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

[Pitboss Korea]

The warband of Bae Hyeongyeong had returned a success. The lands west of Pyongyang were mapped all the way to the mountain pass known to the Greeks as the Horse Pass (horses tended to graze in this area), contact was established with the Spartan Greeks, and with some skill on the part of General Bae (and a little luck) good relations were established. The Spartans were prepared to create a border between Korea and the Greek Cities, finally Bae's insight was instrumental in leading towards a peace between the Greek Cities themselves. All in all Bae expected an important post within Wang Geon's court. Wang Geon had called up his military leaders at the behest of Hong Yu, who was quickly becoming his favorite General. Gang Jo, for his part, had always been Wang Geon's most loyal General, and had maintained both the positions military advisor and foreign advisor. He felt this changing though, part of it was mental; he had fallen in love with Princess Sinjeong and was jealous of Wang Geon (who was his childhood friend), but he was also jealous of Hong Yu and his trips to Tikal, as well as the honors he recieved for "making peace" with the Maya. The situation was somewhat tense, but Bae Hyeongyeong was going to break that tension with news from the west...

"General Bae Hyeongyeong!" Wang Geon said enthusiastically, "what wonders have you brought me from the west?"

"Well my lord, I have this for you" he said, placing a foreign bow on Wang Geon's table.

"This bow? I take it you defeated another army of barbarian rabble?" he said examining the weapong "This is some fine craftsmanship for a barbarian Bae, very nice work, they must've put up a fight, and no casualties either. Impressive, don't you think Gang Jo? He may be taking your job soon." the Supreme King said, patting his military advisor Gang Jo on the back.

Gang Jo was not pleased "Yes, your majesty."

"That isn't all my lord" Bae said, motioning for his men to produce the tablet given to him by Lacedaemon, "We encountered an army of Greece sir, they called themselves Spartans-"

"The Athenians warn that the Spartans were supporters of the Maya in our conflict." Wang Geon said, mainly rhetorically.

"Yes sir, but we encountered their army, guarding a mountain pass, they were in full battle array. We were outmanned, out-equipped, outnumbered, but I knew I had to speak with them so I took off my armor and gave my weapons to Lieutenant Shin Sung, and went down the mountain, nearly naked."

Wang Geon laughed "And they didn't kill you? I would have killed you on the spot."

Bae Hyeongyeong shook his head "No sir, they respect honor and bravery sir. But I went down the mountain anyway, they did nearly kill me sir, one of the Greeks made a remark about how we are slaves and weak, and how we would work in their silver mines."

"They called you weak?"

"No, well yes, the Koreans, all of us. Our friends the Maya have not spoken well of us, at least not to Sparta." Bae explained "But listen, so the one Greek says that and the leader - Lacedaemon - takes his bow from him, hands it to me and tells me to show him how we deal with people like that in Korea."

Wang Geon sat there, rather impressed that Bae - who he always thought little of - actually survived this ordeal "And, what did you do?"

"Well I shot him sir."

"You shot the Greek, and you are still here? Quickly, someone fetch Bae some water, I want to see if he leaks anywhere!" Wang Geon said laughing, the others forced laughter.

"No, well, it was Lacedaemon's son sir, I felt horrible afterwards." Bae continued.

"You killed his son, and yet you stand before me, bearing gifts, bringing tablets, perhaps I have underestimated you Bae." Wang Geon said, looking over the tablet before him.

"I didn't kill him sir, I shot him in the ankle. You see the Greeks, especially the Spartan Greeks, have great respect for this hero named Achilles, who was nearly indestructable. His only weakness was his ankle, and if you shoot him there he would die, now the funny part is on a normal person this wouldn't be fatal, but on Achilles-" Wang Geon held up his hand to silence Bae.

"Okay, you can teach me about Greek mythology later Bae, I have a lot to take care of today, my wife awaits me back in Seoul, does anybody here read Greek?" Wang Geon asked.

"I do sir" Hong Yu said.

"Ass-kisser" Gang Jo said under his breath.

"What's that?" Wang Geon asked his General.

"Nothing sir" Gang Jo said, shooting a look at Hong Yu "All I said was, I wish I could read Greek, that's all."

Wang Geon nodded "Yes, yes. Boys we have much more responsibility now, I expect every one of my generals to learn Greek or Mayan, or both if possible."

"Okay, this looks much more simple than what those Athenians taught me, they probably wanted us to understand it better it says..."

To the leader of the Koreans.

I don't know much about the Koreans.
I was told that Koreans were a weak nation. A weak nation with a weak army, weak military strategists and lacking any sort of honor.

My leader told me to lead an army towards the Korean border to assist the Mayans in destroying it.

But now I have met your General Bae.
A brave man.
Brave enough to offer his life
Brave enough to stand up for the honor of his people
Brave enough to let the offender live
Brave enough to live

If there are more in Korea like him, then we, the Spartans, are defenitely willing to sign a peace threaty.

I suggest that we draw a border between our territories.
West of Pyongyang starts a river. Let this river be our natural border.

We, people from Sparta, are tough to our enemies. But we are loyal to our friends. We both have enemies. We have worries with the Athenians on our western border. You have troubles with the Mayans on your northern border.

Let our mutual border be secure.

"....Lacedaemon, leader of the Spartan army, soon to be the Leader of all Spartans. That's it." Hong Yu finished.

Wang Geon leaned back in his chair "That doesn't give us much room at all, between that proposal and the Mayan one. How much land is out there Bae?"

