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

[Pitboss Khmer]

Some leaders seem so frivolous about the evolution of civilization on this planet.

Some say let's play war.

And appeal to their Gods for control over fake wars, real wars or no wars.

Khmer are not pleased with this. Khmer wish to live in a real world where we are all truly unknown to each other and embark on a journey of discovering each other. Often this means trade, cooperation and friendship. Sometimes there may be misunderstanding and sometimes downright treachury based on greed and evil.

War will happen. Diplomacy will attempt changes in the course of conflicts.

But Khmer does not just do war for fun.

Our neighbours are not afraid of us and if we help them and receive security so be it. But we can't just attack them. Maybe if Metal land was stronger they would be in peril but we share religion. They founded Hindu. Shiva is a Hindu God and great poetry emanates from them.

Khmer has shared much jungle resources with all neighbours in one way or another. Celt and HRE are great friends with Khmer but America is distant and, my dear Otto, we are not sure how to help other than maintain a balance of power between all our northern neighbours.

Spain is far away but foolish strategies by them may bring them unstuck. They are a power but with much land separating us it would be folly to start any wars there.

The Inca are the most difficult and if their power rises without consulting neighbours on border agreements - particularly in the North with the HRE - the Khmer may take action. But we ourselves have enough land.

Maybe we could fabricate a war to fool the West and make them think we are having fun. But we are having fun buidling and building and growing and helping and sharing. Civilizations far far away n the galaxy may evolve exactly like this.

But if there is war it happens as an organic part of history - not Gods playing games.

Suryavarman 1 was exhausting himself with all this philosophising.

Now, to specific world affairs and Khmer policy:

* Khmer does not recognise unsettled land on Serenity Island.

* Khmer supports the HRE proposals for Serenity Island and will assist in achieving stated aims.

* Khmer calls on Maya to work with Portugal and Khmer in forming a New Portugal continental management body. We three nations are the obvious ones to manage its development - with Maya to the West and Khmer to the East; along with the discoverers. Suryavarman 1 has been in some discussion with Henry who visted us recently (and I must say we can see where Penelope is coming from!). Relations have thawed slightly betgween us and we offered protection of New Portugal in exchange for shared management (now offered to Maya); AND lessening of ties with Rome.

* Khmer will only ever superficially cooperate with the top powers of Rome and Portugal and NEVER in a strategic military sense other than to protect New Portugal so that smaller natons may settle there.

* Khmer will not protect Portugal in New Portugal - this is tantanount to allying - but will protect surrounding lands when the time comes. Khmer will provide some diplomatic support though and is a little surprised by the Maya attack. Is Maya interested in a dialog on these matters?

* Khmer do not wish to settle New Portugal unless perhaps one base on a rocky desert outcrop near our homelands - subject to the management committee if it is formed. Suryavarman 1 wishes to secure land for future development of our neighbours and other land-disadvantaged nations. It is for them if they desire it, not us.

* Portugal agreed to settle 6 cities maximum on New Portugal.

* Khmer is concerned and afraid of the Japanese...

* Khmer has discovered another landmass West of Greece. This discovery was made a long time ago but word has just returned from the Caravel cirmumnavigating it - just before it was sunk by Barbarians.

Suryavarman 1 is very tired.

He will think further on world affairs later.

[Pitboss America]

The Hovel Report

Roosevelt II is pleased to report that we have settled on terms with the Holy Roman Empire. They exchanged a worker for the loss of our settler and have paid tribute to our people with gifts of treasure and livestock. An agreement on a lease for the cities is forthcoming. We do not exactly trust the HRE but we are a peaceful nation, with war unlikely at this time.

We are still fighting off barbarians ... our archer sent north has discovered a barb galley trappped in an ice locked harbour. It launches swordsman every 50 years but we have encamped beside it to stop its trouble making. Another encampment must exist on our west coast but a new settler will enlighten those people soon.

To our south a merchant cavaran was sent and established trading with Kymer. Our treasury is full and the people joyous with rich silks and wines that we can now purchase.

Life is good for once for the Americans.

[Pitboss Greece]

Sparta is very impressed by the Khmer abilities to recover information from caravels that has been sunk thousands and thousands of miles away in unknown territories!

