Civ 5 GMR 15: Return to normalcy

[Zevox]

Spoiler: Ethiopia

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Alright. It is easier to write ooc.

I do understand your reason for voting for yourself. I essentialy did the same. Wouldn't mind seeing you win either, but I'm worried that with a split vote China might be able to sneak a win in the future with a friendly Portugal, a bribeable Mongolia and just a few city states.

I don't particularly care about the current proposal either and could downvote it if you prefer. I wasn't sure if there was something I could embargo that'd hit China and not you guys and didn't like any of the other ones all that much.

And I asked about ideology because I'm considering proposing World Ideology: Freedom, to put some pressure into China. How would you feel about it? Or is there something else you'd rather see put into vote?

Spoiler: The Maya (Narkis)

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I'm not sure about bans that might hit China but nobody else either. I know they have silver and gold in their lands, but they're definitely not the only ones with gold, and I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't the only ones with silver, either.

I would prefer downvoting both current proposals, personally. World Ideology: Freedom sounds good to me, I'd certainly support it. You could also attempt to place an actual Embargo on China, if you think we'd have enough support, cutting them off from trade routes entirely.

[Illven]

Spoiler: America;The snark

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Just 1 GPT. The good relations are worth it in our minds.

~From the head of state of the Chinese people. Luna.

[The_Snark]

Spoiler: China

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Welp. Sure thing, then.

[thirsting]

Spoiler: Mayans

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We do like our freedoms and independence, and so will most likely adopt an ideology very similar to yours.

We also do not see any problem with voting Mayas the next time. You do seem like good neighbours, and you have not given any reason for us not to trust your good judgement in deciding future world policies.

- Portuguese ambassador

[DodgerH2O]

Spoiler: Maya

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(Not feeling up to an IC post right now.)
OOC: I've put up the Great Work for trade. And as far as Ideology I'm likely to go with Freedom and side with the Mayans. I kinda want to take Autocracy for the happiness boosts and to conquer back my capital but I'm so far behind technologically and culturally it's not even really feasible. Speaking of Ideology would you happen to know if I have any Coal in my borders? I'm several dozen turns from Factories but I'm unlikely to have the leverage to acquire new resources. It would be comforting to know I have a domestic supply.

[Narkis]

Spoiler: Morocco

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Ourselves and Ethiopia have discussed about the possibility of declaring Freedom the official Ideology of the World Congress. We are loath to force you to make a choice so soon, but what would your opinion be about such a proposal?

Spoiler: America

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With the World Congress in session, it is nearly time for us to make a new proposal. We are considering declaring Freedom the official Ideology of the World Congress, and we are confident it will have the assent of most of the civilised nations. Yet we do not want to propose something that could create difficulties for you in the future. We are loath to force you to make a choice so soon, but what would your opinion be about such a proposal?

Spoiler: Austria

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Alright. Exchange complete. Sorry for the delay, played my turn too fast last time and forgot about it. You have coal right there:

[Illven]

Spoiler: Maya:Narkis

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Please keep your explorer band away from the savages camp. We cannot ensure it's safety if you step any closer.

Spoiler: Sunday spectator update

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The Portuguese people accept our deal.









The minor nations of the world receive several shake ups.



We are told that the Mayans created a great tower, that all the people of the world wish to see.




The third world congress is meeting. Our delegates voted to have Cultural exchange sites.







Our horde of great scientists wait to be called by our glorious head of state.



Luna's elite defense force reports no problems in the capital.



Nor does Midastopia report any problems.




As our work bands start on riverside farms across the capital.



Guangzhou also reports no problems.



Southharbor is safe as well.



Northington reports no problems from the Austrians.



As does Lost in thought.



Our religious men, wander the world, eager to preach all they can.



Here we see what strides our scientists have made.



Our capital puts bankers to work.



Midastopia stocks up on arms, in case of any future wars.



Guangzhou makes sure that even nature pulls it's weight.



Southharbor now works on a lighthouse to paint majestic pictures of the ocean scene.



