Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] . PART 7 (February 2009)

[Pitboss Rome]

The End is Nigh

The people of Rome knew the end must be coming soon. First Prince Andrei Bogolubski of the Rus arrived, then ambassadors from Sparta. Augustus was seen no more in public. Officials reported that edicts now emerged with the subscription 'dictated by Augustus' rather than signed personally by him. The speculation was that it was Marcus Aurelius who was writing them, though few knew much about him other than that his mother had been killed in the War of the Traitors, his father apparently had been a naval captain, and he had been brought up an orphen in Augustus' court.

Then Xristo of Portugal arrived sailing on a barge down the Tiber. His glory surpassed even his reputation.

But still there was nothing. Rumour had it that Augustus was holding on, waiting, praying that the Lesser One's mission to bring back from the great Jewish Holy City, in Portugal, the High Priest of all Judaism to bid Augustus on his way.

[Pitboss Portugal]

High Priest



The High Priest leaves the Great Jewish Holy City for Rome to meet with Augustus...

[Pitboss Portugal]

To: Piercia
From: Xristo

Greetings friend!

I write to you to tell you that another party of settlers is heading for the colony of Pier. I hope you do not mind this deed of mine. Once the settlers enter your colony i will transfer them to you. Also I have ordered that my units stay with you for a while for security.

[Pitboss Russia]

Greetings my beloved Friends,

I fear that the situation in Rome has become such that I feel I can serve no further benefit by remaining here. I am moved to suggest that even my dearest ally Augustus's annointed heir is uncertain to inherit the the laurel crown.

I thus return to Novgorad for my own coronation to which steadfast ally Orestes has done me the honour of agreeing to attend. The invitation is open to all, save one, and the guest list would be enriched for the presence of noble Pacal Zandoz should he choose to accept for thus I trust having enjoyed Russian hospitality he might think better of us than as closet thieves and rogues.

Onto serious matters; I was astonished to see the trickery attempted by the Japanese when offerring what appeared to be but a simple trade included an attempt to dupe the Russian academy of science out of one of their greatest achievements! Little short of theft and a ruse I so nearly fell for, innocent that I am, as it was seemingly a normal economic deal. Fell and foul I call this and I am having to grow used to the temporal world far quicker than I had hoped!

Despite these worries my heart was lifted to be greeted upon my arrival in Muskovy with the devotion shown to me by my people. For certain I love them as my flock and they look to me as their shepherd. I cannot but begin to imagine the scenes when I return to Novgorad!

Peace be unto you all,
Prince Andrei Bogolubski

[Pitboss Maya]

To: Augustus of Rome
From: Pacal Zandoz of the Maya
CC: Nations of Terra
Subject: Recent Relations


Augustus,

On behalf of the Mayan people, I thank you for the quick reply.

It is Mayas hope to stay in good relations with all members of the Pax Romana. Russia as of late is making this difficult with its blatant disregard for our request that it's ships do not approach our coast. They claim a spy has not been landed, and we will take that at face value. If a spy is discovered, we will retaliate with our own spys.

We also see a roman ship heading for northern Maya. We respectfully ask that you do not approach our coast until our nations have open boarders again. As with Russia, a Roman spy discovered will result in counter espionage, of which we currently are not doing against any Romana member.

Regarding Mayan dye supplies to Rome, this is not an error. Maya has effectively broken open boarders and all resource trade with members of the Anti-Emancipation Treaty. We feel we are fully justified in doing so, considering the treaty calls for members to do the same to us.

If you would like dye back, withdraw from the treaty.

- Pacal Zandoz

[Pitboss Persia]

To : King Xristo of Portugal
From : Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl of the Piercian Empire

Greetings, King,

My ministers have taken control over the colony of Pier. The portuguese settling techniques are at the level of piercian standards, so that work could begin immediately. Everything is going on as planned.

I thank you for your assistance, and for the second settler you are providing. The shipyards of Por'Per are building a reliable fleet and the Shas is training garrison units, so that the piercian colonization may soon be fully self-reliant.

This successful collaboration opens new horizons for the future relations with the Kingdom of Portugal.

Respectfully yours,

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl

[Pitboss Rome]

Finally the end came

Traveling in a simple carriage the High Priest of all Judaism came from the most holy shrine of all the Jews, accompanied by the Lesser One. All was ready.

