Destiny of Empires [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 6 - March 2011]

[India (DoE)]

A formal statement regarding settling in the East Indies


In order to avoid issue and ill will, India feels it must clarify its position on Inca and other settlements in the region of the East Indies islands and the Far Eastralia (also called Australia) land mass. India believes that it can co-exist peacefully with all its neighbours and all far away empires, it is our greatest desire. However, if nations act in ways towards their cousins which are not brotherly, then both man and empire will be angered by injustice. India knows that anger is a dangerous emotion that must be curtailed, but it is also a natural emotion. As such, it is not the anger itself that must be targeted, but the root cause of anger. Nothing breeds negative emotion more than injustice, perceived or factual. To show lack of trust and respect to a brother or cousin is an act of insult, and to take action that affect him without consulting him an injustice.

It is therefore that India has rejected the Inca claim to the islands of New Zeylon as Inca has not communicated with the local powers regarding their settlement. They have acted on their own without regard for the local situation or the interests of its newfound neighbours. As such we suggest that Inca make a formal apology for their insensitive settling and in the future be willing to discuss matters that concern its neighbours with said neighbours. Those neighbours being the local powers that have these lands within their natural spheres of interest. Specifically Japan and India, but also China. Colonial settlements near our lands affect us all, and as such we desire to be respected enough to be consulted in such events. Should Inca not care if India settled on their continent?

No, we must act in good faith and with respect towards each other, if not the wars of destruction will plague humankind. We hope that Inca sees this as an invitation to friendship, rather than a denunciation.


Ptolemy Vayabagaran

[Inca (DoE)]

The ambassador for all Pacific affairs has decided to weigh in, as his position is higher than that of the South Pacific ambassador.

"Inca is the local power for the Southeast Pacific (those of Inca exclusion zones so mapped). The only other power that can share such a distinction is the Aztec Empire, but as they haven't the naval prowess or power of the Inca, and seem to be perpetually aloof, Inca alone will take on this territory. Some of these zones may be contestable by Japanese or Chinese interests, but that is of no concern to Indians. The East-Central Pacific (Hawaiico and those to the west) and all lands beyond have their own local powers, such as the Japanese and Chinese, whom the Inca would surely talk to before settlement. The Inca do not observe any particular proximity or natural ownership of ANY Pacific lands in regards to Indians, save perhaps Sumatra-Javaco. The Inca currently are communicating with the Japanese and Chinese to gain further understanding over what they perceive to be their spheres of influence and security. The Inca, however, are not going to discuss with arrogant Indians if those Indians are going to make blatantly false arguments to support the idea that marginal lands closest to Incaco whose only purpose would be to attack Incaco are of any Indian concern. They are not. The Southeast Pacific is of no use to anyone to colonize other than to antagonize Incaco. As such, it is off limits, and unless the Emperor makes an exception, there will be no tolerance of such settlement by Indians.

Why have the Indians, in settling islands closer to Incaco (as can be noted by any man with a simple map), not communicated with the Inca Empire or Aztec Empire? The Indians show themselves to be greedy expansionists and hypocrites in their scribbled diatribes towards the Inca. They wish the Inca to hilariously contact them in order to settle lands closest to Inca. What arrogance is this. It will only be met with more of the same.

Nobody contacted Incacona before settling these lands, save the English. The Inca, however, did not expect such contact for lands so distant to any people and not part of any settled continents. Likewise, the Inca did not believe such contact necessary with anyone for lands so distant. Now, however, in order to avoid misunderstandings and war, Inca have solidified their position vis-a-vis settlement in the Southeastern Pacific. The Inca wish to see other powers (Japan and China) solidify their positions as well, to avoid any future misunderstandings. Unless the four other settled powers in the South Pacific (Neandor, England, China, and Japan) accept it, Inca do not respect Indians claims outside of their already settled territories. If the consensus, however, is for Indian recognition, the Inca will so abide.

Do not beat the drums of war, India. Inca have no such desire. Inca desire only peace in the Pacific. Inca are working hard towards that goal. We seek only the security and prosperity of all major Pacific powers, especially the Chinese and Japanese. Should we become as Europe, divided and always ready for war? Inca already are major trading partners of other Pacific powers, and Inca and Japan and China all share the same religion (we still are unsure why, perhaps it is the ocean itself which generates such beliefs and binds us together). Inca citizens are now starting to pour into Japan and fill their shrines with our own gold. Inca traders and Chinese traders have major relations. Inca and China and Japan now even enter into lasting trade agreements. This is all for the best for all three of our powers, so we wish to further strengthen these many bonds and strengthen the Pacific powers together in lasting peace and good will.

Why do Indians wish to see the ocean of peace become red and turbulent? You agitate over lands not belonging to yourselves. Your words of peace are a thin covering for your violent and aggressive natures."

