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

[Pitboss Rome]

The Senate of Rome rejoices at the message from Emperor Aun'O Asiz Asizia of the Piercian Empire accepting the peace treaty.

Let peace flourish; may we put this affair behind us, and build a properous future together.

[Pitboss Japan]

Official Imperial Japanese Statement,

1. Japan does not support any Tri-Lateral Commission regarding the land known as New Portugal. We do not feel comfortable with three of the larger and most powerful nations in the world to decide where smaller nations may settle. We DO on the other hand support a Commission which would include a smaller that would better represent the other smaller nations who wish to expand to the new world.

2. Though we have had our disagreements , mostly due to a few of their people’s lack of respect when addressing an Emperor or Shogun, we do respect the Koreans and consider them to be an honorable and un-bias when it comes to diplomacy.

3. We ask the Spartans to reopen borders with Korea. We have been waiting for Buddhist missionaries from Korea and with Spartan borders closed it makes it difficult for the missionaries to travel to Alcetas.

Lastly Japan wishes to publicly state that Japan does not with to settle New Portugal. We have seen the land mass and we do not think that every one who wants to settle will get a chance which is why we support a Commission with 4, not 3, nations. We would fully support an un-bias nation like Korea to be in the Commission as a forth member. It is the belief of the Imperial Japanese Government that the Koreans would be the ONLY true un-bias nation that would TRULY represent the other nations of the world.


Ieyasu Tokugawa, Emperor of Imperial Japan



.

[Pitboss Maya]

Messengers came from all directions to Tikal bringing news of world events.

"The Mayan Ship Braveheart has been sunk off the north coast of the New World. It is a misfortune King, as the Braveheart was a better ship then the Roman Carrick."

Another messenger arrived.

"Dear King, the Peircians are days away from signing a peace treaty with Rome. It seems one of our only allies in the fight against the Portugal/Roman superpower has forsaken us."

Voltans face turned red. The thought to himself, "Are we the only nations with the balls to stand up against the Romans?"

Yet another messenger arrived.

"King, the Romans seemed surprised at our attack on their ship. They are painting it to the world as a sneaky surprise attack"

"Royal Librarian!" Pacal shouted, "Fetch me our public statement regarding the Roman invasion of Russia!"

The Librarian returned with the transcript.

Great Civilizations,
Let it be known that Maya also pledges military support against Rome and Portugal should they attack Russia. Although we do not possess the military might of Rome, or the technological savvy of Portugal, we will join the fight along with the brave Spartans, Japanese, Russians, and Oldeons.

"The Romans and Portuguese have such short memorys, and even shorter moral standards. We were at war with the Romans from the day they set foot in Russia... they just didn't know it," mused the King. "In fact, we are the ONLY nation to actually attack these two landgrubbers. While the spineless others threatened, and bluffed, WE took action!!! Now it seems we are alone, a nation of moderate power facing two powerhouses."

"But King, the Spartans are still at war with Rome!"

"Spartans?" replied Voltan. "Do you have any idea how far Sparta is from Rome? They will fight I have no doubt as Sparta thirsts for war, but the actual effectiveness is yet to be seen"

Voltan dismissed the messengers after thanking them for their service to Maya. He paced the room a few times, trying to decide what to do next. A bag of mushrooms lay half open across the room... calling him. He indulged. Then called his advisers staff to meet him at the Maya Sophia in three days time. In the meanwhile, he sent a desperate message to Piercia...

[Pitboss Japan]

[Pitboss Korea]

Pierced Hill, Piercia...

After years upon years of travel the Korean envoy had finally arrived in Pierced Hill, well most of it anyway (General Jumong's contingent was still making its way to the Piecian capital through Wyandot territory). The journey had been tough and arduous; they battled Mongolian barbarians, Estherian pirates, possible mutiny, their own sanity upon the high seas, and finally the deserts of East Piercia to finally arrive in the Piercian capital and get an audience with Piercian Emperor. While the envoy had much on their minds, and much to do in the name of the Korean Empire, Hae Mosu had a particularly different task; he held a secret that even the Piercian Emperor himself did not know. Did he dare reveal this information to the Emperor? Let's find out...

"Right this way." Lem'Ya said, as she indicated the Piercian palace; it was quite ornate, and very tall in comparison to the Korean Imperial palace, "The Emperor knows of your arrival, and he awaits your envoy."

"Very good," Han Gong said, and pulled a couple of gold pieces to give to her, "Here you are, thank you."

She seemed a little offended, "That is fine Korean, keep your money, I am on official duties at the moment."

The General, embarassed, put his money back "I apologize, things are different in Korea." he said, referring to a woman's station in life.

"So" Hae Mosu interjected, "What is our plan?"

"What do you mean? We go in there and speak with the Emperor-" General Han Gong said.

