The Mercantile Confederation of Crete

Welcome to Our Beautiful Island!

“There is a land called Crete in the midst of the wine-blue sea;
a beautiful and fertile land, sea-girt. In it are many
people, innumerable, and there are ninety cities.” – Homer

National Information

Name of Faction: Mercantile Confederation of Crete Name of Capitol: Any city that the council agrees to meet in acts as the capitol. Popular cities are (from west to east) Phaistos, Knossos, Malia, Goumia, and Zakros. Faction Leader(s): the 90 members of the ruling council. The most prominent ones are King Kikeru of Phaistos, Queen Jadikira of Knossos, Queen Sama of Malia, King Rusa of Goumia, and Queen Tarina of Zakros. Government Type: thalassocratic libertarian confederation. Crete is divided into 90 city-states. Each major city has an elected king or queen. These rulers meet in a council in an agreed-upon city once a year to make decisions. Official Language(s): Eteocretan, ancient Greek, and ancient Egyptian Economic System: capitalist free-market economy. Official Currency: silver and gold coins showing a bull head on the obverse and a labrys on the reverse. National Anthem: O Crete the Beautiful National Flag: a silver labrys flanked by bright green snakes all upon a purple background. Official Religion(s): Cretan Paganism. Women dominate the priesthood. Bulls are sacrificed and sacred dances are held for the goddesses and gods the people wish to worship. Crete is tolerant of other pacifistic religions. Faction Culture: Concentration of wealth plays a large role in the structure of Cretan society. Wealth is a measure of success. The more successful and helpful a person is in society, the more wealth he/she will acquire. But Cretans are wealthy in general compared to the rest of the world due to a strong economy. Inheritance is usually through matrilineal lines. Dowries and arranged marriages are outlawed. Cretans are very proud of their art and architecture. Their cities are connected with stone-paved roads and the streets are equipped with drainage systems. Water and sewer facilities are available to everyone through a complex plumbing system of clay pipes. Cretan buildings often have flat tiled roofs; plaster, wood, or flagstone floors, and stand two to three stories high. Typically the lower walls are constructed of stone and rubble, and the upper walls of mudbricks. Ceiling timbers hold up the roofs. The walls are usually decorated with beautiful frescos and paintings. Exquisite granite and marble statues are prized possessions. Men wear loincloths and kilts. Women wear kilts with a bra or a layered flounced skirt with robes that have short sleeves. Clothes are usually made from linen or silk. People are permitted to wear no clothes if they choose. Cretan society is very friendly and tolerant. Education and educators are highly respected. Gender-roles are not enforced and are almost nonexistent; Cretan names themselves are genderless. One of the most popular Cretan sayings is, “There’s something for everyone!” Individual rights and freedoms are honored and upheld unless they violate another individual’s rights and freedoms. Faction Military: The Cretan army is nonexistent and the militia sucks. The Cretan Navy is the only branch of the military right now. And it is the most powerful in the world. The galleass is the main warship comprising the fleets. They are equipped with rams, catapults, archer and axmen contingents as well as Greek-fire pumps. The oarsmen and sailors are highly skilled professionals. Tactics generally revolve around pummeling the enemy with missile weapons and then sinking any remaining ships by ramming. Hand to hand combat is to be avoided. All troops are armed with missile weapons such as javelins, bows, sling-stones, and crossbows. Faction History: The first people arrived on Crete around 5,000 BCE and established fishing and farming communities. A common language and culture arose on the island during the 3000s BCE. The Cretans were already good sailors and shipbuilders and began establishing the first trade lanes in the world. They mastered bronze-making around 2700 BCE and the villages where this took place became centers of commerce and power. These villages became towns, then cities with impressive ports and palaces. These cities came together to form a confederation in 1900 BCE. The Cretans became very wealthy and advanced compared to other peoples around the Mediterranean due to their extensive trade network and natural resources. This of course brought about jealously, and Crete was attacked by various peoples from the 1400s BCE to the present day. The people of Crete were largely pacifistic and only desired peace and prosperity. Nonetheless the Confederation saw the need to defend itself and invested heavily in a navy. The Cretan navy became the most feared and powerful fighting force on the sea. It successfully or closely defeated every single attempted invasion of the island by foreign aggressors. Greece, Egypt, Persia, Macedon, Rome, Byzantium, Arabia, and Venice were all beaten off in fantastic naval victories. Despite these wars, Crete continued to maintain its trade network and keep wealth flowing. They also preserved their culture. This was mainly due to Cretans learning about the outside world and coming to the conclusion that they live in a utopian paradise compared to it. Therefore they changed little in their ways. However, because their society was superior, lots of people began immigrating to Crete to enjoy the good life. Crete now has an overpopulation problem. This has unfortunately led to radical members of the ruling government pushing for expansionist policies. These are fancy words for war; wars to conquer the barbaric peoples of the outside world and spread superior Cretan culture and civilization to them. And the conquered land of course would be settled and the overpopulation problem resolved. Faction Color: Imperial Purple (red: 111, green: 0, blue: 221). Purple dye is a symbol of wealth and majesty, the two things the people of Crete love most.

