Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] Part 2 (September)

[Pitboss Celts]

Reports from the American frontline against the barbarians has been received. The Axemen dispatched to aid in the Great Barbarian War. The Axemen successfully defended Boston and march now to Washington to aid in the attacking hoards that threaten to overrun the city. At home, the barbarians have sent more warriors against our capitol, but it is expected they will be quickly dispatched.

[Pitboss Vikings]

info for the Core Peoples



Adam handed the Core people the latest sketchings from the OSS Enterprise.

[Pitboss Spain]

Wecloming of Tir's Men

The people of the Spainish empire are glad to finally see some of the peoples that they have heard about from the messages from the Lonely Voyager. Unfortunately their would have been people there to greet them, but unfortunately we are under attack from some warfaring peoples who we do not know much about. When the ship gets to Madrid we will give the ship an official welcome to the people of the far away and great nation.

[Pitboss Portugal]

Spanish

The crew of the Spanish Lonely Voyager docked at our main port. The crew and its captain have been invited to the royal palace where they will meet with Tir and his advisors. A big feast has been planned to honor these brave people from across the seas.

Meanwhile a Portuguese ship with the first ambassador has been dispatched towards the Spanish lands.

There has been already a talk of sending reinforcement to aid our new friends the Spaniards against local barbarians. Details remain a secret to the public.

Some have heard that even the King himself will lead this defensive force to the Spanish lands.

As far as the crew of the Lonely Voyager goes, they have been invited to stay as long as they wish in Portuguese lands.

[Pitboss Korea]

Seoul...

Bae Hyeongyeong entered the chamber of Emperor Sejong, still a young boy, but growing older and more aware of his powerful position in Korea mostly due to the pandering of Hae Mosu, the chief foreign minister of Korea. Hae bowed to the Regent Bae Hyeongyeong "General Bae, we have been expecting you."

Bae looked at Sejong, he sat in his throne full of arrogance, "Emperor Sejong" he said, bowing "General Shin Sung is arriving with the Oldonians, we must also make preparations to entertain King Pacal and Menaleus of Sparta, but their visit musn't be spoken of during this meeting with the Oldonians. I am unaware of their purpose here, as is General Shin Sung, and as far as we can tell their vessel is nothing more than a fishing boat. Perhaps they have been blown off course. Further we received this sketch from their crew" he said pulling out what appeared to be a map, but had strange writing on it.

"The Emperor will let you handle this meeting as Regent General" Hae Mosu said, the Emperor simply sat there, like a statue, "He asks that you ensure nobody touch him, and that they pay their proper respects."

Bae was not impressed, "With all due respect, Emperor Sejong, perhaps it is unwise that you are present at all. You are a child after all, and we are unsure how these men will respond to that. Culturally that is." Bae thought in his heart that, thus far, he had failed his mission in raising the boy to be a good Emperor. He was a far cry from his warrior father Wang Geon (or for that matter his real warrior father Gang Jo).

The boy furrowed his brow "How dare he speak to me like that Minister!"

Bae was taken aback, "Sejong, again, I mean no disrespect but you are clearly unprepared to lead. I have only spoken with you once in passing thus far and I have a duty to raise you properly. As a warrior of Pyongyang, not as a spoiled noble of Seoul!"

"You do not raise me General" the boy said "I am Korea! This Empire will no longer be ruled by soldiers, it is uncouth. We are not Greeks, we are Koreans!"

Hae Mosu agreed with the Emperor's positions, of course he was the one who put it in the child's head, but he still feared Bae Hyeongyeong, he was a man who should not be taken lightly. "Perhaps the General is right Emperor" he said quietly to Sejong "We do not know what these men intend, and we would not like anything to go wrong here. We should retire to the garden, and await the report."

The boy shot Bae a look, a look that Bae would never forget and one that was greatly unsettling to him "Very well Minister, we will go. I expect to know what occured, do you understand General?"

"Yes" Bae replied "Your Excellency, you will have your report."

Outside the Palace Doors...

The Emperor left with his entourage headed towards the Imperial Garden, "Minister Hae" he began "How well do you know Bae Hyeongyeong?"

"Well Emperor, he is highly regarded, especially by the soldiers. He is an astute diplomat as well, he was instrumental in dealing with the Greeks." Hae Mosu replied.