Northington continues on an aqueduct.



Lost in thoughts almost finishes it's marketplace.




Here we see this glorious socialist empire in the making.



Our information agency tell us we are the most numerous, produce the most food, have the most land, and our glorious leader is the most well loved.




Here we see the effects of Mayan tourism.




And a tiny bit of info on our foes.

[RayGallade]

Spoiler: Narkis (Maya)

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Our priests still have not settled on how we might approach the coming days. We shall not tell you how to vote. As the situation demands of it, we shall decide when we are ready. Submit the proposal and we shall weigh our opinions as the vote draws closer.

We may wish to seek the world's opinion on declaring the tenants of Syrinx canon, but we believe that such a vote may prove disastrous for our temples. Too few of the foreign nations have listened to our sermons on the gifts of life.

[The_Snark]

Spoiler: Maya

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We-e-ell... we ain't wild about the idea, tell the truth. We reckon Freedom works great in big cities like you got, not so sure about little country towns like ours. Anyhow, we ain't decided yet, but feels wrong ta be hedged in before we get the choice, y'know?

Wouldn't the the worst thing in the world, but if you got other proposals to make that'd be dandy.

Spoiler: Austria

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Howdy! You mighta found this already, but in case you haven't, our boys saw somethin' in your land you might want to know about. They didn't know what it was, but our eggheads took a look and they reckon you got some of that newfangled coal just a little ways outta Mt. Sydney. Great stuff. Here, take a look:



Jus' a friendly heads-up!

[DodgerH2O]

Spoiler: Maya

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The Austrian people thank you for letting us know of this valuable resource. It will be many years before we can properly mine it but it is good to know the Chinese did not take the potential of Industry entirely from our grasp.

Spoiler: America

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The Austrian people thank you for letting us know of this valuable resource. It will be many years before we can properly mine it but it is good to know the Chinese did not take the potential of Industry entirely from our grasp.

Spoiler: China

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An Ethiopian Caravel has been spotted just to the west of Aurumcliff. No other ships have been sighted as of this time so we expect it is a lone scout. Your people will of course be informed if we see any other vessels.

[Illven]

Spoiler: Dodgerh20;Austria

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Please stay away from the camp at all times. We never know when it'll spawn something that'll harm your knight.

[RayGallade]

Spoiler: Narkis (Maya)

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We wish to inform you that our scholar priest is nearly ready to send word to our temples with news of your gifts of life. He announces that he shall deliver upon the upcoming cycle.

[Illven]

Spoiler: Sunday spectator update

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Kabul declares us incapable to fulfill a grand quest for them.



As our sags declare a savage camp is set out right outside Portugal's lands.




Having finished astronomy. Luna orders the people to figure out navigation.







As our great scientists wait for the day to be called into service by the state.



Here we see the Palace guard reporting no problems.



Nor does Shanghai.



Southharbor sees an ethopian scout in the water.



Northington is safe for the moment.



Our priest continue spreading the word of Mulanism to the world.



Our workbands continue to improve Chinese lands.



[Urge to murder the scout that stole my camp rising.]



Here we see maps of the capital.



Midastopia focusing on a navy.



Guangzhou almost done with it's hydro plant.



Southharbor continues on a lighthouse.



Northington starts work on a factory.



As lost in thoughts works on a stock exchange.




Our government is the same as before.



Here we see the world congress.



The scholars say we are best in Population, Crop yield, Land, Soldiers, and Approval.




As Mayan Propaganda tries to warp the world.















And here's the info on all of our nation's rivals.

[Zevox]

So, it seems the Chinese are eager to add to the list of their crimes against other nations. First, the slaughter of the Austrian people and theft of their very land and homes; second, the theft of Mayan research and technology; and now third, the attempted theft of Ethiopian knowledge from our Great Library. Fortunately, our vigilance against this threat has not swerved, and the Chinese dog responsible has failed, slain as he attempted to flee justice. We hope that it was the same man who was guilty of the Mayan theft, so that both crimes may have been avenged in one fell swoop.

