Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] . PART 8 (March 2009)

[OzzyKP]

We notice many followers of the Metal faith in the crowd. Many display the official Metalhead salute. We are proud to see the continued growth of the Metal Church.

[Pitboss Greece]

After the Spartan armies had destroyed the combined Korean and Mayan forces surrounding Thebes against great odds (a more detailed story will follow) the Spartan army moved to the Korean border.
Soon the Teabone river was crossed by some Spartan armies. The city of Pusan was under siege, Spartan cannons had destroyed the defence of the city.

The city was ready to fall.
Multiple Mayan garrisons of Riflemen under Korean supervision guarded the border but the city of Pusan was the weak spot.
Two Spartan canons and 4 Spartan Riflemen were ready to seize the city which was only defended by 1 Korean musketeer and 3 Korean longbow men.

But Orestes told the Spartan generals to hold back.
Sparta never had the intention to invade Korea and enlarge it's borders.
Shortly after the Korean treachery Orestes felt huge hate against the Korean backstabbers.
But now Thebes was safe and the Spartan armies had everything under control again Orestes anger had left him.

Sparta had shown it's strength and would now show it's honour again.
A message was sent to Korea:

"Leaders of Korea,

The city of Pusan is ours if we decide to strike. But we did not strike.
Once we were brothers and allies until you decided to hit us in our backs.
We could now easily go on and destroy you nation, but we have no desire for Korean cities or territory.

End all your hostilities right now, pay us 1000 gold and workers to repair the damages and we will accept peace.

Orestes"

[Pitboss Greece]

[Pitboss Japan]

For many weeks Foreign Minister Shino noticed many strange things happening in the
empire. It was not his place to question so he tried to ignore what was going on. He
went about his days as normal monitoring what was going on in the world. It was not
until he received the updated maps that he noticed something strange, many of the
Piercian cities where now under Japanese control. He needed an explanation so he asked
the other ministers if they knew anything about it. He received the same answer time
and time again so he decided to ask the Emperor himself.

He entered the Emperor’s chambers and asked him what was going on. The Emperor
responded, “ Minister Shino, since it is already too late to stop what has happened. For
the past few months we have planning to expand our empire. As you know we struggle
building settlers and we cannot afford to continue to build so far from our home so the
next choice was our only real choice, we had to invade another nation.”



Shino stopped the Emperor, “My lord but how could we invade another nation? We have
only a small ground force which is hardly enough to protect our lands. The only real force
we have is our navy but that is not enough to invade anyone.’ The Emperor
responded, “You fail to realize something many others fail to realize. Our shinobi are the
best in the world at what they do. Now if you please allow me to finish I will tell you
what has happened. We have infiltrated the Piercian government and killed all the leaders. We replaced their leaders with our shinobi who in turn transferred all the Piercian cities and armies to our control.”

Before anything else could be said one of the imperial shinobi ran in. “My lord, we have a problem! Our shinobi have been caught before the capital city could be transferred to our control. A Piercian resistance has built up in the capital and the last remaining general
has declared war on us.” “How large is the resistance force?” said the Emperor. The
shinobi responded, “It is only a few citizens right now.” “Send in our forces and take that
city before any reenforcements can be made,” said the Emperor. The Shinobi left to carry
out the orders of the emperor.

[Pitboss Celts]

Marcus of Rome. News has reached our shores that our galley headed on a peace mission to Sparta was attacked and sunk by a Roman privateer off the cost of Ceasaraugustus. We would like an explanation to these events and hope that you have time to provide one. No response to these allegations will be taken as an admission of guilt and will be handled accordingly.

[Pitboss Russia]

The Vile Perfidy of Japan Unmasked!

Friends and Neighbours,

I invited leaders from Pax Romana members and noble Xristo to attend a summit here in Petrograd to discuss matters of great import to our mutual safety in a perilous World. I was surprised that no reply came from Piercia, that my messengers claimed to have been refused admittance to the buildings of state to pass on my felicitudes. I know, peasant born and bred though I am, that Russo-Piercian relations had become cooler in recent years. Not even a polite refusal to attend - to be ignored in such a way went against all Russian knows of traditional Piercian etiquette.