"I see, I have heard these tales of his exploits in Greece, he has quite a following apparently. I do not like his tone, and I do not appreciate men who do not understand their position. We must keep a watchful eye upon him."

"Yes of course Emperor." Hae said.

"Very well, I tire of that infernal garden!" the boy said "I should like to go on a trip, let us go to Pyongyang. I want to speak with these soldiers who love this man so..."

[Pitboss Korea]

The Imperial Palace, Seoul...

General Shin Sung was first to enter the Emperor's chamber, and was shocked to find only Bae Hyeongyeong and a translator in wait. "Where is Sejong?" he asked.

Bae looked up "Oh, hello Shin Sung. Our Emperor left, he was being quite rude actually, and I told him I thought it would be best if he weren't here for this, we don't want to ruin relations with these people, especially if we don't know them that well."

"Right" Shin Sung said "Well, he's just like his father I suppose."

"I thought you liked his father?" Bae asked.

"Well, you know, you can respect the guy but everybody knew Wang Geon was quite rude and capable of all kinds of terrible things."

"Right, of course, Wang Geon was like that." Bae said nervously "Well, um, are they here?"

"Yes, I just wanted to make sure the Emperor was ready, but um, hold on" Shin Sung went to the door and told the guards to allow Adam Evertson in, the Oldonian nervously walked in and was clearly impressed with the decor of the room.

(the translator translates all of this, I don't feel like typing all of that crap so just assume it)

"Welcome to Korea, I am the Regent Bae Hyeongyeong, place-holder for his majesty Emperor Sejong of Goguryeo (aka the Koryo Dynasty)" he said, bowing graciously to his guest.

"Hail!" the Oldonian said "I have come a long way, and have gone through the treacherous lands of the Greeks, we lost our captain, Kirk, somewhere along the way and hope that we can trust the Core people to respect our emissaries."

Bae thought to himself "The Greeks are an honorable people Adam, I am sure it was a misunderstanding. And we are not the Core people, we are the Koreans."

"I say to you respectfully that there is no misunderstanding on our part, they killed our captain."

Bae nodded "Yes, I understand. Well, we wish to make friends with your people, the Northmen. And believe me, I understand what it is like to be alone in a foreign land, as I have spent many years of my life among the Spartan Greeks. So I know things can be confusing."

"I have to say, we have partially been taken here against our will, what exactly do you wish to accomplish here?" Adam asked.

"Well, we have a general plan to get to know your people, but we have other motives as well." Bae said, he pulled out a small piece of porcelain "This was discovered centuries ago in the palace of the former Warlord of Seoul. It has a foreign language upon it, we have reason to believe you could help us uncover this mystery." Bae handed it to the translator, who gave it to Adam.

Adam looked at it "This is Japanese, it is a warning to Gung Ye it says."

"Yes, what else does it say?"

"It says that the Maya are going to attack, I don't understand what this is though." Adam said.

"Well, we don't either. But it is certainly Japanese?"

"No doubt about it, we know these people well." Adam could not help but worry something else was amiss here.

"Very good, we ask that you work with our translator to figure out these Japanese missives. We also would like to know about your own homeland, what is it like in the Northlands? Tell us about your history. What are your relations with your neighbors, and who are your neighbors? Why have you come here to Korea? What are your intentions here?"

[Pitboss Vikings]

Adam was led through the city and he was very impressed . The buildings had such character to them, much work was involved in their creation.

The people looked well fed and he noted he didnt see beggars on the streets.

He was concerned that the Core people seemed to deal with emissaries with their military. Was there no government here except by the military. Oldonia had long ago removed all military ties from its high offices.

As they appraoched the palace Adams breath was almost taken away. It was a cultural marvel. The Oldonian craftsmen could learn a lot.

His guards signalled for him to wait outside a large door and the leader entered.

Shin Sung went to the door and told the guards to allow Adam Evertson in,

finally thought Adam, he stepped into the room and was immediately impressed. Great tapestrys hung from the walls. Painitings and pottery were everywhere. He had only once been in the Oldonian Palace, and the Oldonians loved their art. But this was special.

He was greeted by the Core peoples Greek translater. After some stumblings they understood each other enough to continue.

