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

[Pitboss Rome]

King Henry,

The Senate of Rome sends greetings.

We thank you for your continued work of mediation.

We are saddened by the Piercian response. Not because of any response to anything from us, but because they have simple rejected your own proposal.

In your previous statement on the matter you said

Portugal's opinion is that Rome will have to return New M to the Russ. Still Russ's past atrocities can not be ignored, they have to make payment for the razing of Old M and return that land which was Old M.

We, Rome, accepted your ruling. The Piercians have rejected it.

We will, as you request, look for further compromises and solutions, but we feel saddened that while we accept and work with your suggestions, the Piercians do not.

We also have to say that the continued threats of war from Piercia are timesome. You do our generals a diservice by saying that they need to calm down. Ours our calm. We are not threatening war. There is only one party here who is constantly breathing threats and talking of ultimatua.

The Senate will convene tomorrow and try to come up with more solutions. We hope that the Piercian emperor will also prove his desire for peace by proposing some compromise.

Tribune Hieronymus.

[Pitboss Persia]

To : King Henry of Portugal, Tribune Hieronymus and the Senate of Rome

I hail you, neighbours,


I am sorry if there has been a missunderstanding, but while I gladly accepted mediation from Portugal, I never accepted ruling from Portugal.

I am still waiting for Rome to suggest any possible solution involving the return of Pitrograd to Russia and nothing taken from Russia. It saddens me that Rome, as the greatest power on this continent insists on stealing the land of the Russians, especially now that they can't attack Rome anymore without betraying me, which would lead to disastrous consequences for them.

I am not participating in the embargo on Rome that Sparta has called for. Isn't that enough to show my good will ?

But I am still a man of my word : if no solution can be found within 5 periods, swords shall speak where words have no effect.


Emperor Aun'O Asiz Asizia of the Piercian Empire

[Pitboss Maya]

Pacal Voltan Takes Power

Word quickly spread throughout Maya that Pacal the Second's son, Voltan, had returned from Korea.

The people rejoiced, as did many of the chiefs. The reception was so overwhelmingly positive that those chiefs who didn't like the idea of giving up power didn't dare challenge him. For many it was as if the true god of Taoism had answered their prayers.

Voltan's disgust with Palenque was repeated with every Mayan city he visited. Tikal and Xcaret being the only exceptions. The chiefs there enacted martial law and pushed trade. These actions saved the cities for the most part, although the decay that had gripped most of Maya was showing signs of infecting these civil strongholds as well.

Voltan took quick and decisive action. He put a temporary ban on mushrooms and alcohol, as well as prostitution. He also had his army forcefully remove several chiefs from power as it was clear that corruption and excess was more prevalent in some cities than others. Gold was to be filtered to Tikal then redistributed. Much of this money went toward restoring the empire to it's former grandness. The renovation provided meaningful and well paying jobs, which in turn helped to revive the economy. Those who didn't work in the cities were sent to clear jungle for new cites.

The turnaround was quick and drastic, no doubt fueled by the Mayan people's new found hope in their new leader. Within 6 months Maya for the most part was back on track.

The Maya Sophia was restored to it's former greatness, and a new generation of priests were appointed. Their power was kept on a tight leash however, as Voltan knew only too well the fate of his father. Taoism had been given a facelift, and much of the past dogma was done away with. Voltan hoped this would make the religion more appealing to other nations, as well as limit the power of the religious leaders.

The ease at which Voltan addressed internal affairs was offset however by looming foreign affairs. War was about to erupt between Piercia and Rome. And word reached Voltan that the Mayans were at war with Portugal. Apparently Mel Gibson had ordered the Mayan navy to attack Portuguese ships on sight, and the first battle had taken place on New Portugal's coast with the Mayans being the victor.

It was apparent that Voltan had his work cut out for him.

[Pitboss Russia]

Letter to Portugal


We hear that you are currently negotiation with our master, the Emperor of Piercia and our transgressor. We would request that you hear our voice in this matter as well. Please allow us to make clear the situation as seen by our people.

2000 years ago, our people reached an agreement with Rome. That the Rus would settle on the eastern banks of the river VolgoRen.
1500 years ago, the Romans settled on the western bank in direct violation of the aforementioned treaty.
My ancestor, Pitr the Ancient was compelled to act and destroyed the transgressing outpost. Chariots were sent to show Rome we would fight with what little we had. Rome's Praetorians would have crushed those chariots, but instead, Rome acknowledged their transgression and peace was signed. Furthermore, trade was established, and peace was established.
For a thousand years this was the basis for our relationship with the Romans. Peace and trade. Not once at the signing of peace did Rome protest the terms. The matter was settled.

