- ARCHIVE - Republican Court of Genoa

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Doria finishes his wine and looks at the Bremener.

"As I have said in the Imperial Diet, there will be no "corrections" of our trade agreements. They stand as they have been written, for it is not the concern of the ICC what we do with foreign trade partners. As for your funding, I will not pay a colossal sum of 10.000 solidi for a meager investigations. You mean to tell me, that your presence here will cost me the same as 1000 mercenaries? If you think that you can come here and blackmail me with an Imperial verdict in your hand, you are mistaking. It is quite clear to me, that you intend to put most of that 10.000 in your own pocket, for no man can cost 10.000 i expenses for an investigation.
To be frank, your presence in my glorious city irritates me, and we have not yet decided whether or not to appeal the verdict. And until we have decided so, me and the three other captains of Genoa, you will not receive 10.000 solidi. I am sorry, but Genoa did not become so rich and powerful by throwing money to our left and right, like you want us to do now. I am sure you can conduct your investigation for much, MUCH less than 10.000 solidi. And if you do need so much money, I need to see accounts on the things you need them for. The fine, in my oppinion, was not a part of paying for your expenses."

 

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Wolfgang Eichner rose from his bow, and listened emitionless as the doge answered. Then he replied.

"Doge Doria, I do believe the time for an appeal has passed. Richter-Kurfürst Rainmund made his verdict several months ago, and I do believe that in leaving the Diet, you accepted his verdict.
However, am I to understand that you and the republic of Genoa have no intent to pay the fine?
If that is so, then inform me right here, right now, so that we may both save some time. There is no point in me staying here, if Your Grace has no intention of cooperating with the Imperial Commerce Commission.
If, however, you do intent to comply with the verdict, I once again requests you to pay 10.000 Imperial solidi. I am quite prepared to give a receipt for the amount, and what use I put it to is none of your business. I am prepared to answer to the High Treasurer and the Holy Roman Emperor, even the Reichskammergericht, if the Richters should so require, but not to Your Grace.
Am I to report to my superiors this moment that you are not fullfilling the verdict of the Reichskammergericht, or will you pay?"

 

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Doria raises his left eyebrow.

"I know not what kind of a man you are, but I am the Doge of Genoa, and you WILL show me the proper respect. I suggest that you change your tone of voice, for you are in MY city, and I really don't give a damn who you represent if you fail to use proper etiquette and noble behaviour. This is not the barbarian North, German sire. This is Italy, the center of culture and education. I suggest you show proper respect in front of the greatest city of the Mediterranean.
None of my business, you say? If I pay you 10.000 solidi to finance your "investigation", then by God, I have the right to know what you intend to use it on. I will not pay a fortune to you, just so that you can use the recreational facilities in my great city. Even the most expensive wines and most notorious prostitutes would have to charge you high prices year after year if you were ever to use 10.000 solidi. And I very much doubt that paper and ink can cost 10.000. When you get your act together and can show me some kind of detailed plan for your investigation, and how in the world you intend to spend a majestic amount of 10.000 solidi, then we can talk about it. But just coming running in here, telling me what is my business and what is not, and like a barbarian demanding 10.000 out of the blue... that, "sire", will get you nowhere. I am surprised that the oh so glorious Duke of Bremen did not send someone with more diplomatic skills. You are far away from home, and that might explain why you have trouble following our customs here. But I do believe that the guest should show his host proper respect. Wouldn't you agree?"

 

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The messager from the Al-Agta khanate arrives once again.

Honourable Doge, the reason for the sudden embargo is because the Aghakhan recived a letter telling his excelency that Genoa was monopolizing the Silktrade, which is one of the greater sources of income for the Al-Agta khanate.

This was ofcourse alarming especialy since this action was made by a nation which had not even opened diplomatical relation with the aghakhan. The only sane reasoning in that case is that the Genoese are fighting a mercantile war against us.

The aghakhan have not lifted the embargo on silk trade yet, but the Doges friendly message have won Genoa some respect. To fully enable silktrade once again Genoa must prove both that the doge is not an enemy and that it is beneficial for the Al-Agta khanate to trade with Genoa.

 

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Wolfgang Eichner:

"Good Doge Doria.
We seem to have some sort of misunderstanding here; you are not my host, and I have not asked for 10.000 Imperial Soliidii. I am here on behalf of the Holy Roman Empire, as ordered by the Richter-Kurfürst, and you are required by the Reichskammergerichts verdict to cooperate with me.
Furthermore, you have no right to see what I intend to spend the money on. These money, my doge, are a fine, that is, a punishment for your failure to obey Imperial law. I can inform you, that I will of course not spend all 10.000 Imperial Soliidi, nor the further 30.000 which are to follow within the next year and a half, in this city. Most of the money will be sent to Nurnberg, from where they will pay for Imperial Commerce Commissions employees both there, in Bremen, and in various other offices scattered around the Empire.

