Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 21 - December 2013]

[Persia (DoB)]

Know that Persia has not and will not declare war on its former ally Greece. Persia has become a nation filled with the spirit of Pacifism, as Greece has also become to the welcome surprise of many nations. However, should a nation decide to attack, we will defend ourselves.

The public outrage displayed by Greece is a shocking contrast to the freedom-loving and self-appointed peaceful style maintained for so long. The diversified and interchangeable landscape of ideas that has brought Greece so far and so high now stands in danger of damaging its public standing irrevocably.

With this slanderous and angry accusation, Persia has become the target of a nation growing inherently dangerous by moving too fast for its own good. Since the dawn of time, the art of war has been in the balance between many great nations. Now, with Greece outpacing the majority of other nations, true actions and true hearts reveal themselves. By its own theatrics it is doomed, as the old greek saying goes: "Power corrupts".



..and what can be more powerful than a fleet of ships known as "Destroyers".

~Grand Vizier~

[Spain (DoB)]

Late evening, in a dark room in the headquarters of the Catalunyan Intelligence Services, the Kremlin. Representatives of the Catalunyan counter-intelligence services convene for a emergency meeting after receiving the news that Persian spies have destabilised the Greek government. Top secret documents change hands quickly, and orders are quickly sent to the agents present in Greece to intervene.



When the next day dawns, the Persian attempts to destabilise the Greek government is but a faded memory, and the bribed representatives in the Greek government are all found dead. It was a close call, as Greece was nearly sent back into a Decentralized economy that would have hurt them greatly, but thanks to the swiftness of the Catalunyan agents, Greece remains true to their values of free trade and Free Economy. The Greek people are left wondering what really happened, and over the upcoming weeks many a creative story can be heard in the public houses in all Greek cities of the world to those who listen.

- ~ -

A few days after the failed attempt against the Greek government, the Persian Grand Vizier enters his office in Persepolis late in the afternoon after attending the Persian Senate. As he enters his office together with his personal guards, a figure dressed in all black is briefly seen leaving through a window. As the Grand Vizier's guards hurriedly run over to apprehend the intruder, they find no sign of the figure - it is as if she vanished in thin air as soon as she left the room.

On his desk, the Grand Vizier discovers a carefully written note.



"Grand Vizier of Persia,

A friendly word of warning, as our nations have enjoyed a long and beneficial friendship. Be careful what orders you give your spies, or your people will suffer greatly."

[Greece (DoB)]

Persia has been declared a terroristic state.

The use of terror tactics has grown common in Persia an employer of terrorism. All communications will be cut immediately with this rogue nation.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Overheard by counterintelligence agents in the royal court

"It appears that the Catalunyans intelligence agents were able to restabilize the government very soon after the alleged 'Persian infiltrators' staged an overthrow of the government"

"Are our leaders releasing an official statement on these events?"

"Not at this time, but the SoJ are to launch an investigation into what actually happened and why."

"What of the Greek allegations of "terrorism" by Persia?"

"Begin the investigation, the government will want all the facts before deciding which side to take, if any."

"The people will not stay silent long, Nationalistic fervor is already growing all over our territories. My agents report that this conflict and who is truly to blame is all that people are talking about in the coffeehouses and taverns."

"And what are they saying? Who are they blaming?"

"Shhh, who is that over there? Don't look, don't look at him, wait until we walk past. Now look, do you know him? He has been eavesdropping"

"I don't know him, let's go find out who he is, and hand me your stiletto "

[Persia (DoB)]

It is a strange sight to see a pacifist nation like greece amassing weaponry on such a grand scale. Such public accusations as the last one directed towards us, are seen in a unique light from history, where one can find the kind of leadership that relies on subterfuge and propaganda to steer away curious eyes from what really lies behind their public mask of calm disinterest while constructing weapons of mass destruction on a large scale. The french condition may have gone unnoticed in greece through strict adherence to a code of secrecy and long-term planning. Indeed, it is only in recent years that the explosive fury more common in drunken brawlers and wifebeaters have come to light.

