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

[Pitboss Khmer]

Re: Re: 2 days later....

Originally posted by Pitboss Khmer

khmer only recognise land used by cities but have historic understanding and negotiating with meduian neighbour on agree borders. so concept of 'claim' maybe different here. khmer style.

spain. it not worry. please read all post.

tiding.

[Pitboss Korea]

The "Gateway" to the North...



Gateway, Southern Oldonia...

General Jumong and his soldiers were invited to the great hall in Gateway for a feast. The night prior they had stolen a few pigs from a local farm, and decided it would be in good form to present some roasted pigs as a donation to the feast, which they mistakenly thought was thrown in their own honor. The General was a little upset that they had no ceremonial robes to wear, but would be pleasantly surprised to see that the Oldonians themselves would not be dressed up for the occasion. Only the officers were allowed to attend, the rest of the army was garrisoned in the forests; not really because of their ranks though, but mostly because General Jumong was generally mistrusting of foreigners, and he still had some inclination that perhaps the Oldonians were in fact the very same barbarians who attacked Corporal Jeong Jung-bu's scouting party (also to avoid a drunken incident between the two nations' armies).

The feast was very simple, and the ornate trappings of normal festivals in Korea were absent from the bleak scene. The city was a small outpost on the outskirts of the Oldonian border after all. What the Oldonians lacked in decorative flare they made up for in substance; mead beer, large loaves of bread, generous cuts of meat, and a great deal of butter and cheese littered the tables surrounding the hall. The Koreans were impressed, and glad to eat some hearty food, for their journey to the northland had just begun...

"What a wonderful spread!" Pong said gleefully, he was quite a fat man, and there was no question why.

"You had better not overindulge yourself Pong" General Jumong said, looking around the room at the Oldonians, "Your horse can only take so much!"

Colonel Bak Moon laughed "You don't let up on that guy do you?" he said shaking his head.

"A good General never lets up on his men Colonel" General Jumong said, putting some meat on Colonel Bak Moon's plate, "Here, you need to put some meat on those bones! I don't need any skinny little twerps fighting for me!"

"...and you wonder why Pong's so fat..." Bak Moon muttered under his breath.

Just then a loud banging noise interrupted the scene, it was the Governor of the town - Sigurd - clanging his sword upon an oversized goblet. "Oldonians! Oldonians! Please, a toast!"

The hall grew silent, as all of the Oldonians raised their mugs; beer spilling everywhere and began to chant - "Oi, Oi, Oi!" They all took a mighty gulp from their mugs as chamber-ladies frantically rushed to refill them. The General shrugged his shoulders and gulped down his beer.

"Firstly, and obviously - hic - I'd like to welcome our friends from the south, the Koe - ree - yans - hic -" he said, he was clearly intoxicated, barley standing straight. All he had on was a white tunic (which was ceremonial for a celebration) which hardly covered him appropriately, "They travel far to our humble village, and make it just in time for the uh, the fest'val!"

"Hail the Koreans! Oi, Oi, Oi!" the jubilant crowd said, again wasting loads of beer and then downing the rest quickly.

Colonel Bak Moon leaned into his General "They are quite... happy."

"Indeed" the General replied.

"Alright, alright alright!" the Governor said, leaning over so a girl could fill his mug again, "One last one there, and then the dancing girls can come out!" he said, the crowd burst into applause as the Governer (drunkenly) began to 'dance,' his tunic nearly falling right off.

"Dancing girls?" Bak Moon said.

"Okay, enough of that" the Governor laughed "My damn tunic almost fell off. Finally, we must celebrate our new King Jeffrey, may he be stronger, and better than the last horse's ass we had! Hail to Jeffrey!"

"Hail Jeffrey! Oi, Oi, Oi!" the crowd all exclaimed and again shared another mug of beer.

"Now then" the Governor said, standing straight up magnanimously and giving a very sincere and serious look to the crowd... "BRING ON THE DANCING GIRLS!!!"

Three ladies ran spritely into the room as the crowd cleared a space in the middle of the hall. They began to dance as music began to play and the governor took a seat next to his son who was already seated, and appeared to be having a terrible time. "Ah, dancing girls, very nice!" Bak Moon said.

"We can't stay here long Colonel, we've got to get going. I think the Wyandot lands are quite far from here, Oldonia is a lare Kingdom." the General said handing Bak Moon the rest of his beer "Here, I'm going to talk to this Sigurd, and see what is going on."

The General approached the Governor, who was clapping his hands as the girls danced before him, "Governor Sigurd!" the General said, the Governor didn't respond "Governor Sigurd!"

The Governor slowly turned to General Jumong, he looked completely out of it. His son placed his hand upon his father's forearm, "Father you enjoy yourself, I'll speak with the Korean." the Governor simply nodded, his son stood up and motioned for Jumong to follow him to the corner of the room, which he did.

"Greetings, I am General Jumong" he said as he followed Sigurd's son.

"A pleasure Jumong" the Governor's son said, "I am Harald Sigurdsson, you picked quite a day to arrive at our humble town. I wanted to thank you personally, I am the garrison commander here and word of your victory over the barbarians has preceded you..."

"Well thank you," the General said, he loved compliments, "It cost me an eye," he finished, proudly pointing at his eye.

"Well, then we shall ignore the theft of my pigs last night!" Harald said, looking the General dead in the eye.

The General was caught off-guard by this, "Well, my apologies, the men responsible will be punished accordingly."

"Very good, its funny, how many other Korean's have lost an eye in battle?" Harald asked; General Jumong was among the thieves that night, and clearly was the only one missing an eye.

"Heh, point taken" the General said, "Surely you haven't brought me here to discuss pigs and eyes Harald."

"Well no, listen to me. I hate this place, this damn town on the outskirts of Oldonia. Its boring, and I never get proper credit for keeping the borders safe. Our country needs allies, badly, and I wish to accompany you on your trip. I can prove myself to King Jeffrey, and I can prove my country to the eastern Kingdoms who ignore Oldonia on a constant basis. Please General!" Harald said.

The General thought for a moment, "Well we could always use somebody from the area I suppose" he replied, "What will your father think?"

"What will he think? Are you serious!?!" Harald replied "Look at him, he's hanging out of that tunic, he doesn't even know where he is right now!"

The General looked at the Governor "I suppose you're right about that, alright, but you must get me audience with this new King, Jeffrey, I too have my own aims in Korea. And the more political clout I gain, the better chance I have at becoming the Imperial Commander. Alright Harald Sigurdsson, you may accompany us. But our trip is a long one, we are travelling all the way to Piercia."

"That's fine, you've seen this village, this is no place for me..." Harald replied....

[Pitboss Vikings]

Harald smiled as he made his way to his chambers to pack for the trip. AS he closed the bindings on his sack of clothes and essentials his mother stepped out from the shadows.

"So Harald, they are accepting you"

Harald stepped to his mum and hugged her "Oh mama, it is as you said, they dont trust us but see value in me traveliing with them."

"Be carful my son. My contacts in the Korean Palace do tell me that this General is not one to be fooled with, he has a temper and may over react to things. But this trip is wortth the risk"

Harald picked his pack up and turned again to his mum

"I will not let you down mama, this i do for the greater good of Oldonia."

[Pitboss H Roman]

Message to the McFunglish

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Prince Alexander McFungal. He was well respected in this part of the world and will be missed.

All hail Prince Jesse Pendragon, and we know that with de Plump's guidance, the McFunglish are in good hands.

As to a second Hastings conference, we concur, one would be in order. The Celtic people have arrived in the east, and are eager to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest.

Regards. Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor

[Pitboss Vikings]

The King sat listening to his advisors, the realm was finally begiining to head in good directions after centuries of wandering in the wilderness.

Reports from each of the Governors was on his desk, all apart from the governor from the province of gateway.

Gateway province was at the furthest reaches of the Oldonian empire and still had not embraced the full Oldonian way. Stories were rife that many of the citizens still carried on like the barbarians they had cleared from the area.

King Jeffery waas eager to complete the works in Gateway province , works such as clearing the jungle to the south and establishing farming areas and new cottage industries.

To the south of Gateway was the Barbaro Desert, it was the kings plan to clear the desert of the barbarians and establish a highway to the Greeks to the south. But till the province of gateway was safe he could do nothing.

I must go visit this province myself he thought. I will take my cultural advisors to help the people there learn of the Oldonian way.

The other thing that concerned the King was the spread of relgions through the Realm. two new religions had been heralded in some of the provinces. The Razite Elders were not happy with this change.

The Oldonians had worshipped the one true god all their lives since time begun. Now new gods were spoke of. This was not good.

The king knew he could not change peoples beliefs but he would not support a new religion unless it was shown to him to be true.

Signs and wonders do follow the beleivers of the one true god.

[Pitboss Vikings]

The Ambassador to meeting sat in his little cottage.

There had been no discussion, no offerings. he would report back to the King that the whole thing was hoax.

