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

[Pitboss Maya]

To: King Orestes of Sparta
From: Pacal Ermal of Maya

Let me start by saying that if you do not lay claim to the pirate ship that failed in it's attack on our galleon I will take that at face value, and offer an apology for my accusation. In hindsight, I agree that underhanded tactics such as the use of pirates is not Spartan military style. Several facts surrounding the encounter lead us to that initial conclusion however, and still make me wonder.

Regarding the city of New Tikal, we settled it fair and square on a landmass that as far as we can tell was uninhabited. Technically, seeing as Maya are the first to actually colonize the landmass, the continent should be renamed "New Maya". I really don't see how Sparta can claim ownership anyway, considering Khmer were the first to discover it, and Mayans the first to colonize it.

If you don't agree with that line of reasoning, and think that nations can claim land simply by knowing of it's existence, then we lay claim to the deserts east of Korea that you now seek to inhabit. Maya knew of their existence long before Korea or Sparta. We never actually referred to that desert as Mayan however, because we never had settlements on it, and were actually reserving it for the land strapped Koreans, just as you claim to be doing with "New Sparta".

Most reasonable nations would agree with the logic mentioned above. Therefore, I offer a counter proposal that will address both of our concerns about Korea's land situation.

You gift your proposed desert city to Korea, and we will do the same with New Tikal. If Koreas land situation is truly your concern, this offer should appeal to you.

Also, a bit of cultural enlightenment regarding the Maya. To die on the battlefield is the highest honor a Mayan solider can gain . Mayans would climb over each other for the chance to have a glorious death. Emancipation offers all Mayans the freedom to achieve this honor in the name of Maya. I do not know why you mention war however. Surely we can resolve this with diplomacy. You know as well as I do that a Spartan/Mayan war would be detrimental to both of our nations.

Nothing has changed lately in Maya as you have alluded to, only Sparta's view of us due to our internal governing policies. It is Sparta who aligns nations against us. It is Sparta who claims entire continents without any settlements or military presence. It is Sparta who hints at war if we do not follow it's "orders".

And for the record, Japan has publicly stated it has no interest in "New Sparta". Please refrain from including them in your defender of the weak masquerade. The fact is you settled the desert directly east of Japan just as you now plan on settling desert directly east of Korea. In Maya we have a saying that those who live in straw houses should not start fires. Dwell on that for awhile before accusing Maya (who has gifted Korea land in the past) of being the land grubbers.

- Pacal Ermal

[The Capo]

TO: King Orestes of Sparta, Pacal Ermal of the Mayan Republic
FROM: Gojong of Silla, Emperor of Korea

Friends of Korea;

I can not sit idly by whilst two friends of Korea use her name in their argument.

I will attempt now to clear up misunderstandings both of you seem to have. Firstly I will speak on issues concerning our Greek friends. Noble Orestes is correct, Korea did permit occupation of the desert territory by Greece, however in Greek missives we were lead to believe that this occupation was temporary, as Greece aknowleged this was in Korea's natural sphere of influence (although this may be a misinterpretation). Indeed Korea felt that this land was naturally Korean, and should be so at some point in time. But Greece did not inform Korea of this motivation, and after numerous men were sent through Korean territory we finally asked them what they were doing, it was only at this point in time that Greece let us know what was going on. However, currently, that land would be untenable to the Koreans, who are busily attempting to afford a distant colony in New Portugal. We also felt that this territory would be in safe hands under Greek occupation. You do leave out, Orestes, that you never contacted Korea about this, and once you did asked us if this would be permissable (i.e. Greek ownership of that territory). I will not present the message publicly. But to clear this matter up Korea, while intially with some reluctance, does in fact recognize Greek presence on this desert land, which is called Gobi by its inhabitants, but Mongolia by the Koreans.

