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

[Pitboss Vikings]

He was so old he deserved to die.....

Only outlived by Marcos and Isabella.....

[Pitboss Greece]

[ooc] Khmer: I knew that Ganesh had passed away, but the Khmer have never sent any message about this to Sparta! That's why I ignored it. We lived thousands of miles away from each other, how could Sparta know?

I suspect that people react on the dead of Alcetas because I have sent messages to a number of nations, which I called by name! (which caused the Oldonians to protest because I had forgotten them!)

And of course because Alcetas was respected among friends and foes because his excellent diplomatic skills

Before I wrote the msg to you above I even double checked if you did really never contact us about the dead of Ganesh, and you didn't.

I just stayed in character: Sparta simply didn't know [/ooc]

[Pitboss Japan]

Maybe you should have made it bigger deal out of it. Cuz I had no idea ur king was dead.

[Pitboss Vikings]

[ooc] for us we hardly know you , having only just met, no formal ties set up yet. so in game role play whilst passinf of kings is sad, it is not as deeply affecting us as the spartans.

to show you how it works, we certaonly were not offeded when no one passed on condolences when my king was murdered by the Islamics..

[Pitboss Korea]

Just outside the Aztec stronghold, Korean encampment...

General Shin Sung (along with the Emperor's nephew Pacal Voltan) were ready to take on the Aztec forces who had created a defensive bulwark on the Alemanni hills just north of Pyong'yang. There were small skirmishes the week leading up to the invasion of the city, and the Koreans had new seige weapons they utilized against the heaviest Aztec defense they had encountered so far. Despite the inital volley of the Hwa'cha, the Aztec forces fought hard. Their hill-top stronghold of Alemanni was their best fortified encampment, and easily their strongest garrisoned. The army under General Shin Sung was not prepared for the invasion, and came with one garrison of Hwa'chas (whose range was not as effective firing upwards at a hill), two garrisons of war chariots (of course, ineffective on hills), and finally two battalions of footmen (swords and axes). The General mistakenly believed this would be enough to take down the Aztec fortress.

First, General Shin Sung was impatient to test out his Hwa'chas. So he quickly called for their to rain rockets upon the camp. The Hwa'chas were quite effective, but against bowmen who were set up behind walls, and upon a hilltop no less, the Hwa'chas weren't at their full level of effectiveness. The sights and sounds of the firing rockets did cause great disruption amongst the Aztec bowmen, who hid for dear life. They had never encountered such a weapon in their lives. Confident that this was sufficient General Shin Sung ordered forth his swordsmen, who were trained for such an attack. However going uphill, again, was dangerous especially agianst archers who fired their missiles upon the Korean troops as they hurried up the hillside. General Shin Sung had underestimated his enemy, and attempted to overwhelm, rather than out-wit, the Aztec forces. While this initial charge of swordsmen was unable to win the battle outright, they managed to collapse the pathetic walls estabilshed by the Aztecs, and Shin Sung decided to charge his chariots. His theory was that they could quickly strike and retreat, allowing him to rush in his axemen.

Finally some success, his chariots were able to put a serious dent (one garrison of archers) in the Aztec defenses before their retreat. he quickly called upon the Axemen to attack the city. They ran in like a nightmare; fully prepared to avenge their fallen brethren and destroy any Aztec life they came accross. In short order the axemen destroyed an entire unit of Archers, only leaving one last battalion left. Shin Sung quickly called upon his last charioteers to charge the Aztec positions, but their men had regrouped deeper into the city, and rained arrows upon the chariots, in their hasty retreat they were picked off one by one, the General realized the day was lost until...



"The Piercians!" a young lieutenant cried as mounted Piercian immortals galloped past the Korean lines.

"It looked like you needed some help General!" Shas'O Au-R'On of Piercia yelled over the din created by the army.

"You're late Piercian!" the General said as the Piercian mounted soldiers charged forward, "alright, this isn't going to be their fight alone!" Shin Sung said, raising his sword into the air "ATTACK!!!!"

