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

[Pitboss Portugal]

TO: Piercia

Greetings!

Could you please send us a private letter with the exact location where you want your colony build? We talked about a spot, but looking at it closer I realize that it will create some cultural border issues with our city on the land bridge. Please have a look at the shared maps and tell us what do you think of a city 1 tile south west from that silver deposit? If you have other ideas send a copy of the map with the location selected so we can move your settler to that spot.

This way both our cities can develop and grow.

Xristo

[The Capo]

Outside of Wonsan...

Captain Park Long approached Emperor Gojong to tell him of the successful mission to Giang; the murder of Kim's wife, to ensure that Kim would be available for marriage to Sinjeong, the Princess. The news was even better this time, because General Ji Huang's body would be found at the scene. General Ji Huang was wearing the uniform and seal of Wonsan. A better outcome could not have been planned by the Emperor, "Emperor Gojong," Captain Park began, "It is done, it seems Wonsan had other ideas. They sent General Ji Huang there, seemingly to kidnap Kim's wife and hide her away, they must have got wind of our plans."

"Where is General Ji Huang?" Gojong asked, he was rather pleased that the dirty work had been finished.

"I left him there, or his body rather, he took his own life rather than becaptured by us. It is a good thing though because if Kim returns and finds him he will surely want revenge against Wonsan, and would be more than willing to marry Sinjeong." Captain Park said.

"Excellent Captain, you have done the Empire a great service. I am sorry such a distasteful thing had to be done, but it was a necessary evil."

"Anything for the Emperor sir" Park said, "Speaking of Kim, any word on when he shall arrive?"

"Not quite, but I did send him a missive. The Mayans have taken our territory in Alemanni, I have ordered Kim to march his forces to that territory rather than meet us here in Wonsan, Bojong's army can't be that strong, we should be able to take him, especially when he is short a General." Gojong explained, "But this new development with the Mayans bothers me greatly, either Bojong is in league with the Maya or he will surrender. There is no way he will get Korean support now if he intends on fighting this civil war while the Mayans threaten us."

"Bojong is a taoist, perhaps he does have Mayan backers?" Park Long asked.

"Perhaps, I shall send him a missive asking for his surrender, if he does not we attack tomorrow. Later in the night I shall send in assassins to take Bojong out, without him they have nothing and we can finally focus our energies on these Mayans." Gojong explained.

"I shall have the missive sent sir..."


The Following Missive Arrived Hours Later at Bojong's Estate.

Vile Bojong of Wonsan,

Your stronghold is surrounded, your ill-concieved plot to kill General Kim has failed and your commander Ji Huang is dead. You have no chance of success. The Emperor will be merciful and spare your life if you surrender, relegating you to spend the rest of your days on an island prison. For the sake of Korea we ask that you lay down your arms and turn yourself in, we will spare Bak Moon to continue to administer the city of Wonsan, as I am sure your vile words corrupted what was once an honorable man. We also ask that you turn over Princess Sinjeong, unharmed, to the Emperor. Any attempt at marrying her off beforehand will be annuled by Imperial decree. You should also inform your Mayan masters that Korea will not stand idly by while they gobble up land that is rightfullly ours.

You have 24 hours to oblige to these demands, failure to do so will result in the destruction of your army and your long and painful death.

- Captain Park Long

Bojong's Mansion, Wonsan...

After reading the missive Bojong preapred to speak with his military commanders, but first he went to Bak Moon, "What do we do now? They say Ji Huang has failed?"

"It could be a bluff." Bak Moon said, although he didn't believe that himself.

"I doubt it, how would they have known, nobody but he and a few soldiers left, unless they were captured. Either way, the plot must have been a failure, there is only one thing left to do."

"And what is that Bojong? Surrender?" Bak Moon asked, but he already knew the answer.

"I have killed my daughter, I have put my whole city at risk. If I surrender now it would be for nothing, I must address the troops. Gojong will attack tomorrow....


Moments Later...

Bojong called all of his commanders into his favorite parlor. They sat in lines on the floor as Bojong stood before them; "Men of Wonsan, Korea has asked much of you throughout your life, I have asked much of you throughout your life. At this very moment, a tyrant of illegitimate blood, of illigetimate claim to the throne stands before the gates of this fine city. They demand we lay down our arms and be subjected to slavery like dogs. This is possibly the most important day in Korean history, for centuries the wicked family of Wang Geon, the tyrant dictator, has ruled over the Kingdoms of Korea. For centuries Pyong'yang and Seoul have dominated our Kingdoms and taxed us, and slaved us, and used us for their own wealth and power. Now your Emperor wants to marry our daughter, the Princess Sinjeong, off to some low-born peasant from Pyong'yang. Simply for his own power, for his own influence and ambition. We must not let this man succeeed. The future of all of the Koreas is at stake! This road will be long and difficult. Even now your Emperor accuses you, brave Koreans, of conspiring with the Mayan scourge against your countrymen! Even now he vilifies you as traitors! This man is not fit to rule. We must overrun his army, which is now half the number it should have been. The fight is now fair, we hold the highground, we have the advantage, and we must press that advantage to victory!"

"DEATH TO GOJONG!" a commander yelled, the assembled soldiers began to applaud him.

Bojong raised his hand "This is not a time for that, we must be deliberate in our moves, we must pay attention to them, for if we lose this all of Korea will suffer the loss. From Pusan to the eastern mountains, our people will continue to suffer under the tyrannical rule of Gojong. Once this battle has finished we will have to move quickly to defend Korea from the Mayans in Alemanni, who have taken this opportunity to steal land from us. There will be no surrender, come tomorrow evening you shall either be victorious or you shall die an honorable death!"

[Pitboss Japan]

Nobunaga Oda and all intersted nations.

It is true that Khmer has mapped almost all of the worlds resources of coal, oil and uranium.

Soon, many others will also have this knowledge but I must say to you that the Khmer can not share this information at this stage.

The request for Physics will be transferred to you when the knowledge of Uranium is more open but rest assured that Skull Island (or Serenity Island - what did you and the HRE agree on?) has a deposit.

Khmer aims to help all natons of Terra and has an excellent track record but in this case we must err on the side of caution. Afterall our nations are not close in any way and Japanese words have often been harsh against Khmer.

Japan has done well with its' trading and I congratulate you on your efforts.

tidings,

Suryavarman 3

This is fine with me. When and if you are wiling to trade I will be here. Now I wish to ask that if any nation need contact Japan do not do so publicly. I am pressed for time and do not feel like searching through tones of pointless arguing. A more offical update will be given by my son later but for now I have said all I wish to say.

[Pitboss Maya]

To: King Orestes of Sparta
From: Pacal Zandoz of the Maya
Subject: Accusations

Lets get some facts on the table.

Sparta has been threatening Maya with war for several years now. Maya has not only avoided hard line replies, but has even gone as far as handing over it's New Sparta settlement as requested.

Sparta currently has more espionage on Maya then Maya has on Sparta, yet you feel compelled to again make more threats with regards to us running spy missions on Sparta.

Now you accuse us of having some sort of "plan" against Sparta? Perhaps we should, considering the attitude you have with us as of late. As stated before however, a war with Sparta would not benefit Maya. Sparta is too powerful and too far away for this to make sense.

You speak of us "taking the wrong path" and "returning to the peaceful existence of Sparta/Maya/Korea".

What exactly are these wrong paths? What have we done?

How are we to return to a peaceful existence when Sparta is the one imposing its will upon us and threatening us?

Your words make no sense lately.

As a side note, if these "plans" you speak of were told to you by a third party nation we respectfully ask that you disclose their identity. Last time this happened it was Japan falsely fostering distrust between Maya and Sparta. I ask you to read up on the history surrounding that unfortunate event before you blindly accuse us of again plotting against your nation.

- Pacal Zandoz

[Pitboss Maya]

To: Leaders of Korea
From: Pacal Zandoz of the Maya
Subject: Alemanni

It is my understanding that Korea is currently in some sort of civil war. Therefore this missive has been sent to each of the Korean cities so as to reach all leaders who may have ambitions about the territory formerly known as Alemanni.

Maya cannot afford war right now. The Great Roman War fought ages ago had a significant impact on Mayan development, and we do not want another disruption of that sort while peaceful nations are free to focus on technology and infrastructure.

However, let it be known that we will not give up this land without a fight, and frankly, Koreas army would be no match for Mayas. In addition, a new sense of national pride has swept Maya and would allow us to call upon an endless number of defenders if you do choose to invade.

