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

[Pitboss Russia]

To the Koreans,

You apparently are mediating in this conflict.
I am willing to accept this, but I expect that mediators listen to all involved parties, and also will respect all involved parties equally.

Please, great mediators, explain to me where Russia is wrong it's description of the recent wars?

- Rome invades Russia and seized some cities
- Russia asked Piercia to help them fighting the Romans, Piercia agreed, Russia becomes a vassal.
- Piercia betrays Russia by forcing peace upon Russia, just when Russia has slaved an army big enough to recapture it's own cities
- Piercia then forces a deal upon Russia that hurts Russia more then it helps Russia
- Then suddenly Piercia declares war on Rome, pulling Russia into war with Rome again! This time again Russia is unprepared
- Rome seizes 2 Russian cities
- Russia renounces Piercians lordship because Piercia hasn't lived up to it's promises and failed to protect Russia
- Russia is able to build a large army, takes 1 of it's cities back
- Russia and Rome sign a lasting peace deal that is acceptable to both parties, ending ancient old hostilities. The peace deal is that good for both sides that they start to build up friendship.
- Piercia declares war upon Russia out of the blue.

This is our account of history.
I challenge all nations to spot the faults in this account.
If there are no errors, then please correct your account of history Mr. Gojong, and base your fair decisions upon the correct account of history.
That's an account in which Russia is not to blame for anything, but has only been a toy in the hands of bigger nations.

Joseph Stalin

[Pitboss Persia]

To : Joseph Stalin of Russia
From : Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl of the Piercian Empire

Russian, betrayer,

Call back your pawns if you don't want them to be the next target of Piercian bullets. You are such a filthy liar, you wouldn't even confess those evil deeds of yours.

You creeped towards Asiz, whining for protection. When that fool granted it to your pitiful people, you complained and wanted revenge. When he granted you the opportunity to take revenge, you still complained, blaming him for the death of your people. Those people didn't die by Asiz's sword, but by your whip so keep your accusations to your own.

Just keep kissing Rome's feet and feel right at the place you deserve : a slave's place.

You have betrayed your master and now you wonder why he is reacting. All the damage my Empire has suffered is only your fault. Don't you play the victims here.

I wish you a slow, painful and lonely death, Russian. I spit on you. My terms are clear : pay for what you have done and I will leave you alone.

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl

[Pitboss Russia]

Joseph Stalin read the Piercian message.
"As you wish, lady of Piercia" he mumbled. Then he called all generals together.

[Pitboss Persia]

To : Pacal Ermal of the Mayan Democracy
From : Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl of the Piercian Empire

Greetings, neighbour,

Theese are times of great trouble. I know your people is ruled in a - creative - way if I may put it like this. However, I hope you are still in a position of a true leader and are able to make your own decisions.

I would like to discuss your "Dza Ootzil Ohel Aantik" project in detail since there are still some points I'd like you to explain to me.

Furthermore, I want to discuss your position towards the roman occupation of piercian lands. I belive there is still much to be saved by words.

I am also interested in acquiring more information about possible piercian settlements in the new world. In this matter, your opinion is as apreciated as the portuguese one is.

I hereby invite you to a visit in my palace as soon as it will suit you and fit your obligations as a leader of a fellow nation. I don't doubt you will be pleased by piercian accomodation and food.

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl

[The Capo]

TO: Josef Stalin of Russia
CC: Greece, Piercia, Rome, Portugal, Maya
FROM: Gojong of Silla, Emperor of Korea

Russian,

Though it is not the policy of the Korean Empire to engage in such tit-for-tat diplomacy, we understand yours is a backward nation and one that consistantly stirs the pot of discourse for one's own goals. In hopes that we can prevent you from, yet again, fomenting another major conflict we will respond to your missive.

Firstly you were wise to ignore certain portions of your history. This is understandable in a sense, but foolish in reality. Do you truly believe we will let you get away with ignoring your invasion of Rome which acted as a catalyst for these troubles? My dear Russian friend, was it not Russia who, thousands of years ago, first invaded Rome and pillaged her countrysides that was the begning of this chain of events? I can answer that for you here. It indeed was.