Messengers scattered from Augustus’ villa, summoning all to the Senate House for dawn the next morning (the Senate house was still used for state occasions, although since the great slave revolt when so many of the senate were killed, the senate itself has not been reformed).

The crowds gathered early, filling the forum in front of the Senate House right up to the steps of the Temple of Mars where the newly enlarged tapestry depicting the lands of the Pax Romana huge. They were not disappointed. Soon the steps of the Senate House were a thoroughfare for the great of Rome and indeed of the world. Generals from the east and the west accompanied by riflemen, and in one case a full gun-carriage of canons. Governors of the desert people, dripping with gold. The admiral who also acted as governor of Oath City treated still with suspicion because of the long Roman distrust of ships. The heads of the various guilds of science, arts, and engineering. The new men, ruling the banks and universities, mills and works. Then to a fanfare ambassadors from Sparta, lead by an old man rumoured to be the head of Oxford University; Prince Andrei Bogolubski of Russia accompanied by a guard of honour of Russian horsemen known as coasscus. A golden coach brought Xristo from the North who was cheered loudly (though probably because the crowd associated Portugal with wine). Finally the crowd parted to allow space for the great High Priest and the Lesser One, walking slowly up the steps.

Then a pause. Where was Augustus? A tremour shook the crowd – was it too late?

Finally, a litter came, traditional though starting to look old-fashioned, carried by eight Roman knights, led through the throng by a wiry darker skinned man, whose face looked blasted by the wind. Marcus Aurelius whispered the crowd. At the top of the steps the men stopped and drew back the curtains covering the inside. There propped up was Augustus, dressed in full armour of gold. When he saluted the crowd the buildings shook with the roar “Hail Augustus, Saviour of Rome, Founder of the Pax Romana” on and on the people shouted. As well they might, for Augustus a mere knight himself had taken control that evil day when the Oath Breakers, Pirates and their allies launched their surprise attack, when the senate was destroyed and the slaves urged to revolt by foreign spies. And yet by the end of his reign, Rome was one more at peace. More land benefiting from Roman civilization, and the Pax Romana guaranteeing the security of Rome’s neighours to west, and east.

Inside the senate house, Augustus the dignitaries each came and spoke privately to Augustus, watched over by the wind-blasted man. Some old generals weeping, the governor of Oath city looking surprisingly pleased as he returned. The foreign ambassadors and rulers looking saddened by the frail state of Augustus, almost embarrassed but returned having seen for themselves that the passion still burnt in his eyes as strongly as the gold armour shown in the sunlight from the high windows.

Finally the High Priest, led by the Lesser one, stood and began to intone the prayers of blessing. Augustus seemed to visibly sign and sink back into the pillows.

Finally Augustus signaled for the Lesser one to come close. “The will” he was heard to whisper. “But sire, you are not yet … it would not be right” objected the priest. “I want no doubt, I want no war, I want no confusion. I have not brought Rome to peace and security to through it away now for the sake of decorum” insisted Augustus, the old steel still in his voice. “Read the will now”

Bowing the Lesser one stood with Augustus on one side and the wind-blasted man on the other, and taking a scroll from under his cloak, broke open the seal and began to read.

“This is the last will and testament of Augustus, beloved of the one true God, Emperor of Rome, brining of peace and security …”

(to be continued)

[The Capo]

The death of Bojong of Wonsan marked the end of the strife that had defined the reign of Gojong of Silla. For the past few decades Korea was embroiled in dangerous infighting, and during that period they were on the brink of losing their colonial territories, they lost much of their diplomatic clout, and a great friend in the Maya. Gojong was confident that, with Wonsan out of the picture, the Empire could return to prominence again and re-establish civil society in Korea. In the process of the civil war, however, he managed to lose his entire court, his Prime Minsiter became the leader of an insurgency, his Foreign Minister not only oversaw countless foreign-policy blunders but joined the Prime Minister in his resistance to the Emperor, his Religious Advisor became a pariah in the international community and his Imperial Commander, probably his most apt minister, went missing after the great battle. Gojong wanted to put an end to this situation as soon as possible and get back to handling important foreign-affairs issues; particularly the Mayan settlement of the Korean territory of Alemanni, as well as Korea's overseas interests in New Sparta and Portugal. It would be a tough reign for Gojong, but he was determined to turn his reputation around.


