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

[Pitboss Rome]

Great King Orestes, Friend,

Thank you for your words of clarification. I do hope that my comments have not caused offence; that was not their intention. I would hate to leave this world at odds with you, and my time is near.

I recognise fully and gladly that you settled the deserts east of Korea honourable and rightly. And that the Gobi desert is yours. I praise you for cleansing the world of the barbarians. It is so long since have had seen barbarians near Rome - it is terrible that the world was still plagued by them until so recently. All should thank you for your actions.

Regarding New Sparta, I recognise your good intentions in seeking land for the Koreans, Japenese and others. And I respect your declaration that you will wage war on anyone else who settles this land uninvited. We Romans understand well the right and justice which miliarty force brings. Nobody should claim the title 'ruler' if they are not able and wililng to defend their people and their friends. The reason for my comment was to avoid future international confusion and difficult when multiple nations feel that they have a claim on a piece of land, when all they have is words said between a couple of long dead rulers. Your position, though, is admirably clear and the kind of language Rome well understands.

I salute your clarity and honour. If only all nations acted as you do.

Augustus of Rome,

[Pitboss Russia]

To:~ All Nations of the World
From:~ Prince Andrei Bogolubski

Glory amidst sorry! My Uncle was interred this very day and the construction of an everlasting monument to his greatness was begun. The period of mourning is going well and but a few have felt self-immolation to be required to prove their devotion.

But from sorrow and sadness must we all awake and I shall be departing henceforth to Rome to greet in person the noble Augustus of whom my Uncle held in such esteem.

Likewise I plan to journey to Sparta, King Orestes your condolences were deeply appreciated, to cement the bond of friendship that exists between Spartan and Slav and ever shall do! Be not afraid that I will waiver from the path of friendship and co-operation between our peoples that my beloved Uncle upon which he trod. Please do not be offended that my visit will need'st be deferred until after my coronation as the journey is long and my people are not yet ready to be left alone and unguided lest their misery turn their eyes from their labours.

I confess myself to be somewhat dismayed that apart from our dear Roman and Spartan friends not a single wreath arrived nor was there even an envoy clad in black from any other land to be seen! Russia knows well that she is seen as a weak and insignificant player upon the World stage but disrespect shows all too clearly where friendship and convenience divide.

You will note that I have felt it best to show the true image of myself - please know that that this is not vainglorious indulgence but simply that you should all know me as I truly am.

Prince Andrei Bogolubski

[Pitboss Rome]

Prince Andrei Bogolubski,

Please do come quickly, as soon as the mourning for my great friend Joseph is over, for I know that my time in this world is now short. I want to introduce you to my heir. And we are soon to have a great celebration of the peace which God as bestowed upon us.

Augustus.

[Pitboss Maya]

To: Prince Andrei Bogolubski
From: Pacal Ermal of the Maya
Subject: Your Ship off our coast

Firstly, the Mayan court sends it's condolences regarding your uncles passing. He brought Russia from the depths of ruin to a well respected state.

A unannounced Russian vessel has been spotted off our eastern shores. This is a very distrustful time for the Maya seeing as many of it's neighbor nations plan on closing boarders with us because of the Anti-Emancipation Treaty.

We have closed boarders with Russia as of last year in response to this vessel. We also ask that it does not approach our coast.

If Russia can abide by these requests, we will gladly reopen boarders with your nation, although as a treaty member you may be forced to close them again.

I am another you.

- Pacal Ermal

[Pitboss Maya]

To: King Orestes of Sparta and Emperor Gojong of Korea
From: Pacal Ermal of the Maya
Subject: New Tikal

After considering the cost to our economy of maintaining New Tikal, Maya has decided to turn over control of the colony to Korea.

We do not take kindly to threats Orestes, and we still dispute your right to dictate who can and cannot settle New Sparta. However, the Maya cannot afford a war with Sparta, especially after the mess that was the Great Roman War.

Emperor Gojong, take control of New Tikal whenever you are ready.

I am another you.

- Pacal Ermal

[The Capo]

TO: Pacal Ermal of the Mayan Republic
FROM:

Honorable Ermal, Pacal of the Mayan Republic;

We are surprised by this latest move on the part of your assembly. We have felt a distance growing between our people lately and are pleased that you are now realizing the error of your ways.