Now, before I continue I want to remind you that you are basically irrelevant to this negotiation. You are not a party to it, in fact we consider you the cause of these wars. Your ally can deny this all they'd like, but we know the Romans are much wiser than that. And we know that they, if they know their history, know quite well that Russia began this chain of events.

Now, continuing your first point is utterly ridiculous. If you REALLY want to know the cause of this, your nation invaded Rome after the first Roman-Portugese war. Whether it was justified or not is not for debate, you did in fact do this. This created a situation where your country has been, and STILL IS, ruled by foolish war-mongers who placate their people's lust for vengeance, first against Rome and now against Piercia. In both cases it was Russia who CREATED the animosity, and not the other way around. Rome did in fact invade Russia, this I never denied, Rome did so for reasons that may have been justified to itself and may not have been justified to others. Arguing the purposes of the war is, however, moot at this point. War did in fact occur, and rehashing these old rivalries will NOT help this process. I will not get involved in the debate over whether or not Russia was justified in settling that region, I will leave my personal feelings on that matter out of it but if you yourself would look into history you will see that Korea did in fact support this settlement by Russia. Korea did also attempt at the ONSET of the war against your country,to prevent the conflict.

On your assertion that Piercia turned against Russia twice; while this may be the feeling in Russia, Korean ambassadors were privy to discussions among the Piercian ruling class concerning the vassalization of Russia during the Russo-Roman war period. In our attempts to gain peace and maintain the territorial integrity of Russia, these Korean ambassadors felt that if Piercia were to vassalize Rome this could lead to the peaceful resolution of the Russo-Roman war. While this was a naieve contention on the part of Korea and Piercia, that was the purpose. Ultimately Piercia was behaving in the interests of Russia, to secure Russian territorial integrity and for the safety of the Russian people. Of course Russia, who clamored for war, did not see it this way. To villify Piercia for doing this is in terrible form. Piercia attempted to do the best they could to maintain the integrity of Russia, to maintain peace for Russia, and to maintain the lives of the Russian people, even to the chagrin of the Russian ruling class.

The purpose of Ku Kai's findings was not to make anyone feel better. The purpose was to report the true chain of events that lead to this current situation. If Russia does not like the findings that is fine, Ku Kai did not like them either, but they are facts. If you are willing to engage in the negotiations we welcome it, but to attempt to cloud reality is only going to result in an impasse that your nation can ill-afford. Not only for the time being, but for perpetuity. Because it will merely continue the ill-will between nations in your region.

I will apologize for my ambassador's words, and apologize for the fact that he published these findings publicly. However I will not deny his findings, nor will I change them simply because they may be offensive. He is a Buddhist Monk and a man of peace, to him the continuation of war, and discourse, which only leads to continuing the plight and suffering of the people of Rome, Piercia and Russia is the true travesty here. We plead with you, and your allies the Romans, to please accept this agreement. We promise to promote peace and goodwill between nations in your region and promise that, while our words may sting, we are working solely for the benefit of all involved and to further peace, and thus prosperity, for all.

- Bak Moon, Imperial Foreign Minister of Korea

[Pitboss Japan]

With all that was happening to the east Nobunaga felt it best to stay out of the Piercian/Roman war. Though he was not the biggest fan of the Romans he did respect them. Not only for their nearly unmatched military might but also for their leader’s diplomatic skill. At the same time he was addicted to Piercian woman. The Piercian’s have without a doubt the most beautiful woman in the world and it both saddened and angered Nobunaga to hear of what was going on in the east. Yet the fact was no matter how much he wanted to help the Piercians he could not. Japan was not considered a “major power” so Japan’s pleas for peace would go unheard. And Nobunaga could not afford to redirect it’s expansion efforts the norther parts of the empire still needed to be settled and workers where needed to better develop the areas. All he could do was hope that god may show these two lost nations the light so that the Jewish nations could live in peace and harmony.