The Oldonians had spent a fortune to travel this far only to discver that there was no meeting.

Nothing.

Nobdoy at all.

He packed his belongings and left the town.

He set about travelling the coutnry side.

[Pitboss Spain]

Dear Dairy

I am so excited. I have been throwing up for the past week or so, so I thought something was wrong with me, then once i saw a doctor he told me that he had some good news for. He said that I was pregnant. We do not know the sex of the child or children, since the doctor does not know how many ther vcould be inside me. I am just so happy.

[Pitboss Vikings]

and at your age that is a true Miracle ~!~~~

[OzzyKP]

Re: Korea's post

Why is Santa Claus at an orgy?

[Pitboss Japan]

who can focus on santa whith those girls.

[Pitboss Persia]

Arrival in Seoul

After another day of travel through the Korean countryside, the piercian delegation finally arrived at Seoul. Two-thousand-nine-houndred immortals were ordered to wait outside the city until the Shas'O would come back. They were directed to a great field where they could let their horses rest, and set up a camp.

The other one-houndred were to escort the Shas'O and the Aun'El to the imperial palace. The inhabitants watched that foreign army entering their city, wondering who Shin Sung had come back with. Some curious children were running along with the riders while their mothers were running after them, which made the Aun'El smile. Generally, the children were stopped by a guard and brought back to their mother, which made the Shas'O smile.

Shin Sung began to feel a little proud of himself for having established a good first contact with the Piercians. Having himself riding with twenty lines of five friendly foreign riders was quite something. He was in the first line, on the right of the Shas'O, on who's left was the Aun'El.

When they arrived in front of the Imperial Palace, they went off their mounts and Shin Sung asked them to wait for him to tell the Emperor about their arrival.

Once he was inside the palace, the Shas'O and the Aun'El looked around them, catching a wonderfull sight of the korean capital city. After a few minutes, the door of the Imperial Palace opened quickly, with a very exited young Emperor standing there and calling for them to be his guests.

The Shas'O bowed in front of the Aun'El, dispatching the Shas'Vre and a few men to escort her, saying that he would wait for Shin Sung to join him as soon as possible to fight the Aztecs.

Once she stood in front of the Emperor, the Aun'El bowed and said : " I hail you, Emperor of the Korean, I am Aun'El Sa'Ly Lon'Don, Oratress of the Storms from the Piercian Empire. I have come to your lands searching wisdom and friends. I am honored to be your guest. "

[Pitboss Rome]

Congratulations

The Senate and People of Rome send hearty congratulations to Queen Isabella on the news that she has been blessed with an heir.

We have sent to you a piece of our world-renowned Roman gold, fashioned into the shape of a Praetorian's head-dress, which can be hung about a child's cot - the shimmering dancing light keeps them quiet for hours. They are the latest must have among the richest families here in Rome. And we pray that the child may grow up knowing that Romans are their friends.

May the true god continue to bless you.

[Pitboss Rome]

Trade Fair

Nations of the World,

The peaceful people of Rome sends greetings.

The true god has given many blessing on the peeople of Rome. Our land is full of many resources, and our people sophisticated enough to appreciate the exotic fruits of other lands. We have also developed many artistic pursuits and talents, such that we believe our artists are second to none.

We wish to share these fruit with the nations of the world.

Therefore let it be known that in Rome there is always an oversupply of corn and cows , and that within our lands there are unused sources of iron, incense, gold, silver and clam , which could be brought to market if there was demand.

Any nations who would like any of these should contact the trade fair in Rome. Our merchants would of course require payment, but we are open to suggestions. Goods in return are always welcome, though you should be aware that our civilization is so awash with luxuries that further luxury goods are of limited value here. As our population grows, however, particuarly in the Western Desert, new food stuffs are always welcome. A straight purchase for money is also very possible. Creative offers are welcome too.

Our artists would also be very willing to teach any nation the secrets of what they call aesthetics and music. These creative arts which enrich life are the focus of our people now, and we woudl delight to share them with others. Again of course the price would have to be reasonable - we are aware that in other areas, other nations do have much to teach us.

All are welcome at this trade fair. Our merchants and artists wait with anticipation.

[Pitboss Korea]

The Wedding of Sejong and Soheon...