Now, from their own lips, do we hear the truth. Japanese 5th columnists have infiltrated that fair nation we held as friend and usurped power in a feindish and under-handed manner. Using traitors from within to aid their verminous shinobi in deeds so unspeakably evil that it is a disgrace for Japan to even claim to be a civilisation at all! Even now we hear acts of appalling brutality being perpetrated by Japanese 'security' forces upon those valient Piercians who stand tall and resist. What hope do they have? If only we had known in time Piercia then Russia would have aided you. Had Japan followed their own, supposed, code of honour and chosen the battlefield you would have found Pax Romana standing firm against you. At least I can see that my brother in Pax Romana Chief Tarhe has rescued some of the disposessed of Piercia, how is a question that needs be answered at the summit meeting.

Beware, all states that care for their sovereignty, never invite these creatures into your homes for you could easily be next!

Outraged and Deeply Saddened,
President Rostislav Vladimirovich
For, and on behalf of, The Russian Republic

[Pitboss Rome]

Marcus of Rome. News has reached our shores that our galley headed on a peace mission to Sparta was attacked and sunk by a Roman privateer off the cost of Ceasaraugustus. We would like an explanation to these events and hope that you have time to provide one. No response to these allegations will be taken as an admission of guilt and will be handled accordingly.

Celtic people and leaders. The Roman people are very saddened the loss of your ship, and embarrassed that this happened near Roman lands. However, we need to be clear that there are no Roman privateers. You may remember that Roman fishing boats were themselves attacked by priates recently as announced on here. Piracy is a great scurge and we are trying to develop a navy to oppose them, though at the moment we have few ships and those we do have our galleons who themsleves are at great risk from pirates. As you know there is much uncertainty on the Roman borders at present - we are not blessed with the peace which your continent brings you. To our East Russia has been through great upheavals. To our West new people from east, famed for their unstability have seized control of Piercia including its navy, perhaps including pirates for all I know. To our south a huge bitter war rages with many naval battles. Within all this Rome continues to try to work for peace and security, and now with our overseas colonies the security of shipping lanes is very important to us.

We are saddened that you accuse us in this way, but from our own losses to pirates we understand the grief that this causes, and the tendancy to look for easy scapegoats.

Marcus of Rome

[Pitboss Greece]

Mayan/Korean diplomats kept approaching Sparta with plans for peace.
The first plans were quite disturbing to Orestes. The joined Mayan/Korean invasion alliance proposed peace if Sparta would give up the Gobi.

These plans were easily rejected while the Spartan armies continued to march towards the Korean border and besieged the city of Pusan.
When the last Mayan/Korean armies on Spartan territory were destroyed the entire Spartan force could focus on Pusan.

In the meanwhile the inner-sea between the Mayan and Spartan coasts became the scenery for a huge naval battle.
The very undeep waters of the inner-sea gave huge advantages to defending parties.
Maya used the seas to transport large amounts of armies to the battle scene of Thebes.
Eventhough 4 Spartan Frigates and 1 Spartan ironclad controlled this area, they weren't able to do anything about this Mayan water-bridge because of the defensive advantages by the Mayan ships.

Then a whole was found in the Mayan defence.
The Spartan ironclad attacked a Mayan Frigate while sailing close by the ironclad. But the ironclad got engine troubles during the battle and sunk against all odds.
The Spartan frigates immediately sunk a Mayan Galleon and approached the rest of the Mayan fleet.

The Mayan frigates, helped by a Korean frigate (of Spartan origin) then continued to sink 2 more Spartan frigates. In this process 2 of the Mayan/Korean frigates also sunk.

From the north new Spartan ironclads approached the scenery, but apparently the Mayan army was reduced a lot and there were no new troops to be transported over the water.
Now the Sparta territory was safe Sparta could focus on Korea.