You, good doge, asked for a plan for my investigation. It is rather straightforward, sire.
I will review the trade agrements Genoa unlawfully entered, make my comments on them, and kindly ask you to comply. However, in continuing to enforce these agreements untill they have been reviewed by me and my men, you are continuing to violate Imperial law. Furthermore, it is my belief that Genoa is currently negotiating yet another trade agrement with Russia, and if that is indeed the truth, I must note that failure to this time, after the clear and undisputed verdict reached by the Reichskammergericht, include Imperial Commerce Commission officials in the negotiations will not be looked kindly upon."

Wolfgang Eichner then looks around, and his voice drops from the roar it had almost grown to. He makes sure servants and the like are not within earshot, and that the next words he utter are only heard by the doge.
"However, you seem like a man willing to break few eggs to make an omelet. I have a proposal to you, strictly of record, which can save us both some grief. If you were to pay a lesser amount, say 2.000 Soliidi (no stat-effect, RP amount only), directly to me, I could inform you of the route I intended to send the larger amount to Nurnberg through, and make sure it was poorly guarded. That would save you 8.000 Soliidi, and would earn me more than my wages. And for an additional 1.000 Soliidi, I could approve of the treaties withous any more fuss, including the new one you are about to sign.
How say you, Your Grace? Are you open to my suggestion?"

 

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A letter arrives to the Doge of Genoa

"Allesandro Doria, Doge of Genoa,

I thank you for your kind words. May your people find themself happy and content under your rule.

As for your proposal, the Mameluke Sultanate have no plans or wishes for breaking already written agreements. Cursed, by Allah, will that man be who makes such acts. How ever, I will let my Vizer look into the scriptures concerning this matter and if it turns out that your proposal doesnt inflict upon already signed arrangements I´ll have a second look upon your proposal. Hopefully we´ll be able to come to some sort of agreement.

signed by

Yusuf al-Zahiri, Sultan of Egypt"

 

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A letter arrives from Castille.

Doge Allesandro Doria,

I am interested reading your letter and I am certainly interested in negotiating a treaty of beneficial trade, for I am looking to expand Castillian horizons, especially in the Mediterranean, and who better to do it with than the strongest trading nation in the area?

I will dispatch an ambassador soon.

By his own hand in Madrid,

 

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A letter arrives to the Doge of Genoa

"Allesandro Doria, Doge of Genoa,

I have recieved words from my Vizier now. He have studied the Mamelukes current agreements and comed to the conclusion, that there is nothing in the Sultanates current agreements which could block signing any new agreements with Genoa. Therefore I am glad to say that the Sultanate of Egypt would be happy to strenghten the bounds between Genoa and Cairo for the good of both of us.

signed by

Yusuf al-Zahiri, Sultan of Egypt"

 

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A man dressed in the attire of a Spaniard and carrying a Castillian royal flag enters the court. He bows to the Doge and announces himself.

"I am Agustin Chamot, ambassador from the court of the King of Castilla y Léon. I hope you deem my King worthy to receive an ambassador from here in Genoa."

He bows once again.

 

[Darth Tracid]

A secret message arrives at the doge´s court.

 

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The Roman spoke in pleading tone,

Turks have broken the Eastern Bulle! Turkey has declared war upon Roman Empire! We need all aids we could get, please help! If Turks are allowed to take Constantinople, the City will be destroyed once again and you lose your profitable trade. It is in your interest to loan us the helps.

 

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Doge Doria listens to the German ICC official and smiles. Just as he expected, the German was more open to common sense than the discussion suggested. With a low voice, the Doge continued the SECRET discussion:
"Well, herr Eichner, it seems we are finally getting somewhere. Your suggestion is interesting and I know the three other captains will approve it, but they will not know until after this has been done.
So, I guess we have a deal. For 3000 solidi, you give me the route and the approval of the treaties. You want that in gold or silver?"

 

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Wolfgang Eichner smiled as the doge responded. Finally, his long years of hard service to the Imperial Commerce Commission was beginning to pay off. Sure, the rewards came from other souces than he had originally imagined, but he had come to realize that this job was about as high he ever came within the orginization, and with 3.000 Soliidi, it didn't really mattered if he was fired. That kind of money was more than enough to live the rest of his life in the luxury he wanted, especially if invested wisely.

Continuing the whispered conversation, Wolfgang said:
"Good sir Doria, it appears we have reached an agrement. About half in silver, to spend, and about half in gold, to invest, would be just perfect. If the money could be raised and delivered to me at my inn within three days, that would be just perfect."

Wolfgang then raised his voice, as not to raise suspicion among the servants, and in amore official tone of voice declared:

"I will retire, I have a few letters to write. You see, I have to inform High Treasurer Johann of my succes, and I have to hire a few guards to escort the Imperial fine to Nurnberg. I imagine about four men would be a sufficient escort for the money, considering the high standard and the high security on the roads of the republic, don't you think so?
Tell me, Herr doge Doria, if you would like the entire amount, all 40.000 Imperial Solidi, paid immediatly, or if we should use smaller rates. In any case, I will have the escort ready in four days, at which time I will officially sign the receipt for your payment of the Imperial fines, and at that occasion I can also accept all of Genoas current treaties on behalf of the ICC, after having reviwed them in private at my inn."