[RayGallade]

Spoiler: The_Snark (America)

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General Washington, this is your one warning. Remove your canons, minutemen, and general from the borders of Mt. Secunde. We have been watching their progress for the past few cycles and are now certain you intend to direct them towards our mountain temple. You would do well to abate your aggression, as you will face the wrath of not only the temples of Syrinx, but the might of the Ethiopians and Mayans should you declare hostilities upon our temples.

Spoiler: Zevox (Ethiopia)

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Great friend Haile, we come to you in dire need. We have observed American siege canons and minutemen on our borders. As Washington has been steadily moving his troops towards our outpost of Mt. Secunde, we have no doubts that he intends to wipe our temples from the face of the world. While our original pact was intended to stem China, we suspect there will be blood soon. Can we count on your troops to assist us against this American aggression?

Spoiler: Narkis (Maya)

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Great friend Pacal, we come to you in dire need. We have observed American siege canons and minutemen on our borders. As Washington has been steadily moving his troops towards our outpost of Mt. Secunde, we have no doubts that he intends to wipe our temples from the face of the world. While our original pact was intended to stem China, we suspect there will be blood soon. Can we count on your troops to assist us against this American aggression?

[Zevox]

Spoiler: Morocco (RayGallade)

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That is ill news - the world little needs additional villains beyond the Chinese. But we were concerned about whether the Americans may have chosen that path, given the Ideology they have recently begun professing.

We would be faithless friends indeed if we did not honor our Pact, regardless of the threat coming from an unexpected foe rather than the Chinese. We will have to leave some of our forces home in case the Chinese take action, but yes, you will have our support. We will begin moving forces towards Mount Secunde as soon as possible. We have a fair number of mounted troops whom doubtless will be able to get there within a few turns, and shall consider if some of our infantry or Gattling Guns can be spared as well.

[The_Snark]

Spoiler: Morocco

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Oh, you noticed that, didja. We got a counter-offer: give us the city, and nobody has ta get hurt. We ain't gonna try to roll you over like the Chinese did to Austria, but you went and put a city on our doorstep. Know what kinda options that leaves us now? None. You done penned us in, even though you had plenty o' space closer to home. If you're gonna be greedy, you gotta face the consequences.

We ain't heartless. We’ll send you some of that there coal when we're through, don’t hardly need that much of it.

[Zevox]

Spoiler: Morocco (RayGallade)

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We are sending you two units of Knights, a unit of Lancers, and one of our elite Meharl Sefari Infantry forces to aide you at Mount Secunde. One of our units of Knights has been able to reach the city's doorstep already, in fact, and the other mounted forces will be only a little behind - you'll see them by Border Central already. The Meharl Sefari force will take quite a bit longer to traverse the roads, lacking horses to speed them along, but they are the mightiest of our men. (They'll likely take another 3-4 turns, it looks like.)

If your need proves even more dire, we will send more aid, but for now we want to hold back a reasonable number of our men that keep watch near the Panama Isthmus for any aggressive moves from the Chinese. We fear that if war breaks out elsewhere and draws too many of our men away, they may see it as a moment of weakness in which they may pounce.

[Illven]

Spoiler: Sunday spectator update

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The minor nation Kabul requests that we show them the strengths of our writers and artist. Put our socialist realism to the test.



Here we see outside the shores of Southharbor oil. This wondrous resource will propel scientific achievements around the world.



As the huns, finally reach the Renaissance era.



Another city state requests to have Sofia bullied. We will certainly consider it.



Of course the Chinese Empire makes good on all it's debts.



We hear notes that the golden age of the Chinese empire has faded for now.



Our great general is called.



Our warrior reports nothing on the Western front.



Lost in thoughts guards report no problems.



Our missionary wanders about.




Having finished biology, our scientists get to work on the miracle of Steam power.



Guangzhou's guards report no problems.








As our great scientists wait to be called.



