In the ancient city of Constainstople, the Council met. In the halls of the former Crusader kings, European and Turkish advisors went to meet with the young Sultan. In the ancient stone and by-gone traditions, a people came together for mutual benifit, for wealth, and power.
As the Council entered one by one, they saw the Sultan sitting in his throne of rock, as the old King of Constainstople once reigned. Only, the old King ruled in Iron wrought armor, an old man trying to relive the days of battle. Only, Suliman was not such a man. He was young and handsome, although not a good orator. He was confidence, leadership, competent in battle. A warrior, a general. Suliman did not wear heavy iron armor. He wore silks, light wieght and comfortable. The tradiations of Constainstople, of its political intrigue, of its Iron Kings and stewert religion were gone.
In its place, was the Ottoman empire. A union of Muslim and European, the old city of the Crusader kings, ripe with tradition, and the new city of the Ottoman Turks. Tradition, had ended in the fires of war, in the fire of the Dark Ages. One by one, as the council of Turks and Europeans entered, tradition was destoryed, and a new empire was forged in fire and wealth.
There were six European members of the council, and six Turkish ones. The council gave reports and suggestions to the Sultan, who carried out their suggestions based on a vote with the Amir of Constainstople, Mohammed, advising and reporting of the events in the city.
"I call this council to order." Began Suliman. "Mohammed, report." Mohammed bowed to the Sultan before unfurling a piece of parchment across the table. The parchment showed the monetery gains of Constainstople, as well as what had been done with last years revenues. "As you can see, Constainstople has gained another 2000 Kurus* this year. Last years revenue was put into storage, as trade could not be commenced until the Greeces had enough money to begin policing the route. We currently have 7 galley's in the Straits, and they are policing the area in case of pirate attack."
The council studied the parchment with interest, calculating in their heads costs and what could be done with the gold. A European counciler named Adam spoke first, "And what has been our total revenue this year, including the Kurus we have banked?" Mohammed looked questioning at Suliman, who spoke also, "Yes, I am also curious. It would help the council decide what actions should be taken, along with our trade route." Nodding in complaince, Mohemmed went to a desk and withdrew a large roll of parchment.
He walked back to the round table surrounding the Sultan, and unfurled the parchment for all to see. "We currently have 10,000 Kurus, and 1,200,000 akces. Enough to start the trade route, and fund the building of 42 galleys." The council looked around at each other, considering the amount of funds that was in their hands.
Suliman also looked introspective, before speaking to the council. "I think, that we should start this trade route, and spend 6,000 Kurus on hiring men for the army. The mongols are too our immediate north, and every one has heard of the horror stories coming from the north. Mohemmed would look for a suitible general to gaurd the northern border." The council considered this for a moment, before an Turkish council member spoke up, "I think that we do indeed need a Northern General, but, I do not believe we need such a large amount spent of troops just yet. I think it would a be a better idea if we spent more on ships to advance our trade, while at the same time researching into a more powerful Horse bow. Superior bowmenship and trading power should protect us from the Mongol menance."
The council considered this also. Adam spoke up once more, "I think that the consenus is that Mohemmed should search our land for a Suitible war general. It is my opinion, that with powerful enough trade powered by our navy, we can gain more gold to fund our defense effort against the Mongols to the north. As Melik mentioned, a superior technoligical advantage would seal the Mongols fate."
Acknowleadging the other arguement's points, Suliman started the vote for which path the empire would follow. As the council voted, it became clear that most the council members did not see the Mongols as a threat yet. But, they would be searching for a northern general, and a new bow to use on horseback. The council voted on Melik's proposal. The Ottoman empire would begin trade, and build many new ships while researching the mastery of the horsebow.
*Kurus: 1000 = 1 spending point
*120 Akces = 1 Kurus