Hae Mosu quickly interjected, "I think it is best if I go in alone, with the priestess."

"Again Hae!?!" the General replied, "I won't let you pull this garbage with us again! You did the same thing at Horse Valley, we aren't your little lap-dogs, I am a General of Pyongyang after all!"

"It is okay" Lem'Ya said, "We can all go in" Hae shot her a look, and she gently shook her head, "I will get you a private meeting with the Emperor later Minister."

"Very well priestess," Hae said, "Colonel Kim, are the slaves prepared?"

Colonel Kim nodded, "Ready to go sir!"

"Very well then, priestess," Hae Mosu said, "please lead the way..."


Seoul, Imperial Palace...

Emperor Sejong called in his Minister of Domestic Affairs (Bojong of Wonsan) and his Imperial Commander (General Shin Sung) to discuss the latest affairs of state. It seems the war between Piercia and Rome would be at an end, but new issues had risen to the forefront; namely the new wars between Maya and Rome/Portugal, and the discussion surrounding the continent of "New Portugal." Korea had interjected itself, as an ally of Maya, into the discussion and had recently closed borders with Portugal in order to acquire the territory of Alemanni, which was formally held by the Aztecs and fell due to a combined Piercian-Korean attack. Sejong himself was getting older, and was no longer the young Emperor he once was, he was less willing to take risks (primarily due to Korea's delicate position in world affairs) and was relying more and more on his ministers (particularly Bojong and Shin Sung) to handle affairs of state, rarely did Sejong himself address foreign dignitaries.

"...and so it looks like the Piercian-Roman conflict will end on peaceful terms." General Shin Sung said, who was handling Korean diplomacy surrounding the conflict; Sejong had called for peace talks initially, but that plan was morphed into a negotiation involving Portugal after Russia accepted vassalage by Piercia.

"And what are our allies' take on this?" Sejong asked, in reference to Maya.

"The Mayans, I am sure, are very displeased." General Shin Sung continued, "It appears they have attacked a Roman vessel, probably due to their support of the Russo-Piercian alliance. It should be noted that at the onset of the Russo-Roman conflict the Mayans pledged support to Russia, at the behest of the Spartans, so this isn't entirely a new development. However the Romans have made it so and accused the Mayans of piracy."

"Piracy?" Sejong laughed, "Well, I wouldnt' call it that, what was the outcome of this engagement?"

"The Braveheart, a Mayan ship, was sunk by a Roman Carrack, obviously supplied by the Portugese, who do not seam to hold us in very high regard." the General explained.

Sejong thought for a moment, "And what are your thoughts General?"

"Well Emperor, clearly we are to support our allies the Mayans, they are blood relatives and allies by treaty, it would be dishonorable not to. That said, we do not have much in the way of military capabilities to support them, and our naval forces are laughable, if not nearly non-existant. We would have to improve our naval force." the General explained.

"And diplomatically?" Sejong asked.

"I have not yet made any statements regarding this, our policy was to stick to the peace talks, as we have since the conflcit's inception. That seems to be working on the side of the Piercians, however the Mayans take great umbrage at this outcome. At this point Korea is at a loss, we can't really help the Maya, but at the same time we must support them."

"I have a suggestion" Bojong interjected, "It seems that some progress has been made with the Maya-Portugese negotiations, the Khmer seem to be handling that. I gave your majesty's reply, but the Khmer seemed unimpressed and rebuffed our suggestions. Although they saw great merit in what you proposed."

"Rebuffed us?"

"Yes Emperor, they were insulted that we called their leader a King, he prefers to be called a despot." Bojong explained.

"What a funny thing to take offense to" General Shin Sung said, "Personally I would prefer the title of King over that of a Despot, it sounds tyrannical."

"Perhaps it is their culture," Bojong said, "But it seems that your proposal to add a fourth member to the tri-lateral commission was rejected, although the Japanese supported it, and had kind words to say about our diplomatic acumen mind you."

"The Japanese" Sejong muttered, "They are quite a strange people, and we were supposed to send them monks, to teach them the ways of the Buddha, perhaps that will calm their bloodlust."

"Speaking of which they have publicly asked the Spartans to re-open our borders, so that we may send our monks, there has been no reply from the Spartans at this point. The Japanese of course are having their own troubles gaining the island of Asuji (sp?) I believe, it is known as Skull Island according to our Oldonian friends." Bojong said.

"Friends!" Sejong said, "hah, some friends the Oldonians turned out to be."

"I think it would be wise, considering the Japanese support of our proposals to 'scratch their backs' so to speak, perhaps we should recognize the claim to this land; we are a land-strapped nation just as they, and I believe it would be in our interest to gain some territory in 'New Portugal,' if we support Japanese claims to Asuji perhaps they will support our bid for land in 'New Portugal,' they have already suggested us as a possible fourth member of the planned commission." Bojong said.