New Sparta had been cleaned of all Mayan settlements and armies.
New Tikal had been handed over to Spain. Orestes fulfilled an old promise to Spain by transfering this rich city near coal and gold. The bounds between Spain and Sparta became tighter. Together with Russia these 3 nations occupied New Sparta now.

New messengers came from Korea/Maya offering new peace proposals.
Now peace was acceptable without any terms.
This was unacceptable to Orestes.
Especially now the city of Pusan was ready for grabbing.
After the victory on New Tikal and the victory of Thebes, Sparta could achieve a 3rd victory at Pusan.
But before Sparta striked it sent a new offer to Korea/Maya.

Peace would be acceptable if Korea would pay 1000 gold to compensate Sparta for the destruction of the improvements surrounding Thebes and Knossos.
Als workers had to be sent to help rebuilding the area.
This was finally acceptable to Korea/Maya. Peace was signed.

The borders of Sparta and Korea/Maya were now heavily secured by Sparta.
Not again would the honourable Spartans, who never break their oaths, be surprised by their eastern neighbours.

The new Mayan/Korean nation, now to be referred to as 'Maya', would also start a path to rebuild trust with Sparta. For the long distance Orestes hoped to create a lasting peace on it's eastern border.

The Spartan fleet now headed to the north-east to fight the pirates reported by the Celts and the Romans.
Apparently the inner sea had became subject to piracy.
Since the Spartan shores were heavily defended Orestes could miss some ships to hunt these pirates in the east.

Orestes leaned on the armchair of his throne.
He had grown old. This war had asked a lot of him.
He knew his next mission. Being prepared to die.
Sparta was ready for the dead of their king. Sparta was safe and secure.

Orestes had been smart enough to not bring too much destruction to the Mayans and Koreans. He did not expect much backlash from this war from his eastern neighbours, eventhough the city of Pusan would most probably fall to Sparta soon anyway.
The great cultural influence of Knossos and Thebes to Pusan, combined with the honourable way the Spartan armies dealt with the people of Pusan, made many Pusanites very loyal to Sparta. More and more of the Pusanites started to consider themselves to be more Spartan then Korean. Especially now the Korean nationality was about the dissapear and the Mayan would expand up to Pusan.

[ooc: I plan to bring some cool war-images soon!]

[Pitboss Japan]

The emperor received a copy of the message Russia sent out. “Those Russians confuse
me,” said Minister Shino. “Yes, we have infiltrated Piercia and taken much of their cities
and forces but as of right now only a few Piercians have died compared with the
thousands that would have died where we to have sent our entire force. And it was not as we did this alone for Portugal and the Wyandot knew all along. How else would we
have so quickly moved to take Piercia without interference by others and why else would
we have given them Piercian cities. We have even given Russia one of our own cities on
New Sparta, Given them all our land that we claimed on New Sparta, and soon will give a
settler with workers so why do they try to turn others on us now?”



The Emperor put the letter to the side and spoke to Shino. “ Do not put much mind in
what the Russians say. The word of traders who on many accounts had turned on
its “friends” is not to be fully listened to. They fail to see how not all battles are fought
on the battle field and not all wars are won by huge armies. They call us evil for taking
Piercia the way we have yet all we have done is finish the job the Romans started so
long ago when they took half of the Piercian empire leaving them only with what we have
now taken.



Yet we will do nothing about this President who in one had accepts our gifts and in the
other hand tries to stab us in the back. As for the others it is up to them to figure out
what they want to think of us. We have never before had any problems with Portugal,
Rome, or the Wyandot so as long as we continue to keep to ourselves peace between
our peoples should continue.”