Wonsan, After the Battle...

Imperial forces searched the scene for bodies; it was horrible. The city was devistated beyond reconition. This would mark the second time in Korean history that Wonsan was destroyed by war - first by the Aztecs and now by fellow Koreans. Bodies littered the scene, truly a civil war is bloody business.

"Who are we looking for sir?" a soldier asked General Park Long, who was named interim Imperial Commander.

"General Jumong, General Bak Moon and General Sun il-Guk" he said solemnly, he slowly shook his head as he took in the scene.

"General Park! General Park!" a voice said in the distance, "I beileve I found General Jumong!" he said, while the soldier didn't recognize Jumong himself everyone knew he donned an eye-patch after losing an eye in Oldonia, and of course the General's uniform was unmistakeable.

Park Long slowly approached as two bodies lied upon eachother, he turned one over and it was Bak Moon, a sword plunged into his stomach; Jumong's sword. "You got him Jumong, you got him" Park Long said smiling. He then looked down at his former comrade Jumong, who lied dead, his face frozen in anger. He had an arrow sticking through the back of his throat. Park nodded, "Alright boys, take General Jumong's body back to Pyong'yang, send word to Seoul, that the body has been recovered. We must find Sun il-Guk!"


The forests north of Pyong'yang...

Having secured an army of Pusan to the forests north of Pyong'yang, Kim Jong-seo felt he had time to return to the Village of Giang to see his wife and newborn baby boy. He was enthusiastic; not only had the Imperial army ganied victory over Wonsan, but he heard rumors that the Mayan-Korean dust-up might end peacefully and he could finally retire after many years of service.

As he made his way back a familar face met him on the road home, it was Sung Ye - his brother in law. Sung Ye stood there leaning against a tree as Kim approached, weilding a make-shift pike. He did not look happy, "The victorious General Kim Jong-seo, back from victory over Wonsan!" he said, clapping.

Kim was confused, "What is this about Sung? What is going on?" he said, "I do not have time for your games!"

"This is no game General, or should I say Emperor!" Sung replied.

"How do you know about that?" Kim said, "I told him no, I am coming back to see my wife and my child. Do you want a ride back to Giang or not? What are you doing here in the middle of the forest anyway?"

"Don't play coy with me Kim, I know how deep their trechery runs!"

"Sung, honestly, I don't have time to play around with you. I have orders to return to the front, I am already late, and you and your riddles are not helping. Now get on this horse or I'll leave you here!" Kim said angrily.

"You really don't know do you?"

"Know what?" Kim asked.

"Alright, I'll go with you, but no funny business!" Sung said as he slowly approached.

"Whatever, get on..." Kim said as the two headed for Giang.

NEXT: The Funeral of General Jumong of Pyong'yang, the Explorers of New Sparta...

[Pitboss Russia]

Blessings be upon you all,

I sadly have had to leave Rome for my people cannot wait longer for their new Lord to be crowned. I, more nervously than most, wait to see that which transpires in Rome for though still sound of mind Augustus will surely be with us but a short time longer.

I hope that at last I can lay to rest the fears of the paranoid Maya as my caravel has safely departed their waters. How it can not be obvious that without maps to guide you the coast is the only path to follow. Had Pacal Zandoz thought to answer my appeal for charts of the south the entire journey would have been unneccessary but as ever the Mayan love of conflict conquers logic!

On to happier tidings! Orestes my friend I await your coming eagerly. I have bade my ministers to wait until you are safe ashore in the Motherland before the coronation takes place. Be sure that you shall sit upon right hand side at the banquet thereafter. We have many things to discuss amongst the most important being the succession in Rome, the ongoing threat of the perfidious Maya and the instability that the Korean civil war brings upon a nervous World at such a perilous time for all it's peoples.

I am delighted that at last I have established a formal agreement with the Americans for the mutual exchange of goods and services. A difficult people to reach but the establishment of proper diplomatic relations is to be welcomed. Likewise the mysterious Celts have at last chosen to speak and for that again I am grateful. The Funglish, though reticent in speech, have at least opened their doors to Russian trade and the merchants of Novgorad are greatly pleased. I have even extended the hand of friendship to the nation whose name the Russian people will not speak aloud for fear that they will choke in their cups!