[Pitboss Portugal]

Khmer

TO Khmer:

Khmer calls on Maya to work with Portugal and Khmer in forming a New Portugal continental management body.

I apologies Khmer, but:

Maya's unjust acts of:

*Lied to us
*Stopped their promise of Ivory
*Cut their promise of Technlogy which they payed for Machinery
*Declared war
*Destroyed a trasporter ship

Only after they pay and get back to what they have given their word for we will welcome them in New Portugal.

we offered protection of New Portugal in exchange for shared management

Khmer you have twisted the negotiations we had in private. The things you promised us you have changed. You said clearly that you will guarantee peace on New Portugal, now you have changed that to guarantying peace only for smaller nation.

You stated publicly that Khmer will never settle New Portugal. That city base you talk about was only agreed by both sides when you offered protection of all nations on New Portugal. What Portugal offered and agreed on was only when Khmer offered the demilitarization of New Portugal and guaranteeing peace.

Until we renegotiate what we spoke about and agreed we do not agree on your proposition. Clearly you have underlined what we suggested, but your part of the deal you have changed.

Please follow up with us, after all you never answered our private letters.

Finally I am sadden to see that you feel indifferent about Maya's actions! Neglecting their agression towards us just to color up more your world image.

We fear that you continue to follow your father's Big Brother policies. Portugal felt that we had finally some break through talks, now somehow it feels we are back were we started.

I hope that my travel to your rich blessed with golden ages kingdom was not for nothing.

Henry

[Pitboss Khmer]

I am tired dear Henry and after our discussions I reflected upon the suggested agreements. It is inevitable that we both will walk awy seeing tings a little differently. Please do not push so hard.

* Khmer will only ever superficially cooperate with the top powers of Rome and Portugal and NEVER in a strategic military sense other than to protect New Portugal so that smaller natons may settle there.

I will not be accused of forming a close relationship with Portugal or Rome. Khmer will not do that.

I doubt Portugal colonies actually needs Khmer protection but my interpretation of the discussion was to control the unclaimed spaces for peaceable settlement by land-challenged powers.

It's all rather hypothetical anyway as we can only send Explorers for quite some time.

Rather than the Khmer face Maya head on with diplomatic hard talk we suggested a softer lure to see how they might react. This may help you much more than protracted war with them.

We of course condemn the killings of innocent settlers on board vessels of peaceful intent.

Just my thoughts Henry.

Suryavarman 1

---

OOC Guys with a very busy life in one way or another I can't keep up with posting and all the private correspondence as well. I much prefer put it all here unless it's a short critically confidential piece of info.

[Pitboss Maya]

Foreign Affairs

With Maya once again under control and prosperous, Voltan turned his attention to issues outside his realm. For weeks he pored over reports from other nations, recent Mayan history, and Mayan military plans. The Taoist High Priest of Tikal took notice of how stressed the young Voltan had become since tackling this endeavor, and decided to offer the young King aid.

"Voltan, you look as if you haven't slept in days!"

"I haven't. Mel did a grand job of complicating our foreign affairs. Also, the world seems to be very unstable politically. I must find a way to improve our international image, without compromising our expansion. The perfection I find in my mathamatics is not to be found in these matters, and it is driving me crazy. There is no best answer to this problem!" the young king replied while running his fingers through his hair.

"You know what your father and his father would do when they needed clarity..." said the priest as he removed a small bag of mushrooms from his pocket.

"I don't partake in that aspect of Taoism," replied Voltan sternly. "My mother is half crazy from taking those."

"No offense dear king, but your mother abused our sacrament. She used them for escape, not for enlightenment. Even innocent water which we all need to live will kill a man if not used correctly," advised the priest.

Voltan pondered this. He had never taken the sacred mushroom before, and his only experience seeing others take it certainly didn't look like enlightenment to him. Yet, his curiosity regarding this powerful substance was always there, beckoning him.

The priest could see that Voltan was considering it, so he left the bag on a table.

"I will leave you alone now with the flesh of our gods," said the priest. "If it wants to speak to you, it will." With this the priest walked out of the room.

Voltan was desperate for advice regarding Maya's relation to other nations. For a long time he stared at the bag, secretly suspecting that the answer lay within. Eventually, he opened the bag, grabbed a handful as he had seen his mother do many times, and ate them.

For awhile the king felt nothing, then the mushrooms began to speak.