To our Mayan friends; Korea is by far the smallest nation on this planet, we rely on the charity of others such as our friends the Portugese and Greek Spartans. In their generosity they have given us territories on both of their land claims. This was public knowlege, and as a friend of Korea you should have at least consulted is in this move. While we can not refute what you have said, we do feel slighted by this move and are a bit discouraged about your comitment to maintaining good relations in the wake of some minor diplomatic fall-out lately. We hope that your assembly will understand this, and make the proper changes to their decisions.

At this point in time we hope that all of us in this region - the most peaceful and harmonious on Terra - can settle these issues peacefully and without further tension.

Thank you,

- General Jumong of Pyong'yang, Imperial Commander of Korea

[The Capo]

On the Road to Seoul...

Empress Sinhye had finally given birth to a baby girl. This was great news for the baby's grandfather; Prime Minister Bojong. He could now influence the Emperor to marry the child to a man from within his own family, thus cementing the nobility of Wonsan in the Imperial line. A pure Emperor would finally rule Korea, and thus Wonsan's influence would be unquestioned. While Korea was not nearly a world power, its position had been increasing as of late, it was richer, it was getting more technologically advanced at a much higher rate, and now had land claims on two distant continents. Bojong knew if he could thurst his line into the Imperial throne he could take advantage of Korea's growing position.

While he had his dreams, in reality Korea was faultering horribly. The new colonial posessions were more of a burden than a gift, Koreaz (the Portugese name of the Korean colony on New Portugal, which was unchanged at this point), was costly and had little to no development. Korean Galleons were STILL positioned in the Nam'po straights waiting to pick up more settlers for New Sparta, and now their claims to that land were being challenged by the Maya. To top it all off, and unebknownst to Bojong, the Spartans had told Emperor Gojong that there were disloyal elements in his court. Elements that wanted to take power from Gojong; while these stories were quite embelished, the Emperor was worried and Bojong's actions would soon make him believe what Orestes had to say...

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

Bojong's Manor, Wonsan...

Sinhye smiled as she held her baby, she was still exhausted from the birth just hours ago; "You are the most beautiful thing in Korea" she said staring at it, "Too bad you are yet to be named, but that is your father's role." she said.

"Empress, I must take the Princess now, to be washed and put to rest. Speaking of which, you need your own rest." Sinhye's personal servant said.

"Oh I don't want to part with her" Sinhye said as she handed the child to the servant, "Please be gentle."

"Of course Empress, would you like anything?" the servant asked.

"I could use some relaxing tea, oh yes and some sacramental mushrooms, to calm my nerves and put my mind at ease." the Empress said, she refrained from the Taoist sacrament during her pregnancy.

"Very good, I shall send that right up for you" the servant said as she left with the child....


On the Road to Seoul...

"Do you think it was wise to leave Sinhye in Wonsan?" Bak Moon asked, "Don't you think Gojong will think it odd?" he asked Bojong, as the men and their retinue headed for the Imperial Palace at Seoul. They were returning to report to the Emperor that the Empress had given birth. They hoped this good news would finally give the Emperor something to be happy about, after a series of failed foreign policy efforts. They had no idea about Gojong's latest trip to Sparta, or what events lead to it.

"Let him worry all he likes, we will keep her in Wonsan with the child until we make arrangements for her marriage. I have assembled a list of some of your best and brightest cousins. We must be careful who we choose." Bojong said.

"And you do not think the Emperor will have a problem with any of this? You don't think he would like to make the decision? The man is a spoiled brat, and was raised as a spoiled brat. Of course he'll have something to say." Bak Moon said.

"You worry too much Moon" Bojong replied, "He had most of the nobility killed off, there is no other family worthy of marriage to his daughter. In fact this entire situation is perfect, I couldn't have planned it better myself."

"Well, didn't you plan it this way?" Bak Moon asked, as a smile slowly grew accross his face.

"Ah, yes, you are correct. I certainly did." Bojong smiled proudly.

There was a slight, and almost uncomfortable silence, "Well, of course this will be meaningless if they have another child. Especially if they have a boy." Bak Moon said.

Again, there was another uncomfortable silence, "Let's just say I have taken care of that problem." Bojong replied...