The Palace guard's reports no problems among the citizenry.



Our work bands continue to improve the lands.



Midastopia's guard also reports no problems.



Southharbor watches the oil. The delicious delicious oil.



Northington watches and waits as well.



Here are maps of Transylvania.



Maps of Midastopia.



Guangzhou works on a stock exchange.



Southharbor almost finishes an aqueduct.



Northington continues on a factory.



Lost thought is close to making an armory.




And now with sovereignty, Head of state Luna understands that her power to govern comes from the people.



As the fourth congress comes closer to passing.



The scholars say we are the most populates, have the best harvests, most land, and are most well liked, and worst in nothing.




Mayan tourism still fails to enthrall our citizens for now.













Our nation's info on our rivals.

[The_Snark]

Spoiler: Morocco

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To the priest-consuls of Syrinx:

Sorry about the General's little outburst, hon. He's been real excited about this gunpowder stuff ever since the boys down at the university figured it out, and you got him a little hot under the collar when you called him out. But he doesn't run the books, and we reckon our markets are gonna fall apart if we let him run off, so we talked him into steppin' away for a bit so I can take a crack at sorting things out.

I won't beat about the bush: a lot of our folks have been real sore with you and yours, ever since you set up at Mt. Secunde. It's a hell of a lot closer to our territory than yours, you had other places you coulda put a city (like where Genghis and his boys put New Sarai), and most important, we don't. There ain't enough room left for a decent city west of Chicago anymore, nor anywhere else, and that kinda boxes us in. You didn't ask if you could have the land. You haven't offered any kinda compensation. Hell, you didn't even tell us til you knew it was too late for us to do anything about it. General Washington's a hothead, but he's not all wrong.

Now, I got no bone to pick with your folks. I think we'd both get hurt if it came to fightin'. But you gotta understand: you stepped on our toes, and we can't just let that slide. There's a lotta people thinkin' the same way as General Washington. You need to give 'em a little something to cool heads, or they might just charge in an' to hell with the consequences.

Now, maybe you're thinking you can't trust us: we built an army, so you can bet we're fixin' to use it. That's fair enough. I got two things to say to that. One, if you offer us trade concessions you got a sort of guarantee - if we go back on our word, we lose everything you're shipping us right then 'n there. Two, you ain't who we're really lookin' at. We was too far away to do anything when China stomped into Austria, but the world's getting smaller every day with all these newfangled inventions, and it'd be a real shame to just look the other way and let them keep gettin' rich and fat and rich off the land they took. So we're gettin' ready to do something about that.

I've been jawing a lot, so I'll sit back and let you say your piece now. Here's hoping we can work something out.

-from the office of Acting Secretary Ross

[RayGallade]

Spoiler: The_Snark (America)

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Acting secretary Ross, your words have been heard by our priests. As follows is a dissertation from our high priest:

As acting representatives of Syrinx, we do apologize for the actions of the Elder Race of man. During their rule of the Moroccan Institute of Trade, they sought to place their trading outposts as far as they could. After a brief examination of the historical record, we determined the settlement of Mt. Secunde occurred as an attempt to avoid stepping on Ethiopian toes. Like America, we have struggled with encroachment. The now faithless Mongols, once staunch allies of MIT, and a pair of independent states lay too close for us to settle northward. Ethiopia settled within our primary southern expansion zone. The Elder Race saw only distant lands as a viable option for settlement. Blessed as we are with the revelations of Syrinx, we believe that we ought to have communicated better with you, and for that we again do apologize.

We are open to hearing what trade concessions your people seek. The gifts of life, while best experienced within the walls of our temples, are welcome to your perusal. Might we also recommend an agreement to further research in addition to any other trades?

As for the late unpleasantness with the murderous Chinese, we are certainly willing to support you in whatever actions you take against them. After the brutal invasion of The Golden Hub, our priests cut off trade with the Chinese and have avoided assisting them with their research efforts. Let it be known that our warrior priests, though significantly smaller in number after the congress's taxation, are prepared to turn their guns westward, though we would prefer to supply economic and diplomatic pressure if possible. We also have reason to believe you would have the support of both the Ethiopians and Mayans should hostilities break out between America and China.

