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

[MMC]

A brief excerpt from The Joint History of the Funglish and the Metalheads:

Many generations before records began, there was one nomadic tribe, who appeared very enlightened for their time. Although they travelled all over their lands, they had developed methods of tending food plants to ensure a plentiful supply, of creating advanced tools from materials only found underground, of catching fish to provide food when the crops didn't grow, of entertaining themselves with crude intruments, and more.

There came a time when a elder of the tribe had a vision. This vision told of a future where the tribe would have to settle in one spot in order to survive. Life went on as normal for many years while the matter was debated.

The musicians of the tribe were prepared to settle right away and work to improve their knowledge of Agriculture. This, they reasoned, would give them plenty of time to work on their music.

The fishermen of the tribe felt that there would not be an adequate supply of food in the winter, nor a ready supply of materials for making tools.

This disagreement led to the fishermen and their families leaving the tribe in search of a better land to settle. The two groups parted amicably, with a mutual agreement to remember their roots. To this day, the Funglish and the Metalheads remain remain close friends.

[Pitboss Korea]

TO: Alexander of Sparta
FROM: Hae Mosu, Imperial Foreign Minister of Korea

Honorable Alexander,

We have received a missive from a mysterious source, it is even unknown by me, the Imperial Foreign Minister. We note that the dialect, or language, is not Greek, but the symbols used most closely resemble your own, here is the letter as we received it.

PERMISSVM TOTVS HOMO TENO ROMA EST VACVVS SVVS TYRANVVS NOS DICO TOTVS POPVLVS SANVS MENS QVOD CIVILIS VIS INSEQVOR NOSTRVM EXEMPOATOR QVOD EFFVNDO SVVM REX REGIS QVOD ILLICITVS VINCO. NOS RENVNTIO A PERSPICVVS NOVVS AEVVM IVNCTVM QVOD LICENTIA. IMPERIA ET PACIS EMANIO TRANS ORBIS TERRARVM. FILIOLVS INTVEOR NOSTRVM NISVS PER VENTVS , PER IVPITER QVOD ROMVLVS ET NOSTRVM PARS QVISNAM EST OBVIVM NOS. ETIAM FRATER NOS ES SOLVO QVOD PERMISSVM NOS SVDO NVNQVM VT PERMISSVM PLAGA REX REGIS VEL DICTATOR QVISNAM EXISTO REX REGIS MACVLO ROMANVM. NOS NECENTVM EXISTO PERVIGIL OBVIAM TOTVS TALIS BESTIA INTER HOMO. TALIS SCELESTVS LVPII QVISNAM ANIMADVERTO TOTVS ALIVS VT OVIS ET LEX QVOD TANTVM LEX VADVM EXISTO A TERMINVS VT LICENTIVS ROMANORVM CIVITAS. VLLVS CONSVLO VLLVS IMPERATOR QVISNAM PETO VOX ROMAE AGNOSCVM. NOS IAM SCISCO VT HABENAE ORBIS TERRARVM AGNOSCO NOVVS ROMANORVM HABENAE VT LEGITIVMS QVOD TRANSMITTO SVVM VT NOSTRVM KAPVTVS, VLLVS RENVO EFFICIO SIC ERO VISE VT VOTVM VT RESTVTVO IMPERIVM VEL SVVS TYRANVS SVBOLES DICTATORVM QVOD ERO DVCO HORTVS PRO BELLVM.

PRIMORVS CONSVLO ROMANVS LVCIVS IVNIVS BRVTVS

There was a follow-up letter to this, and was equally unintelligable. We understand this is not Greek, however some of the characters appear to be Greek in origin, and perhaps you could help us decipher this missive. Thank you for your time.

- Hae Mosu, Imperial Foreign Minister of Korea

(BTW; this took me forever to do, so I hope the "realism squad" appreciates it)

[The Capo]

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HEY EVERYONE THE DIPLOGAME MOD IS FINISHED!!!!!

Or at least the first version is. I couldn't e-mail it like previously planned, but its ready to go, and you can download it by CLICKING HERE!


Here are a few notes and things I would like everyone to try and do;

1) Please check the civlopedia when you load the mod to make sure everything works (check all of the new leaderheads, make sure there are fourteen inquisitors with theology the religion and a cathedral as their prereqs, make sure there are missionaries for all fourteen religions, make sure there are buildings for all of the new religions, make sure the spies have the new promotions)

2) Remember to play a CUSTOM GAME and select CHOOSE RELIGIONS to see the new religions, make sure the symbols are right and look polished.

3) Make sure the Inquisitors work. You should ONLY be able to build them under the Paganism, Theocracy, and Organized Religion civics. And under Paganism and Theocracy they require the state-religion to be present in the city AND a cathedral from that religion (under Theology they can be built without cathedrals).