"Well sir, between Pyongyang and the river Taedong its not very far, its farther to Seoul from here than to that river, I'd said maybe four or five times farther to Seoul."

"Well, they're trying to pin us in, didn't you say they had ties to the Maya, perhaps this is a scheme." Wang Geon surmised.

"Sire," Bae said "I sincerely doubt that, these men respect honor, they don't use fancy language, they don't put on airs sir, they respect courage, honor and bravery."

Wang Geon couldn't believe what he was hearing "You spend a few moments with these people and all of the sudden you understand their foreign policy?"

"No sir, that isn't what I am saying. I'd advise against any implication that they are being deceitful, that is all. Listen, we can get a good arrangement from them, instead of simply using the river as a border why don't we just cut a line accross here. It isn't much, and as long as we explain to them that we don't have much room to expand they will understand, now that may not be enough to guarantee this deal, but I am sure Lacedaemon will take it into account. He's reasonable." Bae said, using his finger to trace the border on the map.

"Hey does have a point" said Gang Jo "And the Greeks spoke highly of him here, perhaps we should send Bae as our envoy."

Bae couldn't believe Gang Jo himself was suggesting this, he was thrilled "I would be honored sir."

"My lord, we should send someone with results, I speak Greek, I have worked with the Mayan court and I was the one who negotiated the peace with the Mayans. It takes more than the ability to strip to your underwear to be a proper ambassador!" Hong Yu said, everyone but Gang Jo and Bae laughed.

"Heh, he does have a point" Wang Geon said, staring at the map "But, this Greek does seem to like Bae Hyeongyeong. Perhaps I'll send the both of you. Yes, that will work." Wang Geon trusted Hong Yu much more than Bae, but he didn't want to squander Bae's advantage; the Greek did seem to respect him "Now Bae, you will be gone for some time now, and your unit will be without commander, do you have anyone to suggest?"

"Yes, in fact I do sir." Bae answered quickly.

"That was fast Bae, who is this man?" Wang Geon asked.

"Lietenant Shin Sung sir," Shin Sung was in the room, his jaw practically dropped from his skull, he never thought Bae liked him "He is contemplative, he is smart, and he cares about his men deeply sir, probably better than I. I can think of no better man to command this army, I would trust him with the lives of my children."

"Very good, Shin Sung shall be the commander of your unit, now, I shall prepare YOUR map to send to the Greeks, you and Hong Yu should prepare yourselves for the trip to Sparta..."

This is the Letter Sent With Bae Hyeongyong and Hong Yu

TO: Lacedaemon
FROM: Supreme King Wang Geon of Goguryeo, master of the Koreans

We appreciate your missive and are happy that you had the luxury of meeting one of our finest Generals Bae Hyeongyeong, we assure you we are not short on great military leaders and honorable men. I have sent this missive, which shows our response to your border proposal, with not only the great General Bae Hyeongyeong but also General Hong Yu, my personal advisor. He is fluent in both Greek and Maya, and was the principle negotiator with Pacal himself, so I can assure you he has a great mind and well as amazing mettle on the field of battle.

While your proposal was much appreciated, we must tell you that following your proposal strictly would greatly limit the lands of Korea itself, the city limits of Pyongyang itself will soon come towards the river leaving little room for our virile and robust Korean population to breathe. Bae, in his wisdom, has suggested an alternative to your plan which is in keeping with the idea behind it, I have enclosed this map to describe what he means...



...the red line indicates the border we shall respect, between the yellow lines there should be no settlement to ensure that the people of the cities we will eventually create have enough toom to live peacefully and coexist without strife. Hopefully this is acceptable to you, if not we have sent two of our finest officers to negotiate the proposal. We wish you luck Lacedaemon, luck with your negotiations with Corinth and Athens, as well as luck and prosperity in life.

-Supreme King Wang Geon of Goguryeo-

Back in Seoul...

Jinul had accomplished nothing since coming from Jogye, he didn't realize the language barrier would be so difficult to overcome. While his Korean was getting much better, he was getting much older and his mission to Gung Ye's court was, obviously, a failure. The only option he had left was to extend the monks' influence to the court of Wang Geon. Thankfully Wang Geon was married to Princess Sinjeong (daughter of Gung Ye), and hopefully this connection could return the monks' influence to the Supreme court. He was too old to continue this mission alone though, he would need an apprentice to continue his work.

"Lama Jinul" Sundo said "Lama Jinul" Sundo repeated.

"Boy, do not shake me, I in deep meditation." Jinul complained.

"You were not in deep meditation master, you said no mantra, and besides I can tell the difference between deep meditation and deep thought."

"What it is boy?" Lama Jinul said, his Korean still was imperfect, attempting to rise to his feet on his own, he was quite old now, Sundo had to help.

"The Princess is soon to go to Pyongyang, to see the King. She wanted to know if you wished to accompany her, to propose the Monastery." Sundo explained, hadning Jinul his walking stick.

"Ah yes" Jinul thought, well if a Monastery were established perhaps future monks could work to bring the Kingdom on the right path "Yes, indeed..."

[Pitboss H Roman]

Joseph walked quietly across the room, and waited quietly until the Emperor raised his head from the letter he was reading.

"This is the manuscript you requested, Your Excellency.”

“Thank you Joseph.”

“Will that be all, Your Excellency?”

“Is there any news from the General?”