"Welcome to Korea, I am the Regent Bae Hyeongyeong, place-holder for his majesty Emperor Sejong of Goguryeo (aka the Koryo Dynasty)" he said, bowing graciously to his guest.

Adam had not seen a bow before and wondered what it was, he bowed himself, a little stiffly as it wass his first time.

"Hail!" he said in the traditional Oldonian way."I am Adam Eveston, son of a long line of Travellors. I have come a long way, and have gone through the treacherous lands of the Greeks, we lost our captain, Kirk, somewhere along the way and hope that we can trust the Core people to respect our emissaries."

Adam had been well drilled to speak the facts as lies were not part of the Oldonian way.

"The Greeks are an honorable people Adam, I am sure it was a misunderstanding. And we are not the Core people, we are the Koreans."

Adam took mental note of the difference in the pronunctiation of the word, Core e an . He would write to Oldonia to let them know and he would update all maps.

"I say to you respectfully that there is no misunderstanding on our part, they killed our captain."

Bae nodded "Yes, I understand. Well, we wish to make friends with your people, the Northmen. And believe me, I understand what it is like to be alone in a foreign land, as I have spent many years of my life among the Spartan Greeks. So I know things can be confusing."

Adam began to like and trust this old soldier , he seemed to be more of a diplomat than a hardened killer.

"I have to say, we have partially been taken here against our will, what exactly do you wish to accomplish here?" he asked.

"Well, we have a general plan to get to know your people, but we have other motives as well." Bae said, he pulled out a small piece of porcelain "This was discovered centuries ago in the palace of the former Warlord of Seoul. It has a foreign language upon it, we have reason to believe you could help us uncover this mystery." Bae handed it to the translator, who gave it to Adam.

He looked at it, turning it over, he had seen a few of these in the Oldonian Palace museum, he struggled to remember all his Japanaese language courses. He had spent number of years fishing in Japanese waters. "This is Japanese, it is a warning to Gung Ye."

"Yes, what else does it say?"

Adam could tell that the General was deeply interested in this item. He knew from hisinstructions from Oldonia that the Japanese had been trying to force a war between maya and Greece, Adam had been warned to stay well out of Greece if war broke out. This item looked older than the current situation. Predating to early Japanese histoy.


"It says that the Maya are going to attack," he looked closely at brae then continued " I don't understand what this is though."

"Well, we don't either. But it is certainly Japanese?"

The markings and design were definatly Japanese.

"No doubt about it, we know these people well." he could not help but worry something else was amiss here.

"Very good, we ask that you work with our translator to figure out these Japanese missives. We also would like to know about your own homeland, what is it like in the Northlands? Tell us about your history. What are your relations with your neighbors, and who are your neighbors? Why have you come here to Korea? What are your intentions here?"

Adam smiled at last. " I will gladly work with your translator , and teach him the Japanese language, but also our own. Oldonian is much easier to speak than all this Greek." Adam pulled out the Oldonian picture cards.

"We used this centuries ago to learn the Native tongue of the Wyandots. It will help your translator and then he can teach others."

"As to my peoples history i have much to say on that too. We are a small peoples with desire to fulfill our mission to the Great One. He gave us life and we must fill the life he gives us with noble deeds. My mission, on the OSS Enterprise is to discover all lands as promised we would by the Great One. His word has been passed down from generation to generation. The stories of the 18 tribes. Of how Razolia came to be, how the 10 tribes of Razolia were separated. At first our peoples believed not, but now we have met 4 of the other tribes already. We know the Wyandots a great and friendly people. The Wyandots tell us of three other tribes they know, the Pierced Ones to the south of Wyandots, the Romans from the far east and the Port of Gauls from the north east.

We met the Japanese who are a mystical people, they had far sight that revealed much to us. When we would not help them destroy the world we didnt even know existed we ended up at war with them. Only to unite agaisnt the terrible black skinned people.

Sailing we found the Greeks another strong and military led peoples. They told us of the Mayans and Core . I mean Coreean peoples. So the stories seem true, we are going to continue our search for the missing tenth tribe.

Our goal is to build friendships and exchange knowledge and skills to all. To wipe out the people we refer to as Terrorists.

Adam asked for permision to draw for Brae and scribbled the following


He then reported to Brae the full history of the Oldonians and there meetings with others

{OOC: read all the Story threads}

[Pitboss Korea]

Sparta...