4) Take time to look around, check out the new civ colors and flags, check out their new unit-styles, and city-styles. I worked hard to make this good so I want to make sure everyone is happy with it.

AGAIN CILCK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE MOD!


Yes this is the right file, I didn't change the name yet in case this isn't the FINAL version, but this is pretty much it. And please give me feedback in the Diplogame Mod thread.

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[Pitboss Rome]

OCC: I've been reading your response Capo! At first I thought you just pasted in a random Roman text but as I read I saw that you seem to have translated my letter to Latin. Awesome. That gets you my vote for this month.

[Pitboss Korea]

Yeah, I am VERY sure that it is not exact, and I may have put the wrong words down in some cases but that is a VERY rough translation of a letter from a country Korea has NO knowlege of other than stories. Further Korea has no idea what this means at all, as you can see by our attempt to get our Greek friends to translate it.

But it is a (probably bad) attempt to translate your letter, and it did take a long time, especially to try and get it into old Roman style latin. But any latin experts will probably cut it to shreds.

[Pitboss Khmer]

urgent mr ozzy.

the slow of jungle diplo has cause a problem for us.

khmer have both your silver and you have both our gem.

wait till next turn and we cancel as balance. it mr cyber concern of relax and leave other in mess. he.

[Pitboss Khmer]

ah it only be cancel in 10 turn mr ozzy.

you say bummer.

[OzzyKP]

Originally posted by Pitboss Korea
Yeah, I am VERY sure that it is not exact, and I may have put the wrong words down in some cases but that is a VERY rough translation of a letter from a country Korea has NO knowlege of other than stories. Further Korea has no idea what this means at all, as you can see by our attempt to get our Greek friends to translate it.

But it is a (probably bad) attempt to translate your letter, and it did take a long time, especially to try and get it into old Roman style latin. But any latin experts will probably cut it to shreds.

That is very cool.

[Pitboss Persia]

Desert



The portuguese settlement on the river Nile is no more. The piercian troops pillaged everything the locals left behind, and burnt the city to the ground.

The Oratress fed the fire, while the Prince read a message from his wife, announcing the death of the Empress.

"Hurry up everybody ! We are needed at home !"

A few hours later, only ashes remained where there was a town the day before.

Waiting for the Portuguese to fullfill their promises, the army prepared for the long march back home.

[Pitboss H Roman]

Simon had no idea how the Emperor could stay so calm. He himself was nervous and agitated, as was most of the HRE administration. There had been no formal declaration of war, but te Empire now found itself at war with the Metalheads, and Metalhead axemen were on the outskirts of Prague. What was doubly frustrating is that archers returning from the south would not make it to the city in time. If only Rocky Raccoon's message had come sooner.....

Otto I: And this other news??? Refugees streaming across the border??

Simon: It is true My Lord. We have a settler that came over the border in the midland areas, before the Metalhead axes crossed in the north.

Otto I: You're sure of this?? We now have a settler at the same time as Prague is doomed to fall??

Simon: Yes, My Lord, very sure. And yes My Lord, the entire team of head advisors is baffled. There was no direct message from te Metlheads regarding any of this. It seems the refugees are fleeing from some internal conflict - a civil war so to speak. The refugees also tell of rumors of Ozzy the Bateater being disposed.

Otto I: No great loss there. He seemed out of tune with the world. So who is in charge?

Simon: Again, My Lord. Only rumours. We have heard mention of one Bonham. But it definitely seems they march to a different drummer now. We are trying to get word from our spies, including Mr Raccoon, but travel and comunications are severely limited within the country. It seems to be in total chaos.

The Emperor ran his fingers through his hair - the first and slightest sign of any agitation from the Emperor. Then the moment passed. "He IS very composed!" thought Simon to himself.

Otto I: OK, here's what we will do.

First, get the northern archers supported by our new heavy infantry units. We will be losing our iron, so it was good we produced them when we could. And although I am loathe to do it, have the Head Administrator for Cities review our slavery options.

Secondly, get diplomatic affairs to see if we can obtain iron from one of our friends in the world. If this conflict drags on - and I have no doubt that it will - then we will need that supply.

Thirdly, welcome the refugees to the Empire. Get food and shelter arranged for them immediately, and get the midlands defended in case the Metalheads cross the border there as well. And get some agents in amongst the refugees to try and figure out what this is all about. Are the Metalheads trying to appease us? Is this their idea of a city swap?

And lastly - and this disturbs me - I see that the Funglish have once again declared their close 'friendship' with the Metalheads. And the Funglish want to establish a 'settlement' on our soutern shore. And the Hastings conference - involving us, the Metalheads, and the Funglish is coming up soon. This all requires some rethinking given the war. Come back in two hours time with the Head Diplomat and the General. We need to talk.

And pray to the good Lord, Simon, for strength and guidance during these difficult times.