Back in Wonsan...

Minutes later another servant walked in bringing some tea and mushrooms for relaxation to the Empress, "Empress, I have your tea and your sacrament."

"Where is my father?" she asked as the servant set them at her bedside.

"Oh, they have already left for Seoul. To bring word to the Emperor in person." the servant replied.

"They have both gone?" she said sadly, she didn't like to feel alone, "So soon too, I wish they would have stayed with me."

"You must rest Empress, here, take this." he said, handing her some mushrooms and a cup of tea. She ate them and drank the tea. The servant bowed and left the room.

The Empress stared up at the ceiling, her eyes grew heavy and she closed them. She took a deep breath and tried to sit up again to get some tea, but she couldn't. She again attempted to move her hand towards the tea, but nothing happened.

Minutes later another servant entered, "Empress, your tea and mushrooms." the Empress did not stir, so the servant walked towards her night-stand to place them at her side, and sitting there was some tea and mushrooms, she looked around confused. She turned to the Empress and it did not look like she was breathing. "No!" she said, as she dropped the tray to the ground, "HELP! GUARDS! HELP!!!!"

[Pitboss Portugal]

TO: Gojong of Silla, Emperor of Korea

Dear Silla, it has come to my attention that the city of Koreaz is undergoing some hard days lately. I have decided to offer you aid that will help and ease the city's problems.

Here is my offer:

*Portugal will send workers to help develop the surrounding lands
*Allow Portugal to take control over the city once again so we can erect quickly a local courthouse and also expand the city’s culture.

Please let me know what suits the Korean people of New Portugal. I do not wish anything in return, but only the well being of our new Korean neighbers.

Xristo

[Pitboss Portugal]

Greetings Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl

I have received your invitation to come to your homeland. May I ask what business you have for us to discuss? For many years our two countries haven't spoken, so this invite comes as a surprise to me.

Should I be worried about my personal security entering your lands?

Thank you

Xristo

[Pitboss Persia]

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

Greetings, King,

Now that my Empire is able to build ships capable of oversea travel, I would like to discuss possible locations to settle and a price for your maps of New Portugal. Your personal security is of course guaranteed. You may bring your most trusted men to escort you if you wish.

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl

[Pitboss Persia]

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

Greetings, Pacal,

I understand your reasons for not risking the journey to my palace. I would like to get your point of view regarding piercian oversea expansion nevertheless. Do you have maps you may sell ?

Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl

[Pitboss Greece]

Pacal Ermal,

I do accept your apologizes.
I do not follow your reasoning regarding the colonies.
First you do dispute Sparta's right to settle east of Korea, while the land is unclaimed. Then you say that you can settle New Sparta because the land is unclaimed.

And you are wrong. There's a Spartan settlement in the North of New Sparta already, named "New Sparta". We will soon hand it over to our friends.

The Khmer and Spartans have more or less simultaneously discovered New Sparta. The Khmer from the North-West, Sparta from the South-East.
The khmer have immediately recognized this continent to be Spartan.

I have heard no word from Japan that they abandon their rights to settle the South of New Sparta. I consider this southern land to be Japanese for that reason.
If Japan would abandon their rights, these lands would fall into the possession of Sparta once again. In that case you could approach me and ask for some territory.

I have never rejected anybodies request for land and neither have my predecessors. But now you have ignored all claims and just took lands without consulting anybody you have made things more difficult for yourself.

King Orestes of Sparta

[The Capo]

The Imperial Palace was buzzing as word of the Princess' birth reached Seoul. The Emperor was quite excited that this had occured, and was prepared to announce his decision to Prime Minister Bojong concerning the Princess' marriage, particularly his plan to wed her to General Kim Jong-seo. This information had yet to be presented to General Kim himself, but the Emperor was quite confident that his wishes would not be denied, especially by some low-born General of his own making. The Prime Minister Bojong and Foreign Minister Bak Moon entered the palace...

