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**Pitboss Persia** · November 1, 2008, 08:02

Immortals on their way to Seoul

Shas'O Au-R'On was granted safe passage through Korean lands, and led his men towards Seoul. The brand new greek maps that he had been given allowed him to move on a direct route. More then once he knew he was observed with attention. It's understandable to watch when 3000 riders cross the lands, but from time to time, he felt like being analysed. Or maybe it was just the unusual landscapes and architecture that made him suspicious.

"At least, the farmers are happy to see elseone than those wild people" he thought. "What would the Empire be without the Great Wall today ? The fire caste would have much more work for sure..."

He was ripped from his thoughts when the one he escorted rid right next to him and began to talk :

"Shas'O, tell me, what do you think about theese land and theese people ? They are both of a strange beauty."

"I am concerned. The barbarian stronghold we saw on the coast seems to continously send out warbands to harass the civilians. There may be much beauty around here, but I can smell the blood shed in the struggle for survival. We will show ourselves useful to the Korean."

"I agree, sadness and pain in memory of the fallen who died to protect their families are tainting the beauty of the place. Are you always like this ?"

"Excuse me?"

"Is war always the first thing that you see when you arrive somewhere ?"

"That's the way I have been raised, Aun'El, that's what I have been taught to see, and that's what I am there for."

"Would you say that the members of your caste can't appreciate anything but war ?"

"Your words sadden me. No Fire Warrior appreciates war. We live for the battle itself, but we hate war just as others do. You probably can't really understand what I mean. That's not what your caste is there for. You are there in order to see if and when we are needed, and the Aun'O has proved to be a very foreseeing man by sending us here. A common diplomatic envoy wouldn't have been of any help to the Koreans."

"You are a great warrior indeed, Shas'O. I think you underestimate my undestanding of your caste, I just wanted to see the difference between the words of a Shas'La and yours. The Emperor... you call him the Aun'O. Even if this is the correct designation for his rank in my caste, you know as well as me that he is a great warrior too. Why do you call him that ?"

"That's where your understanding of my caste ends, Aun'El. He may be among the best fighters in the Empire, he is no warrior. He is our leader, nothing more, nothing less. A great man, blessed by the spirits of the old. But he left the warriors path a very long time ago. Even before the caste system was instored by Aun'El Es'Ther."

"You speak of the spirits of the old. Have you been taught the chamanic believes ?"

"With all dued respect Aun'El, my believes are a personal matter, and I don't want to speak about them, especially with you."

"I see. You don't have to talk about your believes if you don't wish to. They are none of my concern indeed. Before we end this conversation, Shas'O, let me give a piece of advice. Keep this attitude you have as long as you are here. I have spoken to people in Horse Valley in order to learn more about the so-called Bu-D'Ha. The wisdom of his teachings is undeniable and I guess this explains the serenity one can breathe here when he looks beyond the violence."

" I am surprised to hear such things from you Aun'El. Aren't you a living symbol of the spirits of the old ? How can you be so calm when other believes slowly wipe out what you stand for ?"

"I stand for many things, Shas'O, and you're not at the end of your surprises while traveling with me. As well as you live for honor and battle, I live for harmony and wisdom." she said, and slowed down her mount a little, in order to fall back into the middle of the regiment.

**Pitboss Spain** · November 1, 2008, 11:53

To the Spainish People.

It has been long time since I have last written back to you to share our journey and all that we have seen during this time. I am sorry to have not disclosed that I had the Empress on the ship, but I had to keep it a secret so that pirates would not attack us and that we would not be a threat to our Empress. We have met many wonderful nations from the other side of the world. I must say that I was the one who got our Empress to like Marco, since she was not interested at first, but I was able to persuade her into liking him and once she did, things took off from there. But we did see this strange site, it looked like a city had been founded there, but it is no longer around. We would have had a look but we are unarmed, so we just watched from the shore.

The men are lonely and can't wait until we get home. Hopefully our next message will not be so late this time.

**Pitboss Persia** · November 1, 2008, 14:34

Piercian Titles

A short explanation about titles and the piercian caste system. As previously said :

The Fire Caste would be the one of the fighters. It didn't matter if they wielded the bow, the axe, the sword, the spear or if they were of the immortal riders. All who practiced the art of combat, would be known as the flames.