Nobunaga turned his attention other places. With th help of the great Mayan government Japan learned to build the new Lotus Class ship. With these new ships the old Lotus class ships were no longer needed so while many were retired one, Japan’s first and highest decorated galley, was upgraded to this newer, bigger, and stronger class ship.

[Pitboss Maya]

The Autumn Equinox Assembly Meeting of 1500 AD

The Governors arrived one by one from all over Maya for the yearly Autumn Assembly Meeting where current issues were voiced, and then distilled into voteable terms for the people of Maya to decide upon.

Once the Governors and their entourage were seated, Pacal Ermal, the standing Pacal since King Voltan's death, bashed the heavy iron gong signaling the start of the event.

"The Anti-Emancipation Treaty!", yelled the Governor of Xcaret. "King Orestes has aligned many nations against us, and more join every year! What are our options Pacal?"

The entire assembly erupted into grumbling and paper shuffling. Ermal responded.

"Governors of Maya, this treaty shall be addressed. However we MUST be tactful in doing so. Thus far there have been no calls to war against us over emancipation, and we must not give Sparta or any other nation reason to do so. It is true we will no doubt lose valuable resources over this treaty, but so will those who have signed it. Maya controls the majority of silk, dye, and sugar on Terra, and the loss of these commodities will no doubt cause further unhappiness to nations who lose them. We could up the ante and form our own trade pact with nations who either plan on emancipation for their future, or are sympathetic to our plight and perhaps dislike nations who have signed Sparta's treaty. This is one option. Another option would be to actively spread emancipation to other nations. Perhaps offer them the secrets of Democracy for the fair trade of one voucher on the condition that they implement freedom and liberty among all of their people. With more nations implementing emancipation it will put more pressure on treaty members to drop out due to ever growing losses of goods. This is yet another option."

"WAR!", yelled the Governor of Durango. "You are forgetting the third option honorable Pacal!"

Again, grumblings and whisperings swept over the assembly. Ermal was quick to address this ill conceived suggestion.

"With all due respects Governor, that is not an option I feel should be presented to the people", replied Ermal over the ruckus. "My military advisers tell me that Sparta's army is larger then our own. In addition, there is concern that other nations may jump in against us. Are you so quick to forget the results of the war with Rome? A decade of production and research was lost to military buildup, and for what? Presenting this as an option to the people would put us in quite a bind should they choose war. I strongly suggest we keep our options limited to a trade war, not a blood war. At least in that capacity we can compete."

The ballots were passed around, and the various Governors of Maya weighed in on what to present to the people of Maya for winter voting.

Ermal slammed the gong again, and addressed the Governers.

"Piercia seems a confused and frustrated civilization in the wake of the great Roman War. For a long time Maya was friends with the Piercians, until their public remark about nations who adopt emancipation. They have apologized, and since then have become bitter toward Sparta. I hereby suggest we vote again regarding Maya's official stance with the Piercian Empire. If the results of the vote are positive, I will leave this summer to visit them in person as requested by their leadership." replied Ermal.

Ballots were quickly scribbled on, and turned in.

The Governor of Tulum stood up. "I would like to propose a vote to offer open boarders with Portugal. Despite our long running animosity toward them over the early settling of New Portugal, history has proven them to be a fair minded nation. Even now, they do not dispute our right to settle on New Portugal. They also have not signed the Anti-Emancipation Treaty."

This suggested vote caused much chatter, most of it seemed to be of the "why didn't we think of this earlier" variety.

"Done, and a good suggestion. Their are rumors that Portugal will sign the treaty however, so even if they do open boarders with us the treaty would negate it after a few years. We can offer this as a vote to the people however, and if agreed upon at that level, we can offer it to the Portuguese as a term of continued goodwill between our nations," replied Ermal.

Ballots were filled out quickly. It was obvious that most Governors saw the wisdom of making this a voteable item in the spring.