Kim Jong-seo appraoched the door of Falototius, all of the homes in Sparta looked alike, even those of the nobility as that was the Spartan way. He hoped to himself this was the right door and knocked on it. A man a little older than him answered the door. "Ah, a Korean soldier" the man said, looking over Kim's uniform "Very nice uniform, looks good."

Kim simply stared at him, he didn't know Greek that well and was trying to figure out a proper sentence to deliver so he didn't seem an idiot; "I Kim Jong-seo, from Pyongyang. I come for Falo- Falotatotusius, I um-"

"Falototius, yes that is me, come in come in." the Greek said, Kim nervously walked inside the home, the interior was just as simple as the exterior, there was the familiar smell of lamb in the air "You are just in time for some food my friend. And what may I call you?"

Kim looked around the place, there didn't seem to be anywhere for him to sleep "I Kim Jong-seo."

"Oh yes, that's right, I'm sorry. I've had some wine to drink, here here, have some" the smiling Greek said, handing Kim a cup of wine.

"Menaleus sends me, he say I sleep here, can go home in morning" Kim said.

"Yes yes, indeed you may..."

Seoul...

Bae stared at the map the Oldonian had provided him, it was late at night and he was up with Shin Sung. "Well, it seems according to this map that both the Greeks and Maya have vast extensions of land, it looks like we got the short end of the stick on our border agreements" this paricularly bothered Bae as he was instrumental in these deals.

"Well, we can't take this map literally sir, we currently have a fact finding mission in Greece so we will have the correct accuracy of Greek holdings, these Oldonians may be exaggerating." Shin Sung explained.

"Why would they be wrong? They made it all the way here on that pathetic ship, speaking of which how are ours going?"

"Splendid sir, they should be finished soon, and they would put that rickety Oldonian vessel to shame." Shin Sung said proudly.

"When Kim arrives we will know Menaleus' answer, have we any word from Pacal yet?" Bae asked.

"Isn't that a question for Hae Mosu?" Shin Sung asked.

"Should be, I don't know where Hae's allegiences lie. It seems he has filled Sejong's head with such loftiness, it is not good for the boy. And now it seems the two have snuck off to Pyongyang!" Bae said angrily, still pouring over the Oldonian map.

"Are you alright sir?" Shin Sung asked, patting his old buddy on the back "You don't seem like yourself anymore."

"Lacademeon, Gang Jo, Wang Geon, even Sinjeong. Its like everyone is gone and I have to pick up all of the pieces!" Bae said, "And now this Hae Mosu seems to have Sejong as his little puppet, I just don't want Korea to descend into competition again, not with all that we know now."

"You should get some rest, I'll send a message to Pacal first thing in the morning. We will call together a summit between ourselves the Mayans and the Greeks, we will show them this map, tell them what the Oldonians have said about Japan." Shin Sung replied "Everything will be fine, then once that is finished you can hand over the reigns to Sejong and retire in peace, you need it."

"That's partially what I am worried about Shin Sung, if Sejong takes over, will I truly be able to retire in peace..."

The Road to Pyongyang...

The boy Emperor's entourage was quite large, he kept entertainers, artisans, soldiers, slaves, and members of court with him at all times. He was always surrounding with the trappings of court, and all of this was at the insistance of Hae Mosu.

"My lord, I am concerned about Bae Hyeongyeong, I fear he may be growing too old to administer the Empire, perhaps you should name a new regent." Hae suggested to Sejong.

Sejong, still a boy, could hardly wait to ascend to the throne and take charge of his Empire. Although this was not his only thought, he was truly nervous to take the reigns; "I do not have the loyalty of the army just yet Hae Mosu, and you know that is necessary."

Hae thought a moment, and then said "Well Emperor, I have it on good word that the General Jumong does not see Bae in a very kind light, and he is commander of our armies in Pyongyang, perhaps we could get his loyalty quite easily."

"You are very anxious to undermine Bae." Sejong replied.

"Well my lord, he can not lead forever, it is written that you shall become Emperor."

"I AM EMPEROR!" the boy replied "He is respected, he will not withold the title from me for long, if we move quickly the people may not accept me."

