Here is the reply that I have cooked up so far. As getting the right tone and message is important, please, please provide feedback. Especially on the areas where I have asked questions. Thanks ... beta
Dear ManicStarSeed - esteemed Foreign Affairs Minister of Gathering Storm.
Greetings again, sir. Our deliberations are finished, and I have been authorized by the One Voice to reply as follows:
1. Regarding the question of further exploration, we feel that at this early stage of our existence, it is important to both our civilizations to learn more about the world around us. We of Vox Controli clearly recognize your right to expand your horizons. We humbly request that you recognize ours.
However, this being said, we clearly recognize your sovereignty over your lands. We promise to fully respect the borders of your civilization, and further promise to commit no acts of aggression in any way, shape, or form.
2. Regarding tech trading, we too have discussed amongst ourselves the wonderful opportunities this presents. We would like to discuss potential deals further. Perhaps if you could put on the table what you are thinking. We both know that Vox Controli has bronze working, that Gathering Storm has ceremonial burial, and that we both have masonry. After that, when it comes to trading, well to quote the One Book, Dissidents 19, verse 8, "The sky's the limit".
3. Regarding luxuries, yes we have them. And we assume that you have them as well. But at present there is no way of trading them between our civilizations. In fact, our workers are still pre-occupied with connecting these luxuries to our cities. Perhaps when trading becomes a distinct possibility we should discuss further.
4. Regarding contact with other civilizations ...
option a
Yes, we have met another civilization. We are currently discussing with them similar issues as you have raised. However, they have asked that we keep their identity, and the nature of our discussions confidential. I'm sure you, as an equally honorable civilization, can understand our position here.
option b
At this time, while explorers from both our nations reveal the mysteries of this new world, we feel it would be premature to engage in discussions of who we may or may not have met. I trust you will understand and respect our position.
5. Regarding the isthmus - well - I have to tell you Manic - we are intrigued. How did you know of its existance?
(I could end this section right there - without directly answering their question. Then next time, I will ask them what they are looking for. We could probably drag this out for a number of turns, but clearly not enough until we have a city there. But we will have a spearman) (or I add..)
That issue aside, I also appreciate what you have said. That the isthmus should be discussed. Tell me, what did you have in mind?
I trust our response finds favor with your leaders and your people. We are committed tp peaceful co-existence on this continent of ours. Speaking of which, and I hope you do not think us too presumptuous, but we have named the landmass Estonia, given its somewhat eastern location. We have named the land north of the isthmus North Estonia, and the land south, South Estonia. I trust this does not offend your historians and scholars.
(anybody got any different ideas. I didn't want to name it after Vox in anyway - would seem too territorial. Not sure either about whether we even mention north or south. It gives credence to the idea that the south is somehow their's. Maybe we just leave it out altogether. Ideas?)
Regards, etc
![Cool](https://apolyton.net/core/images/smilies/cool.gif)
Dear ManicStarSeed - esteemed Foreign Affairs Minister of Gathering Storm.
Greetings again, sir. Our deliberations are finished, and I have been authorized by the One Voice to reply as follows:
1. Regarding the question of further exploration, we feel that at this early stage of our existence, it is important to both our civilizations to learn more about the world around us. We of Vox Controli clearly recognize your right to expand your horizons. We humbly request that you recognize ours.
However, this being said, we clearly recognize your sovereignty over your lands. We promise to fully respect the borders of your civilization, and further promise to commit no acts of aggression in any way, shape, or form.
2. Regarding tech trading, we too have discussed amongst ourselves the wonderful opportunities this presents. We would like to discuss potential deals further. Perhaps if you could put on the table what you are thinking. We both know that Vox Controli has bronze working, that Gathering Storm has ceremonial burial, and that we both have masonry. After that, when it comes to trading, well to quote the One Book, Dissidents 19, verse 8, "The sky's the limit".
3. Regarding luxuries, yes we have them. And we assume that you have them as well. But at present there is no way of trading them between our civilizations. In fact, our workers are still pre-occupied with connecting these luxuries to our cities. Perhaps when trading becomes a distinct possibility we should discuss further.
4. Regarding contact with other civilizations ...
option a
Yes, we have met another civilization. We are currently discussing with them similar issues as you have raised. However, they have asked that we keep their identity, and the nature of our discussions confidential. I'm sure you, as an equally honorable civilization, can understand our position here.
option b
At this time, while explorers from both our nations reveal the mysteries of this new world, we feel it would be premature to engage in discussions of who we may or may not have met. I trust you will understand and respect our position.
5. Regarding the isthmus - well - I have to tell you Manic - we are intrigued. How did you know of its existance?
(I could end this section right there - without directly answering their question. Then next time, I will ask them what they are looking for. We could probably drag this out for a number of turns, but clearly not enough until we have a city there. But we will have a spearman) (or I add..)
That issue aside, I also appreciate what you have said. That the isthmus should be discussed. Tell me, what did you have in mind?
I trust our response finds favor with your leaders and your people. We are committed tp peaceful co-existence on this continent of ours. Speaking of which, and I hope you do not think us too presumptuous, but we have named the landmass Estonia, given its somewhat eastern location. We have named the land north of the isthmus North Estonia, and the land south, South Estonia. I trust this does not offend your historians and scholars.
(anybody got any different ideas. I didn't want to name it after Vox in anyway - would seem too territorial. Not sure either about whether we even mention north or south. It gives credence to the idea that the south is somehow their's. Maybe we just leave it out altogether. Ideas?)
Regards, etc
Comment