"There are also rumors that our long time and most loyal friends Korea may sign this abhorrent treaty!" chimed in the Governor from Mutal. "Unbelievable!"

"Yes, I have heard the same rumor", said Ermal in a saddened voice. "It seems there is a high price to pay for doing the right thing regarding the equal worth of all people. And to be honest with you Governors, the Khmer are the only nation I fully trust right now. Due to the proximity of Korea to Maya, I suggest we offer the possibility of closing boarders with Korea immediately should they sign the treaty. I honestly never thought I would utter those words at one of these meetings.

Lots of grumbling accented the ballot session regarding Korea.

"Honorable Pacal, I offer to vote the new concept of mercantilism. With many nations pledging to close boarders with Maya over emancipation, this idea of internal only trade may insulate us from the full economic blow." suggested Cozumel's Governor.

"Mercantilism... I have too heard of this radical concept, and I do see the logic behind it especially in such tumultuous times. Cast ballots on this as well!" voiced Ermal.

Grumbling and debate continued for several hours among members of the Assembly as some Governors unable to decide on how to present certain issues to the people looked for insight before casting their ballots. Ermal looked out the nearest window which happened to face west and wondered why King Orestes couldn't just accept the truth about emancipation and why it causes disruption in his nation.

[Pitboss Greece]

After Orestes had returned from the Gojong castle, he started writing a letter to Auno Esther of Piercia.

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl,

Despite your remark about Sparta stretching your patience, which I will ignore, I am happy that Piercia is finally trying to heal i's relations with Sparta.
You ask me to spread Buddhism into some Piercian cities.

What you ask me to do is quite an achievement.
First I need to build buddhist monasteries, then I need to train missionaries, and I need to build a ship to send it to Piercia.
I am willing, for the sake of healing our relations, to work on it, but I can't promise you to deliver the missionaries any time soon. Sparta has many things going on and it's hard to spend production capacity on training missionaries.

In the meantime I hope that you can sign peace with our friend, the Romans.
We've seen enough war on our continent.
I also hope that you will consider signing the Anti Emancipation Treaty, which may help you to sign peace with the Romans as well, who have also signed the Treaty.

Orestes, King of Sparta

--------

After Orestes had written and sent the letter to Esther, he looked at his personal scribe. "What time is it?"
"He'll arrive soon, great King!" the scribe said.
Then Orestes left his palace, waiting for Xristo.

[Pitboss Russia]

Bak Moon,

If your monk is such a trustworthy researcher, full of honour and reliability, then why did he never enter our lands to gather information?
All information he presents lacks sources! Every honourable mediator knows that he should listen to all parties. Your monk has failed to listen to the Russians, but still he has laid a verdict on Russia.
I can't call that an honest approach. Perhaps your monk is has a favour to Buddhist nations, like Piercia?

You consider Russia to be no party in this conflict, that is laughable conclusion. Piercia has declared war on Russia, in response Russian troops have invaded Piercian territory. We have offered peace to Piercia, without any terms, while we have the upper hand! Piercia denied.

I call upon the Romans to stop any peace negotiations with Piercia through Korea, as long as the Koreans lay this absurd and one sided verdict on Russia, and as long as Korea does not accept the importance of handling Russia fair, as a party in this conflict.

We Russians do not fear war.
We enjoy peace more, however. But my people are fully prepared to create large armies again. It's our way of living. There has been enough toying around with Russia.

Rome understood that, and has approached us in a respectable way.
Take an example of Rome, it knows how to deal in a proper way with it's neighbours.

And all your talking about 'diplomatic tones' is a joke.
Do you think that I am a fool? All you say is: "Ok, we shouldn't have said it like that in you face, but it's still true!"
As if I care about diplomatic tones and attitudes. You are free to push every truth into my face in every undiplomatic way possible. My problem with you is that you, as a mediator, are not between the parties and you do not offer a fair view of recent history.

