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

[Pitboss H Roman]

As the service drew to a close, Otto reflected not only on his reign, but that of his good friend Ganesh.

And that triggered another thought - the second Hastings Conference that had been proposed. Otto was all in favor, but he ould not help smile when he reflected back on the frist Hastings Conference, and that was not solely because he coud not remember how long ago it was. Otto arose wit his entouraage and headed or the temple's doors.

What he did remember was the report from the diplomat who accompanied the 5th HR Heavy Infantry to Hastings. Otto recalled that the diplomat, loath to leave the protection of the commander of the heavy infantry, found that the Metal ambassadors were entertaining, but did not bring much liquor, that the Khmer were informative, but did not bring much liquor, and that the Funglish were neither entertaining or informative, but they brought more than enough liquor. Of course, none of this was in the 'official' report, but Otto had his ways of getting the informal truth. What was also in the official report was that short of a single trade done with the Khmer, nothing was accomplished at the first conference.

Hopefully, the next would be more fruitful.

With that thought, Otto emerged from the Christian Temple of Metz to the welcoming applause of its citizens.

[Pitboss Khmer]

Originally posted by Pitboss H Roman
The silence in the church was refreshing after the somewhat grating chanting, thought Otto. It was also a fitting prelude to the next part of the cermony, one he had personally directed be included in te service. It was the "Prayer to, and remebrance of, Great Ganesh."

Otto's close ally, and the closest pesron he had to a good friend in this world outside of the Empire, had died earlier this year. On top of all the economic pressures, and the diplomatic disaster in the New Western Lands, it seriously depressed the usually-stalwart Otto. He thought it truly fitting that a State Ceremony be held in Ganesh's honor. On this day, in every city of the Empire, similar services of recognition were being held.

The priest began with a prayer, and Otto prayed deeply, thanking the Lord for Ganesh's presence on earth, and bidding him well in the next life. With a collective 'amen', the priest waded into into the remembrance sermon. Otto was more than familiar with the words; he had insisted on writing most of them. He took some comfort in knowing that people all across the Empire would be sharing this moment of remembrance for the mighty Khmer ruler.

The priest, named Father Theodore, as Otto recalled, was doing very nicely with the oratory. And knowing what words were coming next allowed the Emperor to focus more on the tone of his voice than the actual words. As his mind wondered, he reflected on the new Khmer leadership. Suryavarman was quite a departure from his predecessors. Yes, his international language was much better, that was true. And he seemed more involved in world affairs - or maybe it was just the troubled times we live in thought Otto - or with a chuckle to himself he thought, maybe I am just getting old. But one thing had not changed: the relationship between the two civilizations seemed as positive as ever. That was good.

And that reminded Otto about the University proposal - um - what was it called again... Sancrat, Sanka, no Sankore. That was it. The Khmer leadership had proposed to the world that a small nation should build it. Otto did not like to think of the Empire as 'small', but he was a realist, and he was genuinely intrigued by the possibility. He wanted to turn and whisper a reminder to his aide to follow-up on this immediately following the service, but he knew that his every movement would be observed in the church. He committed the University idea to memory, and then refocussed on the remembrance to Ganesh.

Dearest of Ottos,

Suryavarman 1 appreciates immensely the reverence of Otto and the HRE.

Ganesh is greatly missed but he and Shiva smile upon this world every day.

Khmer say "smaller" nations but mean no disrespect as they are great civilizations - all with qualities and rich cultures. Khmer loves cultural differences as it drives creativity and bonds nations. It also improves international communications

Suryavarman 1 is indeed much more involved in world affairs and anxious about the specific request by several nations for the Khmer to NOT build Sankore. I can assure you we are efinitely not building it despite the fact it can be built in only 5 remaining periods. Our fear is though that another top ranked nation will build it and if that happens Khmer relations with that country will be very cool.

Portugal raises a good point that Khmer has its share of Wonders and Suryavarman 1 agrees. However he implores Rome, Portugal, Greece and Percia to not buld Sankore but another great wondr - there are several classic wonders not yet built.

It's just that Sankore is PARTICULARLY requested by several smaller nations.

Note that the sec retive Inca are uilding new cities East of the Khmer and towards you and Metals.

Incidentally Christianity has still not spread to the Khmer - if you send it we'll spread it.

Great tidings dear friend,

Suryavarman 1

[Pitboss Russia]

Istvan the Mad, as we was called locally and would be called historically, surveyed the reports coming in from around his country. Having lived as a hermit for several decades the complexities of running the Rus nation was overwhelming. He was a simple man, preferring the use of his axe upon wood or bone. And now, having led the slaughter of the merchant class he had been appointed ruler of Novgorod and indirectly all of Ruskaya Zemlya.

He knew how to kill and that was all. He viewed the world through bloodstained brows. Could he rebuild his nation? Had he only been allowed to fight another month before the cease fire he would have led the recapture of Pitrograd. The Romans would have sent more legions and more people would have died, but there was no doubt in his or anyones mind that it would be a price worth paying. The Rus never gave up.

Rome would pay for what it did, that was the only certainty he knew now. The Piercians claimed good intentions, but they would not fight for the Rus as promised.

Slowly receding into the shadows Istvan eventually became bored with the peacetime running of the country and left for his forests to live a life of the hermit once again. He would return.


Meanwhile a group of young Rus built a coalition of power and cornered control over daily administration and affairs. Most prominent among them was Vladimir Ivanovich Rus. Realizing that the expanses of Ruskaya Zemlya lay in ruins he saw great hardships ahead. But Rus had a purpose now, the Mad Hermit had so viciously fought the Romans and on so many fronts had the Rus given their lives, that the Roman attack became a defining moment to all Rus. The Blood Conquest they called it for so many had died or given their lives to be able to fight. Nothing could get a Rus or Slav angrier than the mention of Rome. A deep hatred rooted itself in the very core of the people's hearts, one that would define the future of the eastern lands.

