Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread]

[Pitboss Russia]

@ Rome

Russia is beink workink 12 hour shifts. Not time for diplomacy until weekend.

[Pitboss Rome]

Originally posted by Pitboss Portugal
Rome I have received your border proposal, I am glad to see that you agree with our offer.

Now about that barren land to the west you talk of, we can not agree to. We haven’t explored the desert of Illusions yet. Currently we are preparing an expedition that has the task of venturing deep into the desert and finding out what really lies beyond the great sands.

Only when we have explored that territory we will sit down with you to see how we can divide that land among ourselves.

Very well, but considering how close it is to our homeland and how far it it from yours, we expect to get the larger share of the desert (should it prove to contain anything valuable).

We would appreciate you sharing any geographical information concerning the desert with us. We intend to send our own exploration party there.

[The Capo]

Can we not post HUGE pictures this time, it screws up the thread. Just edit the size of photos if you use them.

Please.

Thank you.

[Pitboss Vikings]

A bird flew in the palace window.

The new council head Reginald Bullingworth grabbed the bird mid flight. He ripped the message off its legs and gasped as he read it.

Dear Despot,

We have continued east as instructed and are about to climb the hill when in the distance we saw a very dark skinned group of people. They were so dark of skin you could call them black. They were wearing lion skins and bear skins and even their women carry clubs. They look a ferocious people. We aim to climb the nearest hill to see further but our front scouts are reporting sighting a city ahead full of these black people.

We fear for our friends the Natives who are only on the other side of the lake to these savages.

Once we ascertain the exact location of the Black City we shall send word straight to the Natives Chief to warn him of these savages to his north.

We seek your advice as to whether to contact the black people or to stay on guard.

Your servant

General Hammeresley

[Pitboss Korea]

The Mayan-Korean Border Negotiations...

Wang Geon's encampment, just outside Seoul village...

Wang Geon had orchestrated his coup perfectly; he had used the image of the people's former leader - Gung Ye - to his complete and utter advantage. Rather than the ambitious foreigner from Pyongyang, he looked like the savior of Seoul, the savior of their Buddhist flock and a calm and decisive leader that achieved peace with the Maya. True, the peace with the Maya and the border agreement were not yet finalized, and truer still Wang Geon was unable to locate the war-band sent by Gung Ye, but these were mere technicalities. He had erected a monument to Gung Ye in the center of Seoul, and gave a grand speech on the sacrafice and bravery of the leader he himself sent to death (for his part Wang Geon had commissioned a statue of himself in his hometown of Pyongyang), and captured Seoul's attention. If the people had their misgivings about Wang Geon they were few and said in secret...

"Well, the proposal is quite similar to ours actually, I must say" Wang Geon remarked, studying the Mayan border proposal, "Do you think they'd negotiate a bit on this?"

Gang Jo paced nervously "Difficult to say my lord" he knew that the peace was delicate, and Wang Geon was quite arrogant, he feared a renewal of tension.

"Hmmm" Wang Geon said, redrawing the plans on his wooden desk "Maybe, no, well maybe they will suggest a slight change, do you think this map refers to settlements or towards the lands themselves?"

"What do you mean my lord?" Gang Jo asked, he knew he wasn't cut out for this position; Wang Geon's advisor.

"Well is this a boundary for our settlements or for our people in general? Could our people work the fields beyond these lines so long as they do not settle?" Wang Geon asked aloud, partially rhetorically.

"I wouldn't test them sir, they are quick to react to even the slightest insult, perceived or real." Gang Jo said.

Wang Geon shot him a devilish look "I am not one to cower. General."

"I meant no disrespect my lord." Gang Jo replied.

Wang Geon stared at his underling for a moment, and cracked a slight smile "Of course not Gang Jo... well, here we are, I shall send him a reply, oh and don't worry Gang Jo, I will be sure not to displease the mighty Pacal!"

"Sir, I-"

"Quiet!" Wang Geon barked "I will be sure not to displease Pacal, besides his proposal practically mirrors our own. I will have Hong Yu deliver it personally, I need you here in Seoul to tie up some other loose ends..."