The Piercians led the charge into Alemanni, Aztec and Korean bodies littered the city square as Aztec forces ran up to contend with the Piercian mounted immortals, but they were no match and ill-equipped for this type of combat. In fact the only use Korea ever made of horses against them were chariots, which were large and clumsy, unlike the swift Piercian mounted forces. The last remnants of the Aztec armies were extinguished. The city was captured. Many years ago General Han Gong had razed an Aztec villiage just a couple of miles north from this very point. General Shin Sung knew the lessons of this mistake.

"Well General" Shas'O Au-R'On began, placing his hand upon his counterpart's shoulder "Shall we torch this city?"

The General looked around, "Well this is technically Mayan territory" he said, "But if they can't handle their own land, I guess we'll have to. We will not raze this city, we must establish defenses in case the Aztecs return, and we are forever in your debt Shas'O!" the Korean said, as he placed his fist into his hand and bowed to him, a gesture reserved for an underling to his master. General Shin Sung had certainly respected Au-R'On, if not for his cavalry charge he would return to his Emperor in shame.


Jogyesa Monastery, Seoul...

"I have to say Lama Subo, your words disappoint me, compared with the great oratory you gave at the wedding ceremony, now you speak nonsense." Sal'Ly said to Subo bluntly, she never realized that this Buddhist faith could be so much of a let-down. Especially following the great words Subo spoke at the marriage of Sejong and Soheon.

"Well I am sorry you feel that way, my darling, someone of your, advanced experience should have gained much more patience over the years Sal'Ly" Subo said, "Oh, and your tea must be ready." the old Lama said, grabbing her tea, "nice and warm."

"Thank you," Sal'Ly said, taking the tea from him, she sipped it and it was good.

"Well, I see you are here for more concrete definitions, I shall fetch you writings for you to take home to Piercia, speak with Ji, he is a very entertaining man." Subo said as he left the room.

Sal'Ly looked at Ji and smiled; Ji looked much older than Subo (he was) and his mind seemed to wander as he stared at the ceiling, "You know Sal'Ly, I was once like you, well, I once thought of Subo like you must now."

"Is that right?" she said, "And what do I think of Subo?"


"Well, you are under the impression that he thinks he is smarter than he really is. But he does not think that, you see he tries your patience Sal'Ly." Ji said, he pulled out a vase and drank of it, it was filled with wine, "Ahh, I try not to drink in front of him, but he knows I do it anyway. You see Sal'Ly, impatience is not a skill. Some think being swift, some think being resolute are skills, and they are not. You are in search of something, and you can tell this because you emerse yourself in the shelter of impatience. As Subo said, just as all the dangers to a fish exist in water, and yet the fish shelters itself in the water."

"You search in ernest for the answers, but you do not realize that it is the question you seek. There are many paths, there are many 'ways' to get to what you truly want. But the question is Sal'Ly; what do you truly want?" Ji said, again sipping from his wine.

Sal'Ly sat there stunned, this old man was reading her like a book. "But I know where what I seek lies, I know where I must go."

"Do you Sal'Ly?" Ji Gong said, "You think you know, and as I've said before, it is greed that caused your impatience, you have been thrust unto a quest, and you beileve there is a path there, there is no single path Sal'Ly there are many paths, and some of then intermingle, and some of them fork. Some of them head in the opposite direction. You travelled to Korea not because this is the ONLY path, you travelled to Korea because this is where your last path took you, you did not know of me or Subo. Or of our hot tea. But you came upon it, and you found the tea hot, and in your mind it was TOO hot, so you tried to prevent it from being hot, and it burned your leg."

"Why do you keep talking about this tea?!" Sal'Ly asked.