I start to doubt your capability to make peace in our regio.
Please show me that Korea is able to mediate, otherwise I'll refuse to accept your mediation role.

Joseph Stalin

[Pitboss Portugal]

TO Gojong of Silla, Emperor of Korea

Portugal is ready to deliver the keys to the city of Koreaz on New Portugal. Please do accept the keys as soon as possible. Holding Koreaz under Portuguese administration is hurting our local treasury.

Thank you!

Xristo

[Pitboss Rome]

Great King Joseph Stalin,

I am in great haste here, but did not want you to be under any false impressions.

No Korean diplomat, monk or the like has ever spoken to me about peace or war, they have made no contact with me, I have not asked or agreed to any mediation by them. All I have seen is Koreans coming to our land, and insulting my friends both Rus and Sparta. As a result I have no time for them. The War of the Oath Breakers has been over for a century (other than the ridicuous hate-filled actions of the Piercians in declaring war on you) and I have moved on as have most nations.

We continue to aplaud and salute you as our friends, as we both live together under the Pax Romana. Any threat to you is a threat to us, any insult to you is an insult to me.

Augustus.

[Pitboss Celts]

The Celtic people have welcomed the great scientist, Mr. Ptah, into Bibracte to help develop an education system so that all of our citizens can have a better way of life by improving their current skills and trades.

The new Celtic colonies continue to prosper. The names of the former Incan cities will not be changed so the citizens can feel a sense of pride in blending Incan and Celtic cultures. We are appalled by the living conditions in these cities. Poverty is running rampant with many families barely able to find enough food to eat. It is questionable that the former Incan government paid attention to these cities. Thankfully, Suryavaman II was able to observe how poorly the Incan government was treating its citizens and take appropriate action. The citizens are much happier for it and relish the new lifestyles presented to them.

[The Capo]

Bak Moon,

If your monk is such a trustworthy researcher, full of honour and reliability, then why did he never enter our lands to gather information?
All information he presents lacks sources! Every honourable mediator knows that he should listen to all parties. Your monk has failed to listen to the Russians, but still he has laid a verdict on Russia.
I can't call that an honest approach. Perhaps your monk is has a favour to Buddhist nations, like Piercia?

You consider Russia to be no party in this conflict, that is laughable conclusion. Piercia has declared war on Russia, in response Russian troops have invaded Piercian territory. We have offered peace to Piercia, without any terms, while we have the upper hand! Piercia denied.

I call upon the Romans to stop any peace negotiations with Piercia through Korea, as long as the Koreans lay this absurd and one sided verdict on Russia, and as long as Korea does not accept the importance of handling Russia fair, as a party in this conflict.

We Russians do not fear war.
We enjoy peace more, however. But my people are fully prepared to create large armies again. It's our way of living. There has been enough toying around with Russia.

Rome understood that, and has approached us in a respectable way.
Take an example of Rome, it knows how to deal in a proper way with it's neighbours.

And all your talking about 'diplomatic tones' is a joke.
Do you think that I am a fool? All you say is: "Ok, we shouldn't have said it like that in you face, but it's still true!"
As if I care about diplomatic tones and attitudes. You are free to push every truth into my face in every undiplomatic way possible. My problem with you is that you, as a mediator, are not between the parties and you do not offer a fair view of recent history.

I start to doubt your capability to make peace in our regio.
Please show me that Korea is able to mediate, otherwise I'll refuse to accept your mediation role.

Joseph Stalin

OOC: Actually my monk did enter Russian lands, quite a few times. In the form of a scout.

[Pitboss Portugal]

Xristo enters the beautiful city of Athens.

[Pitboss Persia]

To : Suryavarman III of the Khmer
From : Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl of the Piercian Empire

Greetings, leader of the Khmer,

I would like to express my gratitude in public for the economical assistance you are providing to my Empire by delivering spices for free.

I offered you piercian silk in exchange, but you had no need for it, so your generosity brought you to make this noble gesture.

In the name of all Piercians, thank you.

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl