Armenian Delegation

[Okmin]

King Tigranes of Armenia

Aquila and Corva hoping to avoid any of the problems that plagued the meeting in Bithynia, have only brought 50 bodygaurds each to the Armenain capital of Tigranakert. This time, the Romans have sent a man to announce that they seek an audience with the king.

OOC: As usual, need someone to be Artavasdes.

[ulti]

The Armenian King happily allows the Romans to enter, with a reduced number of bodyguards of course. It wouldn't do for over a hundred foreign guards to be in his palace. He waits for the customs to be observed...

[Okmin]

"Your Majesty." The delegation kneels.

[ulti]

After a suitable length of time, the King motions for them to arise, before awaiting their statement.

[Okmin]

The Romans stand and the guards' eyes begin searching the room for the slightest hint that a Pontian may be nearby.

"You majesty, we come on behalf of the Senate and People of Rome to seek your assistance in maintaining peace in Asia. Rome is concerned that the Kingdom of Pontus has been too... eager... in their actions recently."

[ulti]

The King considers for a moment.

"And what does Rome have to offer Armenia in return for turning our backs on our Asian neighbors?"

[Okmin]

"We can give you gold and trade. Also, Rome will fully support your dynasty's claim to the throne of Armenia, and you will receive all the benefits of being an ally of the Republic."

[ulti]

"Words, all words. I would like to see these 'benefits' detailed upon some parchment."

[Aetius]

Corva took Aquilia aside out of earshot of Tigranes and any of his nobility;

"I am hesitant to bribe Tigranes, the Senate was foolish to send us here without more military leverage. In my opinion, these Easterners don't yet fear Rome and so they are being overly confident. Regardless, All we should ask of him is neutrality, not an alliance. Armenia is too powerful to be an ally of Rome and holds to many lands; it would be unsustainable and disingenuous. Still, we should be amicable, no?

• Take a neutral stance towards any war between Pontus and Rome or its allies
• Provide Rome with a rough estimation of Mithradites forces
• Rome will offer a gift of 15,000 denarii
• Your second eldest son, Artavasdes will return with us back to Rome and be provided a free education as a sign of good faith.

Thoughts on the matter?"

[Okmin]

The King taps his fingers impatiently upon the throne, and makes a small cough.

OOC: I apologize for living in a different timezone

Corva took Aquilia aside out of earshot of Tigranes and any of his nobility;

"I am hesitant to bribe Tigranes, the Senate was foolish to send us here without more military leverage. In my opinion, these Easterners don't yet fear Rome and so they are being overly confident. Regardless, All we should ask of him is neutrality, not an alliance. Armenia is too powerful to be an ally of Rome and holds to many lands; it would be unsustainable and disingenuous. Still, we should be amicable, no?

• Take a neutral stance towards any war between Pontus and Rome or its allies
• Provide Rome with a rough estimation of Mithradites forces
• Rome will offer a gift of 15,000 denarii
• Your second eldest son, Artavasdes will return with us back to Rome and be provided a free education as a sign of good faith.

Thoughts on the matter?"

"Your proposal is sound... However, if he does not accept we should offer more."

[ulti]

The King taps his fingers impatiently upon the throne, and makes a small cough.

[ulti]

OOC: I was making a reference to the fact that you two are discussing what you want to tell the King, in front of the King. You look unprepared.

IC: Somewhat sarcastically, the King says...

"I assume that you're mothers meeting over their isn't just for fun... I do have a Kingdom to run..."

[Okmin]

OOC: Oh

"Our apologies, o king, but we have the 'details' of the benefits I mentioned earlier."
Aquila clears his throat.

• The Kingdom of Armenia shall remain neutral in any conflict between the Pontian Kingdom and Rome and/or her allies
• Armenia shall provide the Senate of Rome with an estimate of the strength of Pontus' armies

In exchange, Rome offers:

• The sum of 15,000 denarii
• The King's son, Prince Artavasdes, may return to Rome with Senator Gaius Marius Aquila, where he will be given a free education

[ulti]

The Kings eyes glint with the thought of the money...

"I accept this proposal."

[Aetius]

The Kings eyes glint with the thought of the money...

"I accept this proposal."

"I am glad we could come to an agreement your excellency.

We will send word to our Senate and see if they will ratify this treaty, which I am confident they shall. Be sure to give us reports of Mithradites forces as well.

May your rule be long and prosperous, Tigranes."

On that note, Corva swiftly exited the Throne Room accompanied by Senator Aquila and Prince Artavasdes.

~~~~~~~~~outside the palace~~~~~~~~

Corva admired the city around him, Tigranakert was a new city, founded merely 2 decades ago as the new imperial capital of the expanded Armenian Empire. Corva imagined the ShahanShah Tigranes had taxed his subjects heavily to pay for the expense of it, and would not be surprised if the land outside its walls were in poverty. Regardless it was time to leave; and the Roman Delegation mounted their horses.

As they rode westwards; Corva commented on what had occurred to his fellow ambassador;

"We did well at the Armenian Court. The price was rather steep, but the trade was fair. Pontus has been detached of its primary ally, but you can never trust the word of a King used to absolute power. That is why we are taking Prince Artavasdes with us. He will be given an education, but he will not be able to leave Rome. He is a hostage so that Tigranes will keep his word."

[ulti]

The King watches the men go, smiling as they do. The 'treaty' was heavily in his favor.

[Okmin]

A small group of men arrive at the palace carrying a large chest.

"On behalf of Gaius Marius Aquila of the Senate of Rome, we bring a message and gift for King Tigranes."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Tigranes' eyes widen at the size of the chest.

Welcome back, Romans. My son is ready to depart, if that chest is full of gold.

[Okmin]

OOC: We already brought his son to Rome.

"Yes, sire, it is." The chest is opened, revealing a massive pile of coins amounting to 15,000 denarii. "We also have a message for you."

Your Majesty,

I trust you have received the payment we agreed on earlier. I regret that I cannot be present in your court today, but there are matters in Rome that require my attention. I am sure you understand, since you have an entire kingdom to rule. Your son is staying in my villa, where we provide him with the finest food and wine available, as well as the most learned teacher in Rome.

Now I humbly ask you to uphold your end of the deal. You may send the details of Pontus' armies with the men that now stand before you. They are my most trusted servants, and will ensure that I receive your message.

Sincerely,
Gaius Marius Aquila

[Pontifex Maximus]

The King read the letter and handed over a scroll. It read:

This is what we know of Pontus.

They can field an army of between 50,000 and 60,000 troops within one month. They are weak in heavy infantry. They rely on heavy cavalry to shock their enemy and then lightly armed infantry to mop up. They field some armored phalanxes. They utilize mounted archers to some degree but their wings of foot skirmishers are large. On occasion they have used elephants.