[Pitboss Russia]

Letter to the Emperor of Piercia


My Lord, the battle fervor has calmed in our lands, but not our desires for justice and vengeance. You promised us that you would aid us in fighting the Romans. This has not occurred. You then attempted to calm us by saying you would demand Rome return Pitrograd and pay reparations. This has not happened. You announced to us that you would fight Rome, if they did not do this. Nothing has happened. Russia has a new administration now and we are not as hotheaded as the Hermit General. But we are thirsting for retribution and reparations. You have said you sought peace for our sake, though we in no way asked for it. It was a grave misjudgment of the Russian spirit. We have taken this as an insult, that you did not believe our will strong enough to continue fighting. But we cannot now undo this. But we must have reparations. At this very moment, Rome is filling Pitrograd with soldiers. They have no intention of returning it, which you promised you would arrange for. My Emperor, remind us of why we should feel inclined to serve you when you have given us no reason to do so aside from your protection, which we never requested. We do not want excuses or words. Show us your colors in action or else we stand by our former rulers ravings.

If Pitrograd is not returned to us, and arrangements for massive reparations from Rome to be paid, within 2 years, we consider our relation to you null and void at the first moment we can make the necessary organizatorial efforts. If you wish to be our overlord you must earn that right. We await not your answer, but our city returned and preparations for reparations.


Vladimir Ivanovich Rus.

[Pitboss Spain]

Dear Diary

I am getting too old to run my country any more. It has been some time since you have heard forom me, but I have ben tired out after giving birth to twins many years ago. I have put in plans for my daughter Penelope to take over once she is old enough, which will be not much longer, so right now I have in place a select few men who have proven themselves loyal to me and this Empire. So now I am going to retire to Prabul and live the rest of my life with my loving husband, Marco and share our last remaining of our lives together. We shall die old and very fulfilled that have lead our two nations to the forefront of this world. I have had such an enjoyable time that I am sad to see my reign end.

[Pitboss Greece]

@Vikings: Yes, his city is empty now, you can take it from sea.
(Please clean your pm box, had to post it here before it's too late! Do it now!)

[Pitboss Rome]

"What the matter" Tribune Hieronymus asked his stressed looking private secretary.

"Its King Marco's palace official Mailbox Fullus. Every time we try to get a messenger to Marco, we just find a huge queue of other foreign envoys waiting (he is a popular man Marco, rightly for he is so wise) in a huge crowd with this Mailbox Fullus character refusing anyone entry. Says the king is tired and needs to rest."

"Marco is a great king, and a good friend of Rome. I am sure he will get a new official soon. Just keep trying."

[Pitboss Greece]

download your pm's using this button:

[Pitboss Rome]

i love those fake emails! I know its 15 turns before you get the tanks, but don't worry my cruise missles will sink the boats before they offload

[Pitboss Japan]

That post needs to be mover to org thread not story thread

[Pitboss Persia]

To: The Senate of Rome

Greetings, Senators,

My vassals report that you still haven't returned Pitrograd to them. Don't you try to fool me. Return Pitrograd within 8 periods (turns) or I will take it back by force.

Emperor Aun'O Asiz Asizia of the Piercian Empire

[Pitboss Rome]

Emperor Asiz,

Your words are very intemperate for someone who continues to call us friend, and who until just moments ago had a signed mutual defence pact with us.

We are still reeling from the apparent change in you from a swore friend whose comment on Russia was "do as you want with them, we don't care" to your current demeanour. It leaves us confused as to whether to trust what you say now, or what you said but moments ago.

We will respond fully to your message in the next few hours.

Tribune Hieronymus

[Pitboss Persia]

To: Tribune Hieronymus

Tribune,

the peace we have signed posed the return of Pitrograd to russian control as a condition. My obligations towards my vassal are very clear to me. I know I could just let them deal with you alone and reject their vassalage after their recent words, but I am a man of my word.

As I said, at the moment I told you that I had not ties to the Russian, this was in fact the case. The situation has changed Tribune, deal with it.

Emperor Aun'O Asiz Asizia of the Piercian Empire

[Pitboss Rome]

Emperor Asiz,

Proper response being prepared as I indicated. However, two points:

the peace we have signed posed the return of Pitrograd to russian control as a condition

Factually not the case. We received your notice asking for a cease-fire - from a sworn ally - before any communication at all. You were our ally so of course we accepted. When we accepted we had heard nothing of this 'condition'

The situation has changed Tribune, deal with it.

Is that the final word, for all time, for all the nations, on the trustworthiness of promises the Piercians make . 'Yes we were swore allies, but we have changed our mind and have decided to invade you. Deal with it"

Think of your good name, Emperor.

Now, let us get back to preparing the proper response which you asked for.

Tribune Hieronymus.

[Pitboss Persia]

Originally posted by Pitboss Rome
Emperor Asiz,

Proper response being prepared as I indicated. However, two points:



Factually not the case. We received your notice asking for a cease-fire - from a sworn ally - before any communication at all. You were our ally so of course we accepted. When we accepted we had heard nothing of this 'condition'

This is a quote from my public announcement of accepting russian vassalage :

The Spartans are asking for an embargo on Rome. Both have important deals with my Empire, and I would like to find a compromise. The city currently known as "New Mediolanum" is to be returned to Russian control. On this I agree with Sparta. What I suggest is that if the city is returned to russian control, I won't participate in any embargo against anyone in this crisis. I hope Rome can live up to it's peace-seeking words. If we can not put an end to this now, I will cancel all treaties with Rome until new terms, acceptable for me and in the interrest of my vassals can be found. Should this be the case, I kindly ask for another country to host new negociations.