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

Bojong and Bak Moon entered the throne room to see that there was only the Emperor, Generals Jumong and Park Long as well as Ku Kai who had returned from his (unsuccessful) diplomatic trip to the north.

"Emperor" Bojong said with a bow, "I am pleased to report the birth of your Princess, she hasn't been named, we felt that would be appropriate for you to do, being her father."

"Please, Prime Minister, sit." the Emperor said, it was unusual for a private meeting such as this to be so formal. "Where is Sinhye?"

"She has remained in Wonsan, to recover, along with the Princess who is being cared for by our finest servants."

"Very good, I anxiously await to see them" the Emperor said as General Jumong handed him some papers, "Firstly there has been much going on in concerning our Mayan and Greek friends. As you may or may not know the Greeks have settled the Gobi deserts, or intend to do so, we tracked a couple of Greek settling parties as well as a few battalions. There is also a mounted unit of Mayans in the southeast as well. This is a quite disturbing turn of events, but due to the position of our military and political status as of late we don't have much room to maneuver."

"The Greeks have settled the Gobi?" Bak Moon asked, "Without our permission?"

"Well, they hold that the land was unclaimed, and as such open for settlement. Of course we did not feel it necessary to make such a claim, as that land is naturally in our sphere of influence, this was recognized by the Mayans as well in their own missives to Greece. Further, the Mayans have settled the continent of New Sparta, which of course we had a claim to as well backed by the Spartan Greeks." Bojong explained.

"Well, it seems these notions of 'help for the smaller nations' is merely an attempt at gaining international favor" Bak Moon said, "Neither of our so-called friends seems to have our true interests at heart."

"Did you ever think they truly did?" General Jumong said, "Trust is not a luxury we should have, especially not a luxury a Foreign Minister has."

"Be that as it may General" Gojong said, "We have it on good authority that the Greek intentions in the Gobi are for security, particularly this 'black gold' they speak of, I am quite confident in due time the Gobi territory will be returned to Korea rightfully. But of course those issues can be dealt with in due time. There was another purpose for your visit here, we must speak of the princess' marriage arrangements."

"Naturally Emperor," Bojong began, "I have compiled a list of suitors, most of which Sinhye has agreed to, pending your decision of course, and a few that she prefers over the others. There is a fine young administrator in Wonsan, Gae Ponjang, who I think would make a suitable husband. He is also of noble birth, and I feel he would be perfect."

The Emperor looked over at Jumong, who nodded, "And this Gae Ponjang" the Emperor began, "He is a cousin of yours, no?"

"Why yes Emperor that is so." Bojong replied.

"Well, I had quite another idea." Gojong said, the tension ran high in the room, the facial expressions of Bojong and Bak Moon did a poor job of hiding their sentiments. "What do you think of General Kim Jong-seo?"

"General Kim?" Bak Moon exclaimed, "He is of peasant blood!"

"And what better way to make amends with that caste than a marriage of this magnitude? particularly after this fool over here" referring to Jumong "Caused such great calamity among them."

"Emperor, we can not sully the Imperial line simply because of a drunken General!" Bojong replied.

"I'll show you a drunken General, you delicate little flower!" Jumong said.

"ENOUGH!" Gojong barked, "My religious advisor says there is no tradition against such a marriage, Kim may be of a low-born caste, but he has risen to the highest ranks of the Imperial army through true grit, and capability. He was a trusted man, and has been present during some of Korea's most important history. I have spoken with him personally and he has great personal honor, and great strength of character. Something I am sad to say is absent from this room, myself included."

"But Emperor, the nobility will not take this seriously. A peasant-Emperor?" Bojong said.

"Who says he will be Emperor?" Gojong replied, "My wife is young yet, there is no reason she can not yet give birth to a son."

"Of course your majesty, I spoke too hastily. But the possibility still remains, we can not know what the future holds." he said nervously.

"And where is this General?" Bak Moon asked, Bak Moon had never actually met General Kim.

"General Jumong?" Gojong asked.

"Um, yes, I shall send for him. He is on leave, remember?" Jumong said, he was supposed to have summoned him to the palace.