“No, Your Excellency. All remains quiet.”

“Thank you then Joseph.”

The Holy Roman Emperor, Charles II, removed the ribbon from the old document, thinking to himself that he let this go way too long. He had realized for some time now that a simple life of prayer and meditation would not be possible. The world had gotten complex much quicker than he had ever imagined it could. He needed some guidance for the future, and for that, the place to start was the past. He turned the cover to the first page and began to read…

…… the boat came to rest on a sandy beach. The gently rolling land that could be seen to the west was green and lush. Whether it was the lure of the best land they had seen in some time, or the weariness of travel that everyone was feeling, or divine judgement by Emperor Charles, we will never know. But the Emperor, His Holiness Charles I, leapt from the boat, and drove his stake into the dunes leading from the beach. As the crew and passengers followed him, he announced, people, we are home. The joy on their faces was matched by their relief that the long coastal voyage was over. Over the next several days, the remaining boats joined the landing party and established a permanent camp settlement. His Excellency named the settlement Aachen, after a legendary deity. It started to grow ….

…. years of travelling had blurred the peoples’ memories of their schism from the Roman Civilization. It was still no doubt, very fresh in Charles sharp mind, but he never discussed the matter. It was almost as if part of history had been erased. And this was fine with Charles, as he now had to lead his fledgling civilization into an uncertain future. Two priorities were immediately set. Scouting the surrounding land, and looking after his people’s spiritual welfare. Geoffrey le Brun, one the small military’s most experienced officers, led a small expedition from Aachen, with orders to send back regular reports.

Charles then met with his advisors and researchers. Religious faith had been the catalyst for the great schism from Rome. But Charles and his followers, although they were deeply spiritual, had little upon which to base their faith, and no idea as to how to practise it. They knew they believed in something beyond this world, and they indeed felt blessed by it, but beyond that, there was nothing in the way of an organized religion. If not for Charles steadfast leadership, and his great piety, the Holy Roman civilization may have amounted to little more than a barbarian state.

His researchers explained that mysticism alone was insufficient for true religious understanding and the formation of a ‘civilized’ religion. They determined that Polytheism, and the knowledge it would bring would allow their faith to develop, and become the religion on which their civilization could grow. It would take time and effort, as did all great endeavours. With considerable zeal, the study began ….

….. for several years, regular reports would come in from the scouting party, allowing advisors to piece together a rough map of the land. The disquiet that was created when reports stopped coming in grew to shock and dismay when the sole survivor of the expedition returned to Aachen with the tragic news that the remainder of the scouting part, including le Brun, had been killed by lions. It was an ill omen. But, it had made the decision to build up the empire’s military might, originally frowned upon by some, seem very wise indeed. But there was still much land to explore, so training began for a new scouting unit ….

…..this day had been anticipated for years. The final study was being completed, and the people’s faith could grow. It was a surprise to the Emperor then, when the head scholar approached him completely aghast. Polytheism had been completed but no religion was ‘founded’. It was a mystery. The researchers knew that Buddhism had been founded somewhere else in the world years ago, by researching the practice of meditation, but Polytheism should result in second organized religion. And then the reports came in that Hinduism had been founded by another civilization, in the VERY year that the Empire had completed Polytheism. “Why them and not us!!??” the scholars lamented.

Charles was very depressed at this news and retired to his chambers. His faith was being tried. He knew that. He needed to pray. But to whom ….

…. researchers had concluded that another possibility existed. Monotheism should also enable the Holy Roman Empire to found a religion. But it also required the knowledge of masonry. The research path would take a lifetime. But the Emperor knew that without a religion, the civilization’s existence would be meaningless. It was his duty. He nodded his assent for the religious research to continue ….

… at this time, senior officials in the court began to mumble. Yes, spirituality was important, but people could pray now, so why bother with this Monotheism effort. There were more other more important matters that needed attending to. They may have mumbled, but they were wise enough not to speak in public…

… Charles was getting old and frail when the news came in. Some say it almost killed him. Others say it was the start of the decline. The second scouting party, led by his own son, Philip, was also slaughtered by lions after exploring only a limited amount of land. Charles believed that he and his people were cursed. Many shared the same feeling …

… Charles paid little attention to the affairs of state after these events. He spent much time in bed, or praying, or simply staring out the palace window. News of another civilization to the west either did not register with him or did not interest him. He grew very frail.

It is said that the coincidence was both divine and fitting. (At this part in the manuscript, Charles II could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. He remembered the day as if it was yesterday.) The head scholar, was ushered into the Emperor’s chambers. His caretakers and head advisors were there, along with the Emperor’s second and only-surviving son. From a look at the Emperor, the head scholar thought he was too late. The Emperor had to be dead.

But Charles opened his eyes, and quietly asked “What news do you bring, good sir?”

The head scholar stated solemnly: “The research is done, Your Excellency. We have founded a religion. We are Christians”.

Charles looked first at his son, and then back to the crowd in the room. He whispered “Praise the Lord.” And then he died.