And now. These 1000 years later, Rome desires the little wealth Russia has. And they take it. Look at their reasons for war. They are nothing more than a collection of exaggerated petty disagreements blown far out of proportion. Rome speaks of our betrayal to the one true god, yet we have never officially embraced Judaism, nor have we officially denied it. We have welcomed it and many of our people are Jewish and are thriving in our cities.
The Romans cite an agreement of trade not fulfilled, but Russia has long been a trader by nature, we always uphold our agreements, but Russia is not mighty as Rome, things take time. We told Rome this. We also told them that we would return their settlers if they would not be willing to wait. Yet they cited this as a reason for war.
We asked them of our intention to settle on your peninsula, and they offered their support, and yet they cited this as well in their declaration of war. They told us to set foot on that land and then they declare war on us for doing so.

The city of Mediolanum, placed where it was in violation of treaty, was a poor location, for the land in that area is poor. It is nothing but plained hills, with little food, it does have resources however that we find valuable for we are not a wealthy nation. But Pitrograd on the other hand was a city on a rich grassy river delta with many towns and villages. Rome lost in effect little when we corrected their initial transgression. We lost the second richest city in our lands. It was our centre of finance. It was also a place of culture and learning. All this Rome saw and desired. Note that Rome did not make any demands aforehand. They did not request reparations, they did not request our city near the location of Mediolanum, they did nothing except intentionally send troops directly to Pitrograd and conquer it. They did not seek revenge for old transgressions, they did not seek to repatriate the land they lost, they instead went directly to seize the wealth of our nation. This was their intention from the beginning. Pure and clear aggression directed towards taking what was not theirs. Surely, none can condone such actions.

Let it be perfectly clear to all. Our people are neither wealthy nor strong. But we are unrelentent to have justice. And justice is clear and obvious. To have what Rome said was ours, then stole, returned to us. Furthermore, we want war reparations. We fought and perished with great suffering. For we will not let any aggressor take what is ours, and we will pay any price to retake it. If the Emperor had not ordered a cease fire we would still be fighting. And as we have shown, Rome would have used Carracks you sold them to attack our coastal cities and as they have announced, burn them. We would have suffered this and more, but we would not have relented. Nor will we now.

We ask that you, who have acted generous and noble, that you do not support them in their acts of baseless conquest and atrocious threats. And that instead you take the position of honor, justice and reparations. Reparations to a nation that has suffered the cruelty of the mighty unhindered.

Vladimir Rus.

[OzzyKP]

Originally posted by Pitboss Celts


We kindly ask that you reconsider. I would rather not take it by force, but the Celtic people are tired of obtaining passports to travel to the coast.

This land was promised to the Metalheads according to our ancient land agreement. Are the Celts liars and thieves? Do they threaten to violate an agreement that the Metalheads have honored for centuries and declare war in the process?

Any aggression would be met with severe consequences.

[Pitboss Rome]

Nations of the World,

It is wise for all to be aware of the true nature of the Piercian regieme which seems to be coming to light.

1. We had a swore non-aggression and mutal defence pack with them - which they now betray and threaten war, over the Russian affair, yet when consulted about it they said 'we have no concern for the Russians, do to them as you wish'.

2. They said that they glady accepted Portuguese mediation, and pressed that all engage in it. Now when that mediation is following a middle course, not simply backing them, they reject our mediator's counsel.

Rome can look after itself. But other nations beware of making treaties with Piercia - they will betray you if it suits them , and listen only when people say what they want them to hear.

The Senate of Rome

[Pitboss Greece]

Senate of Rome,

My father is old and not capable to lead this nation anymore. There fore I answer your laughable public letter.

My name is Archelaus, son of Perdiccas II, heir to the throne of Sparta in the line of Alexander and Perdiccas.
Soon my father will die and I will be the new king of Sparta. You have to deal with me. Don't expect me to chance the line against Rome that was started by my uncle and proceeded by my father.

First of all, your letter is laughable.
Is Rome really complaining about a warmongering untrustable Piercia?
Do you really expect any nation on earth to feel some pitty for you? Don't be a fool, Senate of Rome!

We have never been fooled by Piercia, and we do trust them. Compared to Rome Piercia is behaving like a troop of angels.

Thanks for the good laugh though!

Archelaus
Prince of Sparta

[Pitboss Rome]

King Henry of Portugal, Mediator

We have seen text of the Russian letter recently sent to you.

We do not feel it is our part to go through it in detail pointing out the contraditions. We do however want to make two points:

1. Regarding Old Mediolaneum. Note what they say. Even now they admit that the treaty gave them the east of the Ren and us the west, and that Old Mediolaneum was on the west - that is in land the treaty gave to us - and yet they attacked it unprovoked and unannounced. In the end the Russian comment at the outbreak of this affair is the most revealing. At that point they said they were 'guilty as charged' - all nations heard it.

2. They assert that Old Mediolaneum was a poor site, compared to the proclaimed wealth of New Mediolaneum. As you know, we have accepted a compromise that we give them back New Mediolaneum in exchange for Old Mediolaneum - the site they proclaim as so poor. Their Pierican masters, however, seem to believe that Old Mediolaneum is more valuable than New. It is hard to negotiate with two parties when they contradict each other .