[India (DoE)]

Reply to the Incan Ambassador


Your words are unnecessarily harsh and belligerent and you mistake our motives and our statement. India has stated that humility is the greatest virtue, and we are in our correspondance applying such humility, and request that Inca do the same. Allow us to state clearly our position and our intent.
We are not disputing the Incan right to the central pacific islands.
We are not demanding that Inca withdraw from their presence at New Zeylon

What we are saying is thus; New Zeylon is located some 30 nautical tiles of coastal waters from the Indian heartland, at the end of a string of islands settled by the nearby empires of Japan and India (China has no overseas colonies). The same lands lie according to the best of our charts, 35 nautical tiles from the Incan homeland across a vast and mostly empty ocean.

As such, the Incan act of seizing New Zeylon with a unilateral declaration is in fact a matter which concerns India, as we have naturally extended our sphere of influence along the coastal sealanes of the East Indies islands. Furthermore, due to the lack of natural connection with these islands, India sees Inca as a foreign colonizer of what we consider near-local lands. As stated in our previous correspondance, India believes in the brotherhood of all people, and as such desire that all nations treat other nations with respect and humility. Inca states aggressively that India has no claim on New Zeylon, yet as I have stated previously, India's zone for natural expansion is onto these islands as they follow from the coastline of our home waters. You can hardly accuse a small coast-sailing nation of being expansionist in their own back yard?
Our desire in this is that the Inca recognize India's position in the region as a valid one and agree to open formal relations. As we are to become neighbours, it seems logical to Indians that Inca enter the neighbourhood with openness and respect, as you are in fact newcomers to these lands from far away. What we desire is openness, diplomacy and dialogue. This is our only purpose, How can this be seen as beating the drums of war?

In Conclusion
Does Inca agree that India has a valid point and that we should work together to avoid strife by being open and respectful towards each other? All we are truly asking of you is that you recognize that India has both a natural position in the East Indies and as such should be counted as a local power in this island region. If this is acceptable, we expect that you show us the respect of discussing with us any future plans of settlement in the region, as well as the possibility for improving our relations. These are not demands, they are requests. Requests for a good relationship between neighbouring lands.

[Inca (DoE)]

The Emperor himself now responds, quite haughtily, to Indian issuances:

There is no Inca right to the central islands. Inca suppose (although we have no confirmation) that those islands are Japanese in right.

Indian geographers must go back to school. From the shores of Incaco to NZ is shorter by some few thousand patchas than it is from the Indian subcontinent. Indians should remember that [1 tile] diagonally is [1.5 tiles] in length... It is okay, Incacona has many academies that you may attend.

"Near-local lands"? These lands are separated from you by an entire continent. Your definition of "near-local" apparently applies to half the globe.

The entire world may "follow the coastlines of your waters". What an absurd approach to distinguishing ownership. So, too does Madagascarco and France itself by that logic! Inca sailors have traced a path of coastlines to these places long before Indian ones did. How quickly you forget your ancient first contact with Inca, when you still had not even properly settled your own coasts! Soon, you will claim Iceco and Greenco as well. Oh, all the lands that somehow are in coastal contact with India, you now belong to the Indians, may the galleys full of settlers and archers overwhelm you and take you for Mother India!

Inca's position all along has been that these lands are for those who first took them. India has taken Tasmania, Inca has taken New Caczcoynaco, England and Neandor have split the continent proper, and other powers take the many islands surrounding to the north. India has as much right to Tasmania as do the Mali, and Inca respect that alone. Not until now has anyone seemed to have any issue with any of this, but then India comes along, home to another ocean altogether, and makes an issue out of it! As far as Inca are concerned, Indians are not a Pacific power. They may control their own entire ocean of India if they so desire, but a single, small colony on a tucked away piece of rock in the corner does not a oceanic power make. There it is, Indians have their own ocean to splash in, yet they insist on making themselves the power of another. Inca are content to be in one ocean, we have given up our rights even to the small sea to our north, perhaps India should choose finally which ocean it wants to be a part of. Inca will be happy to take India's Indian Ocean holdings if India wants to be a Pacific power instead.

Perhaps the next Emperor will look upon you more favorably, but it is not his turn yet. Feel comfort in the fact that I am not long for this world, India, that your fortunes may change yet for the better...

[Inca (DoE)]

Soon after his "Indian Letter", Chullana Guacan died of what many suspect was a heart attack. His son quickly took his place, but his rule was all too temporary, as he had made many bitter enemies in the past, and quickly moved to consolidate his rule and wipe out his past foes. His rule was less than 3 weeks. After this point, there was a succession of Guacana family heads, none of which particularly worked out, and the Empire moved from one Emperor to the next, in search of a proper ruler. This period lasted about 10-15 years, ending finally with the ascension of Makato Guacan to the throne in 1332 CE. During the interim period, the Inca central government was effectively out of action in international affairs.

