Tales From The (Still) Diplomatic Front II

[CapTVK]

The New English Times: issue 10 Special edition

A new geopolitical worldmap as of 1740AD:



Main Changes
A very short time period but some interesting developments nonetheless: The Sioux/JTF conflict has ended thanks to the arrival of a new sub by the name of 'ilDuce'. The editor of the NET hopes that he'll become a regular source of inspiration for forthcoming diplo sessions (I need something to write about! )

Back to the map...
After hostilities ended the JTF has established a trading outpost on the tip on India. Furthermore the Vikings finally allowed our Cartographer access to their map archives, which resulted in some interesting updates. The Viking nation is almost shaped like a questionmark! "Coincidence or Symbolism?" who can say...?


Other news to follow...

[CapTVK]

The New English Times: issue 10

Relations with vikings return to normal
In a closed meeting between top officials a settlement has been reached regarding the Viking spy scandal in South America. The agreement hammered out seems to be a big package with several issues rolled up into one: Due to to state of anarchy in many Viking cities they requested if some our government specialist could help in restoring order, this was the first part of the agreement. Returning to a more peaceful state was the second part of the agreement for the English. In return the vikings have made the commitment to: Supply a new tech on a later date plus a substantial amount of gold for payment of our specialist and retribution for the act of espionage.


Convoy reaches the Atlantic
It has gone a bit unnoticed but the trade convoy that set out a few years back has reached the Atlantic ocean. It has been smooth sailing till now but quite boring for the passengers, convoy ships aren't luxury cruise liners. Especially some traders, who've been bored out of their wits, went berserk after the only football on the ship went into the ocean during a soccermatch on the aft deck. Fist flyed and heads cracked before the captain was forced to assign some of the passengers to their cabins for the duration of their voyage.

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Science&Technology
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New improvements in Agriculture
Thanks to new advancements in storage and transport of foodstuffs grain production will increase with almost 50! These gains can't be utilized at once however as it requires large investments in special buildings called 'supermarkets'. Despite the costs several distributors in the food and retailing sector have already made marketplans. "It will mean more choice and lower prices for all the consumers" mentioned the Chairman of Topshop who's company is already building a supermarket in London. Well, who can disagree with that?

[Nappy]

NEWSFLASH: Aztecs are NOT cable ready.The Aztecs have been furiously trying to modernize and improve their infrastructure including prewiring their new planned communities with cable. Unfortunately one of our contruction crews inadvertantly cut the cable in Santa Ana and all service downstram was lost including communication with the rest of the world. Our cable crews are working day and night trying to restore service in a desperate race against time. The masses are out in the streets rioting since they are missing their beloved Nick at Nite reruns and ESPN. If service is not restored soon the government could collapse with an eventual change in the leadership.

[KenThur]

Viking Sentinel Short Version:

Progressive & mostly productive times in Viking lands. Most of the news that is news has been reported by foreign sources.

Talk about a protest vote!
The new & more passive woman's touch now holds our highest leadership position.

We got out of 20(!) f__ing years of anarchy caused by the tech-theft scandal with the "help" of our "friends" the English & their Statue to a great female. It was a discusting lowering of our morals to have to make any kind of a "deal" just to get the citizens together once again under democracy. But year after year, the people would not pull together & form a new government of any kind.
So with war upon us, once again, due to the aggressive Chin AI leadership & not wanting to risk a border city being easily captured by the lure of gold & a stable government... we felt it in the country's best interest to rent the English's Statue. We most note here publicly, that the English press has over stated the terms of the deal. A tech yes, "large" sums of gold, no. As we told their bold leader in our negotiations, we have already replaced the stolen tech with a much newer 1 + we lost a dipolmat in the act. Also, York(the city of the Statue) provides little of anything we can benefit from under anarchy. So we hope the English leaders lower their expectations as to how much gold a civ getting out of 4 decades of anarchy can/will pay.

Business Section:
There was little incentive to complete trade routes while there is roiting in the streets. Now that organized, normal commerce has been re-established; our caravans & freight that finally reached the Russian homeland in N.America will make their rather fruitful connecting routes from there to the shores of eastern & southeatern Asia!

Settlers with armed escorts are nearing S.America's west coast to establish as best a colony as possible in the slim pickin's that are let in the Andes.

Technology Section:
Frankly gentlemen, it sucked. We seem to have spent more time on hold than progressing. In the interest of getting this world contest wrapped up before the next big bang, we strongly suggest setting a limit on the # of times a dropoff can stop time. This has happened before & whether it is technical, alien customers or leaders' concubines lustful wooing... the world must move on.