The rulers of Phaistos, Knossos, Malia, Goumia, and Zakros have agreed to grant foreign ambassadors audiences on behalf of the Confederation. Please choose which city to sail your ambassador to. After being disarmed, they will then be escorted to the ruler’s palace where they should bow and say nice things to the king or queen. If you are still unsure which city to go to for negotiations, here is some information on the rulers:

King Kikeru of Phaistos (age: 43) is a large and jolly man with a big beard. Kikeru likes to hold lots of feasts for everyone. He does not care for sports and definitely not for war because he faints at the sight of blood. Kikeru is interested in establishing trade that will bring him new and tasty food. He was a merchant in his younger days. Kikeru owns a couple of Aegean cats. He has 1 boyfriend.

Queen Jadikira of Knossos (age: 29) is a tall and beautiful woman who is philosophically inclined. She is a Stoic who likes to read lots of books and give advice to friends. She is interested in learning about new cultures and establishing trade that will bring exotic goods to Crete. Jadikira is also a high priestess of the Horse Goddess and therefore owns and rides many horses. She has 1 boyfriend and 2 girlfriends. She has 1 son (age: 7).

Queen Sama of Malia (age: 32) is a short and pretty woman who is very athletic. She runs 1 mile every other day and likes to box. Sama likes to learn and play new games. Chariot racing is another of her hobbies. She is interested in trade, but is more eager to reestablish an international sports event such as the Olympics. Sama believes a good defense is a good offense. She is a high priestess of the Sports Goddess. She has 1 girlfriend.

King Rusa of Goumia (age: 28) is a tall and handsome man, and well-muscled. Rusa dreams about going on wild adventures and likes to hear epic stories from travelers. He gets passionate when he hears about the outside world and wants to do some good by killing murderers and rapists. Rusa is a womanizer and flatters every pretty girl he sees. He was once a *cough* exotic *cough* dancer and bull-leaper. He has also won a couple chariot races. He has 2 girlfriends and has 2 daughters (age: 3 and 4) from one of them.

Queen Tarina of Zakros (age: 24) is a tall and beautiful woman who has a menacing stare. She desires war with lesser peoples as a way to spread superior Cretan culture abroad. Tarina believes evil men, not wild bulls, should be sacrificed to the goddesses. Some people whisper that she’s crazy, but she is a highly efficient administrator. She is always seen with her two pet snakes around her arms, which are actually venomous but she’s immune to their venom. She is a high priestess of the Snake Goddess. She has 2 boyfriends and 3 girlfriends and is into… domination.

Other characters:

Supreme Admiral Nashuja (age: 26) is a tall and handsome man, and well-muscled. He is the brother of King Rusa. He is also the current commander of the Cretan Navy and very proud of his country. Nashuja likes sending fleet contingents on unauthorized missions to rescue escaped slaves and people fleeing from persecution. This has gotten the Confederation in some trouble with nearby states, but the council is unwilling to punish the admiral. Nashuja has proven he is a tactical genius but has yet to fight a major battle. He has 1 boyfriend and 1 girlfriend. He is the father of 1 son (age: 2) and 1 daughter (age: 0).

General Pura (age: 36) is a short and balding man. He is a cousin of King Kikeru. He is Crete’s first ever army commander since the army was just created. Pura was formerly a librarian and liked to play board games where his talent for tactics showed. Pura is too kind-hearted to personally kill anyone, but the people under his command will respect him since they are confident he can lead them to victory. He has 1 boyfriend.