We also are curious, do you have plans to return any of the stolen land from China to Austria. Our priests would smile greatly upon seeing The Golden Hub restored to its former glory. Regardless of your answer, we believe China requires a reminder that no evil deed goes unpunished.

Spoiler: Zevox (Ethiopia)

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It appears that we may currently be at an impass with the Americans. They have claimed their initial threats were largely hot air, though they are still attempting to extort our temples. They claim their military is directed towards China rather than either of us. Have you received any communication from them about these plans?

Spoiler: Narkis (Maya)

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While America continues to sit upon our doorstep and suggest a plan to extort our priests or sack our temples, they have implied to me that their military is destined for Chinese lands in an effort to remove the Chinese from Austrian territories. Have you received any communication from them about these plans?

[The_Snark]

Spoiler: Morocco

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We appreciate the explanation, your priestliness, and on behalf of General Washington accept your apology. It's a fact that there just isn't as much land round these parts as we'd like, and findin' antsy colonists a half-decent place to settle is a chore and a half. We'll start drawin' the cannons back as a show of good faith.

As for concessions, first one that comes to mind is gold: you could pay us a kind of rent, for havin' a city so close to our land. It's a simple answer, and it looks to work for both of us - we're in a bit of a pickle when it comes to money, and you've got lots. (Your MIT might not've been the best at communication, but they sure knew their business trading.) We can talk about what'd make a fair price, but to start with... I figure it oughta be hefty, since we're losin' out on the chance for a whole nother city. On the other hand, it wouldn't be right to charge more than the city makes. Your people have put a lotta work into that place by now, they need to get somethin' out of it. A little bird tells me the city's local output is about 13 gold, plus another 5 or so from trade with your capital (after factoring in the cost of roads); how does 13 GPT sound to you?

If you've got other ideas, we're listening, but I don't see anything that suits so well. You've got truffles going spare right now, but we don't really need those. A city or at least a place to slap one down would be lovely, but if we had any of those goin' spare I reckon we wouldn't be in this situation to start with. There's a spot just west of your capital that might make for a decent port - we haven't got one of those on the Outer Sea yet - but I don't know that we're ready to support a colony that far away even if you give us the go-ahead.

A research agreement would suit us just fine. We've got enough cash for that right now, as long as we do it quickly.

Sooner or later we'd like to have some of our boys visit Kilimanjaro, get some mountain air and practice shootin' a bit. I can imagine you might not like havin' an army inside your borders right after this little incident, but we can send 'em in one or two at a time if that'd help.

As for Austria... to be honest, we haven't thought that far ahead. If we go to all that effort puttin' together an invasion, we'd like to end up with something for our trouble, but that something doesn't have to be Austrian cities. It'd be a real nice gesture to give the Austrians some of their own back, and if things go well enough I reckon I can sell the General on it. But that's still a ways off, and China's no pushover. No sense counting chickens 'fore they're hatched.

[RayGallade]

Spoiler: The_Snark (America)

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After consulting with the priesthood, we would like to submit a counteroffer to your suggestion. Indeed, the current local production of Mt. Secunde is roughly 13 GPT. However, we recommend an offer of 9 GPT, the local value of worked land, to allow the citizens of Mt. Secunde the opportunity to financially support their own infrastructure with the payoff from investments.

We shall also agree to construct a road connecting our trading routes to the hills bordering Kilimanjaro and New York. Our priests suggest this would permit your forces easier access to the Chinese and a viable training ground for your troops. This would also bring our investment into this deal to 11 GPT. We have already sent you an offer for opening the borders to begin training immediately, though we would request you attempt to keep the flow of arms to roughly two squads at a time.

Although you have mentioned not directly requiring a supply of truffles, we shall offer them to you anyways. Think of it as a little bonus to sweeten the pot.