"It is not the tea we are talking about, it is you." Ji said, "You search for an answer to your quest, but you have the wrong question Sal'Ly. You do not realize your true potential, your inner-potential, your path may be longer than you want it to be. But there is anger in your heart, your quest is one of revenge, of hatred. One who is thus caught up, whose mind is thus infected, in the coarse, unskillful conditions born of greed, hatred and delusion, experiences suffering, stress, agitation and anxiety in this present time. At death, at the breaking up of the body, he can expect a woeful bourn, just like a tree which is completely entwined with a banyan creeper comes to ruin, to destruction, to decline, to dissolution."

Subo returned to the room, holding a map, "Now Sal'Ly, do you understand what we say to you?"

Sal'Ly looked up at Subo, these men spoke strangely, but there was a point to their comments. Through all of her travels, all that she has seen, she was better for it. She was truly prepared to do what she knew she had to do, it was the journey that prepared her for her destiny. Had she not gone upon it, had she never had a reason to do so, she would not be prepared to claim her rightful place.

"When I found Ji Gong Sal'Ly" Subo began, "he was a lowly fisherman, a worthless fisherman some would say, in fact I've never seen the man with a fish in my life. But he came to Jogye, to the mountains with Jinul. And he would always ask, 'what are we doing here?' and 'why are we doing this?' and he travelled the lands of Korea. He begged, he was arrested, imprisoned, pelted with stones by villiagers but all the while he asked not why. There are many paths to enlightenment, and yours has been this Earth." Subo said placing the map on the floor.

Sal'Ly looked at the great continent, and it occured to her how far she had come, how large the Empires of Oldonia and of Greece were, the great deserts she crossed in between, how far accross the sea Piercia was, and then she saw the other lands. Far flung places she had never been to. Or had she? She began to remember... it had truly been thousands of years...

"Now Sal'Ly, your hero will come back to you with our General tomorrow night, the Shas'O. You must return to Piercia with him, but always remember not to make haste. For haste is greed, and greed itself is unskillful; whatever kamma is created on account of greed, through action, speech or thought, is also unskillful. One in the power of greed, sunk in greed, whose mind is distorted by greed, causes trouble for others by striking them, imprisoning them, crushing them, decrying them, and banishing them, thinking, 'I am powerful, I am mighty.' That is also unskillful. These many kinds of coarse, unskillful conditions, arising from greed, having greed as their cause, having greed as their source, having greed as condition, persecute the evil doer. If you do not practice greed, you shall not worry for any of these things," Subo said, "Okay?"

Sal'Ly smiled "You are a strange man Subo." she said.

"And oh yes, I made you some hot tea," he said, holding up a pot of tea, "for your journey, but you'll have to heat it up yourself..."

[Pitboss Russia]

Announcement from Rus.


The war does not bode well. Rome is marching upon our cities. Pitrograd will fall at the turn of the year. Then Kiev. Omsk has no defences. Yet the people of the Rus have realized their fate. To die. But to die fighting. Let it be known to Rome, that Rus will not accept any humiliation. We will fight until all our lands are returned to us. Or the last of our people lies dead. Rus can never win this war, but we will make it so costly, that Rome will regret the day they set foot in Ruskaya Zemlya.

We welcome the aid of Oldonia and Sparta AND JAPAN (sorry). We hope other nations would join, and help stop this war, for it has been brought upon a defenceless people. I wonder at when Rome is finished taking our border cities, where would they turn next? Let not the wolf eat one sheep, lest he return for more, our shepherds say. And so the lone shepherd will weaponless challenge the wolf, and pray that before he is devoured, help will arrive.

Our grim people see not this hope. Yet we shall fight nonetheless.


Mikhail P. Rus

[Pitboss Japan]

You only welcome the aid of Oldnia and Sparta? Don't you think you were missing someone?

[Pitboss Khmer]

ganesh he smile on world.

he pear through cloud and see all manner of thing. it so strange of all communication that even world release is ignore. but he happy.

---

but he get secret message from a smaller civilisation and ganesh feel he must attempt world announce.