Ambassador Ariadih (age: 27) was appointed by Queen Jadikira and approved by the council to represent the Confederation. She was once a Muslim living in the Ottoman Sultanate, destined to become part of the royal harem despite finding men unattractive. She was 14 when she fled from Bursa after some “pirates” launched raids in the area. Nashuja killed the guards that came after the girl and got her onboard his ship. When she arrived on Crete, she changed her name to Ariadih and then also changed her religion. She received a proper education, during which Queen Jadikira took her under her wing and provided her a home. Ariadih and Jadikira became close friends and then, at a party with lots of wine, lovers.

Ambassador Kitanetos (age: 29) was appointed by Queen Tarina and approved by the council to represent the Confederation. He is a Stoic and keeps to himself. After inheriting great wealth from deceased family Kitanetos became a philanthropist and provides funds for cultural and educational centers. He is interested in physics and how mechanical things work. When not on diplomatic missions or in the Queen’s bedchamber, he is an inventor trying to build the next greatest tool.

Diplomatic Relations

Eastern Roman Empire: friendly (treaties: trade, borders, alliance) Protectorate of Decinryos: pleased (treaties: trade, borders) (notes: seeking alliance) Republic of France: pleased (treaties: trade, borders, alliance) Western Roman Empire: cautious (notes: seeking trade) Kingdom of Finland: cautious (notes: seeking trade) House of Covarrubias: cautious (treaties: borders, non-agression pact) (notes: seeking trade) United States of Japan: cautious (treaties: trade) New Numenor: cautious States of Baltica: cautious Kingdom of Assyria: cautious Duchy of Yorkshire: cautious Bohemian Empire: cautious Kingdom of Castile: displeased (for harboring our enemy) Order of Saint Jean of Jerusalem: displeased Khaganate of Turkestan: displeased "Zolland"?: does not exist (AT WAR)

canceled.

An Decinryian entourage steps ashore from their hired Greek Caravel in Knosses, their leader, a tall balding man, shielding his eyes and squinting towards the bustling city while he lets his stomach settle.

'This way,' their guide, a young Cretan from the Greek mainland leads the party of ten guards, eight servants, two scribes and one diplomat through the city of explosive smells, colours and noise to the palace.

The ambassador, Haratus, turns to one of the scribes, 'This city is ruled by Queen Jadikira, who is rumoured to be interested in the world and foreign goods. She looks to be the one most likely to grant us what we want. Uh, how can these weird people function without centralised administration?'

'Here is your destination.' the entourage paused briefly while their bodyguard gingerly hands over their spatha, then they walk in to a loud cry of 'Visitors from the Protectorate of Decinryos, of the Hoamman Empire!'

Ambassdor Haratus fell to one knee, the others following suit behind him. 'Greetings to you, Queen Jadikira, blessings and good fortune to you and your house!' He awaits the Queen's response.

OOC: LoC, so depending on which city we send our ambassadors to, that will influence your decisions?

"Oh mighty council of the Confederation of Crete, I humbly ask for a trade agreement between our two great nations."

Originally Posted by Ikaroqx

An Decinryian entourage steps ashore from their hired Greek Caravel in Knossos, their leader, a tall balding man, shielding his eyes and squinting towards the bustling city while he lets his stomach settle.

"This way," their guide, a young Cretan from the Greek mainland leads the party of ten guards, eight servants, two scribes and one diplomat through the city of explosive smells, colours and noise to the palace.

The ambassador, Haratus, turns to one of the scribes, "This city is ruled by Queen Jadikira, who is rumoured to be interested in the world and foreign goods. She looks to be the one most likely to grant us what we want. Hmm... I wonder how can these unique people function without centralized administration?"

"Here is your destination." The entourage paused briefly while their bodyguard gingerly hands over their spatha, then they walk in to a loud cry of "Visitors from the Protectorate of Decinryos, of the Hoamman Empire!"

Ambassdor Haratus fell to one knee, the others following suit behind him. "Greetings to you, Queen Jadikira, blessings and good fortune to you and your house!" He awaits the Queen's response.

OOC: LoC, so depending on which city we send our ambassadors to, that will influence your decisions?

The throne room the Decinryians entered was small and well-lit by windows and glass orbs that reflected light. Frescoes of horses running through grassy pastures covered all the walls. The "throne" was a cushion on a small four-legged wood stool.