I offer an alternative however if Alemanni means that much to Korea.

We will hand the new city over to Korea for the price of 2 vouchers. This would allow you immediate control of the territory. We would also be willing to sign a non-aggression pact so you do not need to fear Maya simply taking the city back after the trade.

Another option would be for Korea to denounce the Anti-Emancipation Treaty, and give one voucher for the Alemanni city.

Let us know if either of these offers are acceptable to Korea. War is not an option.

I am another you.

- Pacal Zandoz

[Pitboss Portugal]

To: Piercia

Please check your pm letters.

Thank you

Xristo

[Pitboss Russia]

To: Pacal Zandoz of the Maya
From: Prince Andrei Bogolubski

I beg that you desist from your vile aspersions against Russia's truth and honesty. Your comments lack any proof and only serve to sour relations further.

Prince Andrei Bogolubski

[Pitboss Khmer]

Orestes.

You will now see that borders are closed between our nations. Banana Armour you still receive, but not for long unless you renounce the AET.

My representative council of governors has decided to offer the Maya a defensive pact if they wish it. Khmer is not happy about the threatening nature of Sparta nor its recent duplicitous behaviour during the Meduian dialog.

Simply put you are persona non grata as my good friend Augustus would have us say.

You have a chance to redeem yourself. You know how.

I, Suryavarman 3, will not join the pact to change it from within. I stand opposed to the pact and aim to change it from outside.

Suryavarman 3

[Pitboss Khmer]

Greetings Suryavarman 3,

*Our ship will not enter your waters.

Please do not trouble yourself over this, Portugal is a friend and seeks peaceful coexistence with its mighty neighbor.

Xristo

Xrsto,

I am disappointed by you literal interpretation of our agreements. Your Carrack has sailed in internmational waters to the edge of Khmer land and it is very obvious what you are doing. We are not fools and I thought you were not one either.

You clearly had no reason to sail to this most recent point and a spy or Great Spy can easily be landed there.

And just when I thought our relationship was warming. Any serious spy damage in Khmer land will be automatically attributed to Portugal. You did not have to make this trip and don't spin me any diplomatic yarn.

What goes around comes around.

Suryavarman 3

[The Capo]

The Demise of Bojong of Wonsan...

To understand the "Nobles' Wars" (as they came to be known in Korea) one must undestand the make-up and function of the Korean Empire at the time of Gojong's reign. To realize this a short synopsis of history is necessary. Korea, as it is known in modern times, was once a nations split into various 'Kingdoms' (a better term may be fiefdom or dukedom). In the early days of Korea there were only three Kingdoms; Joseon, Silla and Goguryeo. Josean was the northernmost land, which was comprised of the Jogye mountains and the source of the great Han river, Silla was in the middle along the Han and the mouth of the river, this included much of the valleys to Seoul's west as well as all the land east of Seoul up to the Great Eastern Mountain range. Goguryeo had its capital in Pyongyang and claimed all land west of its border with Silla. Silla quickly gained power and influence, having been the birthplace of Buddhism in Korea (although the Buddha himself hailed from Joseon), from then on it acted as the spiritual capital of the Empire.
It was in the earliest history of Korea that the first war occured, possibly the first war ever documented on Terra, between the Mayans and Koreans. At this point in time Gung Ye was the King of Silla. Silla's war with the Maya was shortlived, and ill-conceived. Seoul was clearly outclassed on the battlefields as Mayan Holkans terrorized the countryside. A brash and ambitious Warlord from Pyong'yang, Wang Geon, seized this opportunity and entered Seoul, naming himself King, handing Gung Ye over to the Mayans to be killed as an indemnity for war, and marrying himself to Gung Ye's daughter, establishing what would later become the Imperial line.

A simple map of Korea showing the three Kingdoms as well as their capitals (which are marked with a name) and other important cities in the Empire.

