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

[Pitboss Russia]

Official announcement from Novgorod.


It seems we are under attack from the Roman Republic. They have, as a well developed nation given ample reason for doing so. We cannot contest that the words they speak are facts.

1. In the year 500 BC a group of Rus raiders attacked the Roman outpost of Mediolanum, due to a border dispute. The small stature of the settlement did not allow it to recover. This is true.
2. Rus chariots did enter Roman lands and did create havoc for a short period following the initial raid. Rome's might did not repel these raiders. Not a single battle occurred. The war ended in the year 215 BC.
3. Our borders have extended beyond the river VolgoRen. As settlements placed on the riverbank would naturally do. Following the mentioned conflict, we were granted to settle on the eastern banks, by Rome, and we have thrived there for over a thousand years.
4. We have welcomed a religion for traders, known as Islam, originating in Portugal. We have also welcomed the religion of Judaism which is practiced in several of our cities. And we have openly announced that any religion that wishes to establish itself in Ruskaya Zemlaya, may do so. I myself am a muslim, and thus, my state is muslim. I see no reason to not tolerate all faiths in my lands, for Allah loves all men, and all men seek the divine, but they do so in as many ways as there are people in the world. This I allow in my realm. We are saddened that Rome disagrees.
5. We have received a party of Settlers from Rome as per agreement, to which we would send to them a group of Rus Workers. The workers have not arrived in Roman lands yet, for we do not possess great infrastructure and the bulk of our Workers have been in the north and east parts of our lands, slowing travel. We sent missives to Rome explaining this. We have now returned the settler.
6. We have, broken a settlement treaty with Portugal that was signed 3000 years ago. It was a document that was outdated and forgotten by us. We have apologized for this to Portugal, who have yet to make a reply.



In sum, we are guilty as charged, the accusations all fit. We could strive, challenge and argue, we could apologize and cajole and beg. We could point out facts and show how words and events have been misportrayed or misinterpreted. We shall not do so. Suffice it to say that for 1200 years, Rome and Rus lived peacefully side by side trading. This has now ended. The reasons for Rome's attack are irrelevant, the consequences are what matter. And we will suffer those consequences.

Let it be known. The traders of Novgorod have no manner of defeating or repelling the armies of Rome. They have more soldiers, better trained, better equipped and more advanced. We have no way of even slowing them down. It seems Rome is bent upon inflicting punishment upon us, and stoically, we realize our fate. The cities on the river Volgoren are among our most valuable, yet their garrisons are symbolic. Roman armies have crossed the border on three fronts, our south near Kiev, our central lands near Omsk, and in the west, by Pitrograd.

All these cities will fall, likely without siege. We lament this fate, but can not stop it. Other nations of the world have offered aid, and we are greatful, yet we have little hope that the enemy can be stopped before they have destroyed us. And so we will meet our fate with the grim determination that we fight to die, not to win.


Mikhail Pitrovovich Rus
Master Merchant of Novgorod

[Pitboss Russia]

War in Ruskaya Zemlya



Oh, such disaster! Lamentation and despairink! Armies march against the Rus. And our people have not weapons. Yet, we will not die silent. We will not stop fightink. Every last Slav and Rus will give life to stop Roman Praetorian.

Beginning with Uncle Istvan. In deep forest of north Ruskaya Zemlya, live Uncle Istvan. Exiled from Novgorod, hounded from Smolensk, skulking in woods. But now, in war, his talent is needed. And he will fight. And will not die. Istvan has lived long. He is child of Baba Yaga.

Uncle Istvan, mad hermit is called by horn at edge of forest. He lifts his axe, dripping from those who ran slow. And begin his march. Old man runs haunched. In rich land of Rome, civilization flourish. In dark forest of Rus, there is none. Rome knows no fear, for there is no dark in their land. Istvan is comink. He carries axe. And darkness.

[Pitboss Persia]

At the dawn of... war ?

For many years Asiz had left the military, and now that the castes were organizing the Piercians, he was no longer one of them. Yet, he still knew the value of a well trained soldier who was given the right equipment for his duty. Since the beginning of his reign, may forgemasters of the Fio, thinkers and traders of the Por and messengers and spies of the Kor had been working on the blade of the Shas. Both of the Shas'El, O'Nar Wild Kho'Per and Rhy'Myr Mee'Ting, surnamed flame of the West and flame of the East, were now presenting the latest piercian military technology to the Emperor.