"You are wise far beyond your years Sejong" Hae said smiling "You will make a fine Emperor."

"I do agree though Minister" Sejong began "This Bae does not seem to show his Emperor the proper respect, I shall speak with him personally when we return to Seoul. For now though cease with that talk, I do not want court intrigue to spoil this trip..."

[Pitboss Spain]

The Spainish People have a very important announcement to make.

The peoples have been fighting a long and dangerous set of battles with an army that seems to have no end. We even lost a city to these foes and that some people started to losee faith in our government to do mighty things. But the people stood tal and we a proud to introduce everyone to a marvel and a wonder of gigantic proportions. The people of Barcelona have been working very hard this magnificent achievement and we proudly unviel to the rest of the world that we have built the Great Lightouse of Barcelona.



There was a massive party held at the unveiling of the great project that many, man years of hard sweat are tears were put into the vision of having this marvellous The greatest and brightest of our citizens were present to be there. We did not invite any foriegn dignities, since they might have tried to steal the lans for this building and build it before we had the chance to do that, so we are sorry that we did not allow others to see it before being completed, but now that you have knowledge of it you are welcome to visit this wonderful sight we have.

[Pitboss Portugal]

Tir congratulates Isabella on her great achievement. Portugal has come to admire Spain’s engineering skills.

[OzzyKP]

The Guardians and the Bard

The years passed slowly under the peaceful reign of Ozzy the Bateater. Peace was declared with the Holy Romans and after many decades of enslavement, the captured workers were returned. Pioneering young Metalheads left Black Sabbath to form their own bands of Metalhead civilization elsewhere. The first expedition was led by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich in tribute to the Church of Metal founded a city to the east named “Metallica”. Years later, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page founded a settlement north of Metallica called Led Zeppelin. Finally, more recently, Phil Anselmo created a settlement south of Black Sabbath named Pantera.

Contact was made with the Happy Funglish tribe who lived peacefully on an island to the east. Quickly the two people found mutual respect and admiration. The Funglish sent expeditions by boat and by land to visit the Metalheads and learn their ways. One of the most famous of these travelers was Oswald the Noisy Bard (known to some villagers as Oswald the Nosy Bard). What seemed like noise to the uncultured Funglish was described as “Rockin” by many Metalheads. Oswald was accepted by many in the nation and bonds between the Funglish and Metalheads strengthened.

As Oswald made his tour through Metalhead lands the small kingdom of music lovers were increasingly threatened by the wild lands beyond their borders. Uncivilized men raided their lands, destroyed their crops, and raped their villages. In response, Metallica raised a company of Axe-wielding warriors, the Guardians, to defend their lands from the barbarian threat. The Guardians, led by their captain, Hansi Kürsch, fought back and destroyed many roving bands of barbarians. During their travels and battles they came in close contact with Oswald the Noisy Bard. He followed them and observed their exploits. Apparently in the Funglish homeland there were no warlike, uncivilized tribes so he was fascinated by the battles and wrote many songs of their exploits. Oswald and Kürsch became good friends. Kürsch taught Oswald the ways of Metal and of war, Oswald taught Kürsch poetry, music and art. As Oswald began his journey home he was escorted by Kürsch’s unit, the Guardians, through the dangerous forest to the southwest.

The forest proved more hostile than expected. The Guardians were ambushed in the woods by a war party of ravenous wild men from the south. In the confusion of the battle, Oswald fled. He was not a warrior. He sought safety while the Guardians dispatched their foe. The battle was long and hard fought. Ultimately the Guardians were victorious but they suffered many casualties. Their beloved captain, Hansi Kürsch, was injured in the battle. A barbarian blade slashed his face and cost him his eyes and his sight. The wounds inflicted ran deep – both physically and emotionally. As the panic of the battle receded and his wounds were dressed Kürsch called for his friend, Oswald.

Oswald could not be found.

Search parties were sent into the woods to find the notoriously noisy bard, but all they heard was silence. Finally they discovered the bloody, lifeless body of Oswald. Jagged axe wounds made it clear the wild men had caught up with him. His body was returned to camp and presented to Kürsch. He was distraught. Not only had he lost his vision, but his good friend as well. With a heavy heart, he instructed the Guardians to return to Black Sabbath with Oswald’s body. He sent a runner to the south to inform the Funglish of their loss.