In these dark times of accusations and lies from our neighbour, let there be a sign. A grand design of honesty and transparency from the illustrious Persian representatives. For too long have the fetters of arms laid heavy on our people. To make an example that may yet heal the void of powerhungry neighbours, a great cleansing is done. One military unit in every persian city is disbanded, to remove all doubt that our nation has no interest in war, and the false accusations of greece is nothing more than what has been previously considered and feared by former leaders. A prelude to war. By increasing their army, the only objective from them can be to wage war against those who are weaker than they are. Might makes right. A truly barbaric statement that may become the epitome of irony when used by that most civilized and scientific nation. Persia has reason to be concerned, for the might wielded by greece is truly astonishing.



However, since the angry and malcontent warmongering greeks are unable to coherently speak or discuss anymore to our representatives, due to some prevailing cause that they laughably call "reason", Persia has seen fit to close borders with greece. If there is no interest in war from their part, a public apology for accusing Persia of terrorism will be deemed acceptable for a return of trade between our two nations to resume. The removal of military units close to Persian borders will also be expected.

If no apology is forthcoming from greece then we urge all nations; Beware! I speak these words especially to the nation of Catalunya. Let your friends close, and your enemies closer. In this you should consider where greece stands with you. If they can turn in such a way against former allies and neighbours. Then what can they do to those who are currently deemed favourable in their eyes? What does greece truly focus upon?



It is said again: Persia has not declared, and will not declare, war against greece. We will defend ourselves against those who declare war upon us, however high and mighty they may appear to be.

[Greece (DoB)]

To the Persian terrorists, the only way you can assure that we will not bring more armies closer to your borders is if you hold back your terroristic infiltrators from our lands. From what you do now will be on your hands. Undertake any further terroristic missions on Greek soil, we will respond swiftly.

We are glad that you have closed your borders, this will stop hopefully some of your extremists ideas spreading abroad.

[Spain (DoB)]

The Catalunyan Senate convene for an emergency meeting after a public statement was made by the Persian government warning Catalunya about the intentions of the Greek nation. On the agenda are claims that the Persian nation has destabilised the Greek Government. After a quite heated debate in the Senate, where President Sancha several times had to interrupt the debates to ask the Senators to calm down, the Senate finally agrees to making a joint statement to the Greek and the Persian nations.

- ~ -

- ~ -

Most Honourable Grand Vizier of Persia and Citizens of Greece,

The latest developments between your two nations troubles us greatly.

When we hear the claims of Persia that Greece is a warmongering nation, and that Persia also claims a "grand design of honesty and transparency", we would strongly ask the Persian government to review their internal affairs and commit to an investigation of exactly what actions their foreign agents have committed themselves to. We have been given proof of Persian involvement in the coup attempt in Greece by the Greek Ambassador, and the proof is so strong that we cannot dismiss them as empty allegations. We are of course willing to share these documents with the Persian government at your request, and we are sure the Greek government will not object to this. We also find it strange that the Persian government speaks of the might wielded by Greece, and at the same time is willing to risk a major war with Greece by attempting to subvert the Greek Government. Is the once proud and mighty nation of Persia now content with first committing acts of sabotage, profusing their alleged innocence in hindsight, and then taking up the role as victims to make the world feel sorry for them?

As our final comment on the matter we find it absurd to see that Persia is demanding an apology from Greece. Greece, rightfully we must add, has only defended themselves by proclaiming that they do not wish to deal with nations who commit acts of sabotage to subvert the Greek Government. Greece has acted with more leniency and tolerance than Catalunya would have in this situation. We most certainly would not have shown the leniency Greece has shown in this matter, but would have demanded severe reparations.

