"Of course, Sire." Cassius says in a humble manner. "Although we have overabundance of marble in Italia, we do have a serious need for war-horses. The Tarantines, to whom we have relied to supply our Cavalry Auxilia, are not trustworthy. Rome needs it's own cavalry units, with Roman citizens serving in it. His Imperial Majesty has ordered me to accept any chance to start a trade of horses. We are also interested in the resins." "And we agree to supply you with the slaves, as many as you want. A Bireme, full of slaves, will set sail to Constantinopolis each month to trade them off. On it's first voyage, we will also send a few City Prefects to help keep Constantinopolis safe from fires. As for iron and silver, we will add them to the trade route once we reach Hispania. The grain supply, although it is small compared to the grain shipments from Aegyptus, will begin once we get the famous granaries of Syracusae, and the farmlands of Carthage. Would this agreement work, my Lord?" He speaks. And finally, he adds - "Rome also has needs for luxury goods of the Orient. We will need Greek doctors to aid alongside the Roman doctors in keeping the health of the population in check. We need a lot of Papyrus, it is in high demand in Rome. The dyes, silk, velvet, perfumes, laquerware and other things are among the ones that we require. We also wish to purchase animals for our games in the Amphithiaters. Would you be kind enough to supply these goods, Sire?"
Caesar nods, expecting as much, "Although most of the goods are not in abundance in our own lands, we will supply as much as we can. I expect doctors will be especially needed for Rome and the battles against the Genoese."
The ottoman empire is directly treatening your magnificent empire, And they have just insulted us too! We can't let that happen, shall we form an military alliance against the ottomans?
Sorry for not typing in Role-play style, mate. I am in a hurry currently, I hope you will understand. I agree to the trade. And I also wish to form an alliance with you against the Ottomans, since they have ambitions in Italy and I cannot tolerate that. Besides, they are a threat to you and I cannot see a great friend in such condition. What do you say? I was also thinking if we could devise a proper border between us: Spoiler Alert, click show to read: This is just to avoid conflict between us two Romans. This is the historical border, as historical as can be depicted on a European Wars map. I might then also rename my faction to 'Western Roman Empire'. But this is only a thought yet.
I'm on an iPad that can disconnect from Internet at any moment so my posts and there lengths are minimal and have no role-play. I accept both alliances, as well as the Balkan-North Africa border if you are willing to follow through with it. Maybe destroying the Ottomans in exchange for acknowledgment of existence as a separate but equally Roman nation? Just a thought. (though I don't expect to attempt to get any of Syria. )
Good ,good Glad to see someone who wants to fight with me in the ottoman-jerusalemite war. Thank you for taking time noble King.
Thanks. For now, I will remain Roman as I am, at least until the Genoese issue has been dealt with. After that, I will think closely about turning to the Western Roman Empire.
Fresh and well rested from a month long leisurely voyage across the black sea, ambassador Yalcharus arrives in Constantinople at the head of a small escort consisting of a few guards and some servants. After enjoying himself in the Queen of Cities he makes his way to the Palace where he awaits an audience with the emperor.
Ambassador Yalcharus and his retinue was efficiently escorted through a labyrinth of magnificent halls and many-doored ... uh, hallways to an out-of-the-way office. The leader of the escort knocked on the heavy oak door, then announced "Presenting Lord Yalcharus of , your Imperial Majesty." Inside there was a desk lot by half a dozen candles and a small open window. Once their eyes adjusted, a middle-aged man was intently concentrating on several maps, notes, and tax returns. With his face down, only his hawk-like nose and his ebony hair flecked with silver was visible. After a few moments, the Emperor's gaze lifted up to meet the ambassador's eyes with his own, the color of storm-clouds. A scar from his jaw to an inch above his hairline marked the left side of his face (courtesy to the siege of Thessalonica). His usual smile spread across his face, "I was expecting this visit one day. How can I help you?"
'Of the Czardom of Narakota.' Yalcharus offers helpfully. 'Our Czar, Jacius, has noted the rapid expansion of your empire has has decided that diplomatic and economic ties should be reached between our lands. What would you say to a trade pact?' He reaches into a leather pouch on his belt, withdrawing a tightly wrapped papyrus scroll wrapped in oilskin to protect it from the elements, then hands it to the Emperor. 'Here are the greater details of the offer, penned by the Czar's hand.'
Emperor Frederick quickly yet carefully scrutinized the document, looking for anything objectionable. After finding none, he signed his name and title in fancy but legible calligraphy. Frederick then pressed his his wax seal firmly into the document, fully validating his approval and signature, and returned it to Ambassador Yalcharus.
'Thankyou your majesty, may both our people prosper from this agreement,' Yalcharus dips his head and presses the seal of the Czardom upon the document. He then presents another scroll, this one significantly larger and much more worn than the first. 'The Czar is concerned that due to the expansion of both of our nations we will undoubtedly at some point have border clashes. He proposes a border be agreed between the Empire and the Czardom, though of course the purposes of the kingdom of Jerusalem are unclear. How does this suit your majesty? Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Frederick sighs, "The Kingdom of Jerusalem doesn't seem interested with anything north of the Cilician Mountains, and even that is a sporadic claim for them. Trebizond will be sorely missed by the Eastern Roman Empire; it was quite a strong and valuable holding for centuries of turmoil. Alas, times are changing. I accept your border agreement.
