Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] . PART 5 (December 2008)

[Pitboss Greece]

6 turns ago:

Hail King Henry,

May I ask you to please not trade gunpowder to Rome (yet).
If you intend to do so anyway, please let me know in advance so that I may make a better proposal to you.

My fleet has sailed for many centuries, it would be a total failure if we had to fight gunpowder based soldiers from Rome.

I hope you understand this letter,

Archelaus

To Piercia on November 11th

Greetings,

Can you please leak the following information in one or another way to Rome? I try to mislead Rome by spreading lies to it.

misinformation:
There's a Spartan army marching through Piercian territory to invade Rome from the south-west.
---

the truth is that I am marching through Wyandot territory to invade him from the north-west. It takes a bit longer, but I think that it'll hit him by surprise.

There's also a fake-fleet sailing through mayan territory to Rome. I kept the galleys empty only to scare him and dare him to attack my galleys. and lose his fleet that way.

Man, it's hard to invade a nation that far away!
I hope that making Rome feel insecure helps.

Greetings,

The Scribes of Sparta

[Pitboss Greece]

There's much more in the archives, and the archives will open one day, but we cannot give away information that would reveal secrets of our friends and allies.
-----------

Archeaus was sitting in the jungles near Rome.
His army escaped Roman lands just in time.



The soldiers respected Archelaus a lot for not launching a suicide attack on Rome.
Many were relieved. Save in the Mayan jungles Archelaus started to reconsider his options.

"Sir, a messenger from Rome brought us a letter" one of his generals said.
The generals respected Archelaus for being in the mids of his people, and not declaring war from a distance.

Archelaus read the message.
"Hmmm, sailing back to Sparta, unharmed" he thought out loud.
"Is our mission a failure?" one of the generals asked.
"Well, it's not a failure. We were able to capture the city of Satricum. The fact that the Mayans were the ones marching into the city first doesn't chance the fact that we did the preparations.

Neither can Rome claim that our overthrowing of their regime is a failure" Archelaus answered, with a grin on his face.

"But we failed our original goal, raze a Roman city and push Rome that far that it finally accepted to pay their debts and give the gold they promised to us" he continued.

"Will we retreat?" a soldier asked.
Archelaus considered his answer for a few minutes. Everyone waited for his answer. Then he said: "I will not! A Spartan king will only return as a victor alive. If he fails, he'll be carried on his shield. But maybe I'll let you return to your wives and children."

Some soldiers were a bit relieved.
Others shouted: "Never! We'd rather die on th battle field then return in Sparta without our shields, flying for the Romans! We'll die with you, Great King Archelaus! We did not travel this enormous distance to return with empty hands! Please let us die here, don't send us back" they said.

Archelaus' face hardened.
Then he walked away from the camp to think.

[Pitboss Rome]

This time the messenger reached Rome at Night, and Princeps Octavian was the first to read the message from the South. The Sparta's were fleeing back towards the sea. And the Maya, well, the bells in Rome would start to ring once more.

[Pitboss Khmer]

Originally posted by Pitboss Portugal



An official response to the kingdoms of: Maya, Sparta and Khmer.

---

Khmer news has come that you are very unhappy with us building a great building. Isn’t Portugal allowed to have one great building of its own? May I ask how many does Khmer has? Surely a kingdom with five and more great projects can allow others to build as well. Yes this great project had to be completed as quickly as possible; the sole purpose of the great white building is to be a healing center. As you may know my wife Isabella is very sick, my hope is that now having the necessary amenities finally she can start to recover her health. The only good that has come out currently from this family crisis is that our children Penelope and Henry have resolved their relations.

Maya, Khmer and Sparta I hope that this letter answers some of your concerns. If there is anything else please do not hesitate to tell me, I Marco of Portugal will be more than happy to answer them.

Marco

Nations of the world.

I'll say it straight Marco.

I do not have any problem with any nation building wonders - not even Portugal.

First, we only have only three wonders - Mausoleum to Shiva, Khmer Great Library and Ganesh Zeus Statue.

Second, you have not explained why you slaved a huge amount the turn before we were to build the Taj Mahal - what is your source of intelligence? Of course you do not have to answer this but we have our suspicions. There are only two nations with a significant espionage balance against us and I am sure one of them advised you of our build progress. Be warned.

Third, you said you wouldn't gift Carracks to Rome, yet you did. You did not respond to my father's intelligence of proof of this a considerable time ago.

Forth, you have no sense of history and cling to naive concepts of fair play in this world. You continue to support, in a covert and cowardly manner, another super power, Rome.

I understood that international good form was that the 3 top ranked nations would NOT cooperate in ANY manner; although not against any international judicial judgment. Khmer remains with closed borders to Rome and Portugal and does NO trade with these nations.

Fifth, you have no understanding of the problems in Meduian, despite mis-information supplied, perhaps. See the HRE missive.

Khmer has only ever strived to help our friends on Meduian:

* Of 15 tech vouchers we have used THREE as gifts - leaving Khmer with a balance of only 12 (at this point)

* My father attempted to use his influence to secure benefits for the land-challenged nations of this world; yet Portugal gobbles up most of the good land in New Portugal.

* Khmer has gifted military units to its neighbors for defensive purposes. When the HRE were about to capture Metallica the Khmer called for peace talks and masterminded a plan that SAVED the Metals. We did not give the HRE Knights to attacks the Metals and as the HRE have explained we were not involved in the three nation plan of the HRE, Americans and Celts. Doesn't this tell you something?

* Khmer has gifted settler/worker/missionaries on a needs basis to its friends.

* Khmer has gifted many resources and done advantageous deals with all of its neighbors (save Spain).

* It is true that some of our friends have also been kind to the Khmer and bonds grow strong on Meduian.

What is Portugal's balance sheet in helping other nations?

You use Rome as a shield so that you can prosper quietly.

You have used Spain for eons to cooperate on tech paths; causing them to maintain high tech rates to the detriment of their land development.

You are a cowardly and selfish nation. I see you frollicking with you Spanish cohorts in MY Taj Mahal. You have no idea how mad I am about this.

I hear rumors of the "Khmer Problem" from near and far yet I hear none of the "Portuguese Problem".

I am now closing all diplomatic ties, or what's left of them with Portugal NOW.

I urge all nations to close borders with Rome and Portugal and if this causes you grief with happiness or health please approach the Khmer as we have several surpluses we can do deals with.

If two super powers continue to cooperate as they have it can only mean one thing in the long run.

By closing borders you deprive them of trade. All the luxuries and other resources that Portugal is cultivating in New Portugal will find no markets for their surpluses.

tidings,

Suryavarman 2
---
ooc I hope the Portugal and Rome player don't get personally upset. Suryavarman 2 is a different character and is NOT a diplomat. Oh, really?

[Pitboss Khmer]

For the consumption of fellow Meduians!

And Japan might be interested too

[Pitboss Rome]

ooc I hope the ... Rome player don't get personally upset...

Not at all. IG lies are fine with me

[Pitboss Japan]

Keep the good work up Khmer .

[Pitboss Celts]

At the Hastings conference, the metalheads and Celts have settled their differences thanks to the mediation of the Funglish. Iron Maiden has been peacefully handed over to the Celts and renamed Aonghus. As well, the Celtic lands are now open for the Metalheads to visit should they seek a vacation destination. We appreciate the Metalheads participating in a civilized discussion of the territory. The Celtic people will continue to aid the Metalheads as a thank you to successful resolution.

[Pitboss Japan]

With the world seemingly going to war with it’s self, Ieyasu decided to send out ambassadors to meet with the last of the nation in the world that Japan had not yet officially contacted. The Red Dragon was sent to the west to find the nations who lived in those parts. Another ship was sent to the east to drop off one of the ambassadors to visit Korea and Maya while also search for the ship Portugal sent with the missionaries that where to be sent to Japan. The ship was do to arrive in the Port of Ino 15 weeks ago yet never arrived in Japan. Ieyasu was worried maybe the ship was lost but Portugal had said nothing nor had they responded to any of Japan’s messages. So he sent out one of Japan’s more proven warship to find out the mystery of the missing missionaries.

[Pitboss Korea]

Sejong's Reforms.

Emperor Sejong of Korea was in the process of reforming the system of governance that had defined the Korean Empire for centuries. The first part of the process was to reform the Korean military, which held all power among the kingdoms that comprised the Empire and provided the local nobility with near-autonomy; the Emperor being hardly more than a ceremonial figurehead while the local nobility provided the taxes and the defense of the Korean lands. While Korea's most powerful warlords (Han Gong and Jumong) were away on official diplomatic missions Sejong seized his opportunity to wrest control from the powerful local nobles. With Pyongyand and Seoul united under his control his next order of business would be to remove Wonsan's own authority by joining the powerful noble Bojong of Wonsan with his own family, as he not only betrothed Bojong's daughter to his son Gojong but appointed Bojong "Imperial Prime Minister," a position Sejong hmself invented. He made new laws, nationalizing the military and removing all rights to land ownership from the military classes, in exchange he gave them legal rights over the working class, who held exclusive rights to land ownership. This did two things for Sejong; the first being that the military class was no longer attached to the lands of Korea by ownership, and the second, and probably most important, was to prevent the working/farming class from carrying weapons. Which eventually would prevent uprisings, and keep the military class at his beck and call. Once his northern envoys returned from their mission he reorganized his court...


The Korean Court Under Sejong.

The following are the most powerful members of Sejong's court, as well as a brief synopsis of their duties and histories:

Emperor Sejong of Goguryeo is the leader of Korea. He is officially the warlord of Pyongyang (although Jumong is the de facto warlord of Pyongyang) and King of Silla, which unites Korea's two most powerful and oldest Kingdoms under one man. He is the son of Wang Geon of Pyongyang and Princess Sinjeong of Silla, as well as brother to Daemok of the Maya and uncle to her son, and Mayan King, Pacal Voltan. He is also a descendent of Silla's original failed King Gung Ye, who his father Wang Geon deposed. Sejong is noted for his conquests of the Aztecs and expansion of Korean diplomacy to its highest levels, he is accused by the Korean people of cow-towing to the Mayan empire, as well as standing up to the Spartan empire. He values education above all things, and his goals are to bring Korea to independent prominence, even if these means dealing with friends and foes alike.

Prince Gojong Goguryeo of Silla is the son of Emperor Sejong and Empress Soheon. Gojong is not as interested in foreign affairs as his father, but does hold an entitled attitude. He is unhappy in his marriage to Bojong of Wonsan's daughter, but understands that it is politically important. This attitude leads him to stray from his marriage often, and engage in ludicrous behavior on a consistant basis. He is not well-liked by the military class, but is popular among the nobility, and particularly those of the powerful northern Kingdom of Wonsan. Although he is extremely loyal to his father, and would do nothing to harm him, he is seen as ambitious to a fault, and visibly awaits his time to rule.

Bojong of Wonsan is the Imperial Prime Minister, a position created by Sejong. The Imperial Prime Minister performs the duties formerly done by the Imperial Foreign Minister. Bojong was once the Imperial Minister of Domestic Affairs, and was an integral figure in reshaping the Korean cout in Sejong's image. He is a distant relative to Empress Soheon, and owes her for his powerful position in the Imperial court. His true claim to fame was the negotiation with Pacal Voltan over the territory known as "Alemanni" which was taken from the Aztecs by a combined Korea and Piercian force. He has quickly become Sejong's top advisor, and in a sign of appreciation his daughter was married to Prince Gojong.

General Jumong of Pyongyang is the Imperial Commander of Korea. He was appointed to this position following the death of renowned General Shin Sung. Jumong is actually a very unpopular figure among the nobility, and is known among the military class as a harsh and cut-throat commander. While he is well respected by the army, he is not as well-liked as his rival Han Gong. Jumong cut his teeth during the Aztec wars, and travelled from Korea as far as Piercia. He also took part in the Oldonian Islamic wars and is a good friend of the new Oldonian King Harald Hardrada. In fact Harald owes his life to Jumong, who lost an eye battling barbarians that threatened Harald's home-town of Gateway (now Sigaard). Jumong's no-nonsense attitude, and his unpopularity are precisely what got him the job as Imperial Commander (although most people believed that Han Gong, as a close friend of Bae Hyeongyeong, would get the post), as Sejong didn't want someone who could muster the military to threaten his power. Jumong is rude, and speaks in vulgar terms, often at the detriment to Korean foreign policy. Despite this he is extremely loyal, and always willing to fight.

Hae Mosu is the ambitious and crafty Imperial Foreign Minister of Korea. He has seen his power wane drastically since his visit to Piercia. Sejong saw him as ambitious and disloyal, often making decisions based on his own well-being rather than that of the Empire. Hae Mosu is known to mistrust foreigners, particularly the Spartans and the Mayans. Although since Pacal Voltan has come to power his attitude towards the Mayans has done a near 180, as he often refers to Pacal Voltan as the "Korean King of Tikal." Despite his personality, Hae Mosu is a fantastic diplomat, and he is cunning beyond measure. He also made sure to get as much knowlege of state-secrets (both Korean and foreign) as possible to help him further his goals. Hae Mosu got his start as part of the envoy to Maya which was headed by General Bae Hyeongyong. Han Gong was also present for this trip and the two have a friendship, although they are often at odds with one another, they are able to debate issues without getting personal. While Hae is quite accomplished and capable, his loyalty is often in question.