You all have my love for humanity is but love and forgiveness,
Prince Andrei Bogolubski

[The Capo]

TO: Nations of Terra
FROM: Gojong of Silla, Emperor of Korea

Fellow Terrans,

I am pleased to report that the vile insurgent, Bojong of Wonsan, has been killed in battle in the rebel city of Wonsan. Its arsenals were destroyed, its armies impressed into slavery and its nobility discredited and disbanded (many of them have been executed). There remain many on the run who may attempt to escape into Greece or the Mayan Republic. At this point in time we are hunting them down.

Now that this mess has been cleaned up we will work dilligently to replace our Imperial Court. We have lost many ministers and sadly report that the General Jumong of Pyong'yang, our loyal and infamous Commander of the Imperial Army has died valiantly defending the Korean Empire. He will be given an Imperial funeral service in Seoul and I invite representatives of all nations, including the Maya to visit. Jumong was a man of the world, having served in missions to Greece, Oldonia, the Wyandot lands, Piercia and Maya. While he had an unorthodox method, he was always a favorite of the Imperial family. We believe that, while this is a sad time for Korea, it may serve as a good measure to open up channels for peace and negociation.

We believe that at such an event, where the Emperor will name his new ministers, we can mend any wounds that may have come up lately and recreate harmony on Terra. Harmony that existed unabated among the ancient countries of Korea, Greece and the Mayan Republic. We also greet new friends; the new leadership in Rome and Russia may find this a great opportunity to visit Korea as well as the leaders of Maya and Greece.

In closing I will say this; now that this latest threat has been abated Korea is fully prepared to answer any challenges to its rightful authority and sovreignty in kind.

Thank you for your time,

- Park Long, Imperial Commander of Korea

[Pitboss Rome]

This is the last will and testament of Augustus

“This is the last will and testament of Augustus, beloved of the one true God, Emperor of Rome, brining of peace and security:

To Oxford University in Athens, the annals of my reign, notes on the geography, fauna and fauna of the Roman Empire from the desert cacti, to the rare mountain eagles.

To Prince Andrei Bogolubski, a set of golden spurs, golden riding tack, a gold inlaid riding carbine of the style now used by Roman cavalry, and a gold olive wreath in honour of his reign, and a lifesize statue of Joseph Stalin, wielding a traditional Russian axe, covered in pure gold in honour of his uncle, the greatest leader the Rus have ever yet known.

To Xristo of Portugal, a twelve foot diameter bronze globe of the world, with all the territory of the great Portuguese empire, now the largest in the world, overlaid with pure gold.

To the High Priest of Judaism, my villa in Rome overlooking the Tiber.

All my other worldly wealth I leave to Marcus Aurelius, whom today I announce as my heir in all things.

Marcus, as a baby was plucked out of the wreckage of his mother’s house covered by her broken body on the harbourside of Satricum on the night of the Ides of March when under cover of the slave revolt the Maya War Elephants landed and ran rampage. His father was the navigator of the Neptune when it defeated the Pirate War Ship Braveheart, Rome first navel battle – a victory to stand alongside those of its great generals of old. He was brought to my house in the darkest days of the War of the Traitors. But he has not been idle. Since attaining the true stature of a Roman, Marcus has mastered every art of navigation and naval warfare, having crossed every ocean of this world, and seeing lands of which I have only heard in reports.

People of Rome, we have shunned the sea for too long. The world has changed. Trust the dying words of your Emperor. The oceans offer both glory and destruction to the people of Rome in the future – darkness and light shine across the seas. Marcus Aurelius, my heir, is the man sent to Rome by the one true God, to guarantee Rome glory, peace and security.”

The Lesser One stopped. The air stilled, hushed, the admiral governor of Oath City looking pleased, the bankers merchants and scholars too, the foreign ambassadors calculating the future, the Roman generals looking less sure. Then the air was rent by Augustus himself calling out ‘Hail Marcus, Emperor of Rome’.

The chant was picked up by the assembled dignitaries and soon Marcus was carried out in the Forum to be proclaimed by the people, as Augustus lay back slumped into his chair, breathing his last.