IMPORTANT: it this. please no big nation build sankore university. khmer were build it in only a few period but he see that Suryavarman 1 has stop its quick build. the reason is that a smaller nation really desire it build.

so please if all big nation take notice. khmer sacrifice it but will get angered if not a small nation build.

remember Suryavarman 1 prey to ganesh and shiva.

[Pitboss Khmer]

Originally posted by Pitboss Greece
[ooc] Khmer: I knew that Ganesh had passed away, but the Khmer have never sent any message about this to Sparta![/ooc]

OOC I think that's a bit ridiculous. That is too much overhead if you are busy; besides world announcements or general posts should be sufficient. Not every communicatuon has to be literally in a memo format between players.

[Pitboss Korea]

ANNOUNCEMENT



These are the words of Sejong of Goguryeo, Warlord of Pyong'yang, Supreme King of Silla, and Emperor of Korea.

I implore the nations of Russia and of Rome to cease all hostilities until a proper mediation has occured.

Korea has convinced the Empires of Japan and Oldonia to call back their armies, Korea has convinced the Wyandots to remain neutral. This was done with great effort and difficulty, and relies upon the Russians and the Romans to sit at a table of peace. We can even host the meeting either in neutral Wyandot, or in neutral Korea. But a summit must occur and this war ends. If I am correct these are the issues;

1) Russia has admitted to settling illegally in land that was considered by Rome to be that of Portugal. It is our understanding that Portugal has decided to remain neutral, and in essence Rome brings war to Russia regarding a Portugese claim.

2) The Japanese have admitted that they simply declare war on Rome for the sake of doing so, we have convinced the Japanese Emperor Itoku to call of this attack.

3) We further understand that Russia owed Rome tribute (this term will be used loosely in this sense), and that Russia has admitted to this folly as well. While they should be corrected, we believe the simple fact that Russia admits this is cause to call off this war and bring this matter to the bargaining table.

4) It seems this matter originally came to pass when Portugal settled on the new continent (henceforth termed 'New Portugal'). These claims on New Portugal (whether real or imagined by foreign states) are used as a precedent, and cited by Japan and Oldonia as an admittance of Russian rights to settle the vacant territory which is located on, as the Portugese call it, "Portugal's Side" of the bay. This interference by the Japanese and Oldonians, while good natured in intent, has no doubt exacerbated this conflict and may have indirectly CAUSED Rome to attack Russia. This being the case, a war against Russia is unfair under these circumstances.

5) Russia, while admitting that they had failed to deliver the workers to Rome, says they will...

Announcement from Russia

To Rome
Forgive us for delaying the delivery of our workers, but know that they are on the way. Things in Russia merely take time as we are not as advanced as yourselves. But rest assured, traders that we are, we always uphold our bargains. It is a matter of honor. You, longstanding neighbour, gives us not benefit of doubt, but instead throw insults at us. This is greatly painful to us. However, as I have made clear so many times, Russia upholds its deals, and we will do so this time as well.

It was after this statement, which clearly shows the intention to make good on their promise, lineate that there was confusion over ancient agreements, as the Russians admit they did have a territorial agreement with Portugal....

[quote]
And now for other matter. There exists a situation of great confusion among our diplomatic corps. When we decided to settle on the frozen peninsula, we thought it prudent to ask what our neighbours would think of the matter. And the reply [rome] sent was very clear.

Regarding the peninsula. Thank you for this information which we will keep strickly confidential. You should be aware that we have good relations with the Portugese, and could not simply stand by if you attacked them, or undermined them. However, if what you propose is that you settle unclaimed land which simply because of its location the Portugese might have felt was 'theirs', that seems like a fair and straight-forward action to me.

Tribune Hieronymus

Now, obviously this confusion is exacerbated when you consider the actions of Portugal. Keeping in mind, there was no warning ever uttered by the Portugese, at least publicly...

Announcement from Russia.