대왕大王

TO: His Majesty Pacal of the Maya
FROM: Supreme King Wang Geon of the Kingdom of Goguryeo, master of the Koreans

We have happily received your most gracious proposal to the issue of our mutual borders. We are pleased to report that while we have a few suggestions as to an amendment to your proposal we are happy that it nearly mirrors the proposal of Supreme King Wang Geon. We have sent a copy of your proposal with the one imagined by our own leaders here in Korea;


(Mayan proposal in red, Korean in light blue)

As you can see there are only slight differences between our proposals. We believe it would be fair, and would greatly help our people get over the loss of their loved ones if the border were extended to the eastern river. This would achieve two goals, the first one serving as a natural border that would further allay the fears of our citizens against a Mayan attack. While this river alone may not prevent your great warriors, it would serve as a psychological deterrent to our people. Secondly, the lush farmlands on the banks of this river would help ease the sorrow of their lost relatives, and our people's mutual use of this river would foster feelings of brotherhood between both the Maya and Koreans for centuries to come.

As a further gesture of our friendship and respect I have sent my private emissary, Hong Yu to discuss any issues you may have. We further invite you and your family to come to Seoul and enjoy a private meal with me, we have yet to speak and have much to talk about.

Thank you for your time.

-Supreme King Wang Geon of Goguryeo-

[Pitboss Celts]

The salt water beckons the mighty Celts. Although the Celts love their homes on the hill at the delta of the river, the sea calls out to them, beckoning them to indulge in the unknown. The sea has been calling for hundreds of years but the Celts were afraid to investigate any farther than the coast. Although they realized that the multi-legged pinching hardbacks were no match against a well placed hammer, the large sea monsters blowing water out of the top of their heads could only be a small indication of the danger further away from the shore.

The fishermen and pincer shell gatherers begin to grow lazy and wanted a way to get back to shore after long days working at sea. Finding some stout fishing lines and grain sacks, the fishermen begin creating large sheets of cloth called sails. Ahhh, a much faster method of transportation compared to rowing. The call of the sea continues to call and get louder. One day, the fishermen may overcome their fear and venture further away from the coast.

[Pitboss Japan]

Two days had passed since Kessen had decided to face Lord Zanza alone. Thanks to a kindly old fisherman he was able to cross the dangerous waters and return to Japan. He was shocked to see what had become of his one lush and beautiful home. He traveled to back to Kyoto quietly so no one would know of his arrival especially Lord Zanza. Near the mountains he saw a group of settlers ho were escaping to the Sand village not to far from were he had come from. He saw his good friend Gaara leading the group to the sand village. He wanted to stop and talk to his old friend by he couldn’t risk anyone knowing he was still alive. He continued on till he got to the borders of Kyoto. He stopped to rest before going in and fighting Lord Zanza and eat a good dinner before falling asleep. When he awoke he found himself bound to a jail wall naked. Moments later the kindly old man walked in. “ I see your finally awake Kenshin,” said the old man. “ What am I doing here?” said Kessen. “ I’m glad you asked that Kenshin Oda. See Lord Zanza had a big bounty on your head and now that I have brought you in I will have my own city and I will rule it as I please. Lord Zanza also promised me a large army that I could use to expand his power through out Japan and the world,” said the old man. Kenshin looked down at the floor in shame. Two hours passed and Lord Zanza with10 guards entered the small room where Kenshin was being held. One of the guards pulled out a giant club with metal spikes in it and began to swing the club into Kenshin’s legs and arms. Lord Zanza looked on in pleasure. He ordered the guard to stop and began to walk towards Kenshin. He went to Kenshi’s ear and said, “ I knew you would come. Just like I knew the Sand ninja would come for the settlers. Soon they will reach the Village hidden in the sand and once they do every sand ninja will die but, you won’t be around to see that because this id your final moment.” Right then Lord Zanza stabbed Kenshin in the heart and told him, “ you were a fool to come back just like your father was a fool to try to save your mother as I was having my way with her.” Kenshin’s head was sawed off along with his testicals. His head was placed in the middle of the city with his own testacies shoved in the dead Kenshi’s mouth. With Kenshin now dead there was only one person now who could bring the people together and finally defeat Lord Zanza, but how ready the young ninja Gaara was to being able to defeat Lord Zanza was yet to be seen.