Future Section:
The Viking leaders will be on "leadership retreat" this Sat. We intend to learn much about the production, marketing & racing of this new invention on the horizon... the Automobile!! For those so inclined, the details can be seen by following the competition thread of www.panozauto.com

We look forward to restablishing our normal rule & showing U all how to "Suck Viking exhaust!"
<font size=1 face=Arial color=444444>[This message has been edited by KenThur (edited September 17, 1999).]</font>

[Superstar]

Leaked Russian Technical Document
TOP SECRET> FOR RUSSIAN EYES ONLY
Advise Pres. Superstar on failing technological problems. Display drivers are a shambles, unlikely that Civ2 will run on 16 colour. Hopefully correct drivers will arrive in the post tommorrow or govt. control may have to be returned to the subversive Mr.AI. Please inform other nations asap.

[Superstar]

Official Statement from Pres. Superstar to all world leaders.

Gentlemen, it has been brought to my attention that the Russian Civ has recently been experiencing problems. First there was ill-fated distractions of the female persuasion that caused myself to miss out on control of the great Russian nation last turn. Also, technical troubles have left me without the required facilites to re-join the diplomatic front. I believe that although problems are not entirely satisfactory, I will be able to resume control of Russia next time. I still only have a ghastly 16 colour version of the world map, but I believe I can carry on regardless.
I hope to see you all tommorrow, and I shall hopefully once again return to lead Russia to glory.
Thank you for your patience,
Pres. Superstar.

[CapTVK]

The New English Times: issue 10 late edition

English have to sit this one out

Our beloved leader of the English CapTVK was invited to royal family celebration today. The Royal family has taken a few steps back in controlling England but sometimes our leaders have to be present during important royal festivities, in this case a memorial service later in the afternoon. It's certain that CapTVK won't be available at the presidential opening of the parlement tonight "I'm afraid I just won't be able to make it to the start of todays session, but maybe I'll return later in the evening for some late diplomatic discussions" where his last words before he had to leave...
<font size=1 face=Arial color=444444>[This message has been edited by CapTVK (edited September 18, 1999).]</font>

[KenThur]

Dispatch from Viking Secret Service:

Messages have been received from unnamed but freindly & reliable sources warning that while the real Viking leadership was on hurricane mandatory evacuation & automotive research retreat... the new leader of our FRIEND & former ALLY, the Sioux has taken 1 of our most valuable cities & wonders!!!

At this point we do not have an updated file (which we trust the host leader will IMMEDIATELY send us). Regardless, we see NO REASON WHATSOEVER why a civ that we have NEVER done anything but help from the dawn of time feels they can suddenly & without provocation or justification take a city!!??

Even if the lame substitute AI leaders provocated a fight (wish we seriously doubt, since we were "Enthusiastic" in our attitude toward the Sioux), this new "leader"/war-monger(?), "Il Duce", could have sought out relief from the UN & other great leaders. As a last alternative, the city in Tibet would have served the purpose of capturing to make peace with the AI. To get to the city taken, the Sioux leader had to actually work his way thru a doz squres of GUARDED territory... how & why did he do that??!!

This IS NOT in the spirit of this contest & we protest in the loudest & most serious terms! Frankly, who the hell do does this guy think he is? Coming into this world, we know little of him since he is is NOT plugged into the international commo system (known as ICQ) nor is he a member of the international press & reporting pool (ala, these forums).

This issue must be explained & resolved before the world reconvenes. Or drastic action must be taken.

And if anyone believes this is justified "playback" for the Viking treatment of the Chin's... I suggest U read ALL the posts & pleadings & reasons why we Vikings earned & took this city. Where is there ANY word from this mystery "man" that comes into this world in it's 6th millentium & in his 2nd session in power starts taking cities!
And from a civ that would have GIVEN him the Tibean city & has NEVER violated the borders set in the BC era... allowing plenty of room for growth into rich territory. Note on the excellent maps provided by the English press & the techno-advanced leader of their's, CapTVK. The huge area of white between the Vikings in blue & the Sioux in purple is the area that we speak of, lots of area for them to grow & develop especially valuable now that we are in the industrial age!

Gentleman & "Il Duce"(if U ever read these communiques)... there must be IMMEDIATE redress of this most serious of violations.

[Superstar]

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM PRES. SUPERSTAR, LEADER OF THE GREAT RUSSIAN EMPIRE.