Excerpts from the Life of Charles I, First Emperor, and Founder of Christianity by Turco Scolaris, Recorder for the Court of the Holy Roman Empire

(more to follow)

[Pitboss Japan]

night had fallen and everyone was asleep except for Jade. she could not sleep because her thoughts kept her up. she walk to the gates at the entrance of the city. she saw the guards all lined up along the wall and the entrance. she looked around then began to run towards the wall. she ran so fast she was able to fun up and over the wall without anyone even noticing. with nothing but a hood on to hide her identity she made he way to the middle of the jungle to the south. there in the middle of the jungle was a cave. she walked into the cave slowly her hands gripping tightly to her weapon. the closer she got the more might she saw till she arrived at a firer. it looked like who ever was in the cave was still there. she looked around and she saw an AX laying against the wall. she walked slower towards the AX that was leaning on the cave wall but before she could even touch the battle ax a man grabbed her from behind. the man took the hood of Jade as she slowly turned around. the man was not from Japan, his hair was long and blond. his eyes were as blue as the sea, he was tall and muscular, and had scars on his body that looked to be fairly resent. Jade looked deep into the mans eyes as she slowly moved forward to kissed the man. they deeply kissed each other while also undressing themselves. the man laid Jade down and the made hot passionate love for hours. for many nights the two had been sneaking away to be with each other. they did this because the man was wanted by the Oldonian's which were his own people and if Emperor Lee found out they were doing this he would have them both hung so no one was to find out that these two were secretly married.
three months had passed and Emperor Lee returned from his trip to see the hidden villages. he saw Jade and was confused. Jade looked different for some reason. she wore big heavy armor all the time and was always eating. so Emperor Lee just though maybe she is just eating so much because Japan was at peace. he never even though once that Jade was actually pregnant with the child of the man he was to hunt down and send to the Oldoninan government. as time passed Emperor Lee realized that Jade was going out every night so he sent a spy to tage her and report to him what he saw.

[Pitboss Korea]

Scandalous!!!

[OzzyKP]

At the Metalhead palace in the city of Black Sabbath, the newest member of Ozzy's inner circle of advisors had just returned from a journey into hostile territory in the east. Young Ronnie James Dio traveled to the east in hopes of making contact with the belligerent and thus far entirely silent Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Romans were not to be trusted, so with only a light guard Dio dared not approach the capitol.

Fate was on his side however. As Dio approached Holy Roman territory he randomly encountered a small band of Holy Romans. He approached them carefully. It appeared to be safe they were mostly common folk. But they did have a leader, by his dress he seemed to have some authority. Who he was, Dio knew not.

He hailed him. He exposed his palms in a sign of peace, and said he wished to speak to them. More specifically he wished to speak about the Metalhead workers who were enslaved years ago.

The leader looked at Dio straight on and said nothing. Dio tried his best to communicate. He tried many different dialects. The Holy Romans continued to look on in silence. Refusing to speak to him. Dio became angrier and angrier. "

These foul people." he thought "These Holy Romans. Do they think this is a game? They have declared war upon our people. Enslaved our men. If they think this is a game, it is clear they do not understand how it is played. If they will not speak, then we shall make them understand the Metalheads are not a people to be crossed."

He started shouting at the Holy Romans louder and louder, but still they did not respond. They just stared back at him silently. Dio became concerned. They weren't just staring, they were giving the Evil Eye!

Those foul creatures.

Dio made a fist and extended his index and pinky fingers in a gesture meant to ward off the black magic of the evil eye. His Metalhead guards followed suit. They all extended their hands in a similar gesture and backed away from the silent, glaring crowd.

They turned back and began walking in the direction of Metalhead land and the city of Metallica. Just then a small Holy Roman boy ran towards them. Instinctually, Ronnie James held out his hand in the gesture from earlier, prepared to ward off another dose of evil eye. The boy, confused, took it as a greeting and responded in kind.

This was confusing at first, but after returning home this story was retold and popularized. Soon this gesture became generally adopted as the official Metalhead salute and greeting.

In any event, the boy still did not speak, but handed Dio a yellow scroll. He took it and the boy ran off - back to his people. Dio inspected the document. It was a tale of how the Holy Romans came to this land and their quest for religion and higher truth.

This was the first information the Metalheads ever received about the mysterious Holy Roman tribe.

Perhaps there was hope yet.

[Pitboss Vikings]

fire fire fire

The forrrest was on fire.

The great and holy forrest was full of the Black men. Axe weilding terrors with bears on chains.

The brave Oldonians fought hard and repelled attack after attack.

Women and children were given Arrows and Bows and stuck on the town walls.

Meanwhile in the palace plans were afoot. Word had arrived of the whereabouts of Hawke. He was to be brought home to face questioning.

[Pitboss Rome]

The age of two Kings

The return of Romulus brought about legal confusion in Rome. It is a tribute to the wisdom of both Kings that civil war was avoided. Conflicts among the two kings remained an important feature of this time. Romulus was more aggressive, Numa Pompilius more peaceful. Romulus favored using slaves for public works, Numa favored payed free labor. Romulus preferred cottages, while Numa argued in favor of mining. Not only this but other factions formed in the senate and began subverting both of their authority.



Despite this, their reign of was known as an age of prosperity.


Many roads where built, Romans began cultivating corn, the hunting of Elephants for Ivory began, Ravenna began exporting silver, jungle was cleared and commerce thrived.

Romulus decreed that besides the granaries and barracks of Roman cities, libraries should be built.



Roman roads from this period survive to this day.

A road was built from Ravenna to the Rus city of Kiev, and a trade agreement was signed , this was a result of intensive negotiations with the Rus people . But this did not vanquish the looming specter pf war with the Rus. It was not until the Piter traveled to Rome in person to negotiate did a profound change in Roman-Rus relations come to pass...