The Air Caste would be the one of the messengers. All those who were able to quickly bring messages or deliveries from one place to another, and those who were skilled in the ways of beautiful arts would gather in the winds.

The Water Caste would be the one of the thinkers and negociators. Any merchant, scientist or diplomat would be the fresh liquid flowing through the Empire.

The Earth Caste would be the one of the builders. Those who worked the stones, carved the soil and raised the walls would be one in rock.

The Etherial Caste would be the one of the leaders. Any member of the Imperial family or the chamanhood (later on the priesthood) would be the unseasable spirit of the Empire.

There is a prefix for every caste :

Shas = of the fire caste
Kor = of the air caste
Por = of the water caste
Fio = of the earth caste
Aun = of the etherial caste

the rank is added after the caste prefix :

'O = Highest rank : Supreme Commander, Admiral, Ambassador, Planner, Supreme Ruler respectively. Only one 'O per caste at a time.
'El = Second rank: Commander, Captain, Diplomat, Technician, Blessed One respectively. Only two 'El per caste at a time,
'Vre = Middle rank : Hero, Navigator, Magister, Overseer, Governor respectively.
'Ui = Second lowest rank : Veteran, Courrier, Envoyee, Higher Worker, Prelate resepectively.
'La = Lowest rank : Warrior, Messenger, Administrator, Lesser Worker, Count

The title preceeds the name, eventually completed by the city of origin. So, if Achmed had still been alive when the caste system was introduced, he would have been called "Por'Ui Achmed Asizia".

The titles may be missguiding in some circumstances. Currently for instance, the Kor'O, leader of the air caste, is the greatest spy of the empire that has founded the Per'Shi'Ar intelligence agency. You wouldn't call her admiral. That's what the Kor'O title is for. So the previously mentionned equivalents are only exemples as you can see.

So if you have to adress any Piercian, try to use this system if you are not sure about what to call him. Not giving the correct rank is not considered as an insult, and they will be happy to correct you if you have chosen a too low rank, and will be humble enough to correct you if you have chosen a too high rank.

Or simply call them what you would call people of their condition in your lands. This however, wouldn't make an as good impression.

**Pitboss Vikings** · November 3, 2008, 00:56

The explorer travelled to the north, it was very cold up there.

He turned back to get away from the cold, how do the port of gauls live here he wondered.

**Pitboss Vikings** · November 3, 2008, 06:02

and it came to pass that King Harry did go to lay with his forefathers

King Ian did reign in his place.

and is it not so that during the reign of king ian that the OSS Enterprise did finally leave the stormy icy waters of the north. They had failed to find a northern passage back to Oldonia.

But the might and brave men of the Enterprise did come upon a mighty Island to the Far East. It was here they saw smoke rising in the distance, could it be civilisation after so many years of traversing the barren lands of the north seas. It was predicted to make landfall in the coming days, the Enterprise had made yet another discovery.

To the West in the days of King Ian, the OSS Discovery and OSS Atlantis did map the Japanese coastline finally. They saw many a grans sight along the shores of the japanese island. Many fighting men marching too and fro. They were a proud people.

In the days of King Ian the northern barbarians did strike afresh, they had new names but they were still the black skinned people. King Ian gathered his military men and sent them to the far north to again stop the onslaught. Every generation slowly pushed the peril further away from Oldonia.

In the days of King ian the people were happy and prosperous. He was a good and kind king unlike many before him. But his days were short.

The people of the western world would soon see a new king, one that had a good heart and wise too, Prince Jeffery learnt of the ways of the world, he studied in the education world of PErcia and Rome. He learnt figting in Spartas great military training schools. he learnt diplomacy from the Korean wise men. He learnt economics from the Portugese traders. He learnt of Culture and beauty from the spanish. He learnt of spirituality from the Mayan Taoists. He gathered around him the greatest of all the world had to offer, and he served loyally to King Ian. But King Ians days were short.

**Pitboss Japan** · November 3, 2008, 10:24

Everything in Japan was running smoothly. The Takeda
had not attacked since their northern stronghold fell to
the combined forces of the Oldonians and Hanzo’s men.
And with Hanzo’s forces on the move towards Ansuji,
the only barbarians left behind were a few who were
kept in Oldonian territories to try and keep the
Oldonians from stabilizing. But knowing the Oldonians
could deal with a small force of barbarians them selves
Itoku did nothing.

To the northeast the archer group was getting closer to
the spot of the next city site. Unlike others before Itoku
was not afraid to resettle the main land. He saw the
potential of settling the main land and unlike before this
time Japan was able to build a force to protect its
holdings. He ordered troops be deployed to meet the
archer group and aid in the protection of the new city
site.

He then decided to take a trip around Japan. Since he
became Emperor he had never seen all of Japan and
wished see it for himself. So he along with his Spartan
guards traveled south to the Kai provinces. While he
was gone the Imperial court was left in charge. Seeing
as Japan was not at war and for the most part was not
being threatened by Takeda forces and all Japan was
doing was getting ready to expand out and making a
few deals for things Japan needed, so the job left to the
imperial court was a simple one as they waited for
Itoku’s return.

**Pitboss Portugal** · November 3, 2008, 12:00

Land HO

2 1/2 months into its voyage the Great Portuguese Armada sees land......

**Pitboss Portugal** · November 3, 2008, 13:02

2 days later....

In the name of King Marco and Queen Isabella I claim this land as Portuguese and Spanish domain. It will be known onward as New Portugal.

**Pitboss Portugal** · November 3, 2008, 15:54

Greetings mightily Ganesh, ruler of the mightiest empire.

It has come to my attention that you have signed open borders with the Russian Merchants in the south east.

What has changed since your last statement Ganesh?

it true that if all nation open border to a nation that has explored vast region geographically it benefit that nation hugely but NOT necesarily the nations that have not explored far.

The Russians haven’t explored much territory and yet you sign open borders with them. Have you notified the Russians of the greater benefits to your homeland that you would have. I hope that you are fair to them, as you have been to others.

We will be grateful if you can clarify your change of foreign policies.

Thank you.

Marco

**Pitboss Rome** · November 3, 2008, 16:01

Barbarians

A Roman messenger dripping with sweat encrusted with dust rushes into Meeting, with a message for the Persian governor:

Commander Cornelius of the 12th Legion has send me to bring to our friends the Persians dire tidings.

In accordance with our agreements, the 12th Legion has been accompanying settlers to the South East of Meeting. The settlers had started to build houses and set up fishing and storage facilities, and lay out their first forum. Cornelius sent out cohorts from the 12th on routine scouting and security patrols and soon teh scouts returned with dire news. On the southern tip of the peninsula, a dirty sprawling expanse of houses, workshops and barracks lie. A barbarian sewer, hardly worthy of the name city, and yet the number of fierce barbarians, each carrying a sturdy bow, had to be respected.

The scouts returned without being observed. But the settlers of the new Roman city of Tarentum know that it is only a matter of time before the Barbarians learn of the fledgeling city and pour down up on it.

The 12th legion has spung into action, preparing defences. A new spirit enthusing the men - the pasivism of the new Senate having become tiring for the undefeated Praetorians. And of course, the Praetorians know that Barbarian archers are no match for them in the open countryside. But what of the future? Tarentum cannot flourish with a barbarian city so close. Will the 12th be ordered to storm it? Might the Praetorians gain some now-rare war booty in the process?

Cornelius knowing that our settlers were forbidden from settling the Southern Tip by agreements struck between the Senate and the Piercian Emperor, thought that the Emperor should be informed of this immediately.

(Unfortunately, perhaps, the messenger then proceeded to drink heavily - he had run a long way - in a local Piercian hostalry, and soon his news was all over town!)

**Pitboss Rome** · November 3, 2008, 16:52

The Senate and People of Rome congratulate Great King Marco and his most Beautiful Queen, Isabella I, on their discovery of new lands.

We recognise New Portugal as part of the Great King's dominion.

May all nations take note of the gods' blessing of the trials of exploration with the bounty of new land.

**Pitboss Portugal** · November 3, 2008, 17:13

To: The Senate and People of Rome
From: King Marco

Thank you for recognizing our claims towards New Portugal. The whole of Portugal cheers your support. Romans are more than welcome to visit the new Portuguese province aboard the second wave of expedition ships.

Marco Ruler of all of Portugal

**Pitboss Vikings** · November 3, 2008, 18:14

To King Marco,

From King Ian.