Lama Subo is the head of the Buddhist faith, and the religious advisor to Emperor Sejong. He was apprentice to Lama Jinul, a mysterious non-Korean figure from the Jogye mountains. Subo was there (along with Lama Ji Gong) when the Aztecs razed the original city of Wonsan and with it destroyed the original Jogye monastery. He was instrumental in getting Supreme King Wang Geon to convert to Buddhism and to build the Jogyesa monastery in Seoul, which was named after the Jogye mountains. While Subo doesn't serve in any official capacity in court there is no advisor as trusted, and listened to, as the Lama. Sejong comes to him with even the most sensative information, and the Lama is actually able to speak DOWN to the Emperor, a luxury nobody else in court has. Although he is quite old, he is wise beyond measure, and convinced Sal'Ly to return to Piercia and tell her secrets to Aziz.


Harald Leaves for Oldonia.

Harald Sigurdsson (known as "the Fairhair" or Hardrada in Oldonian) is an Oldonian General and honrary Captain of the Korean army who travelled with General Jumong as part of his diplomatic envoy to Piercia. Many years ago he left his hometown of Gateway to travel with the Korean army and gained much experience during his travels. Seeing battles against Islamist insurgents in Oldonia, and the courts of the Wyandot Nation and Piercia he has gained much experience. He was chosen by Emperor Sejong to return to Oldonia and bring order to the failed state. After being recognized by many nations, even enemies of one another, he was sent off, along with General Han Gong, to return to Oldonia and establish himself as King. After decades away from his homeland he would finally return...

"Do we have everything prepared?" a dejected General Han Gong asked Harald. Han Gong was hoping to be named Imperial Commander following the death of General Shin Sung, but his rival General Jumong was appointed to the post instead. Han Gong suspected it was due to his knowlege of Sejong's true origins, as son of General Gang Jo and not Wang Geon, but he dare not speak of this publicly. Sejong would certainly have him killed if he did so.

"I believe so" Harald said, looking around, he could still not believe what he was doing, could he really be a King?

"Well, we had better get moving then, I can't stand to be here any longer, not after what they've done to me!" Han Gong complained.

"General" Harald replied, "I know you are upset, but it is a great honor to have you come with me, you are well respected here in Korea, and I hope that this will transfer to Oldonia as well."

The troops began boarding the ship, as the two men watched, "Well, I thank you for saying that Harald, but you and I both know there is no need for me to go with you, in fact I fear that both Oldonians and the other nations of this continent will see you as a Korean puppet, especially with me at your side."

"You may be right" Harald said, "But I know the truth, and you are a necessary commodity, I know you don't believe this to be true, but you are the best choice for this. You are careful, calm, and deliberate. While I owe a great deal to General Jumong he would merely get in my way."

"Whatever" Han Gong said, as soon as he returned to Korea he was again being sent away to a far-flung foreign land, "Let's just get out of here."

The two men boarded the ship as the anchors were lifted, Harald looked back at Korea. While he was only there for a short time, he couldn't help but feeling drawn to the place that had given him meaning in life. He couldn't help but watch as the shore disappeared into the horizon, at the country that had returned order to Oldonia. He sighed, and looked forward towards the endless sea, "this is it Harald" he said to himself, "Back to Gateway..."

[Pitboss Portugal]

OCC -

Pm is empty - thank you for the reminder

[Pitboss H Roman]

Sir Oliver himself led the charge against The Flats. The Corps of Knights was dubious up to the last minute that the attack would be called off. Resentment still lingered over the cancelled siege of Metallica. So when Oliver got the word to attack, he wasted no time in a direct assault on the Incan city.

His knights formed up behind him and charged for the main gate. It was weakly defended, and the city poorly prepared. And whether the defenders were surprised, or completely demoralized by the magnificent Holy Roman Knights, or simply poorly led, it was not clear. What is clear is that Sir Oliver's regiment had no problem in accessing the city, and the defenders died to a man with not a single Knight being lost.

Sir Rupert and Sir Frederick followed quickly behind Sir Oliver to secure the city.

No, this was not like fighting the Metals, thought the leaders of the Holy Roman Knights. Not even close.

[Pitboss Celts]

The Celtic people welcome Euclid into their land. His wisdom has provided us with many advancements in science. Thanks to his great contributions, the Celtic people were able to build an academy in his honor to build the future's of our citizens.