[Pitboss Vikings]

awww poor kenshi

[Pitboss Japan]

With the fall of Kenshin it was now the charge of Gaara to bring peace to Japan. Gaara was one of the greatest ninja from the Village Hidden in the Sand. When Garra was still and unborn child his father used an ancient and forbidden ninja art to trap the soul of the Great Shakaku sand sprit inside of Gaara. Where ever Garra travels he always brings a gorge full of sand that protects him when attacked. Gaara’s abilities are more then any other ninja. With all this power came a few draw backs the most noticeable was the heavy gorge he had to bring with him at all times and he could never sleep because if he did the shakaku would eat away at him mind till all he was gone and the shakaku would have full control over the host body. Because he was so different as a child Gaara never made many friends. In fact Gaara only had one real friend who showed him the how to become a good person, this friend was Kenshin Oda. With the lose of his best friend Gaara now plans to make the dream of his fallen friend come true by gathering the ninja from all the villages for one massive assault on the city of Kyoto.

[Pitboss Maya]

A Dying Leader

Hong Yu arrived in the Mayan capital of Tikal several weeks after Wang Geon's counter proposal was drawn. Unlike times before, he was welcome into the city, and no blindfold was used.

Hong Yu was shocked at what he saw. The Mayan capital was a beacon of culture, complete with roads, grand buildings, and of course the wonders of Stonehenge and The Oracle. This was not the work of savages, as the Mayan were widely portrayed as in Korea.

He also took note of the Mayan weapons. Orange and gray shiny rocks fixed onto long shafts. In Korea the orange metal was currently being studied for use as a weapon, but the Mayans seemed to have had it perfected for some time.

Hong Yu was lead to the Oracle, and after climbing many flights of stairs, he reached the Elders. The Elders were very old men adorned in elaborate decorations made from gold, gems, and jade.

Wang Geon's proposal was handed over to what appeared to be the leader. The old men pored over it, arguing back and forth and pointing at the map. Although the initial reaction seemed angry, they came to agreement after a short time.

Pacal, who acted as the chairmen of the Elders (and the only one who knew how to speak and write Korean), handed back to Hong Yu yet another map.

"Take this to Wang Geon and tell him our people truly hope we can come to agreement this time. My son grows impatient with all this back and forth. If I die before our nations come to an agreement, I fear he may become hostle against your people once he takes power"

To Wang Geon from the Mayan Elder Counsel.

The border agreement we sent you last month was set up specifically to keep the Mayan River Mayan. Your counter proposal stands to violate the mouth of that river.

We do however recognize your peoples concerns, despite the fact that Mayan warriors never harmed civilians aside from enslavement.

We therefore offer another proposal with each of our people having their own boundaries with regards to city placement. The space between is a no build zone.

You will notice that we have moved our border back a bit to the other side of the river. Your border has been moved as well to prevent building along the banks of our river. This buffer should prevent any conflict over usage of the land outside both of our future city sites.

Also please note the border drawn in the east. Your last counter proposal left this out.

Please reply quickly, I don't know how much longer my health can hold out.

[Pitboss Korea]

Gung Ye's Flower....

In the forests outside of Pyongyang...

"This is bloody useless" General Bae Hyeongyeong muttered to himself, and his lieutenant Shin Sung "We're never going to find these people." he continued, surveying the forests before him.

"Well sir, we could always return, we have reached the ocean, this search seems to have been fruitless." Shin Sung replied.

The band of warriors hailed from Pyongyang, under direct orders from Wang Geon himself. Their task was two-fold; they were to find and create ties with the Greek peoples, who seem to have contact with the old regime under Gung Ye, and to find the legendary Japanese. According to Wang Geon a small porcelain tablet was discovered and it was concluded that the message was from the Japanese people. Many in Wang Geon's service believed this to be a simple mistranslation of "Jogye" a small village of Buddhist monks, but Wang Geon was not willing to risk it. He wanted full legitimacy to his rule over Seoul and if he had recognition from Greece and Japan (if it existed) this would help his aims.