"And what do you think General?" Sejong asked.

"Personally sir, I believe we should bolster our military capabilities. Regardless of any outcomes, it seems Korea may find itself uncontrollably in the middle of any upcoming situations, and we MUST support our allies, even if only politically, and the best response would be to build up our defenses." the General replied.

"I agree, we will bolster our forces, just in case. We should also work on our naval capabilities. General, see to it this happens at once, you are dismissed!" Sejong said, as the General bowed and quickly exited the room.

"Is there anything more Emperor?" Bojong asked.

"Actually yes, something more personal, my son Gojong is close to coming of age, and I hear you have a daughter..."

[Pitboss Korea]

Official Statement



Official Statement of Emperor Sejong of Goguryeo

Leaders of the World.

We would like to officially recognize all rights to the island of Asuji (sp?), also known as "Skull Island," to Japan. They are a land-strapped nation, and in a time of land-grubbing powerhouses we believe it is their nations right to settle this land.

We reject the Holy Roman proposal on the grounds that Japan has claimed this land and it remains in their direct sphere of influence. While we do appreciate the Holy Roman attempt at a peaceful world, and its attempt to persue religions harmony (which is in keeping with our Buddhist beliefs) we feel this is not the proper channel for this. To reiderate; Korea recognizes Japan's claim to Skull Island.

[Pitboss Persia]

Seoul

The time had come : Aun'El Sa'Ly Lon'Don prepared to return to Pierced Hill. A deep breath, a flashing sound, and she was on her way...

Meeting

The greatest engineers of the Fio have collaborated with the finest artists of the Por and created a masterpiece of Piercian Culture. Only the Maya Sophia matched it's size. The Aun Dame was dedicated to the Piercian culture as a whole, celebrating the harmony the caste-system had brought them. Since the building had two towers, the Fio and the Por were allowed to establish their headquarters there, right next to most of foreign ambassies so that trade partners were never too far away.

[Pitboss Persia]

To : Emperor Tokugawa Ieyasu of Japan, King Henry of Portugal, King Pacal Voltan of the Mayan, Suryavarman I of Khmer and Emperor Seijong of Korea

I hail all of you,

It has come to my attention that there is a planned comitee for the administration of New Portugal.

I have read the japanese support for a Korean participation in this commitee, and I would like to express my support for this idea. And do also recognize Japanese claims on the so-called "Skull Island".

I would like to sieze this opportunity to send my greetings to the Khmer too. We had no contact until my vassals told me about you. I hope we can have profitable relations.


Emperor Aun'O Asiz Asizia of the Piercian Empire

[Pitboss Persia]

The Koreans in the Throne Room



Lem'Ya went in first. She salutated the Emperor by raising her hand in the air.

"Aun'O, the Korean delegation has finally arrived : let me introduce General Han Gong of Pyongyang, Colonel Kim Jong-Seo of Pusan and the Imperial Minister of Foreign Affairs Hae Monsu of Pyongyang."

As Asiz stood up from the throne, he adressed Hae and said : "So you are the Minister of the Korean Emperor ? I am honored to be your host. What have you brought for me ?"

Hae proudly announced : "Here, Aun'O Asiz Asizia, slaves from the Aztecan wars at your disposal." He pointed towards the men and women chained to eachother on the plaza that could be seen trough the windows.

"What a kind present you have there. But you should know that it is a greater present to them as it is to me. Slavery has never set foot in Piercia and never will. They will be given the rank of Fio'La, the most humble among our workers. Now, let me offer a present to you. I have heard your Emperor has been in trouble with Sparta, and lacks an iron supply. I shall gift you Iron until you can find your own supply." Asiz said, with a smile on his face.

Hae was astonished : "In the name of my Emperor and my entire people, I thank you, Aun'O. I have come to you because Korea lacks new opportunities in trade and friendship. I am allowed to offer you Open Borders, for all your traders to travel through all Korean lands."

After having called for a table and portuguese wine, Asiz replied : "Let's have a seat, Korean friends," Lem'Ya rose an eyebrow seeing the Emperor sitting at the table rather than on his throne. "you see, I enjoy trade. Trade is what brings me this wine every day. Trade is the water that flows through the veins of Piercian culture. Trade is the Por. So if you have come to me to offer trade, you are welcome."

Some noise coming from the entrance of the palace interrupted them. The door was opened brutally and two guards came in, carrying a woman.

Asiz stood up and yelled "Sa'Ly!" He ran towards the guards. "Aun'O, she has fallen from the skies, she is heavily injured, we must bring her to the apothicary immediatly, but she insisted on seeing you first." one of the guards said. Asiz gently took her head between his hands "What happened, Oratress ? Tell me what you have come with." She could barely open her eyes : "Asiz... his words, his wisdom... the path to enlightenment... Boudha..." she said, just before she fainted. "Ok Shas'Vre, bring her to the apothecary. Carefully but swiftly !" the Emperor ordered, and the guards obeyed.