[OzzyKP]

(this is long over due, so don’t get confused, this story line was started months ago, and should be assumed to have taken place months ago in our time and many years ago in game time, just getting caught up before I can move on. The previous post in this story can be read here.)


The Beginning of the End of the Great Metalhead Civil War

With Led Zeppelin secured, General Bonham led his forces east into Holy Roman territory. His prize, the city of Prague, lay before his troops. It was surprisingly empty of troops. Either the element of surprise was entirely on his side, or the defenders retreated at the sight of his army. Either way, the city was captured with only minimal resistance.

Meanwhile, to the south, scores of civilians fled Metallica to safety in Holy Roman land. The refugees were absorbed into the Holy Roman empire and given safety to the south. When the Metalhead civil war ended, some of then returned to Metallica, but most remained in their new homes. Ron McGovney the bass fishing magnate continued his insurgency against the surprisingly honorable rule of Dave Mustaine.

General Jimmy Page, after suffering a defeat against General Bonham had fled south with his army and was currently approaching Metallica from the great forest that lay between Metallica and Led Zeppelin. It was here that the civil war would be decided, and it was here that ultimately one man would turn the tide of the war. That man was Captain Mustaine.

His heart was no longer in the war. Whether it ever was may never be known. He didn’t however want to back a losing horse and end up sent to the gallows by his co-conspirators. So as long as the rebel faction remained strong he continued to do his duty, but quietly aided the royalist insurgency. The sudden appearance of General Page’s army suddenly changed his calculation.

He once more called upon Ron McGovney for an audience. They met in secret, where their earlier meeting had taken place weeks ago. This time however, it was McGovney who spoke first.

“What is the meaning of this? You said to come alone?”

Mustaine motioned to the two men standing in the shadows almost out of sight. James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich stepped forward, revealing themselves.

McGovney was visibly surprised. “But why?”

Mustaine spoke slowly, “As you know, General Page approaches the city. His army is battered, but still a powerful force. If I know General Bonham as well as I think, he chose to attack Prague instead of finish his business here. Led Zeppelin should be lightly defended. Bonham would be no match for the combined might of General Page and the forces of Metallica.”

“But....”

“I have released Hetfield and turned over control of the city to him once more. Together we can put an end to this war.”

McGovney was dumbstruck, but in light of Mustaine’s past actions, he knew he told the truth. He called together his insurgents and together with Mustaine’s army marched north to join General Page. The combined forces marched north.

[OzzyKP]

The Tide Turns in the Great Metalhead Civil War

The combined might of Page, Mustaine & McGovney easily overwhelmed the lightly defended Led Zeppelin. Bonham, in his hatred for the Holy Romans and his overconfidence had left his city only lightly defended. With Robert Plant freed, the Royalist forces had a decision to make. Secure their base in Led Zeppelin & Metallica, march east to take on Bonham in Prague, or march west to liberate Black Sabbath. They agreed that it wouldn’t be wise to split their forces. Ideally the Holy Romans would finish off General Bonham, but it seemed unlikely they’d be able to muster enough of a force to dislodge him from Prague. The duty therefore, rest with them.

The royalists marched east to confront Bonham, the instigator of this whole bloody conflict. The battle would prove to be the largest of the whole war. The fighting was intense and with no avenue for retreat available to Bonham, was ultimately decisive. Losses were great on both sides, but when the outcome became apparent, Bonhom’s troops surrendered and took him prisoner. The surviving troops of Bonham’s army quickly pledged allegiance to Ozzy.

While a victory for the royalists, it was not without cost. Ron McGovney was struck by an arrow in battle and died 3 days later. It was a sad loss for the people of Metallica, but the war was far from over. The army marched west back to Led Zeppelin to regroup.

On To Black Sabbath

The army spent several days to regroup and have some much needed rest. Meanwhile a messenger was sent ahead to Black Sabbath to make contact with Randy Rhodes, the leader of the resistance in the capitol. He was told to intensify his efforts to disrupt Ronnie James Dio’s hold on the city and provide needed intelligence to the royalist troops.

The country was now divided in two. Led Zeppelin and Metallica had been returned to royalist control, and Black Sabbath and Pantera controlled by the rebels. General Page collected his forces together for a full on assault of the capitol. The march was long, but the end of this nightmare was finally within sight.

The battle was hard fought, but the remaining rebel leaders, General Darrell & Ronnie James Dio were defeated. Ozzy was freed and the country was once again returned to his rule.