195 - Forum Diplomacy Steel Rex

[Vulkar]

DW-GN

My good Gnome King,

Your considerable arrogance is at first off putting, but it's so over the top it quickly dissolves to something more amusing.

We'll see you in Runnimede, and wherever else good fortune brings our armies to clash.

King Oban

[HeadHoncho]

GN - AN/BL/DA/GI/RA/WI

My Peaceful Friends,

As I've alluded to in the past with one or two of you, it may be that on occasion, a Gnomish emissary or agent might visit one or more towns or villages owned by you. In any such case, please know that it would only be for strategic basing or re-positioning, and never any kind of hostile move against you. Our word is our bond, and we always honor our non-aggression pacts.

The only reason we might not inform you in advance, would be in the interests of discretion and secrecy, in these often all-too-public times. In that same light, we would humbly and respectfully request that if at all possible, you consider not mentioning any such movements that you might become aware of. You would indeed have our gratitude.

Best,
Bottlenose

[Netstrider]

WA -> GN

Bottlenose,

With regards to the recent "outing", we have already made apologies. I think that you have mentioned reparations, but until just yesterday I believed that I was going to be engaged in a 3:1 (at least) war for survival. The situation looks somewhat different today, but I am still engaged in an all out struggle for survival and have no extra resources of any kind. What is it you would like to assuage your wounded honor that I could reasonably provide?

Rest assured that we are simply overjoyed at your engagement with the Dwarves and can't wait to see the Dwarf army running back to the Mountains just as fast as they can on their stumpy little legs. Maybe a demonic vision, a few earthquakes, or visits by death himself will add to the agony of their plight and make their flight a "trail of tears". And we have many other ideas for how to make the craven Dwarves life miserable - along with their simpering allies.

While preparing to fight for our lives, we have been greatly amused at the unending pleading for yet more kingdoms to jump in on the Warlock gangbang. Apparently, the "Red Terror" is so feared that 3:1 wasn't nearly good enough, and that the dragons, elves, trolls, etc should all join in and take a shot. So yes, it is very good to see the Dwarf engaged on a different flank and it should change the character of the upcoming struggle greatly. I realize that you engaged not out of any love for the Warlock but out of your own interests. Regardless of the reasons, however, we are still deeply appreciative of the action taken.

If you wish to coordinate on activities in the Talking Mountains let me know. Or we can divide our efforts and I can focus elsewhere. Or you can let me know that you decided that going through the Mountains to attack Amberland was the shortest path. Ha.

But in case we might yet end up on the same side in this eternal struggle, feel free to use any of our population centers for staging. Amberland isn't the safest place in the world these days, but it still might help. Formally, I would like to enter into at least a NAP at the very least, but a limited alliance with regards to efforts in the war with the Dwarves would seem to make sense. I am also most interested to see which way the Old Men go.

WA -> AN

Greetings Old One,

I have suspicions that you will not be content for long with your gains in Torvale. While Amberland is in some chaos at the moment, I would ask (plead, even) for the chance to engage my enemies to the east in something resembling a fair fight. I intend to keep my powerful force of wizards intact throughout this struggle. Your neutrality at this critical juncture could lead to advantages for you in the future. If you were to decide that cooperation would be even better, we would be more than willing to discuss such a possibility.


Red (aka "The Red Terror", "The Red Menace", "Second coming of Stalin", etc)

[Jumpingfist]

AN - WA

You should not worry of the council. First we are the ancients and as such have a long memory of the kindness your people showed towards us in letting us keep our holdings in your lands. Second we have are not interested in fueling the war interests of an enemy to my closest ally.

The Council

[HeadHoncho]

GN-WA

Red Mage,

It may be that we are finding ourselves to be co-belligerents against the foul Dwarves. Regardless, as for the relationship between the two of us, we understand that mistakes happen, but it was the rather cavalier attitude that we perceived in terms of the real costs we had to pay in order to protect our outed agent, that vexed us somewhat. By the end of my protective actions, those costs will include at least two Wards and two Agent actions costing 15,000 gold.

If you would agree to reimburse me with a grand total of three Ward spells, with no more than one casting requested per month in order to minimize the drain on your resources, we would agree to reinstate our non-aggression pact through the end of mid-winter [i.e. T30]. Alternatively, the purchase of a Ring of Protection from you would also satisfy us.

We would also agree to an equitable division of northern Runnimede -- formerly known as the Talking Mountains -- with you. We would propose control to us mountain-loving Gnomes, but with a substantial Warlock influence to promote a generally spicy and tasty flavor.

Sincerely,
Bottlenose

PS: As I reflect, we must also take into consideration the Witchlord, who the Dwarves indicate have moved into northern Runnimede as well. Regardless, we can keep such concepts flexible at the moment, until we are faced with practical reality. Please just know that I am supportive of the Witchlord's brave efforts, and that the ultimate division of the region should be made with that in mind.

[HeadHoncho]

GN-WI

Dread and Silent Lord,

You may have seen the Dwarves' complaint of my activity in the Northern Mists against his town. By all means, please feel free to continue destroying more villages in that region, as we will be sure to stay away from them with our emissaries. To the extent that we take any villages in that region with our groups, we will inform you promptly.