I would like to take this opportunity in lending Pres.Milo my full support. It was not until late in the game that I noticed this outrage, and cannot see any justification for Duce's actions. This is a Diplo game, and although the odd sneak attack is allowed, this was unprovoked and there has so far been no excuses made.
If this matter is not resolved soon, then the Russians will mobilize troops in aid if required. This is a serious violation and will NOT be tolerated.

[Nappy]

NEWSFLASH: AZTECS NOW ARE BROADBAND.......The Aztecs have repaired their cable system to restore communication throughout their widespread empire and also to the rest of the world thus avoiding chaos and overthrow of their government and its current administration. In addition, we have now completed laying fiber optic cable throughout Europe and western Asia just as Computers were discovered last turn. The massive investment in education and infra structure has finally paid off and soon the entire country will be linked by supercomputers.

[Nappy]

The Aztecs would like to address the constant skirmishing in central Asia and the Far East over the past 2 centuries. Since signing the historic TREATY OF ROME in 1480 AD, the Aztecs have demilitarized and become pacified, even isolationist in their dealings with the rest of the world in an effort to rebuild their backward and war-torn country.Recent events in the lands to our east cause us great concern in regards to future world peace. There has been a slow but constant erosion in the power of our former allies the Chinese as several nations have taken advantage of its weak and incompetent govrnment(read AI).Now apparently open warfare broke out between the Sioux and the Vikings just before the end of the last session. Both countries are valued trading partners of ours and we hope that an end to these hostilities can be reached before they spread to other parts of the world. We call upon the one remaining superpower of the world, the great JTF, the one country that can project its power around the globe,to intervene with its military and /or influence in Central Asia to restore the status quo to the area. to that end , the Aztecs will support any resolutions to censure the sioux and restore Viking and Chinese territorial integrity.

[CapTVK]

The New English Times: issue 11 Special edition

Seem to have missed a great session: SETI race almost over and the Sioux moving into Asia and the Vikings taking some hits in the process. Very good material indeed!

A new geopolitical worldmap as of 1766AD:


Main Changes
The main news is in China this week. A bold move (if questionable) by the Sioux in Asia puts the Vikings in a weakened position. We should be reminded that the Viking leadership wasn't present at the time due to the danger of a natural disaster. Although the English applaud the Sioux in taking a more proactive stance in worldaffairs it is considered undiplomatic taking strategic cities whilst no leader is present.
Meanwhile the Chinese(AI) have recaptured one of their cities. Thereby putting Viking influence in SE-Asia even more in question.

The last major change in China was the taking of the last major ports by the JTF and Russian forces. China no longer has any naval presence in the Pacific. Making it the playground of Russian,Viking and JTF naval forces.

No other news this week...


SDI proprosal
With Computers around the corner, rocketry and nuclear fission will be easily reached by most players in the forthcoming sessions. Making nuclear weapons a distinct possiblity.

Sooner or later one of the players (or the AI) will build the Manhattan project so they can build nukes. Maybe for protection against or for threatening others. I have no problem with allowing nukes in a diplo game. But I do have a problem with the ultimate defense against nukes: "SDI is 100% failproof"
Once the laser is discovered it's really easy to rushbuild SDI in all major cities if your a major civ, the smaller civ's don't have this luxury.

In real life SDI wouldn't be failproof (if it worked at all!) against nukes. That's why I proprose:
Make it impossible to build SDI

A simple change in the rules.txt would suffice. Just change the tech you need for SDI to something like plumbing.

So what do you think? Continue and see how things turn out? Ban SDI? Ban nukes altogether? or is there another possibility?

Remember, this is a race for Alpha Centauri and not a race for who can light the nuclear bonfire, diplomacy comes first!

This message has been edited by CapTVK (edited October 04, 1999).

<font size=1 face=Arial color=444444>[This message has been edited by CapTVK (edited November 28, 1999).]</font>

[Superstar]

RUSSIAN DEFENSE OFFICE, PRESS STATEMENT
Ban SDI? The Russians are not entirely convinced that this is such a good idea. The human nations can certainly be expected to show restraint in nuclear affiars, but the AI certainly cannot. They will quite likely embark on random bombings and any nation not allied to them would be in danger, even if a peace treaty exists. Do you wish Global warming Pres. Cap? The Russian nation certainly does not.
The development of Nuclear missles will be an interesting time, which will definatly prevent world affiars from growing stale. SDI is not foolproof. All it takes is a well used spy et voila, no SDI and one great radioactive mess.