But it wasn't until Wang Geon's son, Sejong of Goguryeo, married into a noble family of Joseon and united all the Koreas under one family that the Empire truly began. This became the Imperial line, and Sejong gained the title 'Emperor' (for clarity's sake Sejong was the Warlord of Pyong'yang, King of Silla and Prince of Joseon, which was Joseon's highest title at the time). Sejong reigned over the longest period of prosperity, education, trade, and diplomacy in Korean history. It was under his reign that such works as the Maha Bodhi and the Great Canal began construction (although both weren't finished until his son came to power). In an attempt to unite Korea, Sejong turned his court into a hodge-podge of various Korean Kingdoms. Bojong, the patriarch of Wonsan, became the Prime Minister, unifying Korea's richest province with its religious capital in Seoul. He also nationalized the military, removing it from the hands of local nobility and forming the Imperial Army and Command structure. The Imperial Commander was a powerful position, held by Gang Jo, Bae Hyeongyeong and Jumong of Pyong'yang respectively (who are among the most famous Korean Generals in all history). He also vastly diminished the power of various nobles, which ultimately lead to an attempt on his life. He would later die from wounds suffered at the hands of a would-be assassin. While the true identity of his assissin was never revealed there have been theories ranging from Foreign Minister Hae Mosu (angry that he was overlooked to be Prime Minister), Bojong of Wonsan (in an attempt to thrust Wonsan into Imperial power) and even his own son Gojong. It was during the inept reign of Gojong that things fell apart. Bojong quickly attempted to seize control of the Imperial throne, even stooping so low as to kill his own daughter (Sinhye, the Empress) so she would not bear a son to Gojong. His plan was to marry the Princess to a man of his own choosing, who's loyalties would lie in Wonsan. Orestes of Sparta caught word of this plot and informed the Korean Emperor Gojong, thus creating the calamity that lead to civil war between the Imperial Army and Wonsan. It is difficult to say how much of this was a vast plot of Wonsan, or how much of it was simple ambition and opportunism. Either way a showdown in Wonsan was going to determine the future of the Korean Empire...


The Walls of Wonsan...

The army of Wonsan was outnumbered, but only slightly. The Imperial army had to be split between its forces outside of Wonsan and the ones reacting to the Mayan settlement in Alemanni. Even split in half the Imperial army was larger than the local force assembled by Wonsan. Wonsan was also short its Commander-in-Chief, having died by his own hand in the village of Giang. "All is well!" a guard yelled from the ramparts, "Silla is organizing its forces for attack!"

The General nodded, his name was Sun Il-Guk. He was formerly an Imperial captain, but when his homeland of Wonsan called upon him he was among the first to accept the charge, he was woefully unexperienced with command as Korea had lived in centuries of peace, "Very good!" he yelled up, he then turned to Bojong, "Silla is begining to organize their forces, it seems they are making good on their ultimatum, I suggest we send a rider to Tikal, to see if the Mayan Taoists will provide any support."

Bojong shook his head, "We musn't, if we do all of Korea will think us traitors. Besides, once we achieve victory we will have to deal with the Mayans ourselves, and there is no chance I am allowing Alemanni to remain in their clutches. Gojong may be a fool, but he is right; that land is rightfully Korean, the Mayan tales of fighting barbarians are overblown. It was our own forces who thrice delivered that land from the Aztecs, it was their own neglect that let that land become a haven for barbarians. No Sun, we shall not go to them."

"Very well my liege, what shall we do? Do we await them at the walls or sally forth and fight them in the field?" the General asked.

"I am not a military man Sun," Bojong replied.

It was then that Bak Moon, a former General in Imperial service, turned Foreign Minister, and now Imperial outlaw rode up. He was back in command of armies, and was dead-set on proving himself once again. He also wanted to gain vengeance upon General Jumong, Imperial Commander of Korea, who he loathed and despised "What is going on? Has Jumong began to move his forces?"

"Commander Bak" General Sun said, "Good to see you in uniform again, its a natural look for you." he smiled.

"Feels good" Bak said, jumping from his horse, "Our intelligence reports that they have come with an army of hwachas and limited infantry, we have enough muskets to make short work of that, I say we soften their army in the field. If they lose the bulk of their ground troops it will make it difficult for them to take our walls."

Bojong nodded, "This is your call Bak Moon, I know nothing of military strategy, what do you say General Sun."

"I am a bit worried, if we fail to take the proper amount of troops from Jumong, it will mean less defenders for us."

