JohnA said:
> Planet X is balkanized, perhaps between notional
This is exactly the way the Islamic Federation operates. If an amir can grab
something and hold it, his actions are de facto authorized. If he tries to
grab something and fails, the expedition turns out to have been unauthorized.
Depending on how much he loses in the attempt, he may be called to the
Sultan's court to "apologize" (the
> --- Laserlight <laserlight@quixnet.net> wrote:
> This is exactly the way the Islamic Federation
Which is how the NRE ended up with a (not amir, next level down) as a client
state. He started a discussion with one of his neighbors and was called to the
Sultan's court to apologize. Decided that swearing fealty to the Romans was
better idea. Amused the Emperor enough to permit it.
> Which is how the NRE ended up with a (not amir, next
I'm a bit fuzzy on Moslem titles and ranks....I think these are correct but
would be only mildly surprised to find out I'm mistaken: Kaliph is the
religious head. Sultan is the Protector of the Kaliph, similar to Shogun. Amir
is a provincial ruler. Sheikh is a clan leader.
"Malik" is "king" as I recall, and I think "Atabeg" would be the
regent for a royal prince--but they're probably Turkish instead of
Arabic. "Shah" is "ruler" or "king" but is Farsi (Persian).
Suggestions?
Reminds me of a story about the architect who designed Istanbul's Blue Mosque
(IIRC). The Sultan told him he wanted a mosque with gold minarets. The
architect realized this would break the bank. So he built one with (six or
seven, I forget) minarets, since the word for gold and the word for that
number are very similar. Then he told the Sultan, "Oh, I thought you said....
The sultan admired his cleverness, and was appeased when it was pointed out
that his new mosque had so many minarets, making it impressive. Or so the
story goes.
Brian B2
> From: John Atkinson <johnmatkinson@yahoo.com>