[Pitboss Khmer]

it look from portugal score up and down that slaving is much. and big mother battle might be but it far from khmer. we also slave and much ashame. hope it end soon.

[Pitboss Maya]

Apocalypto and the Saga of Mel Gibson

Apocalypto Begins

Nacon and his army crept upon the Aztec village at dusk, hoping to catch the enemy by surprise. They fanned out, and surrounded the town, watching the villagers go about their evening chores.

When the time was right, the Mayans burst from the dark jungle and began the assault. Many of the Aztec men fought with Nacon and his men to no avail. The Mayans were better trained, better armed, and better organized. After only a short time of fighting the entire town was under Mayan control, and the villagers were rounded up, shackled, and marched back to Tikal for slave labor and sacrificial fodder. The children, not suitable for either use were left behind.

Upon entering Tikal, the Aztecs were amazed at what they saw. Massive stone buildings dwarfed their native homes both in size and complexity. Mayan dress was extremely elaborate compared to Aztec coverings. There seemed to be almost a festive energy among the Mayans, as though some great event was about to take place.

Several of the hostages were separated from the rest. These select Aztecs were covered with azure jungle dyes, and then marched to the top of the sacrificial pyramid. As they climbed the stairs a feeling of doom swept over them.

Pacal and his court were assembled at the top, he addressed the audience, and cheers erupted from the masses below. He spoke of Kukulkan, and how the blood of the Aztec prisoners would please the creator. Again, more cheering.

The sacrificial knife was passed to Pacal, as Xuruto burned inscents and chanted in the background. The first Aztec was laid across the sacrificial stone and held in place as Pacal plunged the ancient knife into his chest, cutting across. Pacal tore the still beating heart from his victim and raised it high for all to see.

Pacal discarded the heart, and the lifeless body was sent tumbling down the pyramid steps. The next sacrifice was strong armed into position, and again Pacal raised the knife.

"Mighty Kukulkan", Pacal boomed, "who's fury could scorch this earth to oblivion, let us appease you with this scarifice. To exalt you in your glory. To make our people prosper. To prepare for your return. Warrior, unafraid and willing, with your blood you renew the world! From age to age..."

Just then something strange began happening in the sky. The sunlight faded, as the moon started to cover the sun. A smile crept over Xuruto's wrinkled face, as he rose from sitting and approached Pacal. The eclipse had begun as predicted, and with it, the transfer of power back to the Elders.

As the moon swallowed the sun, the crowd realized the prophecy was coming true before their very eyes. Xuruto sealed the deal by pointing at Pacal and yelling "deceiver" to the masses.

The prophecy raced through every Mayans head at that moment, "He will take the body of a common man and his life will be in grave danger from a "deceiver" upon entering the body. With Kukulkan on earth, Uh and K'in would fight and one would conquer the other.

Apocalypto had begun. Both in the figurative sense, and literal sense.

Pacal, enraged by Xuruto's accusation and treachery, lunged at the Shaman with the knife, and would have very well plunged it into the old mans neck had it not been for the ensuing chaos as Mayans stormed the alter to carry "Kukulkan" to safety. The crowd below chanted "Mel Gibson, Mel Gibson, Mel Gibson", which translated means "The Creator".

Xuruto lead those carrying Mel Gibson to the Oracle, so the barbarian could be briefed on his new and unusual status in the Mayan world. To fully convince the people that this Aztec warrior was indeed the all powerful Kukulkan he yelled loudly, "Kukulkan please stop Uh from killing K'in!" Soon after, the moon completed the eclipse and the sun once again began to show.

Pacal stayed atop the pyramid, fuming with anger. In one swift blow Xuruto stripped him of his power and labeled him a deceiver to his people. Even his close aids had left his side to follow the crowd to the Oracle to give praise to Kukulkan. Nacon however stayed by his childhood friend, and spoke in a low voice.

"The Elders are clever to plan such elaborate tricks Pacal, but fear not, I know the truth. That was no god on the alter today. His face was full of confusion and fear. The reaction of a barbarian sacrifice, not the mighty Kukulkan." said Nacon.

"Trust me Nacon, if I thought for a minute that Kukulkan had returned under my knife, I would throw myself off this pyramid as a sacrifice. But like you, I saw the face of a barbarian, not the Creator. We both know, as do the Elders, that Kukulkan would never inhabit a mere mortal. His return will be metaphysical in nature. Not a cheap sham like what was seen today. I am however puzzled at how the Elders knew Uh would overtake K'in on this day." Pacal replied.

"Fear not, when this barbarian is found dead the spell will be broken and the Elders exposed as the deceivers," Nacon assured. "A god cannot die, and surely wouldn't expire a mere day later."

"Kill this barbarian named Mel Gibson," Pacal said with a evil grin, "do not let it be viewed as a murder however."

