I can't mod so I can only throw this out there as an idea. I think it should be possible to have secret negotiations, for instance, be able to give techs without anyone else knowing or instigate wars without being necessarily blamed for it. Perhaps a secret negotiation would have a gold cost associated with it as a payment for the opening of "back channels." It could also have a percentage chance, perhaps even associated with the amount your willing to pay.

this could be a very interesting idea especiasly the historical importance this type of negotiations have had:scared: