Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] . PART 6 (January 2009)

[Pitboss Rome]

Great Kings Orestes and Xristo, Friends

I welcome your kind and thoughtful messages. We are ourselves lamenting the complete silence from the Pericians. We have urged them publicly to make some contact with us, so that we can make peace. But up to now we have heard no word. This pains us.

We have already started to develop plans to invoke a unilateral cease-fire, and your pleas on behalf of the Piercians let down by their military and political castes, only encourage us in this.

We would much prefer to hear something from the Piercians - if they had contacted us in the recent past much suffering would have been prevented. But we will try to bring forward plans for a cease-fire soon.

Emperor Augustus.

[The Capo]

The Rise of Emperor Gojong...

The reign of Emperor Sejong marked a strange transition period for Korea. There was a great detachment from its past, but also a vast change after his death. While his reign wasn't short, in the grand scheme what occured during his reign was. Little would be carried over into the new Empire. Sejong attempted, and succeded in many ways, to overhaul Korea's system of education and military by establishing libraries and barrakcs throughout the Empire. What this did was remove the local power of the military, and relegated it to their own customs, separate from those of the nobility. Traditionally Korea was a country run by Warlords, with the nobility existing merely to maintain the armies and pay taxes as well as control the peasants (by collecting money and establishing ad hoc "courts" whenever a case arose). Sejong removed this role of the nobility as well by building Imperial Courts throughout the Empire, which cut the nobility out of the legal process and thus brought more money to the Imperial Coffers (by cutting out the middle man). A direct result of this was a heightened reliance upon the Imperial family on the part of the nobility, and thus a form of loyalty based on this dependence. Unfortunately for Sejong this would not last when his son, Gojong, was crowned Emperor. Gojong, like his father, was worried that the splintered nobility of Korea woudl grow to cause trouble, but unlike his father he used the military as a means of controlling it. General Jumong, the Imperial Commander, rode throughout the countryside, terrorizing powerful nobles as an example to weaker ones who would fill the void of the deposed nobility. This did two things; it removed potential rivals to the Emperor (and the military), and forced the weaker nobility (that was spared in the purgings) into servitude through fear. To appease the citizens Gojong built religious buildings, and made plans to expand the Empire into two new territories, deemed Imperial Kingdoms, and land was given to poor peasants. This meant the average citizen was loyal to the Emperor rather than their local nobles.

Of course this had to begin somewhere. A new court was established, and power was now based on fear rather than reason and law. This is the rise of Gojong of Silla....


Silla, Imperial Palace...

Bak Moon walked alongside his second cousin Sigyeom, Gojong's wife and daughter of Prime Minister Bojong. It was mere hours ago that General Jumong sprang him from a dungeon below the palace and told him that he would be given an Imperial title, but removed of any authority in military affairs. He was captured during Jumong's purgings, and the Imperial Commander insisted this was done for his protection. Bak Moon was convinced that somehow this all had to do with Sejong's murder, and that General Han Gong was merely a fall-guy. "Cousin" he whispered to the Princess, who continued to look forward, "What is happening?"

"Do not speak now Bak Moon" she said, "This is no time for conversation."

"What are you talking about? I was just pulled out of a dungeon."

"Well you certainly smell like it" she replied curtly.

"What has happened? Did Han Gong really kill the Emperor?" he asked as they approached the dais.

"I told you to be quiet, they will arrive shortly and we can't be seen speaking. You were nearly killed, you don't want to risk your life again."

The soldiers began to form their ceremonial lines, as the Emperor-to-be Gojong of Silla would soon arrive. Bak Moon took his seat next to the Princess, "I have to know what is going on, did Han Gong really kill Emperor Sejong?"

The Princess looked around to make sure nobody was looking, primarily her father; things were so tense she could hardly trust him. "I don't know, he didn't deny it, although he never admitted it either."

"You saw him?" Bak Moon asked, perplexed.

"Gojong made me watch, watch as he killed him." she said, "And I don't want to go through that again, so I'd advise you to quiet down..."

...................

"SON OF SEJONG THE GREAT, PRINCE OF SILLA, AND WARLORD OF PYONG'YANG!" a crier said, as the soldiers stood at attention, "I PRESENT TO YOU, PRINCE GOJONG OF SILLA!"

All of the nobility kneeled in the courtyard as the musicians began to play the anthem of the Imperial family. Imperial Commander Jumong, in his finest armor, walked from the palace doors first. And stood aside and bowed, he was followed by Prime Minister Bojong who stood accross from him and did the same; this entire affair was completely new and none of it was established as proper ceremony. Gojong wanted to remake the Imperial position, and he would begin by forcing his ministers to show fealty before all of the nobility. Women began dancing, with feather-plumed fans, as Lama Subo hobbled from the palace. He could barely walk, as he approached the dais. Bak Moon quickly stood up to help the Lama up to his place, Subo clutched his bicep and whispered into his ear; "I implore you to stay silent on this matter until we speak privately", the old man smiled and took his position as the Emperor emerged from the palace.

He stood, content with himself as he looked around at the scene. He slowly approached the Lama. He passed his wife and smiled at her, but it wasn't a gentle smile. It was a domineering one, almost mishchievous. He stood before the Lama and his newly appointed nobles, and was crowned Emperor....

[The Capo]

Gojong, King of Silla, Warlord of Pyongyang, Prince of Wonsan, and Emperor of Korea

TO: The Nations of the World
FROM: Imperial Prime Minister, Bojong of Wonsan

Nations of the world!

We are pleased to announce the ascension of Prince Gojong of Silla to the Imperial Throne of Korea. He is joined by the Empress Singyeom of Wonsan.

He shall honor all agreements and debts of his predecessor Emperor Sejong of Goguryeo.

We would also like to announce a canal built just west of the city of Pyong'yang. This canal offers access from the inland sea to the southern oceans. Becuase this canal is located within the city limits of Pyong'yang, and due to the loss of resources due to its location we will charge a fee for use of this canal. The Emperor is willing to negotiate this fee, but it will be put at 15 gold per use at this point in time. This applies to all nations, whether allied or not. This great project, while begun by Emperor Sejong, was completed by Emeperor Gojong and stands as a testament to his glory and power. Future diplomatic missives can be sent to Imperial Prime Minister Bojong until a new foreign minister is named.

- Bojong of Wonsan, Imperial Prime Minister

[Pitboss Khmer]

The Liberty Enlightening the World Project

Not long after coming to power Xristo decided to put on hold many public projects in Portugal. One such project was the Liberty Enlightening the World. Xristo thought that smaller nations should be given the opportunity to build this magnificent monument. He strongly hopped that other big powers like Khmer, Rome, Sparta and Maya would agree having someone else construct this great statue.

A rough example of the proposed statue:



Description:

The statue is of a robed woman holding a torch, and is made of a sheeting of pure copper, hung on a framework of with the exception of the flame of the torch, which is coated in gold leaf. It stands atop a rectangular stonework pedestal with a foundation in the shape of an irregular eleven-pointed star.

It is agreed, Khmer will not build this project nor will we adopt Emancipation unless other big powers do.

We do not object to anyone other than Portugal, Rome or Khmer building it.

[Pitboss Greece]

Hail Gojong of Silla, Emperor of Korea,

I salute you!
I salute Korea for their new emperor!

Prince of Wonsan, Emperor, may I invite you to come over to Sparta.
Korea and Sparta need to discuss our future. Too long have Korea and Sparta wandered on different roads.
I desire to re-establish the old friendship of Lacedaemon and General Bae!

You are invited to come to the new built and not yet settled by anyone Castle of Sparta, situated in the Great Mountains close to the river.
You can bring all nobles and servants you need.
I will take care of anything you need.
You can be our guest for as long as you want to.

I am awed by the Korean capability to construct such a canal.
I hope you remember that Sparta suggested this location to you, long ago.
We are definitely willing to pay you for any usage of the canal!
You may want to discuss our long-time payment for using your newly built canal when you come over to Sparta!

With respect and honour,

Orestes
King of Sparta

[Pitboss Greece]

Hail Xristo, King Portugal,

I will send a message to all city states of Sparta to refrain from building any statue as being described by you.

Orestes
King of Sparta

[Pitboss Russia]

Official declaration of Defence

I Joseph Stalin, Leader of the Rus, have received a declaration of war by the Piercians.
This declaration does not include any reasons for this declaration nor any requirements or demands Russia has to live up to, according to the Piercians.

The declaration however is clear and cannot be misunderstood.
The Russian army is ready to defend it's territories against these new foes.
The Russian army as capable to withstand the Roman armies, therefore we do not fear the Piercians.

We do however call upon our Pax Romana brothers, Rome and Portugal, to aid us in this new war that came to Russia.
We did not desire this war. We desire peace for a long time already.

We count our blessings nevertheless, and praise mother Russia for the few years we were allowed to live in peace.

Joseph Stalin

[Pitboss Japan]

The Liberty Enlightening the World Project

Not long after coming to power Xristo decided to put on hold many public projects in Portugal. One such project was the Liberty Enlightening the World. Xristo thought that smaller nations should be given the opportunity to build this magnificent monument. He strongly hopped that other big powers like Khmer, Rome, Sparta and Maya would agree having someone else construct this great statue.

A rough example of the proposed statue:



Description:

The statue is of a robed woman holding a torch, and is made of a sheeting of pure copper, hung on a framework of with the exception of the flame of the torch, which is coated in gold leaf. It stands atop a rectangular stonework pedestal with a foundation in the shape of an irregular eleven-pointed star.

Japan feels it would be most fitting if ONLY America built the great monument. (ooc. It would feel really weird and wrong to me if statue of liberty was built by anyone else.)

[Pitboss Japan]

Inside Oda held city of Goda...

Nobunaga sat in the center of the city along with some of his men enjoying a fresh bowl of potato soup. "Mmmm this soup is delicious", said Nobunaga. " Thank you my lord," said the farmer. "God has given use a great harvest this year." "Yes he has," said Nobunaga. He looked around to see all but one of his men enjoying themselves. "Why so serious Nagahide? You have barely even touched your soup", said Nobunaga.

"How can I eat with the Imagawa lining up their troops on our borders? We should be preparing ourselves for them not sitting back and doing nothing', said Nagahide. "You worry too much potato samurai. The Imagawa's time will come just not right now," said Nobunaga. Nagahide looked down and said, "Po-ta-to." Then Toshiie jumped up and started to sing, "All ways worried Potato Samurai." Everyone was overcome with laughter and never saw the massager bird that came for Nobunaga.

Nobunaga read the message as he spoke softly to himself. "They fell for it, now is the time to unite southern Japan." He stood up and spoke, "Alright everyone eat hardy, we move out soon. Toshiie, Nagahide gather the others and tell them we will make our move now."

[Robert]

ooc. It would feel really weird and wrong to me if statue of liberty was built by anyone else

Does that also count for the Statue of Liberty, the Pyramids, the Hoover Dam, the Sistine Chappel, the Colloseum and all those other wonders that in reality belong to one nation
Or is the statue an exception, and if so, why?

[Pitboss Persia]

From: Aun'Vre Ten'Jin Por'Per
To:Emperor Augustus of Rome
CC: Joseph Stalin of Russia

Greetings,

I am the governor of the piercian city of Por'Per and I have been allowed to adress you this message in order to explain recent events in the Piercian Empire.

The loss of Mee'Ting has led to different accusations here. We are in a civil war, oposing those who remain loyal to Asiz Asizia to the supporters of Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl. I won't annoy you with explaining the background of this conflict to you. All you have to know is that it seems like the latter side is winning this conflict.

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl has made public that a reward would be given for any russian head. The Shas won't be dispatched at Russia, but any Russian approaching piercian lands will be killed at sight. This is the answer to the betrayal of the Russians for whom the Piercian Empire lost everything.

I have not been informed about any kind of planned peace-purposal for Rome.