Out of respect for you we will respond soon to your question of what we would accept to drop our right to Old Mediolaneum, though sadly we notice that the Piercians seem to have declared already that they will not answer your question of what are they prepared to offer the Romans for peace if they drop Old M.

Tribune Hieronymus.

[Pitboss Greece]

While Perdiccas was dying the scribes of Sparta gathered in his palace.

"The brother of Alcetas will not be with us much longer. I must say that I never expected Aeropus to be dissapeared for that long. Perdiccas was only supposed to rule till he returned. But now Perdiccas is about the be united with Alcetas and Aeropus did still not return." the chief scribe said.

Archelaus entered the room. "Your worries are over, mr scribe." he laughed. "I will be king." he concluded.

The scribes all started to protest.
"No! You are not the true heir of Sparta! Aeropus must be our king!" the old scribe countered.

"Where is Aeropus?" Archelaus taunted.
"He will return" the beared scribe said while not being able to hide his doubts.

"He will be back! Of course he will be back!" Archelaus laughed. "Why don't you all just leave the palace and go looking for his return. In the meantime I will be king!"

"Your father is the king of Sparta, you talk about him like he's dead already!" the chief scribe whispered.

"He'll be dead soon, don't worry about that old man" Archelaus said. "But I'll make it ok with you people, I will send someone to the Mayan to hunt... uh search for Aeropus! He will find him and bring him back in the most honourable way!" he continued.

"being carried on his shield" he whispered. Nobody heard him and all agreed.

[Pitboss Greece]

"Where is Philippus?" the chief scribe asked to the bearded scribe.

Philippus was the youngest brother of Alcetas, 3rd and last son of Alexander.

"Philippus should rule when Perdiccas has died. Not Archelaus!" he continued. "Go and find him. Secure him here in the palace! I have a bad feeling about this."

A few hours later the bearded scribe and Philippus entered the palace, being guarded by a unit of macemen.
"Where is my brother?" Philippus asked.

Suddenly there was an uproar just outside the palace. A group of crossbowmen attacked the guards from several distances. Most guards died within a few minutes.
The crossbowmen jumped from the roofs of the houses they were hiding on and entered the palace. Philippus was murdered just in front of his brother, Perdiccas.

"NOooooo!" Perdiccas cried

"Go find Aeropus before Archelaus finds him!" the chief scribe ordered the bearded scribe immediately. The bearded scribe immediately left the palace.

[Pitboss Portugal]

To the World:

Just hours ago a fleet of Maya ships have destroyed a Portuguese transporter ship caring 2 Portuguese settling parties!

We ask you fair nations of the world to condemn this aggressive actions and demand immediate reparations be made by Maya.

They have:

*Broken their word supplying us with Ivory
*Gave us empty lies about promising us a technology
*Spoke ill of our civilization
*Declared war by sinking a ship with innocent Portuguese on board.

Portugal waits to see the world’s reaction.

Henry

[Pitboss Portugal]

To Portugal's Friends:

We ask that you do not intervene militarily in this latest conflict!

Portugal is a diplomatic state and we will deal with this with words.

Even while Maya burn and sinks our transporter ships.

Henry

[Pitboss Greece]

The chief scribe read the Portuguese communique and shaked his head.
"New troubles in the world and we are once again without a King, or at least a King who's able leave his bed to deal with matters of his Kingdom"

He answered to Portugal: "Great King Henry, we grief with you over the loss of your settling parties! Sparta condemns this horrific action. My thoughts are with you.

Chief Scribe of Sparta"

To the Maya he wrote:

"King Pacal Voltan,

Sparta condemns Mayas destruction of two Portuguese settling parties.
We consider both Portugal and the Maya to be our friends. Please don't make us chose between one of your great nations.

I call upon you to pay Portugal for their losses and stop these barbarian activities.

Chief scribe of Sparta"

[Pitboss Portugal]

To Sparta:

Thank you for the support! We hope that the international community can take a firm stance against the Maya. Such a horrific act against nonmilitary targets just shows the real Maya and what they are capable of.

I hope that the nations close to them realize what they are really dealing with here.

Henry of Portugal

[Pitboss Greece]

Update about the current Spartan situation:

- King Alcetas II died

- Prince Aeropus, heir to the throne was on a mission to the Mayans

- Perdiccas II, the brother of Alcetas II became King of Sparta till Aeropus returned.

- Perdiccas II, and old man, soon became ill and is dying

- Aeropus is still lost, no sign from him

- Perdiccas' son Archelaus wants to become the new King when Perdiccas dies

- Perdiccas' (and Alcetas') brother Philipus was murdered before he could become king.

- The chief Scribe is once again ruling Sparta now it is without a healthy king

- Both the bearded scribe and Archelaus are searching for Aeropus in the Mayan lands. The scribes fear that Archelaus may be after the dead of Aeropus.

- Aeropus is the son of Perdiccas and one of his slaves. He is not being recognized as a true heir of Alexander, the father of Alcetas, Perdiccas and Philipus.

- Sparta is at war with the Romans, there's much distance between both nations, there haven't been any real confrontations between both nations though.