Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

The Foreign Affairs Thread

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • 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
    Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war .... aw, forget that nonsense. Beer, please.

    Comment


    • 4a - I like this response. Of course it's a total lie, but it informs them that we are able to keep agreements with other civs - even if the civ in question is fake.

      4b - Don't like this response....basically, it can be considered a flat-out "No," which isn't very good for diplomatic discussions.

      5. Regarding the isthus - I like the response "...That issue aside, I also appreciate what you have said. That the isthmus should be discussed. Tell me, what did you have in mind?"

      Also, nice flair with naming the continent (north and south) without labeling it under Vox Controli...nice touch. I like it. I wonder what their response will be?
      ____________________________
      "One day if I do go to heaven, I'm going to do what every San Franciscan does who goes to heaven - I'll look around and say, 'It ain't bad, but it ain't San Francisco.'" - Herb Caen, 1996
      "If God, as they say, is homophobic, I wouldn't worship that God." - Archbishop Desmond Tutu
      ____________________________

      Comment


      • regarding 5 I say instead of asking how they know about it- which seems too direct. Maybe we can take that part out. Act suprised at how much they know about the world. And you mentioned that we would like to explore the world as well to learn as much about it as their wise adventurers.

        Comment


        • everything else looks good. You can leave in the Estonia part, and we will discuss the isthmus further- just stall them.

          Comment


          • Jon, Eli - any comments? I would like to send this out this evening. We should probably send it out after our move but before theirs.
            Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war .... aw, forget that nonsense. Beer, please.

            Comment


            • I like 4a better than 4b for the reasons stated

              and I agree with Dissident (maybe there is an isthmus to the south??), we should use that as a statement about the importance of exploration

              Jon Miller
              Jon Miller-
              I AM.CANADIAN
              GENERATION 35: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation. Social experiment.

              Comment


              • if later they mention the troops guarding our land, we can say that we put troops on prospective city sites

                Jon Miller
                Jon Miller-
                I AM.CANADIAN
                GENERATION 35: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation. Social experiment.

                Comment


                • OK - thanks guys - finalizing ...
                  Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war .... aw, forget that nonsense. Beer, please.

                  Comment


                  • Trip of Lux Invicta in the savegame email :
                    ... btw, send us a letter sometime. We haven't heard from your team in a while.
                    "Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master" - Commissioner Pravin Lal.

                    Comment


                    • OK. I will. Today.
                      Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war .... aw, forget that nonsense. Beer, please.

                      Comment


                      • BTW - here is the final version of the letter sent to MSS of Gathering Storm - as of yet - no response.

                        Response from Vox Controli
                        Dear ManicStarSeed - esteemed Foreign Affairs Minister of Gathering Storm.

                        Greetings again, sir. I am pleased to announce that our deliberations have been completed, and I have been directed 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 recognize your right to expand your horizons. We humbly request that you recognize ours.

                        However, this being said, we also 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. 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, 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 that you, as an equally honorable civilization, can understand our position here.

                        5. Regarding the isthmus - well - I have to tell you Manic - we are genuinely surprised as to how much you know about the world. This reinforces my earlier point, in that we would like to explore the world as well to learn as much about it as your wise adventurers.

                        That point aside, I also appreciate what you have said. The isthmus should be discussed.

                        I trust our response will find 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 of it, South Estonia. I trust this does not offend your historians and scholars.

                        I look forward to further discussions to build upon this foundation of understanding we have created.

                        With regards and sincerity,

                        BetaHound
                        Voice Of Foreign Affairs
                        Vox Controli
                        Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war .... aw, forget that nonsense. Beer, please.

                        Comment


                        • hmm, now I think about it why did we agree to #4 like that? They may not trust us in the future. Too late now I guess. I would have rather just say we comment if we have met other civilization at the moment.

                          Comment


                          • How do folks feel about telling other teams that we have met GS? I know that it flies in the face of our message above, but it may be the key to engaging other civs in who they have met.

                            I would definitely like to find out if there is someone on the other side of GS.

                            And it may be useful to have allies sooner than later.
                            Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war .... aw, forget that nonsense. Beer, please.

                            Comment


                            • Well- we seemd to have certainly stuck a stick into the hornet's nest. Here is GS' response.

                              Mutual exploration or not?
                              Greetings BetaHound and Vox Controli,

                              Since you have been so kind as to share with us passages from the One Book, we would like to share with you a passage from the Book of the Storm, specifically from Wisdom 3:1-3.

                              “Blessed are they who treat others as they would wish to be treated, for their rewards are respect and trust all the days of their lives.
                              But cursed are the hypocrites who demand from others that which they will not give themselves,
                              For the seeds of anger and distrust they sow may flower into the fruit of their destruction.”

                              Since word came back of Thadeus's blocking the way to North Estonia, questions have arisen among our people concerning whether or not the people of Vox Controli share such a belief. You have made it clear in words that you regard a mutual right of exploration as important, yet at first glance, Thadeus's fortified position seems to contradict those words.

                              Because of your clear statement, we would like to think that Thadeus is there merely to establish your claim to that piece of land, and that once we agree to respect your claim (which we hereby do), he will be willing to move aside long enough for our explorers to pass through. That way, both your sovereignty over a key strategic location and our right to explore will be respected.

                              But some are concerned that your words regarding the importance of a right to explore may not have been as sincere as they seemed, and that Thadeus's job may include denying us in practice the very right that you seemed to regard as so important in theory. These suspicions have even spurred some to go so far as to demand a death sentence for any "spies" (to use their word) who approach our lands without permission. Clearly, this situation is not ideal for promoting the kind of peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship that we strongly desire, and we hope that you will soon show us that these people's concern was unwarranted. Grog is eager to continue his exploration unimpeded.

                              Sincerely,

                              Nathan Barclay, Chief Economist of Gathering Storm

                              (ManicStarSeed is out of his office at the moment, and given the importance of a quick resolution to this matter, I've been authorized to send this post on behalf of the team.)
                              Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war .... aw, forget that nonsense. Beer, please.

                              Comment


                              • Hmph. We must found the third city and do it quickly.
                                "Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master" - Commissioner Pravin Lal.

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X