Contact was also made with the Piercian empire, border negotiations dragged on through the entire reign of Numa Pompilius. Despite this relations where good, and there was speak of sharing knowledge.

Rome overall was concerned by the growing power of the superpower of Portugal (it was the greatest nation on Terra at this point) to the north and Piercia to the west (which had risen dramatically from Rome's peer to its better). This served only to bolster the power base of general Hostilius.

[Pitboss Rome]

Romulus has asceneded to true godhood!

The return of Romulus brought about spiritual as well as secular confusion. How can he be both man and God? Is he a half-god? Or somehow infused with divine substance? Or does he simply know the secret of immortality?

The confusion was heightened by how Romulus refused to be worshiped as a God, this seemingly counteracted the decree of Numa. In the end a cult of the founder king was formed as a compromise. But a unexpected event brought the old decree of Numa into full and instant effect.



Plutarch (Life of Numa Pompilius) tells about the legendary event with a note of skepticism:

"It was the 115 turn, counted from the foundation of Rome, when Romulus, then reigning, did, on the fifth day of the month of July, called the Caprotine Nones, offer a public sacrifice at the Goat's Marsh, in presence of the senate and people of Rome. Suddenly the sky was darkened, a thick cloud of storm and rain settled on the earth common people fled in affright, and were dispersed; and in this whirlwind Romulus disappeared, his body being never found either living or dead. A foul suspicion presently attached to the patricians, and rumors were current among the people as if that they, weary of kingly government, and exasperated of late by the imperious deportment of Romulus toward them, had plotted against his life and made him away, so that they might assume the authority and government into their own hands. This suspicion they sought to turn aside by decreeing divine honors to Romulus, as to one not dead, but translated to a higher condition. And Proculus, a man of note, took oath that he saw Romulus caught up into heaven in his arms and vestments, and heard him, as he ascended, cry out that they should hereafter style him by the name of Quirinus."

Livy also reports on this event:

"Then a few voices began to proclaim Romulus's divinity; the cry was taken up, and at last every man present hailed him as a god and son of a god, and prayed to him to be forever gracious and to protect his children. However, even on this great occasion there were, I believe, a few dissenters who secretly maintained that the king had been torn to pieces by the senators. At all events the story got about, though in veiled terms; but it was not important, as awe, and admiration for Romulus's greatness, set the seal upon the other version of his end, which was, moreover, given further credit by the timely action of a certain Julius Proculus, a man, we are told, honored for his wise counsel on weighty matters. The loss of the king had left the people in an uneasy mood and suspicious of the senators, and Proculus, aware of the prevalent temper, conceived the shrewd idea of addressing the Assembly. Romulus, he declared, the father of our city descended from heaven at dawn this morning and appeared to me. In awe and reverence I stood before him, praying for permission to look upon his face without sin. "Go", he said, "and tell the Romans that by heaven's will my Rome shall be capital of the world. Let them learn to be soldiers. Let them know, and teach their children, that no power on earth can stand against Roman arms". Having spoken these words, he was taken up again into the sky."

As the god Quirinus, Romulus joined Jupiter and Mars in the Archaic Triad. Quirinus was depicted as a bearded warrior in both religious and battle clothing wielding a spear, thus he is viewed a god of war and as the strength of the Roman people, but more importantly, as the deified likeness of the city of Rome itself. Quirinus received a Flamen Maior called the Flamen Quirinalis, who oversaw his worship and rituals. The Romans even called themselves Quirites in his honor. After Romulus' death, his title of pontifex maximus was succeeded by Numa Pompilius the second King of Rome. In theory all power was concentrated in his hands now. But in practice the "ascension" only served to empower the various factions in the senate and especially that of general Hostilus.

[Pitboss Rome]

To: All of Terra
From: Numa Pompilius, King of Rome

We have joyous news to share with all men who walk the good Earth! Our founder the God-King Romulus has ascended into heaven and has joined Jupiter as co-ruler of the Gods. He is from now known as Quirinus. He is the patron God of Rome but is open for worship by all.

We ask that all recognize his divinity, for to do otherwise is to insult Rome. Worshiping him along with your other Gods will surely bring you great fortune and Romulus will also ensure that Rome considers you a friend.


Rex and Pontifex Maximus Numa Pompilius

[Pitboss Greece]