Regarding your activity in northern Runnimede, formerly known as the Talking Mountains, we will do our level best to support you. Should we come across any Witchlord-owned population centers there, we will certainly leave them unmolested. The exception would be if there is some key strategic reason to take such a population center, in which case we would inform you well in advance of any such maneuvers.

Best,
Bottlenose, for the Gnomish Alchemical Monarchy

[mafmiller]

DA - DW

Dear King Oban,

I am distressed to hear that you are under attack by the Gnomish Kingdom, however, he and I have a NAP in place until after turn 25, so at this time, I can take no action. Also, the Noble Ranger and I must act in concert, therefore I await word from him on his position in this conflict. Be assured, that no matter what position we take, I will not act against you unless, as will always be the case, to defend my brother Ranger.

DA - RA

Good Brother,

Where shall we stand in this conflict? The Onyx Imperium will follow your lead here, but be aware that we will take no active position against the good King Oban. Shall we join the Dwarven cause after my NAP with the Gnome expires, take a neutral position between the two or extend the NAP with the Gnome to a full alliance with the Gnome/Ancient One forces? How fared your efforts this month? Also, did you receive my request for funds?

DA - GN

Hail King of the Gnomes,

As you know, regardless of what the Good Ranger and I decide, I will honor our NAP. Also, we do want you to reconsider offering assistance, and especially territory on our northern border, to the Red Menace. He is the enemy of the Onyx Imperium and of the Noble Ranger. That would not be tolerated. The Dread Lord is another matter. We have nothing personally against him. At this point, of course, we would rather King Oban retain his territories.

Wishing for a more peaceful Alamaze, but realizing that dream has evaporated,

The Great Imperator of the Drow
Roris Rex

[HeadHoncho]

GN-DA

Great Imperator,

Please be aware that we, too, will honor our non-aggression pact with you. And as you alluded to in a prior month, we would also be open to extending it, should you but ask. To perfectly align with the Rangers, might I suggest that either party may end our non-aggression pact on four full months of notice? That way, even if the Rangers decide to terminate our agreement (which I certainly hope will not happen, and I certainly have no such desires on my own part), you could then move in concert with him.

With all that said, although we have no expectation that you move against the Dwarves, similarly, I do not doubt that you also understand my own desire to act here, given our historical enmity with them.

Regarding the Warlock, we currently have no agreements in place. There is an offer on-the-table to reinstate our non-aggression pact, but I'm not sure he's interested in the cost of restitution for the losses I suffered at his hands. I view the amount of compensation as quite minor, but he might view it more dearly. To the extent either you or the Rangers would instead be willing to match that offer (three Wards, with no more than one requested by us per month), I would be willing to withdraw my offer of reinstatement to the Warlocks, unless he accepts it before you do.

Regardless, there is no alliance in place, and to the extent there is assistance to be had on either side, it would likely be of the sort that simply prevents us from stepping on top of one another.

The Rangers speak well of you, and I can understand why that is. I have also heeded your prior advice to me personally, not only due to its wisdom, but also out of the hope that there will be peace between our two great Kingdoms.

Best,
Bottlenose, for the Gnomish Alchemical Monarchy

[mafmiller]

GN-DA

Great Imperator,

Please be aware that we, too, will honor our non-aggression pact with you.  And as you alluded to in a prior month, we would also be open to extending it, should you but ask.  To perfectly align with the Rangers, might I suggest that either party may end our non-aggression pact on four full months of notice?  That way, even if the Rangers decide to terminate our agreement (which I certainly hope will not happen, and I certainly have no such desires on my own part), you could then move in concert with him.

With all that said, although we have no expectation that you move against the Dwarves, similarly, I do not doubt that you also understand my own desire to act here, given our historical enmity with them.

Regarding the Warlock, we currently have no agreements in place.  There is an offer on-the-table to reinstate our non-aggression pact, but I'm not sure he's interested in the cost of restitution for the losses I suffered at his hands.  I view the amount of compensation as quite minor, but he might view it more dearly.  To the extent either you or the Rangers would instead be willing to match that offer (three Wards, with no more than one requested by us per month), I would be willing to withdraw my offer of reinstatement to the Warlocks, unless he accepts it before you do.

Regardless, there is no alliance in place, and to the extent there is assistance to be had on either side, it would likely be of the sort that simply prevents us from stepping on top of one another.

The Rangers speak well of you, and I can understand why that is.  I have also heeded your prior advice to me personally, not only due to its wisdom, but also out of the hope that there will be peace between our two great Kingdoms.

Best,
Bottlenose, for the Gnomish Alchemical Monarchy

DA - GN

Well said and we certainly do understand your positions. We find no dishonor in your attack on the Dwarves. We only regret its occurrence.

[Netstrider]

WA -> GN

I accept your offer. If you could wait until next turn for ward/sleep requests that would be great. Lots going on this turn as I'm sure you can imagine. Do I have an option to pay cash value, which would be...?

Also, I am going to declare you ally this turn because the Talking Mountains is about to become a very unhealthy place to be for anyone other than my allies.

Do you have any recon data of the Talking Mountains you wish to share or point out specific towns and villages you would like me to leave alone?

I would like to propose a toast to the dawn of yet another chapter in our somewhat rocky relationship. May we become good partners in stomping Dwarves into little puddles of Dwarf goo.

Red