During this time, the bureaucracy effectively moved a few blocks to the east to a slightly nicer location, that although a bit more expensive than the previous one, had better communication networks and koi ponds and fountains in the royal chamber, which the new emperors thought "most worth the extra expense per month". Due to difficulties in logistics, the central government had to stay in more temporary accommodations during this period, which made officiating a transoceanic empire a bit impossible.

What would Makato's rule be like? What kind of man was he? Would he treat the Indians more humbly, as they requested? Would he be a bit less brusque and offensive in his remarks, perhaps a bit less temperamental, a bit less of a *****y old man? Would his rule be one of tolerance, peace, and good will? What were in those obscure dice of the fates?

Well, we'll find out, won't we?

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

The following is a public notice from the Ottoman Interim Government...

Our frightened citizens in the small village of Carthage have reported seeing French warships filled with soldiers headed towards the peaceful port. We have atteempted communications with the French but our emissaries have been ignored, so we have no information regarding the destinations or intentions of these warships. However, should their intentions be hostile towards the Ottoman people, we will defend our lives, and we will consider any who aid the French in an unprovoked attack as enemies. This includes giving safe passage to the French as they advance hostile forces towards our cities.

We regret having to come before the international community with this disturbing news.

[Inca (DoE)]

If the French have some reason for such alarming military maneuvers, let them be heard now.

Maytallha Cuzcy
Sapa Chitcopi Incacona Tempore
Empire of Incacona

[Inca (DoE)]

A New Man

After the long progression of endless temporary SCIs ended, a new man stepped to the throne to restore order in the Empire. His name was Makato Guachulla, from the Guacana territories. He was the general in charge of the L'chulla Guard, and although his ascension was not a military coup, it had many of the trappings of one. The time of endless succession was mostly due to the incoherence of Guacana politics, heavily fractured and somewhat anarchic. Makato did not take Capaco by force, but he did use his influence with the local military to quell some dissent and solidify a position of authority in the provice.

His reign would be of an average length, ending in the turmoil of the brief dark period in the wake of the Capaco fire and his assassination.

He was noted as a militaristic leader, highly expansive, highly aggressive in all affairs. Still, he was highly diplomatic and interested in international affairs, the first true "internationalist" emperor in the Empire's history. He would see the construction of the modern global diplomatic system for the Empire, the four global embassies, as well as further consulates in major capitals. His rule would end with a major shakeup of trade agreements, so that Inca merchants and diplomats could focus better on relations and trade with select countries and regions.

At home, he was noted for being radically leftist, fanatically religious, and nearly a communist (although the term and ideology had not yet appeared). His fanaticism would lose out to his liberalism in the end, however, as his final act would be to sign the Declaration of Religious Freedom, formally acknowledging the right of the people to worship as they pleased. Within the hour, he would be found dead in his chambers, with various religious symbols carved into his chest.

[India (DoE)]

India wishes to buy stone

We are offering Incense, Sugar or Ivory in return.
The deal will last for 40 turns then go up for re-negotiation if both parties do not agree to continue it.

[Inca (DoE)]

To All Concerned Powers:


I am most distressed by unprovoked Viking aggression on English land, and the trespass of Vikings on English soil. The Inca have long stood for peace and free trade in the world, and such actions will only wreak havoc on the otherwise profitable and beneficial international community of merchants and guilds. We hope no serious disruptions will occur in our significant trade networks with either party.

Still, the English have trespassed on Inca soil before, and do to this day still. Perhaps this is their dues to be paid...

We will not yet condemn or applaud Viking actions, save for the fact they play loose with risk to the growing global community. This distresses me personally quite dearly, yet it is understandable given how the English have so restricted the Vikings from that community. Both parties bear blame for their actions, present and past. Perhaps if the English would appease the Vikings by offering them safe passage through their waters, this would resolve the issue. All major shipping lanes should be free of state interference, and the English Channel so qualifies.

We will not comment further at this time on such sensitive diplomatic relations. We only wish other powers involved in the European world will state their portion soon.

We also commend the Neandor and India for their signal of international cooperation and integration. We hope more states will follow their lead.


Signed,

Makato Guachulla
Sapa Chitcopi Incacona Permanente
Capaco, Empire of Inca

[Calanthian]

Our most exalted leader, Camaxtli the cunning, is currently awaiting messengers who should inform him of the status of his empire.

Furthermore Aztec wise men are consulting the gods of Pah 'ss Word and Se 'r Ver to get access to the turning cycle of time. Until that time it will not be possible to sign any treaties or consult any foreigners as that will surely anger the gods.