[Zevox]

Spoiler: Morocco (RayGallade)

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No, aside from our few and far between trade deals, we have had no contact from the Americans in a very long time. One does not need the eyes of Manwë to see through a lie that transparent - no nation would begin a military march across half the world without saying anything to either of the nations whose territory it would have to cross to reach its destination, much less issue threats to one of them along the way, if it intended merely to pass them by. Far more likely they've noticed you receiving aid and reconsidered whether they were truly able to back up their threats.

Still, if they are backing down, so much the better. It is always best for all involved for conflict to be resolved without bloodshed. Nonetheless, we will still have our troops take up positions to defend Mount Secunde until you are confident the situation has been diffused - we would not wish to withdraw our men only to have war break out as soon as they are too far from the front to assist you in time.

[Illven]

Spoiler: The Snark;America

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Were to get a small donation to cover the remainder of the cost would you be willing to enter a research agreement with the Chinese people.

~Minister of Scientific development.

Spoiler: Austria;Dodgerh20

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Would you be willing to enter a declaration of friendship with the Chinese people and enter a research agreement?

~Head of state Luna.

Spoiler: Portugal;Thristing

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Our research agreement has completed! Would you be interested in funding a new joint scientific venture. (Read another research agreement)

~Minister of economics.

Spoiler: Morocco;RayGallade

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Earlier you stated that you did not have the funds to make a joint scientific venture. Would you now be willing to fund one with the Chinese people? (Read, a research agreement)

~Minister of Foreign affairs.

[Zevox]

Spoiler: Morocco (RayGallade)

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Given your recent diplomatic announcements with America, we assume you believe the situation with them dealt with, and have begun withdrawing our forces back to our own lands. (Besides which, that will give us the opportunity to outfit our Knights with more modern weaponry soon.) We'll keep some of them closer to our borders with you than we have previously, however, just in case something like this comes up again.

[DodgerH2O]

Spoiler: China

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Unfortunately the Austrian Council of the Golden Hub in Exile has other uses in mind for our liquid assets for the near future. We will send a message at such time as we are willing to sign a Research Agreement with your people.

[RayGallade]

Spoiler: Narkis (Maya)

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Our scholar priest is about to make his report on your gifts of life and requests safe passage home next cycle.

We also wish to inform you that we have indeed declared our affinity for the free arts. Our temples are open to the people to experience the gifts of life. We hereby recommend that you suggest the declaration of freedom as the world's glory.

As a final note, the Chinese are calling our bluff once again on the scientific arts. With the Americans seemingly spoiling for a fight, our priests have determined that our only option is to agree to their request. We cannot face two threats, especially those on opposite sides of our holdings. We hope that our efforts will not risk our friendship.

Spoiler: Zevox (Ethiopia)

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We appreciate your commitment to the security of our temples. The priests of Syrinx wish to continue to declare the glorious friendship between our two countries.

We have also declared our love for freedom, just as you and our Mayan friends have. The temples of Syrinx have opened their doors to provide the gifts of life to all who enter.

In addition, China has come calling again about research cooperation. On account of the recent unsettling circumstances with America, we believe our best option is to agree to terms with China in order to prevent a second front from opening up on our temples. We shall continue to support our alliance against China, though our economic embargo is about to end.

Spoiler: Illven (China)

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The priests of Syrinx welcome the idea of shared knowledge. Once our finances have recovered from recent American encroachment, we shall welcome investments.

[RayGallade]

Spoiler: Narkis (The Maya)

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What is the meaning of this? Our temple at Trader's Rest has just received word that your forces have betrayed and murdered High Priest Tariq as he was returning with news of the gifts of life within your lands. Our priesthood wishes to know why you have betrayed us in this way, especially as we have begun proclaiming the virtues of freedom.

[Narkis]

Spoiler: Morocco

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OOC: Oh, crap, sorry! I've been swamped lately and haven't been keeping up with the thread as well as I should. Any way I can make it up to you?