[OzzyKP]

The Bard's Funeral in Black Sabbath

The journey back to Black Sabbath was a long one. The Guardians encountered several more threats along the way, but their leader was no use to them. He could not see, he could not fight, he could not lead. He was distraught. There is nothing more shameful than a warrior who cannot fight. Leadership of the Guardians passed to André Olbrich.

It was then as Hansi Kürsch was thinking of his plight and the loss of his friend Oswald that he had an epiphany. Oswald was not skilled in battle yet he boosted morale of the troops – and of the Metalhead people every where. Oswald’s worth was marked by his songs. Kürsch did not want to be useless; he wanted to inspire people the same way Oswald had. Kürsch began writing music. His eyes may be gone, but his ears still worked just fine. His first duty was to write a song to honor his friend, Oswald the noisy bard.

The Guardians returned to Black Sabbath and learned that preparations were already made for a grand funeral for Oswald. They learned the Funglish had sent a ship, the RCS Fungolia – their flagship, to attend the funeral of Oswald. Word had been sent to the Khmer as well and they sent envoys to attend the funeral as well. Representatives from the cities of Metallica, Pantera and Led Zeppelin were all in attendance. The Guardians were welcomed back into Black Sabbath in a grand parade.

Metalhead citizens lined the parade route and saluted the brave, returning warriors carrying the body of Oswald.



The crowds cheered the Guardians, but cheered especially for their brave former captain who was increasingly known as the blind guardian. His injury in the line of duty made him a beloved figure among the people. He organized several men of his company to perform some of the songs he had written on their homeward trek in the parade. He could think of no greater honor for Oswald than to carry on his tradition. The music of the blind guardian met with immediate approval from the crowd.

The Guardians entered the main square in Black Sabbath, known as Odin’s Court. There a large mass of people had gathered to say their final goodbyes to Oswald. Dignitaries from the Khmer and the Funglish were in attendance. The Guardians brought the body of Oswald up to the stage and the funeral began.

The captain of the RCS Fungolia read a statement and several Metalheads spoke of their memories of Oswald including Ozzy himself. The funeral lasted into the night. Finally, the most moving tribute came from Hansi Kürsch. He performed a tribute to Oswald in song.

Now you all know
The bards and their songs
When hours have gone by
I'll close my eyes
In a world far away
We may meet again
But now hear my song
About the dawn of the night
Let's sing the bards' song

Tomorrow will take us away
Far from home
No one will ever know our names
But the bards' songs will remain
Tomorrow will take it away
The fear of today
It will be gone
Due to our magic songs

There's only one song
Left in my mind
Tales of a brave man
Who lived far from here
Now the bard songs are over
And it's time to leave
No one should ask you for the name
Of the one
Who tells the story

Tomorrow will take us away
Far from home
No one will ever know our names
But the bards' songs will remain
Tomorrow all will be known
And you're not alone
So don't be afraid
In the dark and cold
'Cause the bards' songs will remain
They all will remain

The crowd was moved to tears. In a traditional Metalhead sign of respect, the people lit small torches of flame and held them aloft during the performance of the blind guardian’s ballad.



With that, the Guardians lifted Oswald’s lifeless body and carried him onto the RCS Fungolia where he was to be buried at sea. The life of the bard was over, but his spirit and memory lived on.

Ozzy commissioned a painting to honor Oswald. After some months the painting was unveiled that pays tribute to Oswald’s life, but also to the blind guardian who memorialized him so memorably in song.



The painting would be hung in Black Sabbath for all to see and remember.

[Pitboss Vikings]

The leaders stood and cheered. They had been impressed with the whole show. For the past two hours the new Cavalry Battalion had been show casing just what their new animals could do.

The horses had been secretly discovered about 50 years ago. On the outskirts of the new province of Eastern Oldonia.

Horsees had been heard of and seen in use by the Wyandots for centuries. But none could be found in any Oldonia province. Finally the new settlers had discovered them, and with the workers brigades sent on a priority mission. The horses were captured and new paddocks created.

Now after some intense training. Carriages were placed behind the horses and soldiers could ride to battle much faster. There was much debate over the effffectiviness of them though as the soldieers were much weaker because using an axe on the back of the horse was very hard.

so the first cavalry division was formed but given not the task of attack, but exploration only. They were too weak to be the frontline forces.

[MMC]

From the Court of Alexander McFungal, Crown Prince of the English Happy Funland (aka the Funglish Dominion):

All was quiet, and the Prince was contemplating the building of a summer retreat in the highlands to the North, when a messenger arrived and insisted on an audience.

"Sire, we have just received word from the RCS Fungolia, concerning the burial of Oswald."

The Prince sat thoughtfully for a moment.

"Proceed."

"Oswald's body was given a parade fit for a king by the Metalhead Nation. Even their leader, coincidentally a man by the name of Ozzy, had something to say. Everyone believes that sending Oswald to the Metalhead lands was the best thing you ever did, even if it didn't turn out so great for Oswald himself."

At this news, the Prince sat upright. Carefully, he asked

"I trust that his body is on it's way back to London for burial?"

The messenger was now getting nervous. He knew that Prince Alex has a mighty temper and could be set off by the slightest wrong move.

"Errrmmm... Actually, his family were fishermen and left instructions with the Captain of the Fungolia that he was to be buried at sea."

As he said these words, the messenger was slowly backing towards the door. With a laugh, Prince Alex responded,

"Very well. I am given to understand that visitors from other nations were invited to the ceremony, namely the Holy Roman's and a people known as the 'Combers'?"

Visibly relieved, the messenger eased forward again.

"Yes, sire. The Khmer sent an official party, and the crew of the Fungolia were able to discuss preliminaries with them. The Holy Roman Empire, however, did not send anyone in an official capacity, although I'm sure many peasants attended."

"Yes... The Holy Roman people are reported to be very insular, although I'm told we've been making significant progress on the diplomatic front." The Prince motioned for his diplomatic adviser, a large fellow called Robert the Plump, who was waiting in an alcove. "Am I mistaken?"

Robert quickly stepped forward, and spoke with the experience of one who has server flawlessly for many years.

"Of course not, sire. The Holy Roman people love us, mainly for our public proclamation of their Christian faith. The people seem to open up to us much more than the leadership does. As you know, we have had many goof years of trade with them, exchanging our excess fish for their local delicacy known as Beef. We have gotten to know their merchants well enough that they often proclaim the state of their cities with little regard to secrecy. However, their leader, whom I believe is called Matthias, seem very reluctant to talk about much."

The Prince pondered this for a moment, before returning his attention to the messenger.

"I see. What of these Khmer? Are they trustworthy?"

Bolstered by Robert's obvious confidence, the messenger answered promptly.

"They seem to have trouble grasping the finer points of our common language (which we share with the Metalhead nation), unlike the Holy Romans who are able to switch languages as one might switch hats. However, they seem to be a very trustworthy people, and have readily expressed a desire for further contact. I believe the Captain of the Fungolia, did arrange for some preliminary discussions for a treaty, but I had left before I could learn the outcome of these discussions."

At that moment, Robert shifted his bulk in an attempt to gain attention.

"If I may, sire, I would like to suggest something that may solidify the peace on this continent."

The Prince, now curious, turned to his friend and smiled.

"Of course, continue."

"As you are (I am of no doubt) aware, there has been a proposal for some form of memorial for the lost Captain of the London Militia. The one who was lost on board the Britannia?" The Prince nodded. "Well, I propose that we build a peaceful settlement, here." Robert pointed to a tapestry on the wall which showed the limits of the Funglish knowledge of the world. "In honour of the lost Captain, we should name it Hastings, and I propose that we establish it as a base for our diplomatic and trade operations."

Wishing to ponder what he had heard, Prince Alex sent the two men away, before calling for Christopher the Scribe (named for both the Christian Deity and the traditional Funglish World-Creator Spirit).

To: Matthias of the Holy Roman Empire, and Ozzy the Bateater of the Metalhead Nation, and Shiva of the Khmer Empire
From: Alexander Nicholas Anthony Mcfungal, Crown Prince of the English Happy Funland

We of the Funglish Dominion believe that peaceful co-operation is essential to maintain balance and order in this world. We therefore cordially invite you all for a conference of allied nations, to be held, along with much celebration, in the new city of Hastings.

Please respond promptly, as we wish to be able to deal with all problems that may arise.

Yours most sincerely,
Prince Alex VI

May the good Lord keep you, and May the Music continue to play.

"Now send that as quickly as possible. And tell Robert that I have decided to give his project the go-ahead. He'd better hurry up if we are to fulfil our obligations."

With a cursory nod, Chris hurriedly put his tools away and ran to the Royal Messenger's Post to find runners to send copies of the letter to the appropriate leaders.

[Pitboss Korea]

Pyongyang...

The Boy Emperor Sejong arrived in Pyongyang quite early in the morning, despite this General Jumong had his troops up even earlier and prepared to greet the Emperor. Jumong felt disrespected by Bae Hyeongyeong's decision to give him command over Pyongyang while Shin Sung and Han Gong became the Imperial Commander and the Commander of the Aztec wars respectively. In his mind all he got was an outpost on the Taebong, to make friends with the Greeks, and he didn't care much for Greeks.

Sejong arrived with the Imperial Foreign Minister Hae Mosu, who was appointed by his father King Wang Geon of Goguryeo. While he retained the title of Imperial Foreign Minister he did little but advise Sejong, a job that was supposed to fall under Bae Hyeongyeong, however Hae Mosu was ambitious and was smart, and realized in the end that his future relied entirely on this boy. Sejong was nearing his coming of age, and wanted to become acquainted with his men and his military officials before this happened. He was planning ahead.

"Such fine soldiers" Sejong said smiling, he turned to General Jumong, "and such a fine officer, having them this disciplined, I certainly did not expect this."

"Well Emperor" Jumong beamed "We are always at the ready, especially for his excellency. Breakfast has been prepared as well, the finest fruit in the land, and the finest boar as well."

"Fantastic General, there are many things we need to discuss, such as the future of Korea, and your future as well." Sejong said slyly.

"I like to think that my future and Korea's shall always be intertwined, I am her defender and her demise shall be my own."

"Indeed" Hae Mosu said, this General was kissing ass.

"Well then, I shall let you speak with your men Emperor" Jumong said "Then we shall feast!"


Seoul...

Bae Hyeongyeong was the Regent of Korea, holding the throne until Emperor Sejong was of proper age. He was also Korea's most renowned General as well as Statesman. He was well liked throughout the Empire and within the military, and was great friends with the Greek people as well. For such an uneasy time in Korea, following the demise of the former King Wang Geon and the Princess of Silla Sinjeong, Bae calmed the people's nerves. He had done much so far in his tenure, he established new relations with the Greeks, maintained peace and accord with the Mayans, and hosted the Oldonians from far north. He had also organized a campaign against the Aztecs which was sure to succeed, even if it would happen during Sejong's reign. He wanted to establish a loyal and prosperous Korea for Sejong to rule.

Bae was practicing his swordsmanship when Shin Sung returned, Shin Sung had been acting as the foreign minister as Hae Mosu literally never lifted a pen, "General" Shin Sung said "I regret to inform you that we have yet to hear from either the Greek or Mayan emissaries. Either they are uninterested in this summit, or communications are going slowly, we simply don't know."

"Well Shin Sung, there isn't much else we can do. Has Kim Jong-seo returned from Greece?" Bae asked.

"Not to my knowlege sir, perhaps he didn't make it." Shin Sung replied.

"Make it?" Bae asked "Why wouldn't he make it, he is a good soldier."

"Just the Greeks sir, you never know what they will do."

"I trust he is fine." Bae said "If they haven't replied yet, we will send an official missive, that they both will receive. You shall write it, make it known that if no response is proferred we will be greatly dishonored."

"Shall I inflect that tone sir?" Shin Sung asked.

"That tone?" Bae asked, putting down his sword "There was no tone, we have discussed this issue with them, they have tentatively agreed, we sent invitations, and there is no response. Tell them we have to discuss this matter between them, we are allies with the Maya but that means we have a stake in their relations with Greece. Korea will NOT become a battlefield, and surely with the information we posess, they simply must agree to our proposal."

"Shall I lineate the proposal sir, and send that in the message?" Shin Sung asked.

"No, don't put anything beyond the invitation in the message, we can't risk spies getting their hands on that information." Bae said "Send it as soon as possible."

"Yes sir" Shin Sung said as he bowed and quickly left to see the scribes...