"Aun'O Asiz Asizia, my Emperor : In the tradition of Wild Kho'Per we have improved our ways of fighting the ennemy from the distance. Our own knowledge has been used in order to design two powerfull equipment sets for the women of the Shas."

"Tell me more about our ranged combat abilities, Shas'El."

"The historical fight in the jungles of Wild Kho'Per, before the Fio'Shi, opposing the archeresses and the barbarian warriors inspired many of the women of the Shas. The revered Si'Ham Wild Kho'Per has sent us the ways of the wyandot masters of marksmenship. Both of these influences allowed improvement of the equipment of our archeresses. They now call themselves "Longbowwomen", refering to the large bow they are wielding. Their range is unmatched and they are deadly accurate. The cities of the Piercian Empire will have nothing to fear as long as they are guarded by a division of those fighters."

"You spoke of two equipment sets, Shas'El."

"Yes Aun'O, the forgemasters of the Fio have come up with a new weapon. The so-called "Crossbow", refering to it's shape. The powerfull projectile it throws at the ennemy is not propelled by it's wielder's strengh, but by a mechanism allowing the wielder to focus on aim and eventual movement. This weapon has shown especially efficient when fighting an ennemy equipped for close combat. But you may think that this weapon would be wielded by the weakest among the women of the Shas. Not at all. They have been trained in melee combat with a smaller version of the axe in order to be efficient even if the ennemy manages to engage close combat."

"Very impressive, Shas'El. You can be proud of your sisters of the Shas. Please, O'Nar and Rhy'Myr, have some rest before we continue this. I have to think about recent foreign developments. It is good to know that our cities are well guarded."

OOC : To be continued in the next post...

[Pitboss Greece]

Aeropus finally arrived at Mel Gibson's palace.
It had been a long journey, he had been all by himself. A preparation on his future kingship.
There had been many thoughts in his mind. Many ideas about how to rule Sparta.

"Maybe it's time to heal our relation with the Romans." he thought. "We cannot continue to hate them for actions in the past. We are living today!"

For many weeks Aeropus had not seen anybody. He had walked through Korea but avoided to enter the cities and the villages.
"If the Prince of Sparta will be sighted in Korea, then the kind Koreans will certainly give us a warm welcome, but there is no time for such a welcome, I must go to the Mayans as soon as possible!"

Now he was there at the Palace of Mel Gibson.
Guards opened the doors and brought Aeropus to Mel Gibson.

Aeropus bowed for Mel Gibson.
"Hail Mel Gibson, Great Leader of the Mayans!" he said.
"My father, Alcetas II, King of Sparta, has sent me to you because of the recent tensions between the Maya and Portugal. He asked me if I can help you two great nations to solve your issues and find solutions."

Mel Gibson frowned and was about to say something.
But Aeropus continued: "I have much desire to go home as soon as possible. My father is getting old and I hope to return to Sparta as soon as possible. I fear that his days may be limited."

Mel Gibson looked grieved, he had a paper in his hands and apparently didn't know what to do with this paper.

"Great leader of the Maya, you know that Sparta holds you heigh! We respect you and consider you as our friend. We are saddened by the fact that your relations with the Portuguese are troublesome, for they are our friends as well.

We understand your worries, but we hope that you can let them go. Why not accept the fact that Portugal is settling far away lands? There's nothing you can do about it. In Sparta we say: "Don't worry about things you can't change anyway!"

We fear that Rome will one day strike again, certainly if the other nations are arguing with each other.
We are sure that Portugal will restrain itself and not grab more land then they need. Portugal is not that large! Sparta thinks that there is no problem if they expand into new lands. We hope that you will bury your problems with the Portuguese. That's why I have come to you."

Aeropus bowed once again for Mel Gibson and raised his head again, listening to Mel Gibson's answer.

[Pitboss Portugal]

An Official Statement

To the whole World.

Portugal has no part in this current war, we will stay neutral.

Some like the Maya, are trying to place as the agressors, but Portugal hasn't done anything to violate international law and its relation with foreign nations.

The Port/Rome powerhouse pledges war against Russ

Portugal has declared no war vs Russia, we have had our difference yes, but this are no reasons for us to go to war vs an old friend and neighber.

[Pitboss Portugal]

I second the notion that open boarders and trade deals should be canceled with not only Rome, but Portugal as well.

Portugal hasn't done anything to harm Russia or anyone else.

Maya Portugal has shared your secret documents with the Spartans showing your debts to us and sweet talk just some years ago.

Portugal still holds to that and your promise to repay us, after all you gave us an official documents giving your word.

As you yourself have allowed us to share it publicly if we wish, we will do that soonw when the time arrives for you to pay what you own us from the technology trade we had.

Let it be know that Portugal hasn't done or acted ill towards the Maya through all its history, it only has helped the Maya

Now without any base and sadly no arguments they are firing at us, I ask AGAIN great Maya to at least underline some reasons for your change of politics towards Portugal.

[Pitboss Rome]

The Senate of Rome to the Nations of the World

We recognise that our implementation of military measures on our Eastern border has caused concern and constanation among some of you.

We would be very happy to welcome ambassadors wishing to discuss this further; we have always been open to the judgment of the wider world - as in the sad row with the previous king of Greece many years ago. We have nothing to hide.

We would like to make four points:

1. Most importantly the Russians themselves have declared that they are

In sum, we are guilty as charged, the accusations all fit.

This is not a capricious war - our military measures have been taken because of six clear reasons, already made known to the world, which the Russians themselves accept as valid.

2. This is not an all-out war. Our aims are very limited and are in proportion to the agreed crimes. The Russians say

The reasons for Rome's attack are irrelevant, the consequences are what matter.

We disagree that the reason for attack are irrelevant - they are what make our action justified in law. However, with regard to consequences, they will be limited. This is no fight for the death of Russian. Russia will not die.

3. In case any wonder, or accuasations are thrown at us, we have broken no agreements in launching this action. The Rus have never been willing to sign any sort of non-aggression pact with us. We have many such non-aggression and mutual defence pacts and we will never break them.

4. The Rus are not as weak as they make out. You should see the armies of elephants (a cheer from our enemies I am sure).

[Pitboss Khmer]

And no one gives a crap about Ganesh kicking the bucket

[Pitboss Spain]

The Spainish people give their condolences to Khmer and it's peoples for the loss of Ganesh. We would have responded earlier, but the Empress has been recovering from giving birth.

[Pitboss Greece]

The Scribes gathered at the palace.
The Chief scribe started to talk:

"Fellow scribes of the Spartan empire, did anybody hear anything from our Prince?"

Nobody answered.
Then he continued: "It is not possible for Sparta to have no leader during these crises. We should look for a new King in the line of Alexander and Alcetas II and install him as our new king if we won't get hold of Aeropus soon."

Nobody objected.

"In the meanwhile we should rule Sparta and make the decisions that must be made!"

Nobody objected

"Does anybody know anyone who is eligible to besiege the throne of Sparta?"

*silence*

Then one of the younger scribes raised from his chair.
He said: "Perdiccas, the brother of Alcetas, son of Alexander, is still alive. He's a lot like his brother. He can rule Sparta till Aeropus has returned."

Many scribes started to whisper to each other. Most agreed.

"Then go, find Perdiccas and bring him to us. In the meanwhile we have to handle some foreign issues." The main scribe concluded.

The young scribe left the palace and went looking for Perdiccas.

"First we have this letter from the Khmer. Their king, Ganesh, died many years ago."

"Why did we not know?" someone asked.

"Because they never informed us. But we should send them a letter now, for we know now about this tragedy for the Khmer."

The following letter was sent to the Khmer:

To: Suryavarman of the Khmer
From: The Scribes of Sparta

Great new King of the Khmer, we wish to bring you our condolences about the passing away of your great King Ganesh.
We are very sorry for this delay! We were not aware of his passing.

Since Sparta has recently lost it's king as well, who was also loved among his people, we know how it feels to be something like an orphan.

We wish you strength and wisdom ruling the Khmer Empire!

The Scribes of Sparta

"Now concerning Japan. We have received excuses from Japan regarding their trade with the Romans."

"What did they got from Rome?" someone asked.

"It must be Machinery. They already got Civil Service from Portugal many years ago. Rome has recently finished their research on Machinery" one of their scientists said.

"We do know about Machinery already for many decades! Why did they not ask us?" another one said.

"What counts is that Japan has apologized to us." The main scribe said. "We should accept their excuses! Done deeds cannot be made undone." The Chief said.

Everybody agreed.

"So, what do we do?" someone in the back of the room asked. "Do we still hand them our settler?"

"It is our duty of honour to give them our settler!" The Chief said. "We'll see what we do with the land north of the land bridge. The new King can deal with that in the future" he continued.

"Lastly there's the issue with the Mayans and the Portuguese." The Chief said.

"I have read the correspondence given to us by Portugal. To me it's clear, we must urge the Mayans to live up to their promises." and old scribe said.

"Yes, but we cannot risk our relations with the Mayans. We must act carefully!" the chief said.

"Maybe we should leave this issue to Aeropus, he's going to the Mayans to deal with it!" a bald scribe said.

"Let's hope that he'll ever arrive....." the chief said.

[Pitboss Japan]

OOC: you have it mixed. I got machinary along time ago from portugal and civil service from Rome. and I had machinary much longer then anyone on our little corner.

[Pitboss Greece]

There is no OOC in mistakes, mistakes are made IG

[Pitboss Japan]

To: Rome

Conceder this to be your final warning Romans. Pull out of Russia or Japan will send its armies to Roman land and kill every man, woman, and child we come across. And do not make the mistake of considering this an empty threat either. Japan is not like Greece who has the ability but does nothing. We will not stand by as you attack someone weaker then yourself. You have 1 day to reply after that Japan will march to war.

Emperor Itoku

[Pitboss Rome]

The Second Russian-Roman War

In homes across Rome the same hushed conversation can be heard …

“Dad, I’m confused, we have been a peaceful nation for centuries, what is this second Russian-Roman war?”

“Son, the first Russian-Roman war was when unprovoked the Russian hordes in terrible chariots charged through the mountains and burned villages, farmsteads and even a whole city to the ground. It was an evil time in our history – we thought that they were our friends.”

“And that is why we are at war now, Dad?”

“Not really son. We have always remembered the fallen woman and children, but we thought that the Rus had changed. But they have been faithless in their treaties and even now invaded Portuguese land”

“but the Portuguese are our friends and neighbours”

“Exactly. We can’t just stand by”

“So we are going to do to them what they did to us?”

“NO! Never. We are not barbarians like them. The Senate has already made public that this is a limited operation. We have not even moved our armies from the South and West. Romans will never burn down cities, or rape and pillage. We will always have the Rus on our eastern borders, the one true god has ordained that. This is just a limited operation, to teach the Russians a lesson, and get what we and our friends are owed.”

“But Dad, the market place is full of rumours that the nations of the world are going to bring war to Rome; I’m frightened”

“Son. You are right, some nations like to make mischief, and ignore the rights and wrongs of this second Russian-Roman war. They are jealous and use any excuse to attack Rome. Will they come? Who knows son – if they do we will have to trust in the defence of the gods, our friends and our army. Right and honour is more important than calculations of success”

"why are they jealous, dad?"

"The see the size of the Roman empire and want our land."

"Are we the best then dad?"

"Sadly not my son. The empire is large, that is true, but many other nations have technologies that would make your eyes boggle. We are ... well we are OK son, just about ok."

“but we can smash the Rus?” says the little lad enthusiastically.

Shaking his head “War is never easy lad. Our legions are mighty, but Rus are a fierce people. Remember – the first Roman-Russian war was launched by them and won by them. But we will see lad, we will see.”

“what was that” the Dad asked hearing a murmur

“Elephants” the boy mutter again, louder.

“can’t keep anything from you can we lad” he laughs “yes apparently boatloads of huge elephants have been arriving from every direction. Don’t worry lad, the legions will be ok – they always are – soon a lesson will have been taught and the gates of Mars will be shut again”

Outside the chant of the older lads could still be heard “The second war, lets get revenge for the first” and screams of young women enacting the rape of Mediolaneum.

[Pitboss Japan]

I see it would be hard to ask why i didn't come to you seeing as i had that tech much longer then you did.