Aun'Vre Ten'Jin Por'Per



On the other side of the letter adressed to Rome, there is a small handwritten note: I might get killed for writing this, but she is a bloodthirsty and mad tyrant. She has many supporters within the Shas. Too much for us to resist. I have heard you are thinking about a cease-fire. If you are serious about this, it will have to be unilateral for she will never accept it.

[Pitboss Rome]

Support for Our Allies

Joseph Stalin, Great Ruler of the Rus, Ally.

We were shocked and saddened to receive the news that the Piercians have declared war on you. After all the trouble that their meddling has caused the Rus, this seems a final insult.

If we were not already at war with them, we would immediately declare war in response to their threat to peoples living under the Pax Romana. However we are already at war with them, and indeed have destroyed their military. Which only goes to show that the Piercians are currently ruled by mad men, or as I understand it, a mad woman.

We are being urged by others to declare a unilateral cease-fire with the Piercians. This is complicated given their seeming dedication to endless war. I am not sure yet how to resolve this. However, let me give you two assurances:

1. Any threat to the Rus is and will be taken as a threat to Rome.
2. Any declaration about a cease-fire which we come to, will be expressed in terms of the Pax Romana. Thus we would not say, for example, that any entry into Roman lands will be responded to with a punative strike into Piercia limited to the destruction of one city, but that any entry into the territory of the Pax Romana would be responded to by ...

Strategically of course it would be difficult for the Piercians to reach Rus lands by land. However you shoudl be aware that there is at least one squadron of Piercian ships sailing eastwards along the Mayan coast at present, which could pose a threat to the southern coast of Russia.

Finally, to satisfy your honour, give your young men something to do to stop them drinking too much, and express our unity, any troops would be welcome at the Piercian front-line, even just a token mounted unit.

Best wishes, my friend.

Augustus.

[Pitboss Rome]

Aun'Vre Ten'Jin Por'Per, govenor of Por'Per,

I rejoiced at the news that a message had been received from the Piercians, but was saddened that it contained no proposals for peace. Indeed the news from Piercia seems to make peace an impossibility, but that would mean incalcuable suffering on the Piercian people.

I pray that the one true God might raise up new leaders among the Piercians who look to the safety of the people, not follow their own pride and folly.

Good luck, Aun'Vre Ten'Jin Por'Per - thank you for your news - I pray that we might not meet on the battlefield.

Emperor Augustus of Rome.

[Pitboss Rome]

Great Kings Orestes and Xristo, Friends, and other concerned nations,

I have given very careful thought to the need to protect the poor of Piercia, abandoned by their leadership, while protecting Roman lands - remember it is not long ago that Rome itself was severely threatened. At that time Roman cities were captured and there was no public outcry.

A plan of disengagement will unfold over the next year. For security reasons I cannot reveal it now, but will declare it publicly here soon.

I am still concerned though that all noises from Piercia are of continuing war. I will order this disengagement out of respect for you, concern for the poor of Piercia, and because Rome's desire is always to achieve peace and security. However, if the Piercians then go on to threaten the Pax Romana, few options will be left to us other than to destroy all their means of production.

Let us hope God raises up new leaders for Piercia who value peace.

Emperor Augustus

[Pitboss H Roman]

A Short History of the Incan War and Operation TIAL RUVAP

A Holy Roman Perspective

The war against the Stinka (hereafter referred to as the Incan) nation had its roots in the second Hastings Conference of the Nations of Meduain. Beginning in 1305, the war had two primary aims. The first was to access more land for the nations of the continent. Competition for the existing land in the northern section of the continent had been the primary reason behind the recent war with the Metalheads, and the Hastings Agreement strived to resolve the conflict by a redistribution of current available land, and exchange of certain cities, and the planned annexation of Incan lands. The second aim was based much more on idealogy. TIAL RUVAP, roughly translated, means Teach Inca A Lesson Regarding Using Vouchers And Posting.