We will gladly take the city of New Tikal from you at some future point in time, but I would be lying if I told you we were prepared for, or expecting you to hand over, the city of Tikal at this time. We will inform you a few periods ahead of time when we are prepared to properly administer the city. Currently we are sending an exploratory party to the territory to explore it and determine the viability of such a colony.

Thank you for your time,

- Bak Moon, Imperial Foreign Minister of Korea

[The Capo]

Word had finally reached Seoul of Empress Sinhye's demise. Bojong realized he had gone too far, and had prematurely ushered in a great period of tension and calamity within the Korean Empire. Even among his own family there was disruption; while there was no confirmation he was behind his own daughter's death speculation ran high, particularly on the part of Bak Moon who was the Foreign Minister of Korea. The Empire quickly deteriorated into two (armed camps); one in Wonsan and one in Seoul. The military was, for the most part, loyal to the Emperor in Seoul, but the family of Wonsan had their own paid army and boasted the most production (and muskets) in all of Korea. There was no battle yet, but it was hard to imagine one would not occur. At stake; the Imperial throne itself...

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

Seoul, Imperial Palace...

Emperor Gojong, having got word of his Empress' death, quickly called upon his most trusted Generals and military leaders. He also brought in his Religious advisor Ku Kai, partially to appease the Buddhist peasantry and to get their support backing his decision. He may have been a brash and arrogant young Emperor, but he was no fool and learned from his mistakes. Assembled were the aforementioned Ku Kai, General Jumong, General Kim Jong-seo and Captain Park Long of Pusan.

"I have called this meeting becuase there is much at stake, NOTHING shall leave this room, do you understand?" the Emperor began, all of the men nodded silently, Jumong already knew what was coming, "The Prime Minister is attempting to stage a coup against the Imperial throne. Before I continue I do realize that a number of you may disagree with many of the decisions I have made. I have no illusions in that regard, but I am here to tell you that I am, by ancient rite, the Emperor of the Koreas. My grandfather Wang Geon bravely put down the tyrant King Gung Ye to establish a unified Korea, stopping the Aztec scourge and establishing borders with the Mayans and Greeks, borders that continue to this day un-molested and peaceful. It can be argued that our region is historically the most peaceful and harmonious one on Terra. That may soon change if Wonsan has their way. My grandfather was followed by Sejong, my father. Possibly the greatest foreign ambassador our land had ever seen. He did much for Korea and expanded our borders, established a professional army as well as libraries and public works throughout the Empire. The reason I go on about these things is because our Empire has hit a crossroads. I will admit, quite readily, that I have been the worst leader of the Koreas since the days of Gung Ye. Korea has many heroes; Bae Hyeongyeong, Gang Jo, and Han Gong" he paused here, for he was the one who ended the life of Han Gong, "We must honor this tradition, and uphold the Empire they forged, it is now evident that Bojong was behind the assassination of my father, and was behind the death of my Empress. I come to ask your advice, shall we move against Wonsan?"

Nobody uttered a word at first, not even the brash and outspoken General Jumong, General Kim began, "Emperor, your family has been nothing but kind to me and my family. But I must say, the people do clamor against you, they may see this move as yet another purging on your part, they may consider YOU the assassin of Sejong, and thus of Sinhye, they do not look kindly upon you."

Jumong nearly began to speak, but the Emperor interrupted him, "I understand this Kim, that is why I have chosen you to wed my daughter once we capture Bojong and his minions."

From left to right; Captain Park Long, General Jumong, Emperor Gojong,
Ku Kai the Monk and General Kim Jong-seo

Kim looked down at the floor and took a deep breath, "Emperor, again, that is a great honor, but I must decline, I am already married and soon to be a father. I can not rightly accept your proposal."

The Emperor was incensed, "Now in our time of need you DARE reject this great honor!?!?"

"Emperor-" Kim began.

"No, it must be you Kim, only you can get the people's trust, the trust of the low-born soldiers, and can ensure that the people will support my line. I am willing to put you in the Imperial line, this will change your life forever."

"Emperor, I am at your service, but not this." Kim said, "You can not expect me to do this, it stands against all that is right. I will help you destroy Wonsan, but you musn't ask this of me. I could not bear to divorce my wife, if not for her I would gladly accept." as he said this, he realized he may have signed his own wife's death warrant.