Regaining his seat at the table, Asiz announced : "It seems like we will enjoy more than trade, Minister. What do you think about BouD'Ha ? What do you think about being in charge of an effort to spread the belives of your homelands throughout all the Piercian Empire ?"

[Pitboss Greece]

Prince Tyrimmas walked to the throne.
He looked at it. It attracted him.
Tyrimmas was in doubt.
"I am not the King of Sparta, I can not besiege the throne!" he whispered.
Then he settled himself on the small staircase before the throne.

Then the chief scribe entered the room.
"Sir, we received some communications from abroad"

"Tell me about it" the prince said.

"The Romans, they ask for peace!
This is what they have sent to us:"

The Senate of Rome believes that there could be much benefit to both the Roman and Greek people by us engaging in diplomacy, to see if now as peace has been secured between Rome, the Piercians and the Rus, peace might also be established between Rome and Sparta. Furthermore, the world is changing rapidly around us - in the rapidly emerging new world, there may be more to bind us together, than the history which keeps us apart.

We hope you would welcome re-opening diplomatic contact.

Tribune Hieronymus.

Tyrimmas started to laugh.
"What's up with Rome? Are they scared? They want to make peace even before we have tested our armies in battle?"

"What will re answer?"

"Decapitate the messenger and send the body back to Piercia, let the Piercians bring this 'message' to Rome, if they want to." Tyrimmas answered.

"What else" he asked.

"Both the Mayans and the Japanese have asked us to open borders with Korea again" the chief said.

Tyrimmas pondered for a few moments.
"We do like the Koreans, don't we?" he asked.

"Yes, we do. All Spartans love the Koreans. There used to be much travelling between both nations. Many hate the fact that the borders are closed." the scribe answered.

"Maybe we should stop this Korea pestering. I think that my father did wrong by closing the borders. Send them a letter offering them peace."

"What about their relations with Rome?" the scribe asked

"Let them decide about their relations with Rome themselves, but tell them that we will appreciate it if Korea will line up with us. But no pressure on them. After all they used to be our friends. Maybe Perdiccas should have remembered that when he cornered them." Tyrimmas said with a firm voice.

"Piercia reports peace, sir"

"Yes, I have read their letter. I knew they would fall for Rome's nice talking. What's Russia's position in this peace deal? Does Russia support?"

"We don't know that yet, sir. There has been little communication from Russia recently." the scribe answered.

"Ok, send a messenger and ask them for their opinion."

"What about the Mayan/Portuguese war?"

"We remain neutral. There is no reason to choose sides. I still believe that they will find a diplomatic solution. Not to mention that we should stay loyal to both our friends. It would go against all Sparta stands for if we would turn our backs against one of them without them giving us any reason for that. Their foreign wars are theirs. Neither of them has asked us to join them. Not to mention that we should defend our own cities against possible Roman invasions."

"Do you fear a Roman invasion? Great Prince?" the scribe asked.

"We should be prepared for such an invasion. After all it's Rome. Now they have peace with Piercia they may focus on us." Tyrimmas said.

Then he continued: "How is our progression going?"

"Slowly sir. They demand a voucher to let us pass."

"Pay it, we can't accept any more delays. Tell them that we will pay it after the war is over to not awaken sleeping dogs." Tyrimmas said.

[Pitboss Greece]

Aeropus and Archelaus travelled towards Sparta side by side.
They talked and they talked. Archelaus told Aeropus everything that happened in Sparta and the rest of the world since he had departed to the Mayans.

"I am so glad that you came to the Mayan lands to get me." Aeropus said.
"So am I" Archelaus said.

There was laughter and chatting. Both men discussed the future of Sparta and the Roman-Spartan wars.
They became friends.

After a few days riding without meeting anybody, they settled on the shores of the sea for the night. They setted up a small fire, shot a few rabbits and eat them.



When darkness came Aeropus went to sleep. Archelaus was restless. He kept walking around the fire.
When the sound of Aeropus' breath became steady he stopped.

He grabbed his knife.
He watched at the man who was both his rival and his friend.
The face of Aeropus was peaceful.
Archelaus got tears in his eyes.
Then he putted his knife back and walked away into the darkness.

Suddenly he returned, got his knife in his hand and blood thirst in his eyes.
He stabbed at Aeropus' throat who opened his eyes and looked at Archelaus.

"Archelaus.... why?" he asked, just before he died.

Archelaus ran away, grabbed his stuff and galloped away on his horse. Tears in his eyes but steady and ready to rule Sparta.