Greetings my fellwo king. It is good to see you are still alive. It has been many centuries now that you have ruled over your kingdom and the gods continue to grace you with longevity.

We hear news of you finding some new lands, we congratulate you and hope this means that you nad your people will be blessed by the abundances you find.

Perhaps when you are into your second millenium of rule you will find off world places to settle.

Our prophets of old do foretell of peoples leaving this world for another.

**Pitboss Korea** · November 3, 2008, 18:26

Just Along the Taebong River...

General Shin Sung got word of the Piercian delegation days ago, he was a little dissapointed the Spartans had not warned him ahead of time. He didn't like being caught off guard; not many Generals do. It was late at night, but the Piercians had been bothering the farmers outside of Pusan and Emperor Sejong was worried for his sister and nephew (who lived there). So General Shin Sung was dispatched to the scene.

"General, we they have stopped, they await an envoy and we explained to them as best we could that you would arrive. Is this it though?" the soldier said, it was only the General who came.

"Unfortunately yes, minister Mosu is away" the General said, he could make out the silhouettes of his visitors in the distance "Okay, I'll approach them alone, in honor of Bae Hyeongyeong" Shin Sung said, reliving that moment in his head; when the great General alone appraoched the then-unknown Spartan army.

The Piercians were quite different than any of the other people the Koreans had known. They were tall like the Oldonians, and their features matched those of the Greeks although they had the darkened skin of the Maya, their armor was similar to Korean armor but it had much different decorations. The Piercian clenched his fist and placed it over his heart, he then raised it with is palm facing the Korean General "Hail Sejong!" he said, Shin Sung was impressed.

"So you know our Emperor's name I see?" he asked. "I am General Shin Sung of Goguryeo, Imperial Commander of Korea. The Emperor welcomes you to these humble lands, he is disappointed he could not come but we are currently engaged in multiple negotiations, and he is preparing for his wedding."

The Piercian looked at the Korean General for a few seconds before replying; "Thank you for having us, we have travelled far. The Greeks have told us much about you" he said, thinking about how small the Korean greeting party was, "But it seems they did tell you much about us, much less warn you of our arrival." This statement was meant to be sarcastic, however since it was true Shin Sung did not consider it that way.

"Well yes, we were not aware of your arrival, and I apologize for the status of our greeting party," the General said, bowing to the Piercian "But I did not catch your name."

"Au-R'On, Shas'O Au-R'On," the Piercian said bluntly.

"Very good Shas'O" Shin Sung said.

"No, Au-R'On, Shas'O is my status."

The General was thuroughly embarassed, you're no Bae Hyeongyeong, these people must think you a blitherind idiot!, he thought to himself, and he noticed a woman next to Au-R'On, looking right at him, as if she could hear him... almost, "Well I have been told to give you accomodations and the Imperial Palace in Pyongyang, from there we shall travel to Seoul where I hope you and your wife would do us the honor of attending the Emperor's wedding?"

The Piercian man smiled and shook his head "No, I don't think you understand, this is not my wife. I thank you for your invitation, but she is a.... priestess."

"My apologies" the General said, directed at Au-R'On "Our Emperor is a very wise man, and is very interested in things, well, other-worldly so to speak" again he felt the woman peering into his eyes, like she was reading his mind "So, you should like to see the Monastery in Seoul, it is his pride and joy. But let us go, I am sure you are tired and in want of food."

Au-R'On smiled, "The Greeks did say you have such excellent food..."

Along the Oldonian Border...

The Koreans slowly krept through the dense jungles in the south of Oldonia. "General..." Bak Moon whispered as General Jumong quietly krept up to him, "Look... I see some men building something..."

The General looked through the leaves and sure enough there was a large group of Oldonian men building what looked like a pen "...why are they working so late at night?" the General whispered.

"Not sure sir" Bak Moon replied "Should we approach them?"

"For what?" the General said "They're just farmers, according to these maps a city called Gateway should be further ahead, this place is a sh*t-hole!"

"Well I'm not sure they are expecting us General," Bak Moon said.

"Alright, we'll camp out here, steal their pigs when they leave, roast them up, and then in the morning we will approach these Oldonians..."

EDIT: Can people please edit their damn images so they aren't huge all the time!?!? It makes the posts look strange.

Announcement

Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] . PART 4 (November)

Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] . PART 4 (November)

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