Queen Jadikira was capping ink bottles and putting writing utensils away. She looked up and smiled at the Cretan who escorted the foreigners in. "I heard you coming, very clearly, I might add." She set her green eyes on Haratus. "Oh you don't need to bow," Jadikira said while folding the parchments she had wrote on. "We are both people chosen to represent others. We are both products of nature." She set the scrolls down in different piles by the stool, then stood.

A servant came in with two trays; one with biscuits and cheese, the other with cups of water.

"What can I do for you?" the Queen asked Haratus while taking a cup of water. "What does Decinryos seek?"

OOC: somewhat. It's mostly just characterization.

Originally Posted by EmperorPooMan

"Oh mighty council of the Confederation of Crete, I humbly ask for a trade agreement between our two great nations."

Refused. Won't ever be accepted unless Zolland agrees to Crete's request. The request has been updated in light of recent events: 1) Zolland gifts its fleet to Crete, 2) Zolland ceases its construction of a "city," 3) Zolland takes regions in Russia, generally expanding north, and finally 4) Zolland gifts all Black Sea regions to Crete. In exchange Crete will consider trade and possibly an alliance with Zolland.

Emperor Bill refuses your ridiculous terms.

The group slowly rises and Haratus grimaces slightly, 'Apologies your majesty, we've had a long journey, and to be honest, kneeling then was more comfortable than standing-' , he and the entourage then proceed to sink into the padded cushions and silks that had generously been provided - 'onto matters, I suppose?'

'Honourable Queen of Crete, our own King Therocus has three offers he wishes to reach an agreement on: Trade, border and goodwill.
We have much produce to offer; timber, grain, barley, grapes, wine, iron, fruit, goats and cattle. We request open, free trade so our surplus and your can freely flow between our peoples. No tariffs! (his voice raises slightly, before he catches himself). Our King know that any produce this good land has to offer will be put to good use in Decinryos.' He gestures, and one of the scribes hurriedly rummages in his satchel and removes a scroll.
'Ah here,' Haratus hands it to a Cretan servant, who passes it to the Queen.

Naval Border Treaty

Therocus 1, Governor of Cerianes, King of Decinryos, Protector of the Empire, to Jadikira, Queen of Crete, I request you recognise Decinryo's claims to the black sea. East of our claims is of no interest to us, what happens between your and Zolland are your affairs. I trust we will come to a favourable agreement.

Haratus winces as the Queen reads his sovereign's eloquent and oh so polite letter. 'Er, our King has heard of Crete's desires around the Black Sea, which of course it wonderful! Truly wonderful to protect helpless merchants! Truly! However, that sea is large, too large for just one to protect. We humbly offer our services in policing those rowdy waters, and protecting the trade that will flow between our peoples.' They all bow deeply.

'Ah! If your majesty will give us a moment..' he gestures and with much muffled shuffling, bumping and whispering, the servants eventually produce some objects. 'We present to you a sapphire gemstone, that was owned by the Empress of Hoamann herself, before she graciously passed it onto our people (they turn back to the door, and the north and bow). We gift you this mahogany knife, carved with the famous ballad The Agonizom. We offer this eternal symbol of goodwill, a scroll protected by oil, sealed in a glass jar. This is a custom of ours, and of our cousins under the Empire, to show pacts and goodwill we have with foreign nations. Our King and our people hope you will accept these gifts.'

Haratus smiles thinly. 'As for the last proposal, the jar speaks for itself.'

Once again, they all bow deeply.

OOC: I ran out of time, but goodwill is just an alliance. I'll defend your interests in the north, while your defend mine in the mediterranean.

A shady french emmisary enters the Throne Room.

He pulls a bottle of wine out of his coat and starts drinking.

Originally Posted by Ikaroqx

"Honourable Queen of Crete, our own King Therocus has three offers he wishes to reach an agreement on: trade, borders, and goodwill.
We have much produce to offer; timber, grain, barley, grapes, wine, iron, fruit, goats and cattle. We request open, free trade so our surplus and yours can freely flow between our peoples. No tariffs! (his voice raises slightly, before he catches himself). Our King know that any produce this good land has to offer will be put to good use in Decinryos."

"Our merchants will be pleased to have new honourable trade partners," Jadikira confirms. "Crete has much to offer as well: fish, pottery, papyrus from Egypt, and -- of course -- valuable saffron spice. Tariffs shall be lowered substantially, though I can't say our merchants would want to eliminate them entirely; local industry must thrive as well as international trade." After this amendment is made, the Queen of Knossos signs the trade treaty.