The city of Seoul was ecstatic: Not only had they recently received visitors from afar (Pierica), but the day of the Emperor's wedding ceremony was finally upon them. Even in the slums of the city there was great fanfare and rejoicing. It wasn't the simple fact that thre was a wedding that gave such joy to the people, for centuries Korea had been ruled by military figures in some fashion. Before it was split into the Kingdom of Silla (ruled by Gung Ye) and Goguryeo which was ruled by a military oligarchy until Wang Geon assumed power. Even after that General Bae Hyeongyeong had rueld as regent; thus Sejong was Korea's first non-military leader, and finally his marriage (and subsequent children) would mark the begining of a non-military monarchy, the people were hopeful that this would also mark the end of the military infighting that had defined Korean politics for centuries.

For his part Sejong was nervous, yet excited. He now realized he would have a proper heir to throne and wouldn't have to worry about his sister Daemok or even Pacal Voltan (not that they were ever major concerns), usurping his title. He was optimistic about his reign, he managed to produce barracks in all of his cities, he finished the roads and had rebuilt villages all along the Han river, he comissioned the voyage of the K.S.S. Sinjeong, organized the efforts of General Jumong to gain vengeance over the northern barbarians, and established trade relations with Piercia, Portugal, and now Rome. He felt this marriage would mark his reign as a success. How far he had come since the slave revolt in the early days of his reign...



Tikal, Mayan Kingdom...

Hae Mosu angrily rushed back into the chambers set up by King Mel Gibson of the Maya, "That f*cking Aztec bastard!" he yelled to himself, his advisors scurried to stand at attention as the Imperial Foreign Minister plopped into his chair. "This man is unbelievable, certainly a barbarian!" he said to himself.

"What is the matter my lord?" Myo Cheong asked, he was Hae Mosu's top aide, but you wouldn't know it from the way he was treated.

"What do you think is the matter you twit?!?! That stupid monkey Mel Gibson is removing us from these quarters, he says we have disrespected him with our slaves. The slaves we captured bravely in battle, and the very same slaves who ravaged our countrysides, the very same slaves we fought alongside the Maya to defeat, and this blithering idiot says that I desrespect HIM!" Hae Mosu exclaimed, his face getting red with anger.

"I'm sorry my lord, here, I have made some tea, it should calm your nerves." Myo Cheong replied, handing Hae Mosu a hot cup of tea.

"Thank you..." Hae Mosu said, slowly sipping the tea, "It is no matter, we leave for Mutal tomorrow, I've never been this excited to see Han Gong in my life..." he said taking another sip "... any word from Seoul?"

"The Emperor is getting married today sir, and apparently the Piercians have arrived as well, one of their officers is present and apparently a priestess of theirs will be attending the wedding." Myo Cheong replied.

Hae Mosu contemplated a moment, "Of course, I'm not there for this, that's probably why he sent me to this stinking jungle, get me my things, I am writing a letter to our dear Emperor..."

Honorable Emperor Sejong,

I write with urgency at the utterly disrespectful treatment I have received on the part of King Mel Gibson of the Maya. I can tell by the state of things in the city of Tikal that the state of the Mayan Empire is in a slow decline. Since my last visit, years ago with General Bae Hyeongyeong, the once vibrant city has been cloaked in melancholy and general disarray. The people quietly say it is the gods who cause this, as they are displeased at Mel for ending their sacrafices, but you will not hear these words in any official capacity. Mel Gibson and his Aztec regime has certainly taken power here, and runs things with an iron fist. They have grown angry over our "gifts" to the Piercians, and have thrown me out of their Imperial court, it is no matter though; we are making haste to Mutal to meet with General Han Gong and hopefully by the time you read this we will be en route to Piercia. I hope General Shin Sung has at least been competent enough to maintain our good foreign relations in my absence.

Your humble servant,

- Hae Mosu, Imperial Foreign Minister

The Wedding of Sejong of Goguryeo and Soheon of Wonsan...


The marriage would occur late in the evening, as the celebrations of the marriage lasted all day long. The "priestess" from Piercia would be present, but as is tradition, no other foreigners are present for the wedding (except in the case that the bride is a foreigner). This was seen around the world as a generally undiplomatic tradition, considering most marriages of the ruling class would invite foreign dignitaries, but the Koreans were more insular and did not share in this custom. All of the guests were dressed in white and sat waiting for Lama Subo to arrive to administer the words of wisdom for the service, strangely enough Sejong's sister Daemok was not present, this fact angered him thuroughly but he dare not show his emotions on this special day.



The Lama slowly approached the stage and smiled at the happy couple sitting before him, "please arise everyone!" he began, "First I ask that the Emperor and his bride please approach the stage" Sejong smiled at Soheon and took her hand, they slowly approached the Lama.