At first it was a feeling of apprehension, as if something major was about to happen, although he was still in his quite room. He felt dizzy, and decided to sit down. Perhaps the Buddhist meditation style would be appropriate he thought.

Soon the mushrooms took complete control. The room melted away and was replaced with the entire universe. Knowledge pored into him like a cosmic river, and it was quite overwhelming. He felt joy, fear, sadness, anger, empathy, and divine wisdom all at the same time. Several times he found himself thinking, "I cannot believe this is happening."

Eventually Votan become comfortable with his new found consciousness, and saw it as a powerful tool. The priest was right, never had things been so clear to him.

He stood up and approached his writing easel, the answers he was searching for flowed from his pen as if guided by an invisible hand. For the first time since taking power, he addressed the nations of Terra with complete confidence.

[OzzyKP]

The Metalheads support HRE's claim of Serenity Island.

[Pitboss Japan]

Originally posted by OzzyKP
The Metalheads support HRE's claim of Serenity Island.

They have NO claim but if you also wish to have your ntion burnt to the ground then come to Ansuji.

[Pitboss Maya]

To: King Henry of Portugal
From: King Pacal Voltan of Maya

It has recently come to my attention that our navy has engaged and destroyed a Portuguese ship. Please be advised this order was not given be me, but rather by my predecessor, Mel Gibson.

While Mel Gibson was indeed crazy, I cannot say I completely disagree with his assessment of your empire. You are a sneaky nation, hiding behind Rome and forsaking military strength in favor of rapid expansion and leading the world in technology. Even now as a top ranked nation you aggressively settle new lands, leaving nothing for lesser nations.

I also find your "mediation" in the Roman crisis to be laughable. Tell me King Henry, are you supplying Russia with your Carricks like you are Rome? I tell you what, why don't we let Russia mediate OUR peace? I am sure their unbiased assessment of the situation will be on par with yours.

Regarding the loss of your settlers, if you truly do not want to lose any more of your people I would suggest not sending anymore of them to the New World.

Regarding past deals between Portugal and Maya, I intend to honor deals made in the past. Once peace is found between our people we will resume the shipments of ivory. You may take payment for Machinery either as a voucher now, or one of our techs once peace is achieved. I do this only because the Mayans are not thieves, a deal is a deal and we will not break it, even when dealing with an underhanded nation such as Portugal.

In closing, I think Khmer's proposal that the New World land be managed by our three nations is a logical non-violent answer. I request only a city or two, and would suggest the same for Portugal and Khmer. The rest of the land should be given to lesser nations who desire overseas holdings.

Be advised that until an agreement can be reached concerning the New World, I will not change my navy's orders. Maya WILL stand up to your imperialistic greed.

- Pacal Voltan

[Pitboss Maya]

To: Tribune Hieronymus of Rome
From: King Pacal Voltan of Maya

This entire situation with the Russians saddens and concerns me, as it should the entire world.

Beyond all the rhetoric and carefully crafted correspondences, the deceptions and staged treatys, I see the situation clearly now for what it is.

Rome, one of the biggest and most powerful nations on Terra jumps on it's much weaker neighbor Russia using events from thousands of years ago and a minor misunderstanding between Russia and Portugal as it's justification.

Do not insult the intelligence of the nations of Terra by attempting to paint your bullying and manipulation of a smaller nation as anything other than what it is.

Now it appears you may have bitten off more than you can chew Tribune. As I write this the nations of Sparta, Peircia, and Japan mobilize in the name of justice. I applaud them. If not for my own war with your partner Portugal I would be sending my own army as well.

Greed is a powerful master Tribune. For the sake of your people and your neighbors I pray you break free from it.

- King Pacal Voltan

[Pitboss Maya]

To: Russian Leadership
From: King Pacal Voltan of Maya

Forgive me for not knowing the leader status of your nation.

I want to let the Russian people know that Maya sympathizes with them. It must be difficult living next to imperialistic Portugal and Rome with the sea at your back. We have been watching the negotiations carefully and find them to be unfair to you.

I stress that you must not give up hope! Even now great armies march on your behalf. Let us all pray we never see the day when tyrants are allowed to do as they please unopposed.

I am another you.