Originally Posted by Ikaroqx

He gestures, and one of the scribes hurriedly rummages in his satchel and removes a scroll. "Ah here," Haratus hands it to a Cretan servant, who passes it to the Queen.

Naval Border Treaty:
Therocus 1, Governor of Cerianes, King of Decinryos, Protector of the Empire, to Jadikira, Queen of Crete,
I request you recognize Decinryo's claims to the Black Sea. East of our claims is of no interest to us, what happens between your and Zolland are your affairs. I trust we will come to a favourable agreement.

Haratus winces as the Queen reads his sovereign's eloquent and oh so polite letter. "Er, our King has heard of Crete's desires around the Black Sea, which of course is wonderful! Truly wonderful to protect helpless merchants! Truly! However, that sea is large, too large for just one to protect. We humbly offer our services in policing those rowdy waters, and protecting the trade that will flow between our peoples." They all bow deeply.

"This is perfectly acceptable," Jadikira smiles. "After-all, Decinryos needs a port on the Black Sea in order to secure effective trade lanes.
As a matter of fact, the Ruling Council put forth a proposal at the last annual meeting." An aid hands her the official document, which she unrolls. "Yes. Here it is." After handing it to Haratus she explains: "The Confederation offers seizing those regions you marked on the map and gifting them to you. In exchange we would like Decinryos to build a great fleet to give to Crete to help destroy this vast fleet of pirates and lunatics that appeared near Crimea. Would your noble king be interested in such an agreement?"

Originally Posted by Ikaroqx

"Ah! If your majesty will give us a moment..." he gestures and with much muffled shuffling, bumping and whispering, the servants eventually produce some objects. "We present to you a sapphire gemstone, that was owned by the Empress of Hoamann herself, before she graciously passed it onto our people. We gift you this mahogany knife, carved with the famous ballad The Agonizom. We offer this eternal symbol of goodwill, a scroll protected by oil, sealed in a glass jar. This is a custom of ours, and of our cousins under the Empire, to show pacts and goodwill we have with foreign nations. Our King and our people hope you will accept these gifts."

Haratus smiles thinly. "As for the last proposal, the jar speaks for itself."

Once again, they all bow deeply.

OOC: I ran out of time, but goodwill is just an alliance. I'll defend your interests in the north, while your defend mine in the Mediterranean.

"How beautiful. It is a honour to receive such gifts." Jadikira bows to the emissaries. "I gladly accept them on behalf of the Confederation. You, most assuredly, have our goodwill. The Ruling Council will definitely discuss forging an alliance with the generous Protectorate of Decinryos.
I am curious," she says while holding up the mahogany knife, "about this ballad you mentioned... The Agonizom, was it? Yes, I would like to hear more about it."

OOC: uh... what interests in the Mediterranean? Can you be a bit more specific?

@Kirila: what city have you sent your sneaky ambassador too?

OOC: No, don't ask about the ballad! I've hardly even thought of it! It means struggle in GoogleGreek, so let's say it's a typical Greek tragedy. Ok, let's try this:

The First King of Decinryos, Orestle, was hosting games (like the olympics, but the sort they had at lots of Greek city-states other than Athens). He watched a play, the topic being uncomfortably close to his own life and problems. Just before it ended he ordered the actors driven away and the playwright arrested, much to the disgust of his people, who had thoroughly enjoyed the play. As the playwright is bound and walked off, he issues an ominous prophetic warning to the king, something about heeding the warnings the play brought, that he will infect not and will end up bringing the god's curses onto him and his family, unless he repents.
The King ignores this, and goes about his selfish day, but soon enough problems begin arising, problems that only seem to be affecting the Palace. With the kidnapping of his wife and son, by the goddess Athena (she really gets around, what with the Odyssey and others), he sinking into despair, drink and depression. Everyone suffers because of this, and so Athena visits him in a dream, telling him that the only way he can turn things around and see his wife and son again, will be to complete thirty years of labours (similar to Hercules, but these are mundane, everyday tasks that the fishermen, fletchers, hunters, farmers, miners, tanners, merchants, etc do their whole lives).
Let's just say the king eventually learns lessons of humility and his eyes are 'opened' and he pledges to be a better king from now on. Athena and the other Olympus gods witness his resolve and knowing his heart is now purified, they allow him to see his wife, and now grown son. Much tears, many speeches, many choruses.