One other god who makes communication in this period difficult is the god of Pri Vatemess Ages who awaits the appearance of the magical number of 10.

We now see the god of Pri Vatemess Ages has been appeased by writing this very message. Let us rejoice..

[America (DoE)]

And so, after years of colonial rule in North America, the tides of change swept over the land. George Washington, leader of the new United States of America, aided by the French commander-in-chief Comte de Rochambeau, defeated Cornwallis at the Siege of Yorktown. According to those present, the following conversation took place:

George Washington: So listen up partner, you lost, fair and square.

Cornwallis: Indeed, this appears to be so. Rather unnerving.

Rochambeau: Putain! Merde! Damnanglais!

George Washington: So you better pack up your ****, and get the hell of my property.

Cornwallis: Goodness gracious me, such coarse language, upsetting and whatnot!

Rochambeau: Merde! Putain! Damnanglais!

George Washington: And, when you get to Inglund *spits chewing tobacco in front of Cornwallis' feet*, tell them royals that we no longer take kindly to y'all in these here parts.

Cornwallis: Good heavens, such barbaric words. I will no longer suffer this intolerable behavior. Good day to you sir.

Rochambeau: Putain! Merde! Damnanglais!

[Germany (DoE)]

The end of the Snarg Line was a good thing for the Neander.

King Veneta took over swiftly and immediately set about improving Neander diplomatic relations.

For a long time the Snarg Line insisted that Neander was under threat from the Vikings and that a military buildup should dominate affairs Neander. It is true that the Snarg Line of Northern Neanders was distantly related to the Russians and relations with them appeared to have improved for many hundreds of years. But the Viking buildup in Uppsala was the problem they focussed on, always increasing tensions with them.

King Veneta, distantly related to the Franzen Line and therefore a very distant descendent of Grunzen himself had of course a more French background and lept at the opportunity to engage with King Gozzo of the Vikings. The paranoia of Nordica gradually ebbed as friendship blossomed between the Neander and the Vikings. Trade deals were struck and security to the West of Neander now looked solid - particularly now that a defensive pact with France had also been signed.

On the surface King Veneta found relations with the old ally, the Turks, to be getting back to the old ways but King Interim was yet to be tested when the choices of international affairs confronts him. Neander remains confident of this friendship as Veneta worked tirelessly to defuse any misunderstandings between the Turks and the French.

King Veneta felt confident that lucrative deals will be struck with King Interim of the Turks and that cultural tensions will be balanced.

The Neanders had also worked persistently at a high diplomatic level with both India and China to secure one city in Terra Australis.
- Long ago, even under the Snargs, China was consulted on land access to the East. It was agreed that the two barbarian cities would not be captured by the Neander and that China was content for discussions to occur allowing the Neander to settle on an island or Australis
- Japan proved difficult to communicate with as it was clear that Japan was settling many islands in the region - co-operation with Japan is still sought on matters of colonization
- The Indians had permitted sea access to South East Australasia and a location for the city of Mungo
- A mutual defence alliance was struck with India and Neander supports their claims in SEA
- Tension with the Inca has been averted as it is not the domain of the Neander to get involved, leaving all affairs Asian to the Asian powers

It is true that King Veneta has continued with the consistent policy of alerting nations to the dangers of rampant and un-negotiated colonisation by the Damn Anglais.

Whilst the Neander worked hard at the diplomatic level to secure one city site in Australis (giving Neander a total of 8 cities only) it was seen that the Damn Anglais, true to form from the era of Carthage, just settled everywhere they could without any respect to the native land owners or to the local civilized powers who had regional claims (like the Inca, India, Japan). The Damn Anglais are growing rapidly towards 20 cities world wide.

The Indian claims to much of Terra Australis is fully respected by the Neander. Any settlement by foreign powers who have not consulted the Asian powers will be opposed by the Neander.

The Neander Line stands sandwiched between many nations in Europe and has honoured cultural borders with all neighbours. King Veneta requests dialogs with any nation or kingdom that has any issues.

[Germany (DoE)]

India wishes to buy stone

We are offering Incense, Sugar or Ivory in return.
The deal will last for 40 turns then go up for re-negotiation if both parties do not agree to continue it.

Dear Ptolomy,

We can lend you Stone.

King Veneta.

[Germany (DoE)]

If the French have some reason for such alarming military maneuvers, let them be heard now.

Maytallha Cuzcy
Sapa Chitcopi Incacona Tempore
Empire of Incacona

Dear Maytallha Cuzcy,

We see your ambassadors arriving soon to Venetii! All assistance will be provided for you to build the new Incan embassy.

Upon arrival please come along to the military headquarters for more accurate information on affairs of French ships. Mis-information spreads fast and before we know it many nations start to run a dialog on it!

The French ships have always patrolled this region.

King Veneta