"That is so General, but we can't afford to wait, they will starve us out. They have the Han river blocked, we can not get food, and we are quickly running out, besides if we wait long enough General Kim will arrive with his men because Ji Huang couldn't kill a f*cking peasant!" he said, referencing the failed attempt to assassinate General Kim Jong-seo.

"Still no word?" Bojong asked, about General Ji.

"I assume he is dead uncle." Bak Moon replied.

"A damn shame" Bojong said, "Very well, Bak Moon is right, we should go forth with half our army and engage them in the field, on the bright side if we lose men it means we will have more rations to go around for the duration of this seige, hopefully the Mayans make a move against General Kim's force."

"The Mayans" Bak Moon began, "Unfortunately the Greeks have intervened politically, and the Mayans have sent terms to Gojong, it is doubtful he will accept them though, but the possibility remains, Kim's men may arrive shortly, so time is of the essence. We should attack with the next few hours, after the sun is on our side."

"Very well, order the attack." Bojong said...

Hours Later...

The armies of Wonsan took to the fields between the Han river and Wonsan, their men lined up their muskets for the first volley. While Wonsan didn't boast a large army, as the richest and most productive city in Korea, it had a well-equipped one. Boasting the most muskets and Hwachas of any city in Korea. This was their only advantage; for on the other side there were more vast numbers and a better commander - Jumong of Pyong'yang.

Captain Park Long readied his men, "On my order, we strike, we musn't let them maintain their advantage!" he barked at his loyal, and well disciplined soldiers.

General Jumong rode past Park's lines, "Look at these fine ugly bastards!" he said, raising his sword into the air, the men respected Jumong most of all. He was not well-liked in court (because he was uncouth, and rude), he was despised by most other Generals (because he was slovenly and arrogant) but he was the favorite of the common soldier. Unlike most Generals he fought on the front lines, and even lost an eye while fighting barbarians in Oldonia, he ripped it out himself and continued fighting. "Such a shame some of the last sights these boy-loving, flower gardeners in Wonsan will see is your ugly faces!" he said as the men laughed, "Captain Park Long! You are a lucky man, to have such fine men willing to give their lives for Korea here today!"

"FIRE THE HWACHAS!" Captain Park said, as the Korean Hwachas; for centuries the most formidible seige-craft in all of Terra; began firing upon their enemies.

"But Jumong, the range is too short! They'll miss Wonsan's lines!" Captain Park Long said, as the rockets fell short of Wonsan's lines.

"No its not!" Jumong laughed as a huge cloud of smoke and dirt fell between the armies, "These idiots brought their little peashooters to a proper Korean swordfight, you can't shoot what you can't see... CHAAAARGE!!!!" Jumong bellowed as he turned his steed, a unit of Korean Knights follwed after him as the Infantry charged.

Imperial Forces engage Bojong's army of Wonsan.

Jumong's plan worked flawlessly, Wonsan's armies were undiscplined so despite their technological advantage they quickly broke rank in the chaos. The confusion caused by the Hwacha's smoke (and loud whistling noises) left Wonsan's commanders unable to properly execute maneuvers as the Imperial soldiers cut into their center, breaking it and sending their muskets into disarray. The battle quickly became a rout, and while the Imperials lost many soldiers to the musketfire it quickly dissapated into the swordfight Jumong wanted. Wonsan was no match for the Imperial soldiers, and soon Imperial tenacity overcame Wonsan's advantage. the retreat was quickly sounded as Wonsan's men crashed against the gates of the city. The gates didn't open, as Wonsan's only advantage left was their city walls, again the Hwachas opened fire upon the city walls, sending up a plume of debris, the guards upon the wall could hardly see the ladders being thrust upon the wall's face...

"Damn it!" General Sun said, as he saw the melee, "They're taking the walls!"

General Bak Moon looked around as the soldiers of Wonsan were in a frenzy, they quickly massed upon the city's walls, in many cases pushing eachother over the edge in the confusion. "Do not panic! Do not panic!" he cried out, but it was to no avail, little could be heard above the din. He turned to Bojong, who was nervously watching the soldiers clumsily take to the city's defense, "UNCLE, GO TO THE CITADEL! IT IS TOO DANGEROUS HERE, SECURE THE PRINCESS!"

Bojong quickly obliged as a troop of guards followed him away....