- King Pacal Voltan

[Pitboss Maya]

To: The Scribes of Sparta
From: King Pacal Voltan of Maya

Sorry the Maya could not address your missives sooner. As you may have heard, Mel Gibson has died, and there has been civil unrest in Maya for the past few years.

Rest assured however that I now lead Maya without the internal politics that plagued our leadership in the past.

First, I will inform you that your Aeropus has been found. The heathen Aztecs have been holding him hostage for several years now. We will provide him with an armed escort back to Sparta if he so wishes.

Regarding the situation in the north, I applaud your nation for sending aid to the Russians. This crisis has served to truly show where nations stand with regards to justice. I would respectfully ask that you open your eyes however with regards to Portugal. They have the same agenda as Rome, but use a different means to achieve it.

They have deceived much of the world by downplaying their relationship, however we have proof that they indeed are working very closely together. Considering the size and strength of Rome and Portugal, we see this as a long term threat to all nations.

I ask you to retract open boarders with Portugal, as we did with Rome upon your request. Show the world that you know what we know... that Rome and Portugal are one in the same.

I also respectfully request that you mend relations with my homeland of Korea. Keeping our three southern nations on good terms provides us a unique strength not found elsewhere in Terra.

On a final note, I have shipped extra supplies to our western cities in case your army's need staging grounds to fight Rome. I would send my own army, but currently our resources are tied up in dealing with Rome's other half.

I am another you.

- King Pacal Voltan

[Pitboss Portugal]

To Maya:

It has recently come to my attention that our navy has engaged and destroyed a Portuguese ship. Please be advised this order was not given be me, but rather by my predecessor, Mel Gibson.

We do not want to listen to any excuses Maya, the fact is that you have cancelled what you have promised us and now have declared war on us.

While Mel Gibson was indeed crazy, I cannot say I completely disagree with his assessment of your empire. You are a sneaky nation, hiding behind Rome and forsaking military strength in favor of rapid expansion and leading the world in technology. Even now as a top ranked nation you aggressively settle new lands, leaving nothing for lesser nations.

King, how dare you call us sneaky, when you are the one who has broken his word a couple of times now. Killed innocent settlers and further threaten to continue this mass killing. Empty talks with no grounds what so ever. Portugal has several times stated openly that everyone is welcomed to New Portugal. We will be more than happy to go back and paste our public statements. Your sneaky twists are just showing the real backstabbing nature of your kingdom. Now you come forward as trying to portray yourself as noble, Voltan the blood of innocent Portuguese is on your hands, your lies and breaking of promises is on your hands.

I also find your "mediation" in the Roman crisis to be laughable. Tell me King Henry, are you supplying Russia with your Carricks like you are Rome? I tell you what, why don't we let Russia mediate OUR peace? I am sure their unbiased assessment of the situation will be on par with yours.

Well your opinion means little to us, why should people listen to your nation with its proven dark aggressive past and current hunt for unarmed Portuguese citizens. You attempts to gather popular support is a joke, the facts are clear Portugal has been open towards Maya, traded with you, trusting you when you give your word and what are we given instead lies, destruction and declaration for war. About our mediation, unlike Maya witch have been quiet and only drooling for others lands, we have worked hard to put an end to the Piercian Roman crisis. If you doubt us ask Piercia, see if they think we have been unfair or somehow influenced their statements. But why should Portugal take you seriously; a nation full of hate and envy for others progress. Everything you have said has no base and evidence, it would be nice next time you try to turn your image around to give us some facts and deeds.

Regarding the loss of your settlers, if you truly do not want to lose any more of your people I would suggest not sending anymore of them to the New World.

The above clearly shows your true nature, it is just disturbing to see that you do not care for unarmed people and would take anyone’s life to fill full your agenda.

Regarding past deals between Portugal and Maya, I intend to honor deals made in the past. Once peace is found between our people we will resume the shipments of ivory. You may take payment for Machinery either as a voucher now, or one of our techs once peace is achieved. I do this only because the Mayans are not thieves, a deal is a deal and we will not break it, even when dealing with an underhanded nation such as Portugal.