The Athenian army marched towards Sparta. Lead by Hippias, the Athenians were ready to wage the final war. The war to end the conflict between the Greek factions. The war to unite all Greek cities under Athenian rule again. He, Hippias, was supposed to be the new leader of all Greek.
	In the meanwhile the Corinthian army also marched towards Sparta. The army was lead by Myria, chieff of the corinthians. The Corinthians had been loyal to the Athenians for the past years. The nearby location of Sparta had always worried the Corinthians citizen. Today Athens and Corinthia had agreed to finally solve the issue
The Athenian army slowly approached Sparta. Sparta was trapped. With it's back against the mountains there was only a small way out. A pass through the mountains to the desert. But that pass would soon be blocked by the Corinthian army. "We must kill the Spartans. Kill their men and their women. Let only the smallest children stay alive. We will found a new Sparta. A Sparta cleaned out of their arrogant and aggressive nature. We must end their pride and bring them back under control." Hippias said. In the meanwhile the Corinthian army closed in from the north. "Take your positions. Make sure that nobody sees you from the city of Sparta. Our existance must be a suprise. Let them believe they can escape the massacre, only to be hit in their backs by us." Myria ordered her troops. "Let no man or woman stay alive. We must end the terror from Sparta today. We will rebuild Sparta and rebuild the power of the Greek." she continued.
	"ATTAAAAAAACK" Hippias screamed. He ran to the front of the army, up to the hills of Sparta. Arrows rained down from the Spartan archers. Many Athenians died. But many other Athenians also were able to breach through and reach the houses of Sparta. Many battles were fought. People died. Children cried. The bowmen of Sparta kept firing their arrows upon the incoming Athenian army. "Retreaaat" Hippias screamed. The Athenian army falled back down the hill outside the reach of the Spartan bowmen. Dead bodies were between the city of Sparta and the lair of the Athenian army. A group of Spartan soldiers broke out of their city and followed the Athenians who were fleeing away. They hit them in their backs. Unprepared for this Sparta outbreach, many Athenians died. "Finish them up" Sparta, the leader of the Spartans, said. Then a scream was heard from the city. "Fall back into the city, we're being attacked from the desert" The corinthian army invaded Sparta from the north-east when Spartans tried to finish off the Athenians. The trap collapsed succefully. The Spartans turned around, falled back into the city, only to be hit in the rear by the Athenians again. The Spartan bowmen kept firing arrows at both the Athenian and the Corinthian army. But soon they had to battle man to man against he Corinthians. Sparta was about to fall.
A few weeks ago a thousand miles away the Spartan army under control of Lacedaemon marched towards the Corinthian army. half a mile from the army they stopped. The negotiators of both armies had already prepared this meeting of both armies. Lacedaemon had send message to the Corinthian army about the peace between the Mayans and the Koreans. The Corinthians had showed interest in peace. Lacedaemon walked from within the army, at the same time the Corinthian general did the same. All soldiers kept their bows low. There was tension but everyone stayed quiet. Both generals walked towards each other, slowly. They met in the center. "Are you tired yet, of walking into an unknown direction towards an unknown friend to assist him in his fight against an unknown enemy?" Lacedaemon asked. "Are you?" Spinion replied. "Have you ever met any Korean?" Lacedaemon asked. "I have" he continued. They apparantly were very brave. We have made peace with them." "Are you at peace with the Koreans?" Lacedaemon asked to Spinion? Spinion kept his mouth shut. "Have you ever talked to your so called friends?" Lacedaemon tried. No answer. "Do you know what they look like?" No answer "Did you smell them? Did you shake their hands?" "NO, we did not, like you never smelled, saw or met the Mayans." Spinion countered. "Then why are we here?" Lacedaemon wondered. "Why? Because that's what we were ordered to by our leaders." Spinion lectured. "I am sick of it. And I am not going to wage war against you, only because of a possible enemy of me who might be a friend of you" Lacedaemon declared. "What do you suggest?" Spinion asked. "Peace. Let's end this madness." Lacedaemon suggested. "At what price?" Spinion asked. "Let me lead both armies back to Sparta, there we force Sparta, our leader, to abandon his rule over Sparta. After he that we continue to Corinthia and settle you there as the leader of that city. Sparta will be the capital of the joined Greek cities. You will rule over both Athens and Corinthia." Both generals debated for hours about the details of their treacherous agreement to end the Greek wars. When all was agreed upon, Lacedaemon was allowed by Spinion to lead the united army of the Spartans and the Corinthians back home.
	Sparta was ready to fall. Many houses were on fire. Men and women lay wounded in the streets. Pierced by Athenian and Corinthian arrows. A small leftover army of Spartans, lead by Sparta himself, was still fighting against the incoming enemies. Both from the desert and the hills the Athenians and Corinthians kept invading the city. With all the powers he had left over Sparta, the leader, jumped upon the incoming Athenian army. He was killed instantly. The rest of the Spartans lost hope when they saw their dead leader in front of them. "We surrender" they screamed. Kneeled down on the ground, layed their hands in their neck. But the Corinthians and the Athenians had no ears for the Spartan surrendering. Their blind anger forced them to kill all those defenseless soldiers one by one. Some Spartans tried to get on their feet again to escape. There was no hope. Then suddenly a big uproar was heard from the south-east. A huge army of Spartan and Corinthian soldiers came up to the hills of Sparta. The Athenians and Corinthians were shocked. They didn't know what to expect from this mysterious army. Would the Corinthian side of this army fight with them? Why did they not attack the Spartans? Lacedaemon, the famous Spartan general lead the army. The athenians and corinthians turned away from Sparta and the defeated Spartan soldiers, towards the mixed army. The bowmen aimed their arrows. Then suddenly two strange looking men appeared from the woods between both armies. They looked tired from a long journey. "Lacedaemon?" one said, he looked at the mixed army. His companion suddenly ran into the field. Corinthian bowmen aimed their arrows and hitted him in his back. "Stoooooooop this MAAAADNESSSSS" Lacedaemon screamed. "STOP IT NOW" he repeated. "General Bae, is it you?" Lacedaemon ran towards the still standing Korean. General Bae kneeled down to his now dead friend. "What have you done?" Lacedaemon screamed towards the Athenians and the Corinthians. Is that what you want? War with both the Koreans, the Mayans, and also my mixed army? Do you want to see the end of the Greek cities?" Lacedaemon kneeled down in front of General Bae. "I am so sorry for the loss of your friend" he said. And he cried. "You kept my son alive when you could kill him, now I wish that I could trade his life for the life of your friend." "I brought a letter from my king", General Bae answered, with shock in his eyes. It's a border proposal. "I accept any border you suggest, my friend. How can I deny you anything now my people killed one of your kings negotiators." "You don't have to read it?" General Bae asked? "I trust you my friend. Please let me end this war first, then we will mourn about the loss of your companion and deal with the message of your king."
Myria, Hippias and Lacedaemon met in the former home of Sparta in Sparta. "Face it", Lacedaemon started. "Both your armies have lost many men today. Our men are ready and eager to fight. We can solve this issue now for once and for all here at the negotiation table, or we can go outside again and finish you off on the battle field." "How do you dare to command us? Your city, Sparta, lays in ruins! You are a leader of nothingness" Myria countered. "Not only some houses of my city are burning" Lacedaemon told, "Also do the hearts of my people burn! They burn in desire to rebuild Sparta and let it be the capital of the united Greek cities." "Hah, as if we will let Sparta be our capital. And what do you imagine? Do you see yourself as the leader of all the Greek? It will never happen." Hippias sneared. "I have made peace with the Koreans." Lacedaemon continued. "And I hold a Korean proposal for a mutual border that I just received. We can live in peace again. But now you almost destroyed our chances. I don't know how the Korean king will react when he hears about the dead of his messenger. Maybe he will ask his new friends, the Mayans, to join him in a battle against the leftovers of the armies of the Greek...." "The Mayans and the Koreans are friends now?" Myria asked. "What a leader are you, you don't know anything about your people and nor peoples that surround us. Accept my proposal and I will let you live. I will unite the cities of Greece and try to establish peace with General Bae, if he's still willing to...." "Let us kill Bae, then the Koreans will never know what happened" Hippias stated. "No! Bae is my friend!" "Then I will kill you first!" Hippias suddenly grabbed a knife from his robe, stabbed it at Lacedaemon. Myria though was quick enough, she killed Hippias with her bare hands before his knife could hit Lacedaemon. silence. Then Lacedaemon said: "Thanks...." "No, thank you" Myria said. "Now do what you promised to do. Unite the greek cities and make peace with the Koreans. You have my gratitude." Then Myria took the knife from Hippias dead hands and stabbed it in her throat. "My people never deserved a leader like me" she mumbled when she died.
	When Lacedaemon left the building he immediately walked towards General Bae. "General, tell your king that I take full responsibility for the dead of his messenger. He can demand anything he wants in return for the loss, and I will give it to him. Even if it will be my own life. Please go to him and tell him that I accept all the terms he suggested." "You don't want to see our proposal?" General Bae asked. "Yes, I need to see it! If not only for the reason that I must know where our eastern borders are" Lacedaemon said. "But first, my friend, be my personal guest. You can stay here as long as you want to refresh yourself and recover from the long journey. Then I ask you to return home as quickly as possible. You are always invited to come back and live here. You will get anything you want. Sparta, Athens and Corinthia, and all Greek cities that may ever be build, will remember you as the man who established peace between the Greek and the Koreans, but also, in a morbid way, between the battling factions of Greece. Your friend died for a good cause. His dead caused peace between the Greek speaking cities. He will be honored for that for sure."

[Pitboss Greece]

Raz: next time you're counting all our story posts again, remember to count the above post as '10' and not as '1'!!!

[Pitboss Korea]

Yeah, mine too.

[Pitboss Korea]

The Generals had been travelling for weeks, both men were growing sick of eachother. Bae was resentful of Hong Yu's achievements, his negotiations with the Maya, the success it gained him in Wang Geon's court. Hong Yu thought Bae was a worthless upstart, and he believed that everything Bae brought back with him; the bow, the tablet, and the ridiculous story were mere fabrications.

"We should arrive shortly, this is the mountain pass." Bae said, peering around "I don't see many horses, that's strange."

Hong Yu laughed "Are you sure we're in the right place, where is this massive Greek army?" he mused.

"They WERE here Hong Yu" Bae said sternly, "They told me that Sparta was beyond this pass, perhaps we should go further."

"Perhaps."

"Well Lacedaemon told me he was going to make peace among the Greeks, perhaps he has achieved his goal." Bae said, he looked around "C'mon, let's go ahead..."

Later...

The two men approached a valley, a billow of smoked flowed into the overcast sky "Is this Sparta?" Hong Yu asked.

"I'm not sure, I've never been here before." Bae replied, he had a worried look on his face.

"Some peacemaker your Lacedaemon is, huh?" Hong Yu said, slapping his comrade on the shoulder "Well, don't be shy, let's see what's happening." he said, as he began to run down the hill.

"Hong Yu, stop it!" Bae said, he gave chase.

Hong Yu kept running "I think they're going to fight, let's see how these Greeks do it!" he yelled, spotting the Greek armies arrayed against eachother.

Bae caught up with him, and grabbed his arm "Are you an idiot? They'll kill us, they don't know who we are?"

"They know who you are!" Hong Yu said "Or do they Bae?"

A plume of smoke flew into their faces, they both began coughing, they began to walk out of the smoke and arrived very close to the Spartan/Corinthian army, "Is that?" Hong Yu began, he walked forward and turned around towards Bae "Lacedaemon?" then a thud was heard, Hong Yu's eyes opened wide and he fell to the ground.

Lacedaemon looked on, he gave a concerned look and then noticed Bae "Stoooooooop this MAAAADNESSSSS" Lacedaemon screamed. "STOP IT NOW!" he repeated.