"THAT'S IT BOYS! GIVE THEM HELL!" Jumong said from the ground, as he helped throw up another ladder, "OVERWHELM THEM! SHOW THEM WHAT WE MEN OF PYONG'YANG ARE MADE OF!" the majortiy of the Imperial army hailed from Pyong'yang.

Park Long rode up to Jumong, "General, we have suffered a great deal of casualties, but our army stands firm, it seems you have these walls taken care of!" he said.

"Get to the point Park!" Jumong said, as an arrow flew by his head, he didn't even react to it.

"Bojong may try to escape into the Jogye mountains, I will circle around the back of the city to ensure he doesn't do this!" Park said.

"NO! He won't try to escape, we have that taken care of, get a ram and tear the doors down, we will take the walls and pick off their men with our crossbows, these fools didn't stand a chance!" Jumong said.

Park nodded and quickly turned to leave, Jumong looked up the ladder, he quickly began to climb it, as men fell from the walls all around him. He reached the top and blocked a strike from a Wonsan soldier, he grabbed him by his armor and pulled him down, knocking a few of his own men from the ladder, and hopped upon the walls. He then chopped off another man's arm and kicked him in the stomach, knocking him back into the rest of Wonsan's army gathered around and turned with a sword thrust into another man. Singlehandedly he cleared a space upon the wall as the rest of his army climbed up the ladder....

Bak Moon looked up and saw Jumong tearing into his army, and even worse; Imperial forces were finally taking the wall. General Sun walked up to him, an arrow sticking from his shoulder, "Bak Moon, this is a disaster!"

"Shut up, do your job!" Bak Moon said, still staring at Jumong.

"What can we do, they have begun to breach the gates themselves! Soon they will be inside the city, shall I call the men back to defend it?"

Bak thought for a moment, "Yes, have the remaining men fall back, hopefully the men on the walls can hold them off long enough for us to establish defensive positions, I want all of the streets blocked off, furniture, carts, barrels; whatever you can get your hands on, light them on fire!"

"Are you coming!?" Sun yelled. "General?"

Bak Moon looked up at Jumong again, "No, I have unfinished business, you must protect Bojong, if the Imperials get close to him kill the Princess, if we lose here we must not let him get his hands on her, there's still hope if we can kill Gojong without a bloodline!"

"General, you must come with us, you can't stay here, you'll die for sure!" Sun pleaded.

"GO! NOW!" Bak Moon said, Sun bowed to Bak Moon, he knew it would be the last time.

The Imperial army started pouring over the walls as the gates burst open, knocking back the soldiers who, in a last ditch effort to protect the city's integrity, barricaded themselves against it. Many of them fell to the floor as the Imperials ran though, stabbing at the men littering the ground, making sure they were all dead. Captain Park Long was in command of this unit, as his eyes locked with Bak Moon's. He pulled out his sword and yelled "ATTAAAACK!!!" as his army charged in like maniacs, chopping at anyone they could see before them. Bak Moon fell back and pulled out his sword, still eyeing Jumong who had finally looked down at him, Jumong smiled.

"CAPTAIN PARK! CAPTAIN PARK!" Jumong said, as he ran towards the stairs, kicking and stabbing any soldiers of Wonsan that crossed his path, "DO WHAT YOU WILL BUT LEAVE ME BAK MOON!"

Bak Moon slowly approached Jumong, who walked towards him smiling, "I've been waiting a long time for this Jumong."

"I should have killed you when I had the chance!" Jumong said, "That damned fool Gojong should have listened to me, I knew this day would come, I knew you cake-eating, fancy bastards in Wonsan just had to screw everything up."

"I'm going to finish that barbarian's job and take your other eye" Bak Moon said as the men came within twenty feet of one-another.

"Even then I could still take you in a swordfight." Jumong said, as he raised his sword, Bak Moon did likewise and the two men charged eachother...

Hours Later...

Bojong couldn't believe it; in one day all was lost. Hardly any of his soldiers returned, as he and General Sun Il-Guk quickly escaped the city under the cover of darkness for his secret hideout in the hills of the Jogye mountains. "I suppose we make our escape to Tikal." Sun said to him, there was a solemn mood, defeat was certainly in the air. The two men watched as Wonsan was set ablaze.

"And poor Sinjeong, she was captured?" Bojong asked, it was his last hope.

