speaks.

I see good General, I would guess in those Christians you would include myself and Aragon.

Look here the last three crusades have been based on Muslim invation in Christian owned property, not the reverse as seen right before Ragusa destroyed the Ottoman armies 7 years ago. I could counter your point, but it is a waste of our time to continue. I would rather see a non-aggression pact be put in place. Your thoughts?​

 

[Prince Eugene]

Your Majesties, first of all let me say that I am offended that either of you would even contemplate Islamic aggression on Venezia or Aragon, not to mention Castille, France, and Portugal; all of which I have never corresponded with bar a few ancient incidents with the previous Portuguese king. Rumors of attacks on either are entirely false, and I must state that you have heard many if you fear far off lands such as Oman.

Ahem, very well, I would sign such a nonaggression pact if that is what it takes for me to gain Your Majesties' trust. Your Majesty King of Aragon has numerously cited "what you heard." I cannot express how insulting this is. We Muslims are a peaceful people as a whole, and judging the actions of an entire people by the aggressive actions of past rulers is as well insulting. I myself was the man responsible for deposing the sultan that waged war against you, Your Majesty. For this I cannot understand your mistrust.

I realize that neither of you noble men can place the kind of trust we can in the Great Khan, yet this is understandable, just as we cannot trust the so-called "Emperor of the Romans." I am sure that Ottoman, Mameluke, and even Venetian diplomatic pressure can ensure a quick end to this conflict. I shall also use all that is in my diplomatic capacity to restrain the Golden Horde from harming Venetian enterprises, as I understand these are very important to Venezia.


​

 

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At Yalta the Doge speaks.

Very good. That is much more the type of sentiment that I wished to hear. Please do not take it as an insult, but until pen is put to paper, trust in these unsettled times can never be complete. I personally am not as much concerned about Venezia, but simply more for Aragon. The nations stated are simply guidelines, no evidence brought to us has actually shown such nations have aggression or that you have aggression to said nations. They are simply the nations we are concerned with, whether friend, for or neutral.​

 

[Petrarca]

Count Vojtech is heard to set an appointment to speak with herr Malipiero and whomever else of the officials of the Serenissima that concern themselves with the matters under discussion.

 

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Constantine was a bit amused especially by their references, "So called Emperor of Romans" and how they couldn't trust him. He thought to them, "Well, at least I try to stick to my treaty. You declare that you couldn't trust me, hmmm... how interesting. They even attempt to make themselves the image of innocents and Christians as archtype of aggressors." He also kept his silence as Doge spoke well in his opinion, of Muslim aggression. He thought, "Exactly. That proved my point." He spoke to Ottoman representative,

I am also glad to hear what you said. I ask you, would you completely trust a nation if the pen hasn't been put to paper in these unsettling time, as the Doge put it? How would you react if you heard the rumor that Aragon is plotting to invade Ottoman Empire, together with Hungary and Venice? Even if you had a good relationship with them as Aragon and Ottoman Empire are having? If this rumor came from your friendly neighbor? These days, often seemily friends could suddenly turn on their friends. I do not mean any insult, only to state the fact of life in these days. Aragon much prefer to trade with Mameluks and Ottoman Empire to war, just as Venice I am certain.

 

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At Yalta the Doge speaks.

Hmmmm, gentlemen let us get to business, I think we are being side tracted on the rediculous points fo trust. We are men that know the costs and risks. This truly is not an issue, however peace is.​

 

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At Yalta the Doge speaks.

I see good General, I would guess in those Christians you would include myself and Aragon.

Look here the last three crusades have been based on Muslim invation in Christian owned property, not the reverse as seen right before Ragusa destroyed the Ottoman armies 7 years ago. I could counter your point, but it is a waste of our time to continue. I would rather see a non-aggression pact be put in place. Your thoughts?​

The General replied.

"A non-agression pact you say...hmm.. well that isnt in my directives, but it is possible the Sultan would accept such a treaty. What would the artichles be!?"