The more I read the more I am shocked by your boldness. Are you trying to use what you own Portugal already and have cancelled to make peace? What arrogance, but it fits your profile well, so I am not too surprised. You own us Ivory and a future technology of our choosing. You have Portuguese blood on your hands, 2 settlers were destroyed and a Portuguese ship, the illegal cancellation of Ivory has already hurt us enough. As Sparta already has said you need to pay for the destruction you have caused us, I ask Sparta or Khmer to intervene and decide what they feel is fair Maya to pay to restore the harm you have inflicted on Portugal

In closing, I think Khmer's proposal that the New World land be managed by our three nations is a logical non-violent answer. I request only a city or two, and would suggest the same for Portugal and Khmer. The rest of the land should be given to lesser nations who desire overseas holdings.

Of course Maya request only a city or 2, when they have still much land to settle at home, Portugal has already talked and reached an agreement with the region’s power Khmer. Khmer has agreed with us (read their statements above). There is no one else except you that disputes us. Many have recognized that everyone has the right to settle and claim land when they settle a city.

Be advised that until an agreement can be reached concerning the New World, I will not change my navy's orders. Maya WILL stand up to your imperialistic greed.

No surprises here you are famous for your threats. Agreement can only be reached when a fair nation like Sparta or Khmer decides what reparations Maya need to pay to fix their settler killings, burning of a ship and inflicting unhappiness events on all of Portugal due to stopping the supply of Ivory. Plus the completion of the deal which was promised by Maya

In closing Portugal has never threatened Maya unfairly, when Maya came knocking on Portuguese door we opened it and traded with you. We ask if you have any evidence that we have stolen, treated you unfairly or done politically something to harm you that you post.

Now that someone comes a long and disturbs your imperialistic plans, you neglect any diplomacy and start slaying unarmed people

Henry of Portugal

[Pitboss Maya]

To: Suryavarman of Khmer
From: King Pacal Voltan of Maya

All the rumors of Khmer wisdom seem to be true!

Maya has made their position clear... we will not stand-by while Portugal hogs all of the New World land with it's advanced seafaring craft, which by the way it is now giving to Rome.

Unlike the powerful Khmer who help their lesser neighbors with gifts, Rome and Portugal are completely self serving greedy nations. They use deception and force to satisfy their greed for more power.

I realize a long war would not be in my nations best interests, so I openly welcome your proposal of establishing a management committee.

Our only request of such an arrangment is that Portagul is limited to 2 cities in the New World. Maya and Khmer should also limit themselves to two. The rest of the land should be divided up among lesser nations who show an interest.

This would help foster a balance of power in the world that will be critical to maintaining world peace. Currently, Portugal stands to tip this balance with it's aggressive expansion into this new land. This should concern Khmer, as Portagul control of the New World would give them a future launching pad to invade your nation when they are no longer satisfied with being the number two nation on Terra.

If Portugal will not agree to the management committee, then we ask that Khmer aid us in ensuring even distribution of this new land, or at the very least not interfere with our actions against them.

I am another you.

- King Pacal Voltan

[Pitboss Korea]

Originally posted by Pitboss Maya


To: Bojong of Wonsan, Imperial Domestic Minister of Korea
From: King Voltan of the Maya

Thank you for taking note of my progress to date with the Mayan Empire.

As we have discussed in the past, I see benefit to adjusting the ancient boarder agreement between Maya and Korea. Your proposal is also historically justified and fair.

Of course there are those within Maya who are skeptical of my half Korean heritage. Simply giving away Mayan land to Korea without any payment would no doubt be viewed as a conflict of interest by many.

After giving it much thought, I propose two possible deals.

1. The hill just west of your #3 site for the minimal cost of sheep.

2. The #3 site for sheep and one voucher.

Please understand honorable Bojong, I love Korea and the people of Korea, but I now must serve two masters.

I am another you.

TO: Pacal Voltan of Silla, King of the Maya
FROM: Sejong of Goguryeo, Emperor of Korea

Wise Pacal,

It is such an odd twist of fate that I once trained you in swordsmanship, in the very territory we barter for, and now I must plead with you to give it up. Such a strange way this world works.

Anyhow; we think your offer is fair, but we would like an amendment. We will offer you a voucher and sheep on the condition that we take any of these four locations. We feel that is a fair deal as a tech voucher is quite a tall order, and as you can see Korea is very stingy about its vouchers.

We patiently await your reply, and as the Maya say; I am another you.

- General Shin Sung, Imperial Commander of Korea