[Pitboss Japan]

To: Nations of the world

With the finding of uranium I, Emperor Oda Nobunaga have decided to change the way Japan will conduct trades. As a result of this new reform Japan withdraws from the anti-emancipation treaty. Japan is still against emancipation but we will not limit our trades. Japan has begun to mine all the uranium deposits and ask all interested nations wait until we have finished mining all deposits. As agreed the Holy Romans will have a supply ready to be sent upon their request. As for anyone interested our trades of uranium will be on a first come first serve basis. Details for all trades will be discussed once Japan is ready but until then all questions or inquires should be directed to Japan’s trade minister Kagato Date.

Lord Oda Nobunaga

[Pitboss Russia]

My Fellow Lords and Ladies of the World,

A sad day indeed for all, but greatest I think for Russia, to hear of the death of Augustus. I knew only too well the signs upon his face upon our meeting but though our aquaintance was but short our friendship strong. Russia has lost her greatest, bravest and most steadfast ally! A man of letters, a philomath, a diplomat, a soldier, a statesman and a man of vision who saw the end of ruinous wars in a new benign and co-operative World.

Orestes, please hurry to my shores for I can neither fail to attend the funeral pyre of Augustus nor can I keep my people from seeing my enthronement. If you can speed your sails we might travel directly on together to Rome for I know that Augustus held you in high esteem indeed and counted you friend.

Too my knees in Grief,
Prince Andrei Bogolubski

[The Capo]

The Funeral of General Jumong of Pyong'yang.

Park Long held out his arm as Pong, the former servant of the fallen General Jumong, helped attach his ceremonial armor. Today they would have the funeral of Imperial Commander Jumong, and celebrate the victory of the Imperial Army over the rebels of Wonsan. "Fantastic" Pong said, he was terribly sad about the loss of Jumong, despite the way the General treated him, but did a good job of hiding it.

"It is a bitter-sweet day today Pong" General Park Long said, "Korea is without an Imperial court, we have been absent from foreign issues as of late, and there is a great tension in Terra, this is an ominous day." he turned around and looked into a mirror and adjusted his uniform appropriately.

"You look heroic sir" Pong said.

"Why thank you Pong, you are taking this with great stride yourself, I will be sure to tell the Emperor to give you a good role in the new Imperial Court." Park Long explained as he began to polish his sword.

"If it is all the same sir, I'd like to remain as servant to the Imperial Commander. I don't really know much else, and I have become a good rider and have become accostomed to military life. Well, you know, as far as it goes for me that is." Pong said nervously.

Park Long nodded, "Very good Pong, that is fine. You shall come with me now, Jumong would have wanted you there, right at his side."

"Oh, I don't know about that, Jumong wasn't very fond of me." Pong said.

"Why do you say that? Because he called you names? Becuase he pushed you around?" Park Long laughed, "Believe me Pong, he only did those things to those he cared about..."


The Old Palace of Wang Geon, Pyong'yang...

The Imperial Army marched in, in fully battle array as musicians played them in; there were dancing women, clowns, acrobats, and exotic animals as well. The scene was a bit over the top, but Gojong wanted to establish his reign once again now that Wonsan had been defeated. Between two units of footmen was the corpse of General Jumong of Pyong'yang, as the crowd fell silent. Jumong was probably the most famous man in the entirety of the Kingdom of Goguryeo. Pyong'yang in particular honored great warriors, and there was no warrior greater in the Empire of Korea than the Imperial Commander. In fact every Imperial Commander in Korea had been from Pyong'yang, and this trend would continue with the new one Park Long. After Jumong's body came through another squadron of soldiers entered, who were followed by a float carrying Emperor Gojong, Princess Sinjeong, and the new Imperial Commander Park Long (with Pong in tow). The crowd burst into applause, Goguryeo hated Joseon (and thus Wonsan), as the victorious Emperor entered the city. Gojong was quite proud of himself, finally he had the adoration of his people, the Kingdoms of Korea were once again united and the Empire preserved.

Both Taoist and Buddhist priests lined up as the body of Jumong was brought to the stage (both religions were present as a show of unity), the Dalai Lama Ji Gong slowly approached and looked down upong Jumong. He blessed him with a quiet prayer and then began to speak to the audience...