"We believe so, there is no word, we waited as long as we could, they never came with her." he said, patting Bojong on the back.

"And Bak Moon?"

"Either way, he's dead. Whether by Jumong's hand, the Imperial army's, or his own. There is no way he got past the barricades with his life." Sun said, a few of the soldiers dropped their weapons and ran, Sun quickly grabbed an arrow but Bojong grabbed his arm.

"Don't, let them go, I have failed them. Let them at least have their lives." He said.

"What are you going to do Bojong?" Sun asked.

Bojong chuckled, and shook his head, "I suppose you should go too, they'll be coming for me soon, Gojong knows all of this place, he was my son-in-law after all."

"Sir, we can still make it to Tikal, if we-"

"No, you too! You go too! I refuse to waste even more lives. Its over!" Bojong said, as his eyes welled-up. "They'll only kill me in Tikal anyway, just like the scoundrels did to Gung Ye, it is of no use. I am arleady dead."

"Sir, I will stay at your side."

"General, you will do nothing of the sort, you will go now!" Bojong barked.

Sun nodded, "Very well."

"Before you leave, hand me your sword." Bojong said nervously.

"Bojong, I will not let you do that!" the General replied.

"I am not going to kill myself Sun!" Bojong laughed, "I am just going to take as many bastards with me as I can...."


The Death of Bojong of Wonsan...

Just as Gojong thought, Bojong would escape to his summer home in the Jogye mountains. He had already advised his assassins to strike at night. Bojong patiently awaited them outside of the front door. The men quickly ran in, cutting down the guards that remained at his side. Bojong was not a good swordsman, but he pulled out Sun's sword anyway, he was the last one left as Gojong's men descended upon him.

Bojong of Wonsan is killed by Imperial assassins in front of his summer home in the Jogye Mountains.

As the assassins made their escape General Sun Il-Guk quickly ran up to his master, "Bojong, Bojong, what shall I do?"

Bojong attempted to speak but could not, he then died that night there in the Jogye mountains...

[Pitboss Portugal]

Xrsto,

I am disappointed by you literal interpretation of our agreements. Your Carrack has sailed in internmational waters to the edge of Khmer land and it is very obvious what you are doing. We are not fools and I thought you were not one either.

You clearly had no reason to sail to this most recent point and a spy or Great Spy can easily be landed there.

And just when I thought our relationship was warming. Any serious spy damage in Khmer land will be automatically attributed to Portugal. You did not have to make this trip and don't spin me any diplomatic yarn.

What goes around comes around.

Suryavarman 3

Suryavarman 3 can you clarify your latest very confusing statement please? We said that we will not enter your waters and we haven’t. Portugal has the freedom to sail international waters why the latest unnecessary outcry. I have kept my ship outside your territory. You have called me a fool!!! I ask that you apology for this insult.

Portugal is not sending to Khmer any spies. But I see that you have decided to again hurt our relations with this public nonsense statement nevertheless.

And to answer you negative statement of “What goes around comes around” If Portugal receives any spy damage prepare for war Suryavarman 3! I can reassure you that you do not want to make an enemy of Portugal. The ball is in your court, i hope you see reason and fix your actions at once.

My ship will pull away from being so close to your coast next period, this is the last compromise i do. Next time prepare your armies if you plan to insult Portugal.

Xristo

[Pitboss Khmer]

Suryavarman 3 can you clarify your latest very confusing statement please? We said that we will not enter your waters and we haven’t. Portugal has the freedom to sail international waters why the latest unnecessary outcry. I have kept my ship outside your territory. You have called me a fool!!! I ask that you apology for this insult.

Portugal is not sending to Khmer any spies. But I see that you have decided to again hurt our relations with this public nonsense statement nevertheless.

And to answer you negative statement of “What goes around comes around” If Portugal receives any spy damage prepare for war Suryavarman 3! I can reassure you that you do not want to make an enemy of Portugal. The ball is in your court, i hope you see reason and fix your actions at once.

My ship will pull away from being so close to your coast next period, this is the last compromise i do. Next time prepare your armies if you plan to insult Portugal.

Xristo

Xristo, greatest ruler of the known world.

Khmer specifically asked you not to travel into Khmer waters and not to "move to the easy access point where Khmer will assume Portugal is landing spies or a Great Spy".