Pres. Nappy, I acknowledge your concerns as regards to the China situation. I would like to make a few points in my defense.
1. The Chinese declared war on me and no amount of diplomatic pleading on my part ended thier aggression.
2. As I constantly send Freight units around the world I cannot afford to lose ships, and have already been unsuccessfully attacked by the Chinese navy.
3. In taking their city a tenous cease fire has been established, and their navy no longer a threat.
4. Although this is still a Diplomatic game, there must still be room for military strikes when diplomacy fails. A nation historically results to violence to resolve disputes that cannot be sorted diplomatically, and it is the Russian policy to attack only when provoked. We will not sit back and let the Chinese or any other nation take pot shots at us.
5. Continued Chinese aggression will continue to be dealt with in this manner. May I suggest that if Chinese aggression continues then a carve-up of it's territory between the existng players could be a final soloution. Just an idea, but one that might prevent ill-feelings if everybody benefits.

I would like to state as a final comment that the main fear of the Russians is that the world develops into an event free, private planet where everyone concentrates on micro-management. We are also worried that technology will be witheld by the more advanced nations who seek to win the space race. It is unrealistic to expect smaller nations to sit back and watch others win, content to build catherdrals and banks in order to keep bored citizens placated. We can retain diplomacy, but the game shouldn't grow stale.
Thank you for your patience gentlemen, any comment or discourse is cordially invited.

[Grau Geist]

FEDERATION WEEKLY 1766 A.D.

THE UNOFFICIAL RACE

The Weekly has uncovered an untold race. A race for technology that would lead to search for life on other planets. Not since the advent of Astronomy has the world been baffled by the actions of scientists. Recent rise in pollution, outbreak of war, and city overcrowding are issues being discussed at the Communist Summit this fall, not whether or not there is life on other planets. However, it is believed that quite a few of our worlds’ capitalist nations are being led by their citizens to take such outlandish actions.

CHAIRMAN GRAUMOTO WELCOMES THE SIOUX REGIME

Chairman Graumoto was the first to welcome Siouxland to the Communist fold. Keeping with the newest trade programs, he has directed the Trade Ministry to increase trade routes with our fellow Communist comrades. Privately, Graumoto admits that recent Sioux foreign policies have displayed poor judgment. The taking of the Viking City containing JS Bach’s Cathedral was one of these. However, the JTF realizes that the Sioux Nation has been minimized over the centuries into a third rate power. But, the benefits of a theological structure should not come with pure Communist theory. The Trade Federation Communist Party, about to celebrate its 500th anniversary, appeases the discontent of its citizens with newer electronic coliseums; designed to appease the masses of the Federation.

As for Sioux expansion into other realms and destruction of the treaty of alliance with the Vikings; the Council has refused to comment. However, approval for Sioux expansion could be forth coming as it has been recently discovered that the Viking High Priestess Gunhild has entered into a secret pact with JTF enemies, the Chinese, to “contain” the spread of the JTF.

THE WAR WITH CHINA TAKES A TURN

After the JTF was drawn into the Sino-Russian War, forces under the command of General Yamamoto, sprung to action. Pacific Theater Home Forces were loaded up and sent into action. Shortly after the Russian bribe attack on Yakutsk (now New Yakutsk), JTF Marines took the sole remaining Chinese port of Khabarovsk. Chinese officials quickly negotiated a cease-fire upon the loss of Khabarovsk. However, this was only a ploy to gather their forces. The sneak attack came on Fort Korea North. Chinese Cannons were brought to bear against and destroyed fort defenses, at which a Calvery Brigade exploited the hole in the defenses and slaughtered Federation Terrain Engineers. The situation looks dim, as Chinese forces prepare to overrun Korea. To add to the situation, Viking High Priestess Gunhild sent secret communication, intercepted by JTF insiders, in possible support of Chinese movements.

JTF AIRBASES COMPLETED; PREPARE TO ACTIVATE

In accordance with host nation agreement, Baja Air Base and San Juan Air Base are preparing to enter active service. The base facilities are up and running and ready to receive traffic. This couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Sino-Russian War escalates, and Chinese forces threaten Korea. These bases are part of the Federation Global Reach strategy, enacted to link all Trade Federation Posts in a mutual defense strategy. With the recent tensions with the Fundamentalist regime, negotiations have ceased over the final link.