That night Nacon and his Elite Guard snuck into the Oracle with the intention of killing Mel Gibson in his sleep. The Elders were on guard however knowing that Pacal would attempt to regain control by any means. Nacon and his men outright killed the Elders when they stood in the way, but Mel Gibson escaped into the jungles with the hopes of making it back to his pregnant wife who was left at the Aztec village with the children.

Nacon and his men closely pursued the Aztec, but could not kill him despite coming close several times. Mel Gibson was eventually cornered at a great waterfall on the Mayan River, and it was here that he jumped in hopes of losing Nacon. The gamble did buy him time, but Nacon was on a mission and his pursuit was relentless.

Mel Gibson gave Nacon the slip however by hiding in a tree, then descending much later after a close encounter with a jaguar. He followed the maps Xuruto had given him after explaining the entire situation.

He was to lead his wife and the Aztec children back to Palenque where Pacal's influence was minimal. He would be treated like a god when the locals who attended the ceremony in Tikal recognized him.

[Pitboss Rome]

Originally posted by Pitboss Natives
Unto: First Consul of Rome Lucius Junius Brutus

From: Chief Tarhe of the Wyandot Nation

Our humble apologies First Consul, the Wyandot Nation has been busy building infrastructure while keeping the dark skinned barbarians at bay.

Let it be known to all that the Wyandot Nation does hereby recognise the valid and legal leadership of Lucius Junius Brutus of Rome.

All hail Brutus, the First Consul of Rome!

Tarhe

To: Chief Tarhe of the Wyandot Nation
From: Lucius Junius Brutus

We are glad to hear you recognize our new government. The people badly feared the world would try to meddle in Roman internal affairs it is good to see this is not the case.

Cooperation has a long tradition among our peoples, we wish to help the Wyandot further. We again invite you to send students to Rome so we may teach them of Roman ways and wisdom as we have in the past.

(OCC: referring to my tech gift that you enabled by giving us a voucher as to offset its cost)

We also inquire if you would be interested in a trade? There are many Roman citizen who would wish to settle new lands, if you would offer us something in return we could sent you these settlers and they would swear loyalty to you.





-First Consul of Rome, Lucius Junius Brutus

[Pitboss Rome]

To:
All nations of the world And especially the nations of Korea, Maya, Greece, Oldonia, Japan, Piercia, Wyandot, Portugal, Russia and Spain

From: Lucius Junius Brutus, Senator Marco Polo, the senate and the Roman people



All our ancestors had long wandered in the dark, not knowing if the torch of civilizations is carried by others as well. Then we met our neighbors, and still later we heard of distant and legendary lands. We then made indirect contact with some while others remained legend and shrouded in mystery.... perhaps it is time we change this!



We have spoken before of our desire to build an Empire of light and peace across the world, not only for Rome but for all peoples. We therefore invite you to help make the world less dark and mysterious for all of us!

Why should we squander resources in sending explorers in all directions hoping they stumble upon the civilization we wish to contact? Is it not wiser to assemble them all in one place, to make the world a smaller place? The meeting would last for centuries and the city would become a place where ambassadors from all over the world could speak to each other.


We call for a great conference to be held, a grand assembly of all the civilized nations!



The path for all the representatives shall be long and dangerous but worth the rewards. And those who undertake it shall be praised in song and story for a long time to come.



Many wonders will be presented at the place of meeting and every civilization can bring its own unique entertainment or its greatest achievements to share with the world.



We shall present a fine achievement of alchemy.


We need to agree on a host. Our nation offers the port city of Ravenna near the Russian border as a meeting place. Russia, Portugal, Piercia and the Natives know it, it is within reach of the Spanish explorer boat, Korean and Greek floaters and it has an unbroken road to Portuguese lands and we are building a road to Piercian lands as well.

We admit the nations of Oldonia and Japan may have trouble reaching it. Perhaps a new Roman city could be built for the occasion south of the Piercian city of Meeting? Perhaps Piercia would agree to cohost the meet and the conference could be held in that city as well?

Or perhaps Piercia who is at the crossroads of the world could host it for us in its most properly placed city and Rome would pay them 50 gold for their expenses.


We ask this message to be copied and sent to any civilization you know of and for you to add a translated (to your own language) version to it so it may be understood even by those who know nothing of Latin.

We also ask nations who do not trust each other to allow free passage and the use of roads to at least one representative headed to the conference in the spirit of discovery and to earn the favor of the Gods.



May we all come together as one people, for we are all children of the Gods, surely they do not mean for us to live in ignorance and despair.




-First Consul of Rome, Lucius Junius Brutus

[Pitboss Spain]

Dear Lucius Junius Brutus, Senator Marco Polo, the senate and the Roman people,
We are not sure if we have met yet, since we are having some technical problems. Once they are sorted out we shall see if we have met, but from the polite invitation we are happy that you know about us.