"Well it wasn't entirely fruitless" Bae said, "We were attacked by wild animals, and we discovered that the people who DO live here are sh*t-eating barbarian swine!"

"That swine killed a lot of our men sir, they could be the fabled Japanese, nobody said they were civilized people. Perhaps they were Maya?" Shin Sung mused.

"Well, if they WERE Maya it is amazing Gung Ye ever let them treat us like that. Let's face it, we've run into nothing but barbarians and hungry wolves here. I think we should return to Pongyang, who knows how things are going with their negotiations, they may need our defense and who knows if a scout will ever discover us out here!"

Back at Wang Geon's Camp...

Hong Yu quickly marched into Wang Geon's tent, agains this better wishes; Wang Geon was receiving a "bath" from two girls, who were also naked for some reason, despite this the guards stood as disciplined as statues. "Um, sir I am so-"

"No, you stay, girls leave" Wang Geon said, the guards handed the ladies their robes, and they slinked out quietly, making sure not to look any of the men in the eye, Wang Geon waited for them to leave and said "So, how did he take our proposal?"

"They sire, it was a group of elders. The stories I hear of the Maya are greatly exaggerated, their city is quite splendid sir, and they-"

"They kill their own people, to their wanton and bloodthirsty serpent god Hong Yu, there is nothing civilized about that. Your own people, the blood of Korea was spilled at their terrible altars." Wang said, as he tied his waist-band.

"Not so sir, I have learned that to the Maya sacrifice is an honor, they would never slaughter a mere peasant, let alone a foreign one captured as a slave in battle. That honor is left for warriors and-" Wang Geon stopped him with a glare, "Well yes, anyway, here is their proposal, they were much more accommodating than I thought they would be" Hong Yu explained, handing the Mayan proposal to Wang Geon, who quickly snatched it and sat down in a chair.

"Sit, sit" he said, eying the document, Hong Yu dutifully sat on the ground, "Hmm, well, this seems quite fair to me."

"My lord, it is urgent that we respond quickly to this, Pacal gave me an ominous warning that his son did not hold us in the highest regard sir."

"And?" Wang Geon asked.

"And well, I'm not sure, he said-"

"And look at this, what a fine ambassador you are, they even spelled out a buffer-area between our settlement zones, fantastic, you listen, that's why I like you Hong Yu." Wang Geon said staring at the map.

"Sir, listen to me, he said that he was getting old and his son may want to reignite the hostilities between our people, so it is imperative that I return quickly with this missive." Hong Yu said.

"Wow, you must have been impressed with Tikal, very well, I will right up the document and send you at once. Because of your insistence you will go in one hour, no sleep for you." Wang Geon decided.

"But sir"

"But sir nothing, you listen to me Hong Yu, never tell me to listen to you ever again, and never interrupt me ever again, do you understand?" Wang Geon said, standing over his general.

Hung Yu stared directly into Wang Geon's eyes, "Absolutely my lord."

"Good, stand up, you can have your way with one of those girls, take your pick. You have done well." Wang Geon said smiling.

"Thank you my lord, if you don't mind, where is Gang Jo?"

Back in Seoul...

Gang Jo was sent by Wang Geon to find the Lama Jinul, who came from the mountains of Jogye at the behest of his monastery. Jinul was sent to reach Gung Ye and warn him of the impending strike from the Maya. Of course by now Jinul was much too late, the damage had already been done, and of course Gung Ye was long killed. In fact had Jinul left sooner he would have passed Gung Ye on his way to certain death at the hands of the Maya. The Lama Jinul had a few things going against him, in addition to the one's mentioned of course, the first was that he didn't speak Korean very well, and the second was that Wang Geon was now in power and it was against his interests to have Gung Ye's secret (that he never left with an army to fight the Maya) come out. Jinul managed to find the only survivor of Gung Ye, the princess Sinjeong.

