Muslim/Christian alliances

[mcpenguin]

Would it be a bad idea to have more diplomatic options between christian rulers and muslim rulers and even possibly form temporary alliances. Historically, it wasn't totally unrealistic as people make it out to be. In the holy land alone, there were many cases where christian rulers allied with muslim rulers against other muslims and vice versa. Yes I know there were the crusades and all, but even the crusades were politically motivated. Gameplay wise, it would make it even more sense to have possible alliances. You see a massive green blob forming in Iberia, it would be in the best interest for remaining muslim emirates to band togethor with remaining christian kings against a massive blob that would devour them all. I think it would allow for more interesting and balanced gameplay.

Also, have the option to pay tribute. Instead of having an alliances you could pay off nearby neighbors from declaring war on you.

 

[Comradebot]

Well, it is possible to form alliances between the two. I frequently had an alliance between my Persian Empire and an AI Hungary which i'd use to hit the ERE from both sides if they got too uppity.

Though I agree, some folks should have "common enemy" alliances. At the very least, and only slightly related, I wish independence leagues would keep each other's backs after the rebellion. Always sad to see half the HRE break away, and then 2/3s of them are back in it within a generation as the HRE steamrolls them back a piece at a time.

 

[HabemusZlatan]

It is already possible to pay tribute to other countries to avoid being attacked, it's called "Send gift" in game. It is basically the same thing.

 

[mcpenguin]

I'm talking about something a little different. Sending a gift will just boost their relationship but they can still attack you at any time if they have a valid casus belli (or holy war). Paying tribute will keep them from attacking you and give them absolutely no reason too unless you stop the tribute. It would have to be automatic or monthly like in EU3 except it wouldn't be broken. I think that's how the iberian christians were able to survive early on against the majority muslims who dominated the peninsula before the game start date.

 

[AndreasPhokas]

muslim christian alliances would make iberia alot more interesting. Atleast until whatever dynasty unites north africa rolls in.

 

[Emre Yigit]

I'm curious (and ignorant): Were there any in this time period outside of Iberia?

 

[mcpenguin]

After the crusader states formed and the in-fighting between the different fractured muslim states there were alliances made between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and some other muslim rulers. Basically they would all take turns ganging up on each other so it didn't matter what religion you were. Also, there were some alliances between the emperor and the Turks at various points in time but I don't think they ever lasted very long.

 

[Comradebot]

muslim christian alliances would make iberia alot more interesting. Atleast until whatever dynasty unites north africa rolls in.

I've got my money on Salian.

 

[SRM]

I've got my money on Salian.

No, obviously it'll be the Solomonids.

 

[yourworstnightm]

I'm curious (and ignorant): Were there any in this time period outside of Iberia?

The trade agreements between the Nubians and the Fatimids that guaranteed they left each other alone could be portrayed as an alliance in game.

 

[Emre Yigit]

Also, there were some alliances between the emperor and the Turks at various points in time but I don't think they ever lasted very long.

Ooops. o Forgot about those.

 

[I am.]

It IS possible. I have had several alliances as King of Abysinnia (marry one of your daughters to the Sultan or his son, and voala)

 

[mcpenguin]

It IS possible. I have had several alliances as King of Abysinnia (marry one of your daughters to the Sultan or his son, and voala)

That's if you can even get a marriage alliance. My point is there should be other options to form alliances such as, common enemy or if either party gets called into a war.

 

[Darkgamma]

There was once also a Fatimid-Byzantine anti-Seljuk alliance I believe.

 

[Rogan de Auria]

Actually in the real world muslim males CAN marry christian and jewish females (the offspring being muslim). Translated to the game that will result in an christian-muslim alliance.