JTF COUNCIL PLANS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

With the spread of air travel into other world nations the Council has begun hearing proposals on the construction of international airports. These ports would be found on nearly every continent or island of the JTF or possibly within transport distance. In exchange for an access fee, the cities, when constructed, would be leased to merchants from every nation. Supporters of the proposal agree that it would be costly, but highly beneficial to the promotion of world trade. The International Airports would each employ around 10,000 citizens. If approved construction could begin immediately. The first proposal sites discussed have been in the Bizen desert, Nagoya Jungle, or the Horn of Satsuma and Santiago mountains, Patagonia plains or possibly Amazonia. Sites in other areas of the world will be discussed as the popularity of constructed sites are evaluated


(any takers on this idea? it would speed up trade)

[Superstar]

MOSCOW MULE Sunday 25th September, 1774

Editorial.
RUSSIA BEATEN DOWN ON SETI SCAM.
The recent attempt to beat the Aztecs to the Search for Extra Terrestial Life caused great controversy earlier this evening, and was scrapped due to overwhelming condmenation from world leaders. The plan would have involved a theft of technology and the SETI program being built in a Russian city in Japanese hands. The move was deemed illegal by the high council and 'just not cricket, old boy'.
An Apology was issued to Pres. Nappy and the situation has now returned to normal.
Other world stories include peace in China, and the return of New Yakust to the Chinese. For details see Foreign affairs.

In a bid to battle the slow development of science, a fact further slowed by the failure to build the SETI program, Pres. Superstarski has invested in a new University and research centre drive, ensuring science output is at a maximum as the great leaders look to the stars for enlightenment.

This paper is becoming concerned with the growing strentgh of China after New Yakust was handed back. It appears that several nations are calling for further cities to be gifted to China, whose army is constantly growing and they're power getting stronger. We hope the new leader continues to reign, but not at the expense of other nations, such as the Vikings. We are also concerned about the threat of AI leadership returning to throw Eastern Asia into chaos once more. Particularly now they're Army is stronger than ever. We advise a cautious and considered approach to gifting too many cities until it is apparent that the new leader is fully committed.

The Great Wall of Sverdlovsk was finally built, centuries after it's use has expired. The blueprints were found in an old ladies handbag, and swiftly built as a monument to times past. To further the cities Wonder building tradition, The Oracle is now planned in what this paper sees as a reckless folly. However, Pres. Superstarski has been known to hold an ambition to posses a top 5 city and this waste of space maybe just what he needs to realise his ambition.

The new city of Superstarski was founded in recognition of our great leader and his contribution to world affairs. It is the first of 2 new domestic cities planned, the other serving as a link between North and South America.

Foreign Affairs.
Details of the treaty of Vladivostok, involving the return of New Yakust have been released for public viewing. The deal states that Russia recieved 750 gold, planning permission for 3 new Russian cities north of Chinese territory and an embargo on offensive naval units. Pres. Superstarski today commented "The return of New Yakust was beneficial for both parties. Trade ships will now have safe passage across the Pacific and the new cities will not only serve as further breathing space for the crowded Russian Empire, but will also open new doorways into the Eurasian market. The Chinese will now have a trade port, and they're dignity has been restored."

Improved relations with the Chinese were slowed with the escalating tension between them and our long serving Allies the Vikings. Russia remains committed to the Viking cause, not wishing new Pres. 'Nice' Blondes (ahem!) to suffer further squeezing of his territories. We can only hope that the matter will be resolved without significant damage to the Viking populace, one of the longest serving human competitors.

An English trade city in N. America has provisionally been agreed. Although based mainly in the West coast desert it will allow a huge trade boost when the English freights finally arrive after the completion of a new airport. The details remian sketchy but watch this space.

Military Mule.
Further Peasant revolts were beaten down as a group of rogue partisans attempted to capture Uralsk. The brave cavalry that finally saw them off was seriously wounded, barely surving but keeping Russia's untouched military in place. Russia remains perhaps the only nation not to have lost a single unit in open warfare, a tradition that we are highly proud of.

Environmental News.
There is increasing concern over the escalating pollution clouding our atmosphere. The Russian nation, despite having several factories is keeping their air clean with engineers working overtime to counter balance the problem. So far, a maximum number of 2 polluted sites per year are the only problematic areas. If Russia can manage this, why can't other nations. We at the Mule say "Clean up your messes", or we'll all pay the price in global warming. This issue is serious gentlemen, build mass transit and engineers ASAP to control this problem.
<font size=1 face=Arial color=444444>[This message has been edited by Superstar (edited September 25, 1999).]</font>