To Portugal.
Dearest friends and neighbours. As I understand, we had no arrangement concerning land rights. Yet You throw insults at us for settling lands that you have shown no interest in taking. For centuries this land has lain dead and belonged to none but barbarians and frostbitten wolfs. Yet we in Russia have seen this land and found its rugged cold beauty to be of interest to us. But we did not wish to upset Portugal by settling there.

However, centuries passed, and Portugal still showed no interest in the lands. In fact, rather than settle this peninsula a few week's march from your borders, you have sailed countless leagues for other lands. And now we hear Portugal has several settlers on wait for ships to sail them to the new world. Allow me then to ask, as longstanding neighbours, if so many of your own people would rather travel halfways around the world to a place they do not know than settle close to their families, should not then another be allowed to make good use of it? We are not asking for an empire, or your richest lands, or even settlement in the new world. We are merely picking up crumbs that fall from your table. Would you deny us this?

It seems to me that Russia is simply confused as to the territory, and that, if the territory is as bad as Portugal claims they should either accept it back, or let Russia have it. But war in this sense is unnecessary, especially considering that Portugal already has announced they will not take action against Russia. And Russia has already announced it shall repay Rome what it is due.

6) I now provide this final missive from Russia, which shows not only that they were unaware (which is simply foolish on their part actually) of the prior agreements, but took Portugal's lack of settlement to mean disinterest, foolish? Certainly. Worthy of invasion? Certainly not. This is what Russia sent to Portugal before war was officially declared...

Announcement from Novgorod

To Portugal

Having rummaged through ancient texts and deliberations, it has appeared an old and dustridden document. It is in fact as you say, an agreement between my late father during his early reign, and your predecessors. However, this document is so ancient that it has passed from our memories ages ago. Partly I believe for the reason that its relevance has been void for generations. All the lands spoken of are settled. With the exception of that small peninsula. Which it seemed to us you had no interest in, which you have yourself confirmed.

As for insults, we have made none. We settled lands you had no desire for. I do not see the insult in this. We explained our actions in an honest manner. Surely this is not an insult. Yet Rome throws insults about, calling our people barbarians. Your statement seemed to support their words.

We desire no conflict, and have no ill will towards you. We discussed the matter with Rome, for they have great knowledge of your people, and we sought their advice. Their reply was clear to us. We did consider asking you, but we doubted you had any interest in the affairs of lesser nations, or the land in question. And so, some of our people sailed north and settled this land, believing that it could not be of any trouble to the greatness of Portugal.

Regardless of our failure to understand your motivations and desires, what has been done has been done, and we would much like to keep our new city. You ask that a compensation be given, but unfortunately, I fear there is nothing in all of Ruskaya Zemlaya that Portugal would find valuable. Name your fair price and we will consider it, but remember, we are not an opulent nation such as yourself.

Mikhail P. Rus.

Nations of the world, you will note that this does not sound like the words of someone who intended insults, however the words of a leader who has made grave mistakes. Failing to abide by an agreement, and further forgetting to pay his debts. But do his people deserve to perish for these acts? I should think not. How many nations on this planet have, at one time or another had a foolish King rule it? Plenty. Korea has.

I ask that Russia and Rome, as of now, agree to a three period (turn) cease fire, as shall Oldonia and Japan. And in the interim come to Seoul (PM me) and we'll figure out a proper solution to this matter. We can not allow a petty issue such as this to drag the entire continent into war, wiser thoughts must prevail in this situation as it is clearly fixable.

For these purposes I believe one period should be given as a grace period, where neither side should attack the other, to give them time to reply. At which point three turns of peace should ensue to give my ministers, who are now arriving in Piercia to draw up a series of proposals to end this conflict appropriately.

I ask that other nations of the world please second this plea, and join my in my efforts to come to a fair and peaceful solution.

- Sejong of Goguryeo, Emperor of Korea

[Pitboss Greece]

The doors of the palace opened.

A man entered the room.
All scribes were shocked! They bowed down.
The man walked towards the throne, then turned around and looked at the scribes.