Gang Jo entered the homestead of Gung Ye, which was markedly different from his private palace they had found him in originally. This one was nowhere near as spartan as his dwelling with the Buddhist monks, there was gold adorned statues, grand canals filled with beautiful fish, and an impressive garden. He had seen nothing remotely close to this in his life. He spotted an elderly woman tending to the flowers and humming to herself, "Ma'am" Gang Jo said, he cleared his throat "Excuse me, ma'am." he repeated, she looked at him and smiled. "Could you please direct me to the princess Sinjeong, it is quite urgent, I have words from Wang Geon for her." this was quite a lie, and Gang Jo knew it. He was under orders to find the Lama Jinul and prevent him from uncovering the lie.

The elderly lady pointed into a nearby building, it was very small and had a statue of the Buddha outside, it must have been built simply as a place to pray, Gang Jo handed the woman some bread and headed for the building...

"Your father, I must speak." Jinul explained, the princess was quite young, and rarely spoke to anybody, she was quite uncomfortable with this strange man "He must know."

"I, I am sorry sir, he is not here." she explained, just then Gang Jo entered.

"Lama Jinul I-" he was literally made speechless by the princess' beauty "I um, I am sent by the warlord Wang Geon, protector of Seoul. He requests your presence at his camp, he says it is urgent."

Jinul was confused "I must speak Gung Ye." he finally said.

"Soldier, he looks for my father." the princess said, almost without emotion, "I have told him he is not here, he is on campaign against the Maya."

"General, my lady, I am General Gang Jo, from Pyongyang." he said proudly.

"I apologize, GENERAL Gang Jo, thank you for protecting our city, it is much appreciated." she said, there was a hint of anger in her voice.

"Dragon people take many Korean, take them to the blood mountain, they will feed the demon" Jinul said to Gang Jo, he grabbed his arm, pleading "You must stop."

"I don't make those decisions Lama" the general said, pulling his arm back "You must come see Wang Geon!" he said to Jinul, he looked up at the princess, he was awestruck, "both of you..."

[Pitboss Vikings]

Up on Bronze Hill

The group sat silent as their leaders looked over the Black City. It was guarde by many troops of Black soldeirs, fierce wild warriors.

They hoped their leaders would see sense and pass around this city and not through it. Scouts already send ahead had been Beheaded and stuck on poles outside the city wall.

They knew a call had been sent out to the Natives and the Pierced ones for help to prtoect the world from this Black Plague. But no word had yet been recieved.

Night fall was upon them and still their leaders gazed down the hill into the city.

[Pitboss Khmer]

to mr ozzy. from shiva.
welcome here but we not hear you at all.
no answer our diplomacy and appear sinister.
must answer shiva or our fear is worse.
i like hindu and make propose as sent. must answer or trouble.
tiding. shiva.

[Pitboss Celts]

We fear that King Ozzy's empire is in Chaos after his imprisonment and the unexpected attack from the Romans. Plus, the lions are rampant in this part of the world. We have not heard from him either and fear perhaps his messenger fell to the lions. They appear quite ravenous as they have killed our scouts and warriors.

[Pitboss Japan]

With the death of Kenshin and the fall of all resistance in the city Lord Zanza decided to kill all the remaining elements of the Oda clan. He gave gold to barbarian mercenaries to kill the 9th ANBU squad before the reached anyone who would help them. Without the leadership of Kenshin the 9th ANBU squad were easily killed by 4 Barbarian hordes sent by Lord Zanza. The Jin was Lord Zanza’s next target. With its superior movement it was a prize Lord Zanza craved for. So a special unit of sound ninja got on board and captured the crew. The Sound ninja tied heavy weights to the legs of the crew then stabbed them on the side and through them into the deep ocean for the sharks to feast on. With everything falling into place he was finally read to find a new body to inhabit. For centuries Lord Zanza has been using a forbidden ninja are he himself created which allowed him to transfer himself into another person. Because he had to gain full control over Kyoto first he couldn’t change into a new body, but now with his evil grip clenched around Kyoto he decided it was time to find a new body one worthy of his greatness. That night he had a vision of himself fighting a sound ninja. He had always had suspicions about the sand but he knew his current body was too weak to stop them. He sat and pondered outside watching as his slaves worked on the pyramid he ordered built. Then it hit him…”Gaara”, he said to himself. “His power is unmatched by any in the world. With his body I would be unstoppable,” he thought to himself as he changed the bandages that were now holding his body together.