You moved to an easy access point by playing the game of staying in international waters. Of course you did not technically break any agreements but you disobeyed my request. So you insult me and assume I am a fool?

No, it is very foolish of you to do this and now with your over the top aggressive reaction we'll see what you do. Speaking of war and shouting wildly you very quickly dropped the diplomatic dialog. You protesteth too much Xristo. You know what you did was antagonistic.

Simply put, Khmer asked one thing, you appeared to agree, yet you did did another.

What are Khmer to think?

Suryavarman 3

[Pitboss Portugal]

Suryavarman 3 you greatest enemy is your huge paranoia. Now I know why Rome has been warning the world of your paranoia. Portugal has been diplomatic for millennium towards your country and for what for you to come only back and hurt us with your negative attitude poisoned with you mass paranoia. As you said no agreements where broken, thus the end of this subject!

Simply put, Khmer asked one thing, you appeared to agree, yet you did did another.

I have never agreed on the easy access point, but why should i be surpprised you have always twisted Portuguese words.

What are Khmer to think?

How about for once thinking that not all are out there to get Khmer!!

There hasn’t been any aggressive reaction on my side, but finally I have realized that Khmer never appreciates Portugal’s attempts of friendship. Even now that I said that I will pull back my ship you decide to further this argument. Be honest it was never in your blood to be friend of ours. So it is time for some change of politics. I will too put on the Khmerian face for once, thus the warnings, do not dare to send spies into Portugal.

Xristo

[Pitboss Russia]

Beloved Brethren of the Temporal World,

My stay in Rome is lasting far longer than I could have imagined - I wait hourly for the latest news on the health of my beloved ally Augustus but fear the worst - and attempt to give what solace I might to poor grief stricken Marcus.

I have not lost touch with my new responsibilities as guardian of the health and well-being of my own people. I have sent forth envoys to far lands to boost trade and bring the distant peoples of whom we have had scant dealings in the past closer to the brotherhood that we know must be shared by all.

That my coronation is to be yet further delayed I cannot help out of loyalty to a true and trusty friend. I beg of you noble Orestes that you forgive me for my delay in visiting the fair land of Sparta. I tally not of my own desire but from duty and will visit thee the moment those duties are fulfilled.

As a wholly impartial nation Russia would be happy to volunteer herself as a medium for peaceful and, hopefully, constructive settlement in the current Portugese-Khemer dispute. I am a man of peace and spiritual contemplation and wish only to see tranquility upon this World. If I might aid then the offer is there.

We hear of the strife in the far off land of Cooria with grave distress. Too far are you for us to aid you but be assured that the prayers of the Russia people are with you.

Maya, will you not see sense and acknowledge that Russia is no enemy? Of course Emancipation is hurtful to us and this is a fact that you must know so a minor sanction is hardly unlikely but that it should extend to threats of war over an innocent caravel and a closure of all traffic betwixt our nations is paranoia. What I had believed to be a friendly relationship between our nations has soured and becomes the more bitter for every statement made! I beg of you to halt this now for Russia has no nation she counts as enemy and but one she counts with contempt. Please do not become her first enemy.

Friend and Brother,
Prince Andrei Bogolubski

[Pitboss Rome]

Pacal Zandoz of the Maya

Greetings.

Two points of business.

1. You asked about the terms of the Pax Romana. The Pax simply asserts that a threat to one is a threat to all, and an attack on one is taken as an attack on all. Members of the Pax Romana are free states, and as they wish they can pursue whatever foreign policy they wish, including war. Rome does not consider that other members of the Pax Romana would be obliged to join any foreign war initiated by another member. However, it that war reach the point where the member countries was under serious threat, then the obligation would come into force.

2. My ministers tell me that the regular shipments of dye to Rome from the Maya have ceased. You might remember that these were an integral element of the peace treaty we signed a few centuries ago. I presume that this is just an administrastive error which can be easily rectifed. If it a deliberate breaking of that treaty, we and I am sure many others woudl have to take that with the utmost seriousness. I think history has shown that it takes the breaking of treaties very seriously. I understand that you are currently engaged in disputes with other nations - surely this is not a time to break a treaty with us? Perhaps you can explain.

Dictated by Augustus of Rome.