The Piercian Aun'El looked on intently, but silently.

"I would like to begin by saying a few words" the Lama began, glancing over at the Aun'El, "About Buddhism, you see Buddhism is a path of transformation, transformation of one's inner potential. But also to help others, and help others in acheiving and realizing their own potential, and to do this one must realize potential in others just as they see it within themselves. Which of course naturally brings us to marriage, for marriage you see, marriage is a vehicle for practising this service to others, marriage is a vehicle of love and it is said that love is wishing others happyness."

Aun'El was intrigued by this notion of inner potential, as she looked around. This religion was not like Judaism at all...

"Now, I know customarily a monk or Lama would not perform such a ceremony, but as Sejong's Religious advisor I think I can make an exception!" the Lama said, there were slight chuckles from the crowd of nobles, "Tonight we promise to dedicate ourselves to eachother with body, speech and mind. In this life, in every situation, in wealth or in poverty, in health or in sickness, in happyness and difficulty, we will work to help eachother perfectly. The purpose of our relationship will be to attain enlightenment by perfecting our kindness and compassion toward all sentient beings." the Lama finished, "Especially YOU Emperor!" the crowd again laughed.

Sejong turned to Soheon, who's eyes were watering with tears, she smiled at Sejong, attempting to hold back. He simply nodded at her.

"I can see I must get through this, because the bride is about to burst" the Lama said, "Sejong and Soheon, do you do you pledge to help each other to develop your hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom as you age and undergo the various ups and downs of life and to transform them into the path of love, compassion, joy and equanimity?"

"We do" they replied in unison.

"Recognizing that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth and that internally your own minds and emotions will sometimes get stuck in negativity. Do you pledge to see all these circumstances as a challenge to help you grow, to open your hearts, to accept yourselves, and each other; and to generate compassion for others who are suffering? Do you pledge to avoid becoming narrow, closed or opinionated, and to help each other to see various sides of situations?"

"We do" the replied in unison.

"Do you pledge to remember the disadvantages of ignorance, anger and clinging attachment, to apply antidotes when these arise in your minds, and to remember the kindness of all other beings and your connection to them? Do you pledge to work for the welfare of others, with all of your compassion, wisdom and skill?"

"We do"

"Do you pledge to continuously strive to remember your own Buddha nature, as well as the Buddha nature of all living beings? To maintain the awareness that all things are temporary, and to remain optimistic that you can achieve your greatest potential and lasting happiness."

"We do"

The Lama smiled, "Now please, take out your rings." he said as the couple removed their rings from the ceremonial coverings, "The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in partnership" he said as they placed the rings upon eachother's fingers, "By the power vested in me through the wishes of Sejong of Goguryeo and Soheon of Wonsan, as well as the blessing of the lineage of their Spiritual Friends, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife."

The couple, now husband and wife, Emperor and Empress, turned to eachother and kissed. The Lama smiled and clapped his hands, "Now we eat!" he exclaimed to the jubilation of the crowd!

Later on that Night...

The Emperor clumsily danced with a small girl (he was quite drunk, as he normally did not take alcohol) when the Piercian Aun'El approached, "May I have this dance?" she asked him.

The Emperor looked over and smiled "I don't know, she may get jealous!" he said referring to the little girl, who was in fact the niece of General Shin Sung.

"Its okay Emperor, you're married already anyway!" the little girl said as she scurried off.

The Emperor took the Aun'El's hand, "I assume there is more to this than dancing?" he asked.

"You are correct Emperor, I wish to speak with your Lama Subo, I have travelled very far and I have many questions to ask of him. That ceremony was fantastic, the words he said really spoke volumes to me."

"Well Subo is a wise man, and of course you may speak with him, but not tonight, you must excuse me but I have uh, business, to attend to." the Emperor said smiling. "But come for lunch, and we shall all sit together and discuss various things. There are many questions I have for you, and I am sure the Lama would like to ask you some things about Piercia as well."

"But of course Emperor." the Aun'El smiled, "I'll be there."

[Pitboss Vikings]

Harald marched with the Koreans to the North. Guiding them along the Highway to central Oldonia. He showed them the sights of the historic battles along the way. The barbaric wars to clear the southern fields. He showed them the burial grounds of the lost Korean Explorer. A large memorial built to show the bravery of them. Exploring dangerous worlds with no protection.

Harald explained the history of the Oldonians and the battle sites of all the barbaric wars.

He took them to citys and got the best deals for their lodgings and restocked them with the latest food from the Oldonian vilalgers.