A scout walked into the throne room where the Emperor and Shino where still discussing
the Russian letter. “My lord,” said the scout. “We have just received reports of an attack
on a galley belonging to the Celts by privateers of unknown origin.” “Listen closely,” said
the Emperor. “Go to the captains of the IJN Koga and the IJN Black Lotus tell them to
head for the port city of Alcetas. From there they will meet up with the INJ Fire Dragon
and continue to travel the inner sea starting south along the Spartan borders and
continuing around until they reach Alcetas again. Hunt down and Privateers and find the
nation who has been housing them. Report back to Navel Commander Mori on all
findings.” The scout then bowed and left to do as he was told while Shino and the
Emperor continued to talk.

[Pitboss Celts]

Celtic people and leaders. The Roman people are very saddened the loss of your ship, and embarrassed that this happened near Roman lands. However, we need to be clear that there are no Roman privateers. You may remember that Roman fishing boats were themselves attacked by priates recently as announced on here. Piracy is a great scurge and we are trying to develop a navy to oppose them, though at the moment we have few ships and those we do have our galleons who themsleves are at great risk from pirates. As you know there is much uncertainty on the Roman borders at present - we are not blessed with the peace which your continent brings you. To our East Russia has been through great upheavals. To our West new people from east, famed for their unstability have seized control of Piercia including its navy, perhaps including pirates for all I know. To our south a huge bitter war rages with many naval battles. Within all this Rome continues to try to work for peace and security, and now with our overseas colonies the security of shipping lanes is very important to us.

We are saddened that you accuse us in this way, but from our own losses to pirates we understand the grief that this causes, and the tendancy to look for easy scapegoats.

Marcus of Rome

We do apologize for the accusations. Since the event happened in Roman waters, we turned to you first to seek out more information. As you may have noticed, we looked for answers first and gave you an opportunity to respond. We feel a diplomatic approach in this world full of war id the best way to handle things and hope that we can work together to right the wrongs of these pirates. We will send a Private Messenger within the next few days to discuss matters further.

[Pitboss Rome]

We do apologize for the accusations. Since the event happened in Roman waters, we turned to you first to seek out more information. As you may have noticed, we looked for answers first and gave you an opportunity to respond. We feel a diplomatic approach in this world full of war id the best way to handle things and hope that we can work together to right the wrongs of these pirates. We will send a Private Messenger within the next few days to discuss matters further.

Do not apologise noble Celtic people. We recognise the distress that piracy causes, and respect the way you have handled this. We woudl welcome further diplomatic contact with you - we were intriged these last years as your galley slowly made its way along the Roman coast all the way from East to West. The Roman sea will not look the same.

[Pitboss Rome]

Piercian Refugees pour across the Roman Border

From: The representatives of the people of the Western Provinces of Guard City and Oath City

To: Emperor Marcus.



Emperor we are struggling to cope with the Piercian refugees pouring over the border since the collapse of their nation and the Japenese seizing of power. We have found no evidence of atrocities by the Japanese, however the Pierican people are nervous of these foreigners from across the sea, who do not worship the one true God, and who have grown to such power in their land so quickly. We regonise our obligations under the Pax Romana to weclome and care for the Piercians people. But it is straining our resources. Can Rome send more help?

[Pitboss Rome]

The Rutherford Declaration

Powerful Leaders of the World

As you know I have recently become Emperor of Rome. Before than I traveled widely across the world, seeing much and pondering the way the world is changing.

During that time I learnt about the power of the atom, which scientists in a number of countries in this world have already started to explore. From them I have learnt that those scientists themselves fear that their atomic research may be turned into atomic weapons. Nothing of the sort has yet been created by anyone, and they are still many years away, however, the threat such weapons could pose is huge.