Now, as for the warning issued by Persia to Catalunya about where Greece stands, we thank you for the warning. However, our immediate reaction to this is that it is nothing more than petty slander, which greatly surprises us from our Persian friends. Your statement that we should be careful with the Greeks when they can turn in such away against former allies and neighbours, when they have committed no harmful acts against you, is absurd. Your nation have backed actions against their nation which can be considered very hostile, and you should count yourself fortunate that large areas your lands are not already under Greek control. We have long considered both Greece and Persia our good friends, and it is our desire to be able to still consider your nations good friends. We know the Greeks are our good friends, and our closest allies. But as for Persia, statements such as these from their government make us uncertain about your future intentions. If your intentions are to cast blame on innocent parties to hide your own dishonourable tactics, and play the role of victim when it fits you, then we must reconsider the millenia old friendship between our nations, as liars are not our friends.

If the Persian Government did not back the coup attempts against Greece, we again strongly urge the Persian government to perform internal reviews of the actions committed by their foreign agents in Greece. The proof presented by the Greek Ambassador, as mentioned, leaves no doubt that the agents involved were Persian. And we also strongly urge the Persian nation to offer an apology to the nation of Greece for both the harmful acts of sabotage in Greece committed by these Persian foreign agents, and also for the Persian attempts at slandering a nation who have done absolutely nothing to harm the relations between your two nations.

If such an apology is offered by Persia, we then urge the Greek government to perform a voluntary disarmament of the troops stationed near the borders of Persia.

Finally, we urge both your nations to enter negotiations, where the Senate of Catalunya offers to be mediators to ensure a fair deal, to find common ground for cooperation again.

This statement was backed by an unanimous vote by all the Catalunyan Senators.

President Sancha of La República de Catalunya, Empowered by the Catalunyan Senate.

The official seal of the Catalunyan Senate

[Persia (DoB)]

"This is an insult!"

"No.. it is a warning. All the more dire for its method of deliverance."

"But how?! The original seal is kept under lock and guard every hour of every day! The distance alone from there and to the Grand Viziers chamber makes it impossible."

"I do not know. But for this level of skill alone, their word must be carefully listened to. Send a messenger to the catalunyan embassy, tell them we wish to see this greek proof that is so incontrovert- what now?"

A messenger comes to the gathering of prime electees with a package. The source of the package is unclear, but for its content. Seeing it, one of the electees cry out: "Oh no. Not on top of everything else!"



No word has reached Persia from greece after they cut communications, only troop movements and ships trailing the high seas have been reported. A curious situation has been set in motion by greece in the australian continent. A single settler unit has set up camp just across the border from Persian lands, waving pennants and flags displaying slogans such as: "We are all alone." "We hope that no terrorists see us. Boy, we are going to die then, that's for sure." and "There are so many voluptous virgins here, innocent yet curious in the ways of men, and only old men too frail to defend them." Several mining operations have been moved to avoid contact with these openly foolish settlers.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Statement from Netherlands Foreign Affairs,

All this is very confusing. First an accusation that Persia has declared war on Greece, and now Persia protests loudly that there is no war. Not to mention the allegation of coups and attempted coups.

My office will be requesting a formal investigation, but can there be a clear statement of whether a state of war exists between Persia and Greece?

[Greece (DoB)]

The Persian extremists may have closed their borders, but Greek airships have been ordered to start scouting missions over these terroristic lands.

[Spain (DoB)]

From the Catalunyan Senate a statement is given to the Foreign Affairs Office of Netherlands,

We are offering you free access to the documents we have in regards to what we know about the events we know are related to the current Greek-Persian affairs if this can help in your investigation. Representatives from your Embassy are welcome to visit our Foreign Ministry in Valencia to peruse the documents.

President Sancha of La República de Catalunya, Empowered by the Catalunyan Senate.

[Spain (DoB)]

The Ambassadors of Persia and Netherlands in Valencia are visiting the Catalunyan Foreign Ministry of Valencia, to peruse the documents that shows the information the Catalunyan Senate has been given in regards to the Greek-Persian incidents.

