[Spoiler] RB Pitboss #2 - Shaka of Rome

[Whosit]

As I mentioned, I was hoping to wait for a more "appropriate" time, perhaps when Iron Working was in the bag. But I might as well go for it now.

The Interim Imperium has served its purpose. Though a bit earlier than planned, I hereby announce that the Imperium is dissolved, and I crown myself Emperor of the Galactic Empire!

Imperial Center shall be renamed Coruscant, and Regals Reach is now Carida. "Good Denial" will be Kuat when founded, and the "Original" location . . . perhaps Naboo? If there is an Iron location, perhaps Sullust, or Mygeeto. Dunno. I'll have to double check and find a good Industrial planet.

So, here's the letter I sent off. Wouldn't it be funny if this tanked relations?

Dear Athlete,

It seems that you missed my second scout, "Greedo," or perhaps I named him a turn too late. In any case, I am afraid that I did not catch the Ellorrs reference at first. It was a bit too obscure for me, I am ashamed to admit. However, I noticed some time ago that your civilization was dubbed "The Rebel Alliance," and that had given me an idea I had been sitting on for some time. I was hoping to wait for a more "appropriate" moment to go through with the second reorganization, but the mynock is out of the bag, as they say.

Therefore, you will be the first to hear the announcement: The Interim Imperium has fulfilled its purpose. I am pleased to announce that my preparations, though hastily made, are complete, and my people are now part of the Galactic Empire. You, and Kalin as well, are invited to my coronation, of course.

I could not help but notice that you control Kashyyyk. Would you be willing to tell me the name of your capital? I have renamed mine "Coruscant," but if that has been taken, "Imperial Center" will still do. It would be improper for there to be a duplicate.

Please rest assured that the new name does not indicate a change in our relations. It was something I have been planning for some time. I must admit, I did not expect you to be the first foreign contact I would make. Still, though we may have our philosophical differences, I am sure that we can agree that peace is the best course for a fractured world. Light Side; Dark Side. Each is a side of the same coin, yes? And, if nothing else, surely we both can appreciate the finer things in life . . . like lightsabers.

Best regards,

Whosit, the new Galactic Emperor

[Whosit]

And for a quintuple post in my thread, the draft of the letter I need to send to Korea next turn:

Dear plako and Broker33,

I am writing to inform you that I intend to allow our current NAP to expire at the end of Turn 66. Please rest assured that this is neither a declaration of war, nor an indication of hostilities. As we have both stated before, war between our peoples would be mutually destructive and I recognize the necessity to remain at peace. With that in mind, and since I am writing to you anyway, I would like to discuss the possibility of future trades. As you may know, my people have recently learned how to build roads. If your people know the same, we may be able to create an overland trade route. The Imperial people do not have many excess resources, but perhaps you would accept our Rice in exchange for your Wheat? It may not be much, but it seems like a good start towards building greater trust between our empires. Please let me know what you think.

Also, you may have noticed that my empire has a new designation. Please understand that this does not reflect a change in my foreign policy. The name change was, more or less, an inevitable result of there being a Rebel Alliance in the game. I am, if nothing else, a fan, you see. You both are invited to my coronation, of course.

Whosit, Galactic Emperor

I figure that's about as well as I can handle it. Be brief and to the point regarding the NAP, then change the subject!

[newbie]

Is your desire for 'overland trade routes' a good faith desire, or is it more geared towards your military logistical planning???

[Whosit]

Is your desire for 'overland trade routes' a good faith desire, or is it more geared towards your military logistical planning???

Well, some from here, some from there. Good faith in the sense that I'll make a trade if able. I will admit that I'm hoping to dissuade their fears a bit. It will be a good thing, too, if I end up not attacking them.

I kind of feel like I'm trying to do three contradictory things at once:

1) Expand quickly
2) Prepare for war quickly
3) Develop my economy quickly

I'm seeing more of the land around me, and some of it's looking fairly decent. I'm starting to think that war with Korea is not inevitable, although I may still try. It looks like there's a long river to the east, but it's a bit out there, so it's still not as natural as the one nearby.

But, yeah, I suppose my offer is still a bit of a front. *shrugs* I'm fairly certain the history books will say that I'm the bad guy.

Hmm, no e-mail response from Athlete yet, but he's posted in his thread. Maybe he took my e-mail harder than I thought? Or maybe I'm overthinking things way too much.

[BobRoberts]

Interesting stuff...

I do like the choice of naming there! This earns the Dark Lord of the sith's seal of approval, balancing the ball of approval on it's nose.

Must admit, my first thought on reading that mail was: I want to cancel our NAP and would you like to help build the roads to support my Praet invasion?

[Whosit]

Interesting stuff...

I do like the choice of naming there! This earns the Dark Lord of the sith's seal of approval, balancing the ball of approval on it's nose.

Must admit, my first thought on reading that mail was: I want to cancel our NAP and would you like to help build the roads to support my Praet invasion?

Hmm . . . glad to get your seal of approval! He can do tricks to entertain the Imperial Court. But it looks like I had better rewrite and seriously reword my letter, because this is definitely not the message I am trying to convey! I'm a little surprised, actually, since it's not like I can use roads in their territory. I figured I'd build roads up to my border with P'yongyang, and they would just make a connection there. Perhaps I should be more clear on that?

Or perhaps I should just leave it at "cancelling the NAP" and discuss trades in a separate letter.

[Jabah]

Looking at the various screenshots, I am wondering if you will have international trades with just a road to the river (either S, SW or 2S of city#2), since at least Pyongyan is on this river AND the river will be inside both your borders ?

[Whosit]

Looking at the various screenshots, I am wondering if you will have international trades with just a road to the river (either S, SW or 2S of city#2), since at least Pyongyan is on this river AND the river will be inside both your borders ?

Yeah, that river should give me trade route access as long as it doesn't fall under Korea control, though I will need Sailing to make use of it. I was discussing roads in the letter because I don't plan to go for Sailing just yet, though maybe I should mention that to make things clearer.

Yeah, basically . . . I could build a road to the river and trade to Korea (or anyone) if I have Sailing, but I don't. I don't think that Korea does, either. So that's why I suggested a road network (since we both have the Wheel). Maybe it will sound less suspicious if I mention that.

[BobRoberts]

Ach - it might just be the way my brain works! I'd get a second opinion before spending too much time rewriting things! Think I'd just equate 'border roads' with 'overland invasion'. Particularly in the same mail as the NAP cancellation, I'd be concerned?

Tricks in the court sounds good!

[Jabah]

Yeah, basically . . . I could build a road to the river and trade to Korea (or anyone) if I have Sailing, but I don't.

You don't need sailing to have trade on river inside your border, since this is also true for Korea I was wondering IF you BOTH would have trade road just with you roading to that river since there would be no uncontrolled river between you.