"We shall discuss this later General" the Emperor said begrudgingly "At this point in time I am asking for advice against Wonsan, would it be premature to move against them now?"

"Emperor, you must realize that doing this, while I agree with all of it, will not be taken lightly. Wonsan is the richest and strongest Kingdom in Korea. You are the Grand Prince and Bojong its King. This challenge will tear apart the very fabric of our nation, and all upon the basis of Orestes of Sparta." Jumong replied, "The people may think you a puppet of Greece, particularly with how easily you allowed them to settle the Gobi."

"What were we to do about that land?" the Emperor asked, "They would settle it anyway, they didn't even attempt to ask us about it beforehand, they are much more powerful than us, and have been great friends as of late."

"I still believe it to be a mistake, that will tarnish your reputation for centuries to come." Jumong said.

"Shall I let my reputation get in the way of what must be done?" the Emperor asked, "Shall I let Bojong usurp the throne because of it?"

"I suppose not, I am simply telling you the realities of the situation Emperor, there is no good way out of this. General Kim should go to Pyong'yang and Pusan, rally our men and we shall march them north, through Alemanni and Mayan Durango through the Jogye mountains to Wonsan. I suggest another detachment from Seoul move north along the Han and we can strike at Wonsan from two sides."

"Will the Mayans not support Wonsan? They are taoist after all, and due to our treaty obligations against their policies they may see this as an opportunity to get back at us, we have already revoked our wheat to them." Captain Park Long asked.

"We should not worry about the Mayans, they will not dare interfere with us. If that occurs we will go to our allies for support, I sincerely doubt any Mayan support for Bojong. Besides, Bojong is no friend of the Mayans either." the Emperor said, "I do like your plans though, General Kim, will you be able to muster Pyong'yang and Pusan to arms?"

"It will take me just as long to ride to Pusan as it will for your men from Seoul to reach Wonsan." Kim replied, the distance he would travel back and fourth was more than twice that of the distance between Seoul and Wonsan.

"Then go forth at once!" the Emperor said, "We shall waste no time with petty talk, you will rally the men to Pyong'yang and march, north towards Mayan Durango, through the Jogye into Wonsan, we will camp on the banks of the Han until word of your army has reached us and then we will strike at Bojong's stronghold." the Emperor said. "Any reservations?"

Nobody spoke, the monk Ku Kai nodded and said, "Such a war will be a terrible thing for Korea. It may split our people into western Buddhists and Eastern Taoists. There is no positive end to this conflict."

"That is a risk I am willing to take, I am no longer concerned with my reputation in history. I must preserve my family's title." the Emperor replied, "General Kim, go, at once!"

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

Wonsan, Bojong's Estate...

Gae Ponjang left Bojong's chambers. Bojong had agreed to marry him to the Princess, who was now named Sinjeong in honor of her great grandmother (and wife of Wang Geon). Bojong also gave him orders to have General Kim Jong-seo killed in case Gojong was successful in his battle against Bojong. Bojong realized that if Gojong succeded in this marriage the peasants would be on his side.

Wonsan, having a much smaller than Seoul and Pyong'yang, had to rely on the peasant soldiers if they were to fend of Gojong's troops. Gojong had become increasingly unpopular with the peasants since his signing of the anti-emancipation pact as well as the farmer's massacre in Seoul (under the orders of Imperial Commander Jumong). This was a hefty gamble on the part of Bojong. If he failed in gaining the support of the people, if he failed in killing Kim, there would be NO chance that his men could withstand the Emperor's army.

Gae approached General Ji Huang and gave him a letter...

Go to Pyong'yang, there is a village called Giang on its outskirts near the foothills, there you will find Kim's wife. She must be captured. When this is achieved you will contact Kim and tell him where to find here. There you will kill him, taking his head and sending it to me.

- Bojong of Wonsan

The General nodded and Gae handed him a purse of gold, "Good luck General..."

[The Capo]

Imperial Decree of the Emperor Gojong of Silla

To whom it may concern;

Prime Minister Bojong of Wonsan and Foreign Minister Bak Moon of Wonsan are hereby stripped of their Imperial titles and are officially declared enemies of the Korean Empire. Any Korean citizen who sees them is ordered to kill them on sight, failure to do so will result in punishment, up to and including death.