"Sh*t" Hong Yu said, blood dripping from the side of his mouth "F*ckin good shot!"

"Here, let me pull it out" Bae said, Hong Yu grabbed his forearm tightly "Bae, stop, l-listen to me, c'mere." he muttered, his breathing became more sporadic.

Bae leaned in "What is it, don't go, Wang Geon will kill me!"

"Shut... the... hell... up..." Hong Yu said "Gang Jo... he loves... he loves... Sin... Sinjeong..." with that Hong Yu died.

Bae was confused, was that all he wanted to tell me? he thought to himself "General Bae, is it you?" Lacedaemon ran towards the still standing Korean. Who kneeled down to his now dead friend.

"Yeah" Bae said, staring down at Hong Yu.

"What have you done?!" Lacedaemon screamed towards the Athenians and the Corinthians. "Is that what you want? War with both the Koreans, the Mayans, and also my mixed army? Do you see the end of the Greek cities?"

To Be Continued...

[Pitboss Greece]

I've just edited my huge post above and fixed a billion spelling errors and mistakes, etc.
So if you only could understand half of it, reread it, now you may understand 75% of it

[Pitboss H Roman]

The Emperor Charles II gently closed the chronicles of his father’s reign. He lay back in his chair and contemplated his rule to-date.

Charles the Younger had dedicated his entire rule to fostering the new religion, Christianity. Most days were spent working with the new order of priests who were spreading the ‘faith’ to the people of Aachen and the surrounding countryside. Christianity comforted the people in their struggles to harness the young land.

And by early evening, he had confined himself to his chambers for several hours of silent prayer and reflection. It is no wonder that Charles II was also known as Charles the Pious, or Charles the Silent. He spared little time for public appearances, and even less to the practical management of the state. This he rationalized could easily be handled by capable ministers, which in fact it was.

To start with, the military had forbidden the training of any new scouting units. They were clearly ill-equipped to deal with a dangerous world. True military units would now conduct exploration and were sent out to explore the land.

The head scholar now concentrated research on growth and economics, after centuries of purely religious study. City officials managed the growth of Aachen, and saw it through the terrible hurricane that struck the city from the north, killing thousands.

But Charles had to be honest with him self. He was also avoiding a major responsibility – that of managing the Empire’s foreign affairs. BUT how could he possibly explain to his advisors that he, the Emperor, felt completely lost in dealing with foreigners and in managing the conflict in which the Empire was now embroiled. The religious study, and his hours of silent prayer and meditation every evening were a convenient excuse to duck the real issues of the day. Yes, Charles the Pious was beyond criticism, even while events spiralled out of his control.

He remembered the three reports clearly, although he also had to acknowledge that he had done nothing when he received each of them.

The nation to the west had been known about for many years, but it was not until the 5th HRE Regiment approached the lands that the nation was identified as the Metalheads . And the early report had been promising, although the Metalheads were indeed an odd people. At first the Regiment had reported loud sounds, a total cacophony coming from the foreign lands. However, a few weeks later they found the land completely quiet. Hugh Devries, Commander of the 5th, had assumed that the Metalheads had found religion, and as was the practise of their Emperor and their civilization, had adopted a life of quiet prayer and contemplation. Devries was completely baffled when a local explained that it was something completely different. It was the day the music died. Devries had no idea who Music was, but he or she was clearly important to this civilization, which must be in mourning. Or maybe the whole thing was lost in translation. With some frustration he broke camp and continued his exploring.

Then there was the shocking report from the Empire Guards who discovered a new Metalhead border not far from Aachen. In fact it was reported that the new settlement was closer to Aachen than to where it was assumed the Metalhead capital must be. What were these bizarre infidels thinking. Charles had to admit to himself that it was at this point that he should have intervened, but he remained paralyzed. And that led to the next chain of events. The Captain of the Guards sent a separate messenger to his uncle, General Tristo in Aachen, pleading that something be done regarding the Metalhead settlement.

Tristo led the modest military forces of the Empire. He was a very capable military leader, but, as with many other senior officials, had become very frustrated by the Emperor’s lack of direction. There had been no dialogue with the Metalheads as far as he knew. In fact, the entire concept of foreign affairs was unheard of in the Empire. But even the military was given no guidance. Tristo sent a messenger far to the west to his old friend Devries, commanding the 5th near Metalhead Territory. Although Tristo sent the message as a form of dialogue, seeking his friend’s agreement that “something should be done regarding the Metalheads”, the message was received as an order. Whether it was the fault of the messenger, or an over zealous Devries who was tired of the weird noises that had once again started coming from the foreign lands, Charles would never know. But it led to the third report that plunged the nation into chaos, and war.

The report came in that Devries had captured a unit of Metalhead workers, undefended and busily constructing a road to the offending settlement. This constituted an act of war, and although no formal declaration of war was ever delivered to the Metalheads, the Holy Roman Empire was now at war with them. Devries further reported that he was escorting the workers back to Aachen, leaving behind their musical instruments for which he could fathom no practical use.

The final report had been months ago, and still Charles contemplated what to do, knowing full well that his advisors, to say nothing of General Tristo, were becoming more vocal and forthright in their mumblings. Tristo was very capable, and he prepared Aachen for the anticipated Metalhead attack. This comforted Charles, but he knew that he had to take some action. And he knew what that was.

He would have to make contact with the Metalheads. He was very nervous.