Okay, that may sound terrible, but the playwright who wrote it wasn't too smart.

Also I hadn't thought of at all what you think I'm suggesting in the Mediterranean, but thanks for raising that :

OOC: The one in Crete of course! Knossos, I suppose?

The shady emmisary starts spitting propaganda about the monarchy and the guards quickily seize him.

"It was a misunderstanding! Vos monarchie is actually tres spectaculaire! Look, je suis un French emmisaire! Can I be let in by Queen Jadikira? "

@Ikaroqx: Will your ambassador respond to this, please?

Originally Posted by Lord of Cats

Jadikira smiles. "After-all, Decinryos needs a port on the Black Sea in order to secure effective trade lanes.
As a matter of fact, the Ruling Council put forth a proposal at the last annual meeting." An aid hands her the official document, which she unrolls. "Yes. Here it is." After handing it to Haratus she explains: "The Confederation offers seizing those regions you marked on the map and gifting them to you. In exchange we would like Decinryos to build a great fleet to give to Crete to help destroy this vast fleet of pirates and lunatics that appeared near Crimea. Would your noble king be interested in such an agreement?"

@Kirila: Phaistos, Malia, Goumia, and Zakros are on Crete too. Shall I provide a map? Anyway...

Originally Posted by Kirila the Kitten

"Look, je suis un French emmisaire! Can I be let in by Queen Jadikira?"

The French ambassador is brought before Queen Jadikira. She pauses her reading of The Agonizom, sent to her from the wonderful King Therocus, and looks up. "What can I do for you?" She gestures to a wooden stool with a cushion the Frenchman can rest on. A servant comes with a platter of breads and cheeses to offer to the foreigner.

"Oh la la! Is that the Agonizom!? The Greeks truly invent some of the weirdest plays ever..."
He takes another sip of his wine and adds.

"The French want to express their claims over the Holy City. If you can help us regain it, because we know it's just another city for you unlike for us."

He stares at Jadikira's beautiful eyes and whispers with his charismatic French voice:

"Madame, nous voulons your help in obtaining this important trade node."

The ambassador hesitates, frowning down, 'I must say your majesty, your question caught me unawares, though I should have expected it; you see we have just signed a trade pact with Zolland, and though questionable people that they are, we have brought in lots of valuable goods and income from our agreement.
However, we know you two will undoubtedly clash very soon unless someone backs down and we can't see that happening. Fortunatley good king Therocus has considered that we may become a third wheel in this conflict, so he, our queen and the council have prepared this for be concerning Zolland.' he gestures again and the other scribe digs through his bag and produces another scroll.

'There's a lot of jumbo here... here's the important bit - We will take a passive role in this war; when we acquire land on the Black Sea coast from Crete, we will construct a fleet, which will be sold back to the Maritime Republic. Otherwise, Decinryos will not actively pursue a policy of war with Zolland.' he looks up from the scroll, 'I suppose we agree to the offer then.'

Originally Posted by Kirila the Kitten

"The French want to express their claims over the Holy City. If you can help us regain it, because we know it's just another city for you unlike for us."
He stares at Jadikira's beautiful eyes and whispers with his charismatic French voice: "Madame, nous voulons your help in obtaining this important trade node."

"What holy city? There are many holy cities in the world." Jadikira laughs. "Nearly every city on Crete is a holy city as we have so many goddesses and gods! Then there are Ephesus, Jerusalem, and Mecca and scores of others. Please be specific with your request."

Originally Posted by Ikaroqx

The ambassador hesitates, frowning, "I must say your majesty, your question caught me unawares, though I should have expected it; you see we have just signed a trade pact with Zolland, and though questionable people that they are, we have brought in lots of valuable goods and income from our agreement.
However, we know you two will undoubtedly clash very soon unless someone backs down and we can't see that happening. Fortunately good king Therocus has considered that we may become a third wheel in this conflict, so he, our queen and the council have prepared this for be concerning Zolland." He gestures again and the other scribe digs through his bag and produces another scroll.

"There's a lot of jumbo here... here's the important bit -- We will take a passive role in this war; when we acquire land on the Black Sea coast from Crete, we will construct a fleet, which will be sold back to the Maritime Republic. Otherwise, Decinryos will not actively pursue a policy of war with Zolland." He looks up from the scroll, "I suppose we agree to the offer then."