People of Pyong'yang, people of Korea. Today we celebrate the life of a brave man. A man who selflessly served his country and his Emperor, who gave his very life to them, and his very heart and soul to Korea herself. Many people thought of this man as an evil man, a rude and uncouth man. He was arrogant, he was a braggart, he was unkind. But just as many, if not more thought of him as a great man, even as a father; they thought of him as a brave man, a fair and just man, he was confdient and always said what was truly on his mind. Such is the dynamism of all mankind. No man is wholly good, none wholly bad. Just as the great symbol of the Tao shows us; there is some good in the bad, and there is some bad in the good. Such is the way of all mankind, and all of Korea. Of every nation on Terra. In Jumong's death we can take a step back, and take in such noble truths. For it isn't only Jumong that displays such diverse personalities, and who goes by so many descriptions; it is all of us. There are those in the Empire who loath our Emperor, and those who love him, who would even be willing to give their very life for him. Like our dear Imperial Commander Jumong has. We must learn a lesson from Jumong. While many of us spend our lives attempting to portray a side of us that isn't wholly accurate, he did not. He shows us that life can be dynamic, that life can be diverse. That even in the one there can be the many, and in the many there can also be the one. That in the evil there is good, and in the good there is evil. That in the lie there is truth, and in the truth there are lies. So with this I lay him down to rest for perpetuity...

The crowd sat silently as Ji Gong finished. His euology wasn't meant to be about Jumong, his life and actions spoke for themselves, but about Korea, about the future of the nation. The Dalai Lama knew he did not have much time left on Terra, and knew that Korea had to be mended. The Empire had so easily descended into chaos and civil war that he realized it was only a matter of time until it once again occured.

He bowed before Jumong's body and sat down next to the Emperor, who nodded at him in approval.


Meanwhile in Pusan.

The guards of Pusan hurriedly shut the gates to the city, an army approached from the west, from Greece. "Guards, to your stations!" the Captain said as he peered into the distance through is telescope. "Greeks, multiple battalions." he said to General Suk Yong.

"Give me that!" he said snatching the telescope from the Captain.

"Perhaps they come in peace, to help us with the Mayan situation, now that we have lost so many at Wonsan." the Captain suggested.

"I assume they have, they are marching out in the open, we shall maintain our defenses though, I do not want these Greeks to think Pusan is unprepared for battle." he explained, "Leave the gates shut..."

Hours Later...

General Lyssander Mikanos and his unit were welcomoned into the city of Pusan, which was probably the poorest of all cities in Korea. It had no strategic value, no unique resources or exports, and hardly had proper defenses. He approached General Suk Yong and extended his hand, "General Kim I presume?"

Suk Yong clumsily shook Lyssander's hand, despite living in Pusan he had little contact with Greeks, "No General, I am General Suk Yong. General Kim was here a few weeks ago, but he has left, he should be returning soon though."

"Oh, that is too bad. Orestes has sent me with equipment and men to train your forces, I hope you do not mind me saying this but they are quite outdated now, you should see some of the stuff Portugal has been up to!" he said smiling.

Suk Yong did not return the smile, in fact he had no word that General Mikanos was coming, "You'll have to excuse me General, did you clear this up with the Emperor? Does he know you are supposed to come? I have not receieved any word of this what-so-ever."

General Mikanos thought for a moment, "Well, I have my orders, and of course we mean you no harm. We are quite sure you need some assistance with these Mayans, particularly after that scuffle you lot had in Wonsan."

"Right, well, I shall establish some lodgings for you and your officers, your men can use the barracks for now, many of our men are in Pyong'yang for the celebration. And of course the funeral for General Jumong." he said, he hadn't known Jumong well, but many in the military were saddened by his loss.

"Ah yes, such sad news, the General Jumong was very, well, colorful. A pleasure to be around." General Mikanos smiled, "Well, in the meantime I'd like to show you something. Its like your Hwacha except it delivers a much stronger payload..."

[Pitboss Greece]

Members of the Anti Emancipation Treaty,

I have received 3 nominations for Orestes to be the Secretary General of the AET.
Nobody has voted against this nomination. There for I declare hereby Orestes of Sparta to be the Secretary General of the Anti Emancipation Treaty