Fellow leaders. Rome is not known for cowardice. We fear no enemy. However, I have become convinced in my own mind that the existence of such weapons are a threat to us, powerful, stable, civilized nations and are a friend of the despots. Our generals will of course try to convince us that if only we developed such weapons, then we could harness their power. For a time maybe this would be true. Each of us might think that we could harness the power of the atom first, and obtain a good supply of uranium, and use it for our benefit. Maybe for a time we would stop proliferation of the technology or the uranium. But the way of this world is that this would only last a short time. Once these weapons exist, soon enough they will spread to unstable, despotic, failing leaders, who will be able to hold us all to ransom. Being cold to the destruction of their own people, they will threaten us with great destruction if we do not give in to their demands. Currently we can laugh at the ambitions of such rogue states and terror organizations, but once they are armed with atomic weapons, we will all be faced with impossible choices bringing destruction whichever way we turn. A MAD future but a true future.

There is another way. I understand from the scientists I have spoken to, that the process of any nation developing an atomic bomb would be very complicated. Apparently, in honour of some small unimportant fishing village, it is known to scientists as the Manhatten Project. The starting of such a project would be widely know within the scientific community and hence to us. Without such a project peaceful use of atomic research can continue, but not the military use.

Therefore I suggest that together we make the Rutherford declaration (the name is in honour of my tutor in such matters) that despite all our differences now and in the future we will not undertake such a Manhatten Project and that we will take all necessary action to stop any other nation doing so.

Great leaders, I urge you to think carefully before rejecting the Rutherford declaration. We each think that we might be able to use atomic weapons to our benefit, but how sure are we that they will not end up greatly to our detriment? Why take the risk? Let us act now, before any of us feel we have invested in a particular strategy regarding atom weapons, and remove the risk of this great destructive power being in the hands of rogue states. Once the weapons are created it will be too late.

Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome.

(You may recognise this. I raised this issue several years ago. Then some felt that I was raising an issue still over the horizon. Even if that were true then, it is not now. This Manhattan project is within the grasp of several nations now. If we are to save the world from this horror, we must act now. Then the Khmer responded pointing out the dangers of surprise attack by such weapons. This only adds to the case made here.)

[Pitboss Russia]

From:- Daniil Aleksandrovich, Foreign Minister, Russian Republic
To:- Members of Pax Romana and Xristo, Lord of Portugal

Subject:- The Khmer Espionage Threat

The President has asked me to issue this short briefing to you all prior to the opening of the summit so that you may judge for yourselves the real and present danger that hangs over us as might a gigantic boulder supported by but a single strand of cotton.

There can be no doubt of it now the Khmer, as we all knew, are coming but worse news is that they have already been in Russia, we know not for how long, but if here then it cannot be but a small while before they will be found, worse still if unfound, in your own nations. These agents of duplicity and evil deeds trained by the despicable Japanese, Khmer's lackey in the West, are capable of infiltrating to the highest levels of government.

The Ministry has left no stone unturned to root out these men, placed in strategic posts, and make it secure from further infiltration. It appears that my agents will need scrape the very bottom of every barrel just to make the Russian civil service a clean place once more.

Watch not just your frontiers but also look to the core of the apple so to find the maggot that might lay quiet and still awaiting it's moment so that whilst your nations may appear unsullied from the outside the damage is being done deep within. I urge you all to increase your guard at home as well as the strength of the armies and fleets that protect your borders.

For and on behalf of the Russian Republic,
Daniil Aleksandrovich, Foreign Minister

[Pitboss Greece]

To all members of the Anti Emancipation Treaty,

Because of the war Sparta was involved in lately all communications of the AET has been silenced.
The AET has not ceased to be though.

Korea has stepped out of the AET.
I am not sure what he Mayan intentions for the future of the AET are. A response from the Maya here is necessary.

Because of the recent conflicts Sparta has been involved in I do right now not feel like I'm the best person to also lead the Anti Emancipation Treaty.
Therefore I resign my Secretary General position of the AET.

I suggest that we have new elections for a new Secretary General who'll lead us into the new era of this world.
Nominations are welcome for the next three periods.
All members of the AET are eligible to be nominated.

I'll lead this election process and resign as soon as I have handed over my position to the new Secretary General.
I do not want to be nominated.

Thanks to all member nations of the AET.
We have succeeded together in keeping Emancipation riots from our cities.

Orestes
Secretary General