What the Ambassadors read are highly detailed plans where agents were placed into key locations in the Greek Government, without the Persian Senate knowing what was happening. The entire governing body of Persia, with the sole exception of the Grand Vizier's office, has been kept in the dark of the actions committed by the Persian agents in Greece. The Ambassadors are both appalled to see the personal seal of the Grand Vizier on one of the documents that outlines a plan for assassinating several key Greek government officials who was responsible for the imports and exports of Greece. With the deaths of these officials, the policy of an open and free market in Greece nearly collapsed.

When the Ambassador of Netherlands is done reading the documents, he is invited into the drawing room of the Catalunyan Foreign Ministry to enter discussions with Catalunyan officials regarding the upcoming Nether investigation on the incidents.

However, when the Ambassador of Persia is done reading the documents, guards escort him into a different room, where a young and beautiful lady offers him refreshments. The Ambassador at first thinks the young lady to be a courtesan of some sort, but as he looks into her eyes as she smiles, he quickly realises that this is an extremely dangerous woman. The Ambassador has a lifetime's experience in analyzing people, and what her eyes tell him is that she wouldn't hesitate to kill him if it was in the interest of the Catalunyan nation. The young woman looks at him and gives him an offical document with the official Catalunyan seal at the bottom, asking him to read it closely. As he reads, he realises that the entire Persian operation in Greece was thwarted by Catalunyan intelligence agents, and that this woman was a key member of ensuring the stability of the Greek government.

"As you can see, Ambassador, this document is a concession to your government. Catalunya suggests that the Persian Senate is made aware of these actions by the agents of your Grand Vizier, and that your Senators ensure that such atrocities cannot be done without their knowledge in the future. Catalunya will not interfere in Persian internal affairs, and we expect you to deal with this matter as you yourself see fit. But we also want to warn you that should your nation continue to commit acts of sabotage against Greece, it will have severe consequences for your people, as the armies of Greece will roll into Persia like a bull chasing the red cloth of the toreros. Millions of Persian civilians will suffer greatly if this comes to pass, and Catalunya would consider that a great tragedy. I also suggest that your Senate issues a formal apology for the statements made about the Greek intentions of war, as I am sure you understand the need of the Greek people to defend themselves against such vile tactics employed by your rulers. But all this is just warnings and suggestions, of course. Have a good day, Ambassador. The guards will help you find your way out."

[Persia (DoB)]

Artist rendition of flying vessel reported seen several places in the heartland of Persia. Attempts to shoot down such vessel with gunfire impossible by distance in height to target. Scientists working hard to figure out a solution and counter to such vessels traversing the skies in clear defiance of closed land and sea borders.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

A preliminary investigation by Netherlands has revealed that there was never any declaration of war by Persia on Greece. Our investigators reached this conclusion by examining the public records for evidence of a war declaration, and found that there has not been one in many years, by any nation against any nation. The last major war on record was the destruction of Holy Roman Empire many ages ago.We have no idea why Greece would falsely accuse Persia of declaring war. Our emmissaries are reviewing the records graciously provided by Catalunya in order to male sense of these events.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Reports are coming in that the government of the ever elusive Ottomans have been sending envoys to the border making all kinds of offers promising rich rewards, but the long absence of the Economic Minister, the illustrious Cardinal Sean Jean, has made it almost impossible to get any but the most simple trade deals approved. All large scale trade deals have been backlogged in his absence, and private letters to his office have stacked high on his mahogany desk, unread and unanswered.

The only way to communicate with him during his absence has been through public letters, in the hope that he will keep up with world news and spot communication directed at him, or Netherlands, then respond through his own means. Scant few have been able to actually communicate with the Cardinal. The only signs of him to the public have been rumors that he is working on some new secretive deal to once again make a great deal of profit for the Netherlands, but the government has been hushed about any details concerning his mission. Now rumors are rampant that the Cardinal has been spotted in Netherlands again, traveling in disguise, as a lower ranking merchant. This disguise suited him well as he has been able to remain incognito for so long, despite his widespread fame.