"I am most pleased you have accepted," Jadikira bows. "You do understand that if we are successful in this war that valuable goods will continue to come to Decinryian markets? The lunatics in Crimea would simply be replaced by respectable Cretan merchants."
A scribe enters, bows to the Queen while handing her an official-looking scroll.
"Ah! I have received word from the other Council members that they approve of an alliance between Crete and Decinryos."
The scribe, who was about to leave, quickly opens a cabinet, takes out some parchments, and runs back to the table.
"Essentially, Crete will declare war on anyone who attacks Decinryos and Decinryos will declare war on anyone who attacks Crete. Our armies may also attack from each others' regions. Is this an acceptable treaty?"
The scribe finishes writing on the parchments and shows them to Haratus.

"You know very well that we mean Jerusalem. All the trade we shall gather from there shall be shared in a decent measure with your nation, noble queen."

delete

Emperor Bill enters the council of 90, with head bowed.
"Please mighty councilors, let New Zolland survive. We will cede our last Crimean province to you. What say you?"

( I hate to repeat what others have done, but I think only Queen Jadikira of Knossos really is a good match for Zero )

(Advanced Technology expunged for realistic roleplay)

Drip, Drip, Drip, the eloquent droplets expell themselves from the sodden paddle. The impact of a single droplet in to the water sets of a chain reaction, a tidal wave, disturbing the tranquility, the rowing boat shakes as the hull collides with the banks. The man in the front brings in his paddle and sets it in the boat, coming to the quayside, tying the boat, so it does not stray from the wood. The legendary man, Zero, a strange one, it is said he has the power to bend people to his will. Zero steps off. The man who tied the boat adjusted his straw hat, The man behind him takes off his samurai helmet. The Samurai with Zero is his retainer, Hideyoshi Inukai, who is Zero's translator. Zero asks the locals at the quay where the port is. After finding out, Zero's Cargo Ship follows the river to the Port of Knossos and offloads a few samurai and some Horses.

Zero takes his horse to the grand hall of the Island, opening the hall door, steps in Hideyoshi, who announces his entry in greek.
Zero walks in, the Peasant Farmer unfolds the bamboo seat, much like the one of Jadikira. He sits, and does a low bow, from what your foreign culture retinue are aware, the lower the bow, the more superior the person who they are bowing to. The Japanese President talks with his translator following. "Greetings to you, Queen of Knosses."
"My name is Zero, from the U.S.J. I have heard of your great intelect and deep interest in philosphy. Come, after this talk, I challenge you."
The Translator hesitates, but Zero insists, "After this diplomacy, I challenge you to the game of kings, a match of chess."

@Spartan999: which city do you send your ambassador too?

Originally Posted by Emperor PooMan

Emperor Bill enters the council of 90, with head bowed.
"Please mighty councilors, let New Zolland survive. We will cede our last Crimean province to you. What say you?"

"The 'emperor' himself has come? Oh that will make it very easy for our as--"
"Silence!" screeches Queen Tarina to Kitanetos. To Bill she says, "Go away. I don't want to see your face here again."
The Zolland leader is thrown out from every city. The Ruling Council then makes an announcement: "We already tried negotiating with you and you refused our generous offer. Instead of migrating north you chose to hang onto Crimea and disrupt our trade interests. Now the Cretan war machine has been unleashed upon you. You drunken atheists shall cease to be a faction."

Originally Posted by Librarian

Zero takes his horse to the grand hall of the Island, opening the hall door, steps in Hideyoshi, who announces his entry in Greek.
Zero walks in, the Peasant Farmer unfolds the bamboo seat, much like the one of Jadikira. He sits, and does a low bow, from what your foreign culture retinue are aware, the lower the bow, the more superior the person who they are bowing to. The Japanese President talks with his translator following. "Greetings to you, Queen of Knosses."
"My name is Zero, from the U.S.J. I have heard of your great intellect and deep interest in philosophy. Come, after this talk, I challenge you."
The Translator hesitates, but Zero insists, "After this diplomacy, I challenge you to the game of kings, a match of chess."

"Welcome, esteemed guests!" the Cretan ruler speaks in Greek. Jadikira bows as well. Servants come offering water and beer, clams and biscuits with cheese.
"I would certainly love a game of chess." The queen brings out a small table with a checkered-pattern painted on the surface. "Perhaps we could engage in a round while we talk?" She open a box containing glass figurines. "Black or white?"