"Very good, Bojong, you do not look pleased with my decision." the Emperor said.

"With all due respect your majesty, such a marriage will put us at odds with our own treaties with Greece, let alone our history, and our customs. You have done much to anger the nobility as of late, you have shrunken their power, taken much of their wealth. If you flaunt our conventions there will be little to keep them loyal to you, fear can only go so far."

"And yet your family thrives, if I continue to grant your ilk Imperial favors they will become jealous towards you, this is the best method of calming their nerves. They will celebrate it, they will celebrate me. And as I've said there will always be opportunities in the future, I will not let this Kim be sole heir to the Imperial throne." Gojong explained. "Of course, I will hold off on my decision until I speak with Kim myself, and of course until I have spoken with my wife. Could you please send for her Bojong?"

Bojong took a deep breath "Of course, I shall summon her at once..."

[Pitboss Japan]

To: King Orestes of Sparta
From: Nobunaga Oda


Great king first let me say that I fully intend on settling our part of New Sparta. We have just been delayed. With all the barbarian ships attacking my galleons, we have expended much of our resources and time building a defense force large enough to fend off any ships. Now my settler party will be sent on the way as soon as the repairs to the IJN Garra are done. So again to make it clear Japan has not relinquished its claims on New Sparta.

[Pitboss Greece]

Great Nobunaga Oda,

I am glad that you have confirmed your intentions to settle New Sparta.
I will contiue to defend your claims! Like I will defend the claims of Korea.

Soon I will send two settlers to New Sparta, one to settle a city of Japan and one to settle a city for Korea. No terms, just to show our friendship and best intentions with our friends.

I am unhappy about the fact that the Mayan message about Japan's disinterest in New Sparta are nothing more then lies.

King Orestes of Sparta

[Pitboss Greece]

The Anti Emancipation Treaty
Members: Japan, Rome, Russia, Portugal, Spain, Wyondats, Korea, Sparta

I hereby declare that the Mayan Empire has neither changed it's politics of Emancipation nor contacted us about our declaration.
Therefore all members of the Anti Emancipation Treaty are asked to end:

- All health resource trades to the Mayan empire right now (1570 Current Era)
- All Happiness resource trades to the Mayan empire in 1595 CE
- All Strategic resource trades to the Mayan empire in 1620 CE
- All open border deals to the Mayan empire in 1645 CE

Unless the Mayan empire ends it's politics of Emancipation.
The treaty does not requires or asks from it's members to go beyond the sanctions mentioned above.

We do acknowledge the Mayan right to run Emancipation, like we do acknowledge the right of the pact members to end our trade deals with the Mayan empire.

Orestes
Secretary of the Anti Emancipation Treaty

[Pitboss Greece]

The Anti Emancipation Treaty
Members: Japan, Rome, Russia, Portugal, Spain, Wyondats, Korea, Sparta

Members of the Anti Emancipation Treaty;
Since all members have signed the Treaty, I, Orestes, have been the Secretary of the Treaty.
Now the Treaty has officially effectuated sanctions against a nation on Terra, we must take the next step into making our treaty more trustworthy and legal.

Therefore I announce elections for the position of the Secretary General of the Anti Emancipation Treaty.
Till 1585 CE nominees can be put forward.
From 1590 - 1600 the elections will happen
In 1605 the new Secreatary General will be assigned to the Anti Emancipation Treaty.

Nomination can be made in public by all members of the treaty.
Member nations can nominate themselves or other member nations

Voting will be done anonymously by sending the votes to the current Secretary.
New elections will be held every 20 periods.
The position of the Secretary General is strictly personal. If the Secretary General dies during it's period,
new elections will be held.

Orestes
Secretary of the Anti Emancipation Treaty

[Pitboss Greece]

I, Orestes of Sparta, nominate myself for the position of the Secretary General of the Anti Emancipation Treaty.

[Pitboss Portugal]

Portugal nominates Orestes as the Secretary General.