Any Korean citizen who willingly fights in their employ will be executed without trial, and the wealth and property of their families will be confiscated.

- These are the words of Emperor Gojong of Silla

[The Capo]

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

Nations of Terra;

Let it be known that Prime Minister Bojong of Wonsan and Foreign Minister Bak Moon have been stripped of all Imperial title.

Please direct all missives to Imperial Commander Jumong of Pyong'yang.

We apologize for the inconvenience. But all prior missives of these men should be considered the word of Emperor Gojong, we will of course abide by all statements and agreements made through these men. But at this time they are no longer Ministers of the Empire.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause your foreign ministers.

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

[Pitboss Greece]

To: Pacal Ermal of the Maya and Emperor Gojong of Korea

Pacal Ermal, I salute you for your wise decision to hand over New Tikal to the Koreans.
Sparta will not forget this gesture!

Gojong, If you decide to take over New Tikal at this very moment, I can immediately give you a Sparta Knight at the location of New Tikal, which you can use to explore the area and defend New Tikal against Barbarians.
Please let me know if you're interested.

Orestes, King of Sparta

[Pitboss Greece]

Greetings Gojong of Silla!

I have some armies located at the north-east of your empire.
If you need these troops to fight the rebels, please let me know.
I will secure our borders to make sure that the rebel leaders won't walk into Sparta.

If there is anything Sparta can do to bring back peace to your nation, let me know.
You have my support during these times of horror!

Orestes

[Pitboss Greece]

Prince Andrei Bogolubski,

I am looking forwards to meet you!
Please let me know about your visit in advance so that we can make preparations!

Orestes

[Pitboss Portugal]

To: Gojong of Korea and Aun'O Es'Ther Per'Hyl of Piercia

I would like to apologies for the confusing that I have created lately with the southern parts of New Portugal. As some have said those lands are unoccupied and free for others to expand on to. Portugal still strongly supports the notion of that one should settle first before he claims land for himself.

Korea has been helped to locate some area for further developments; they currently have one colony on New Portugal. A second location west from the city of Koreaz has been secured and is waiting for Korean colonists. Still I should say that for now almost 15 cycles there haven’t been any new developments in that area. I have heard stories about Korean great ships heading this way. But it looks like these are mostly rumors. Also news have arrived from Korea saying that Korean Treasury is struggling to maintain the high costs of so far away colonies. I also have been notified that Korean has been granted lands in New Sparta. There is still land for Korea to expand on to New Portugal.

Recently there was a meeting between Portugal and Piercia, in which Portugal saw a good opportunity to assist that civilization in growing back to its former glory. A nation in much more need of colonies and by the looks of it able to bare the costs. So maps have been traded with Piercia, after analyzing the map, Piercia has requested that Portugal supports some new colonies in the southern parts of New Portugal. I have agreed and offered to settle the first city for the Piercians as a sign of friendship. The foundations of the new city will be laid down soon. The city will be placed exactly where the Piercians requested.

I hope the Korean people aren’t offended by these latest developments, there is much land to go around and others are in need of some too and better prepared to handle the costs.

Xristo

[Pitboss Portugal]

To: Prince Andrei Bogolubski,

I would like to welcome you and wish you a wise and peaceful rule over the Russian people. I hope that sometime in the near future we can meet and discuss local politics.

Best,

Xristo of Portugal

[The Capo]

TO: Orestes of Sparta
FROM: General Jumong, Imperial Commander of Korea

Honorable Orestes,

We appreciate your offer for soldiers against the ururpers of Wonsan, however their army is quite insignificant and we are confident we will raise the proper soldiers necessary to apprehend the criminals.

Again, while we are appreciative, it is important (politically) that the Emperor is not seen as a puppet of Greece. If the people see Greek armies marching with the Imperial troops against another Korean family this will not go over very well, so while we appreciate your offer we will have to decline. I hope you understand our rationale.

As for your offer regarding New Tikal; at this point in time our Emperor is busy trying to resolve certain issues (I have just got really busy in RL) so if you would just give us a couple of periods we can get back to you in a more meaningful manner. But again we thank you for your generosity.

- General Jumong, Imperial Commander of Korea