"King... Alcetas...?" the Chief Scribe mumbled....
"Alcetas?" the man repeated....
"No... I am not my brother!" he smiled.
"My name is Perdiccas, I have been told there's an empty throne in this palace."

The Chief was shocked and ashamed. "I am so sorry, mylord!"
"Don't be worry, I know that I look a lot like my brother. And don't call me lord for I am not your lord!"

"yet...." said the chief.
"Sir, these are troublesome times, we have no time to lose. Will you accept the throne of Sparta and lead our people?"

"Yes, I will" Perdiccas said.

The bearded scribe came forwards, holding the crown of Sparta his hands. He gave it to the chief.
Perdiccas kneeled down in front of the chief, who placed the crown on his head, while saying: "Behold, the new king of Sparta! Perdiccas the 2nd, brother of Alcetas, son of Alexander! All accept his authority and let him lead you to our future"



Then Perdiccas raised from the ground, walked to the throne and took place.
All cheered and cried. "Hurray, there's a new King in Sparta!" they said. "Long live Sparta! Long live our King Perdiccas!" the cried!

Then Perdiccas walked to the doors of the palace, the doors were opened by the guards. The great square of Sparta was filled by thousands of people who all had heard the rumours of the new King entering the Palace

"People of Sparta, our new King: Perdiccas 2nd of Sparta" the Chief Scribe said.
The entire square started to cheer and to cry when Perdiccas walked forwards and bowed for the people.

The happiness spread through all of Sparta and the city states. A golden age started that inspired everyone to increase production and commerce. The dark years had passed. Sparta has a new King in the line of Alexander!

Letters were send to all friendly nations on earth by the scribes about the new King.
The Koreans and the Portuguese, the Japanese and the Oldonians, the Mayans and the Piercians, the Wyandots and the Russians and the Khmer.

Perdiccas vowed to address the Romans himself.
Since Perdiccas was raised as a Buddhist he declared Buddhism to be the state religion of Sparta. It should be spread to all cities of Sparta as soon as possible. The Koreans were asked to help spreading this religion.

Perdiccas also reformed the way Sparta was ruled.
He created a bureaucracy and invested a lot in a philosophical way of living. The special citizen who focussed on research doubled their activities because of this.

[Pitboss Greece]

Tribune Hieronymus of Rome,

I, Perdiccas II, King of Sparta, conclude that you are not ending your invasion of Russian Territory, despite the fact that Sparta has demanded you to do so.

It saddens me that one of my first actions during my reign has to be like this! I wish that we could bury the past and start a new future. But apparently the problem was not a problem because of my brother, but a problem of Rome indeed.

There for I cannot do anything but declare war upon you.

Sparta declares war upon Rome
This war can be ended only when:
- Rome stops all hostilities against Russia
- Removes it's armies from Russian Territory
- Repairs the damage it has done to Russia other then killing Russian soldiers in battle
- Returns both vouchers to Japan

Perdiccas II
King of Sparta

[Pitboss Greece]

To all nations on Earth;
To the Portuguese, the Oldonians, the Wyandots, the Koreans, the Mayans, the Khmer, the Japanese and the Piercians.

I, Perdiccas II, King of Sparta, ask you to close your borders with Rome till they end their war against Russia and have paid for the damages done to Russia.

The aggression of Rome must be contained. It's not the first time that Rome tries to expand it's territory at the expense of it's neighbours.

Sparta will stop trading with any nation that continues to trade with Rome and Sparta calls upon all nations to do even so.
We insist on enforcing a worldwide embargo on Rome and all nations that try to keep ties with Rome.

Either close your borders with Rome and end all resource and tech trades with them, or your borders with Sparta and all resource trades with Sparta will end. And also with those who are willing to help Sparta helping the Russians.

Perdiccas II
King of Sparta

[Pitboss Greece]

Aeropus looked at Mel Gibson, waiting for his answer.

[Pitboss Vikings]

borders are now closed