 

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Doria smiled.

"Good! The money will be delivered to you tomorrow by a representative from the Bank of Genoa. Your own money will be delivered to you by my nephew Alfonso tonight. Half in silver, half in gold. May I suggest your "convoy" takes the northeastern route through the hills there? Mighty rocky terrain and the terrible risk of ambush, should someone be the in wrong place at the wrong time."

 

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Letter arrives from The Golden Horde...

The emmisary in the Doge's court hands over a letter

Doge,

I know you have heard of the recent outbreak of hostilities between Islam and Orthodoxy. I ask that you stay nuetral, as you joining against Egypt and The Ottomans would put The Golden Horde in a most complex situation. I have an agreement similar to the one we signed not long ago with Egypt also. I do not care for picking favorites. Please do not make me do so. It would be most unfortunate if our people were forced to be at odds with one another.

Baraq Khan

 

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The messenger wish the doge sent to the Al-Agta Khante and he wear s ascroll.

I, Huang Jie, sister of the Aghakhan and ruler of the Al-Agta Khanate while Hytshtej Khan leads his armies, have taken your words into consideration and found them to hold thruth. Therefore I offer thee this agrrement.


Silk Distribution Agreement

Article 1
The Silk embarge against Genoa will be ceased imitiatly

Article 2
Genoa will be the only Christian state which is allowed to trade silk in Timurid harbours.

Article 3
The price genoa is to pay is atleast 133% of the old price for christians, if genoese merchants wish to raise the price with rising demand then that is allowed.

Article 4
Genoa will not sell the silk with a profit higher then 10%

Article 5
The Aghakhan and the Doge may end this agreement whenever they wish without consequenses.

Article 6
The doge will send a permanant Elci(diplomat) to Samarkand for the duration of this agreement.

 

[Longinus]

A letter arrives from Stettin.

“Most Noble Doge,

In the beginning I wish to apologise that it is not my brother who is replying to your letter but unfortunately the grief after our father and concern over his wife consumed his spiritual powers.

However, in the name of the House of the Greif I wish to kindly thank you for your understanding and words of support. I know very little of Genoan conflict with my brother and Imperial Commerce Commission, and personally I do not care for Your Grace only shows greatness in your letter. House of the Greif does not mix politicks with personal feelings.

God be with you,

By his own hand in Stettin,

Marius of the Greif,

 

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A letter arrives from Ragusa.

My good friend the Doge of Genoa,
There has been some news that you are very unsure about the Ragusan-Ottoman Trade Agreement. The trade agreement with the Ottomans will not and was never meant to interfere with your current trade agreement, but instead deals with a completely different commodity other then silk. Spice I would be vital to the European markets, and I am sure that the Ottomans have a great need to unload their supply. Also realize that this is not a monopoly trade as yours is. I am hoping that in the future when dealing with spice that a monopoly could be built, but as for now I will be content with a basic trade agreement. I hope you understand my position on this better now, and that I would go to great lengths to secure our friendship. To your glory my good friend.

 

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Rafael Spinola is having a noble meal with his good friend, Miguel de Castallero, a merchant from Toledo.

"So, Rafael... it seems you'll have to wait a while before you can take Allesandros place, eh?" the Spaniards smiles and finishes his wine.
Rafael does not look pleased.
"Hmm, yes... the Doge has been a bit too lucky lately. Trade is booming, and my own personal wealth has become... satisfactionary."
They both finished their newly shot game.
"But he has to fail sooner or later. Lucky for him, the Venetians have become demoralised and losing ground to us. But sooner or later, they will return to the markets of the Mediterranean, and the Doge actually failed to crush them this time. And then of course there is the ICC..."
"Yes, I've heard of that. 40.000 solidies? A majestic sum indeed. Would damage the economy of Genoa greatly, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, most certainly. And I have just been informed, that he actually intends to hand over the money to the ICC man. If that happens, I have him!"
"Well, unless there is anything you have missed, my friend. Things are rarely what they seem, you know."
"Nonsense, if he obeys the Emperor and his corrupt family, I can claim that he has displayed weakness, and thus I can crush him like a bug!"
"Hmm... well, I wish you luck, my friend. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"

 

[Chris8b]

A letter arrives from al-Jaza'ir

Written in Latin script and sealed by the mark of the crescent...

For the eyes of Allesandro Doria, Doge of the Republic of Genoa,

Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad, Sultan of the Zayyanid Caliphate, proclaims the lands of the Maghrib from Oran to Constantine and the sea twice the distance of the horizon from said land to be under his protection and the rule of Islamic law.

In the interest of continued prosperity in the Western Mediterranean, the most revered Sultan extends the invitation to discuss safe watering of Genoese ships on islets and ports of the Algerine coast lest piracy impede upon honest merchants. Please send a representative with authority to discuss matters of commerce to the most revered Sultan's court at al-Jaza'ir.

Praise God.

Abu'l Abbas Ahmad
Sultan of the Zayyanid Caliphate (Algiers)