Operation TIAL RUVAP, beginning in the summer of 1305, was largely conducted by Holy Roman and Khmer forces. The first Incan city to fall was Rice Shores, to the Khmer. The first attack by Holy Roman troops saw its knights easily taking the small and northern-most Incan city of The Flats. Holy Roman and Khmer forces then moved southward. The Holy Roman Army, under the command of General van Heusten, comprised a strong corps of knights, elephant troops, macemen, longbows, crossbows, and a considerable array of catapult artillery.

Following their success at The Flats, the Holy Roman knights tried a similar charge against the defenders of Pepper Point. Although eventually successful, the battle saw the first serious casualties incurred by the Holy Roman Army. Leaving an adequate garrison to quell the Incan population, the army then swung eastward, sharing the road with Khmer forces which were also on the move. The Holy Roman Knights, out in front of the Holy Roman Army, and perhaps still smarting over their losses at Pepper Point, looked to redeem themselves in a hasty assault of the major city of Mosquito Creek. Unfortunately, the Incan troops proved once again capable of mounting an unexpectedly still defence, and serious losses were incurred.

General van Heusten commanded that no further charges by the knights would be allowed. The foot troops, elephants and siege train arrived at Mosquito Creek three days later, and at the end of two weeks, the city fell after a deliberate and well executed siege. At this time, Khmer troops were moving southward, eventually taking the capitol of Sushi City and further cities to the south. The Holy Romans moved further east, against the city of Les Statuarie. A smaller force of knights and crossbowmen moved north – reaching the coast and the city of Tiwanaku, which upon found being undefended, was razed to the ground as per the request of the Funglish. (The reader should note that, as per the Hastings Agreement, the lands west of Les Statuarie were destined to become Metal lands, and from Les Statuarie east, Funglish.)

Les Statuarie, as with Mosquito Creek, was reduced by siege, and assaulted successfully with minimal casualties to Holy Roman Forces. The battle of Les Statuarie is notable for two other events. It is at this time (1370), that the Funglish and the Spanish also declared war on the Inca. More importantly for the Holy Roman Empire, the siege had revealed the talents of a great military leader, Major Rickard Subatai, who would one day make an even more important mark in the history of the Empire.

General van Heusten determined that it was now necessary to rest and heal several of his more powerful regiments. But not wanting to lose momentum, he sent a regiment of macemen to the southern coast, where the sole unit of the Funglish Army was operating. He also ordered the 23rd Holy Roman Elephant Regiment to undertake what has now become the legendary March to the Bog. The 23rd travelled several weeks through thick jungle to the east coast of the old Incan peninsula. The weather was unbearably hot, and it and the dangers of jungle travel took its toll on both the troops and the elephants. After 42 days of marching, and an admirable feat of navigation given the lack of roads, the regiment reached the remote Incan town of The Bog. Small, and essentially deserted, the 23rd spent less than 3 days levelling the settlement, recouping, and then heading west, along the southern shore.

When the 23rd arrived at the city of Ivory Bayou, the Holy Roman siege train had already been in place for several days, and were quickly reducing the defences of the city. It was also surprising to see the Imperial Flag of Inca flying over the city, indicating that this was now the capitol, and likely sole remaining Incan city. The original intent of Operation TIAL RUVAP had not been to eliminate the civilization. But the capture of Ivory Bayou would forever remove them from history. As General van Heusten advanced on the city with the stronger assault troops of the army, this weighed heavily on his mind. The Incan was a little known, essentially silent nation. But they had also built a large and advanced civilization, and a number of so-called wonders. The General sent a courier back to Aachen to consult with Emperor Frederick, asking for confirmation of his orders. He received them as quickly as the fast courier horses could travel. The city, and the Inca, would fall.

The Battle of Ivory Bayou is notable, not only for the fall of an entire civilization, but the heroic way in which they died. The last Incan defenders were a regiment of axes and a regiment of elephant troops. The city defences had been reduced, and although wounded by catapult fire themselves, they fought desperately to the end, taking many Holy Roman troops with them into the pages of history.

There was no celebration after the battle. The officers collected what remained of the Incan treasury, and then directed their troops to burn the few remaining buildings. At daybreak the following day, The Holy Roman Army turned westward and headed for home.