Foreign Offices ... Term 4

Summary

We have met all teams

KISS
>Shares our Continent
>very open and sharing
>Green Alliance
>primary partner ... in the grand scheme
>Currently researching Republic to swap with us for our technologies

Doughnuts
>Battle Islander
>have been angered by them and their aloofness
>communications recently improved
>At war with TNT
>Currently wanting Literature, to build Great Library

TNT
>Battle Islander
>isolationists and aggressive war-mongers
>instigators of TNT/Nut War
>recently approached other teams for tech trading
>arrogant dealers, outrageous trade proposals
>Currently wanting to sell Mathematics

We are playing both Battle Island teams against each other and also incorporating secret intel from KISS alliance which the others are unaware of.

New Approach

I will be changing the ambassadorial system ...

Our previous system just didn't work as well as it could have, it had been complained that MIA was difficult to contact by more than one team. Therefore instead of having ambassadors whose roles are team specific ... I want MIA to have general diplomats.

Diplomats who when on-line, are on duty and can act within certain guidlines, as representatives of team MIA.

This way MIA will be available for contact 24/7 and able to perform foreign dealings swiftly when required ...

The other teams will be sent a list of MIA diplomats and their various contact details ... this way we will be open for business in as many timezones as possible.

On-line diplomats will be responsible for :

1. to post ALL chats and communications with our rivals.
2. summarize logically, with headings the chat logs.
3. keep abreast with foreign policy and outstanding issues.
4. when necessary, they will take messages from foreign officials to be posted on our threads for team input.

The only time when diplomats will be able to agree to propositions is when they have been briefed or are following set guidelines. For Term 4, the Foreign Minister is the only person who can negotiate without a safety net as it it his responsibility to set and instigate foreign policy.

Citizens contact me if you are interested in becoming a general diplomat

This seems to be a good improvement over the old system. I really thought the old system was going to work much better than it turned out; live and learn.

I will volunteer for service in the Corps of Diplomats, but not immediately: beacuse we're moving, I only have internet at work. Until we're hooked up at home (and until I finish fixing up the place) I won't be of any use. I'll be sure to keep you updated, though.

Excellent ... I want us to be able to react even when RL results in player unavailability

of course, tis my duty to apply for this office under the great supervision of Heir Fe3333au

Done good sir ... no hard feelings about the election ... at least ours did not wallow in mudslinging

of course not, anyway can i be the TNT diplomat?

As mentioned all diplomats wil be available for any team to contact ... instead of having people be specific for any team, I want people to be available for duty for any team.

I will expand when not pissed

So far we have 2 other confirmed contacts for MIA

>Kentharu
>Classical_Hero

Expression of Interest

>Peter_Grimes

Duties
1. Whenever on-line ... You will be available to be contacted by any foreign diplomat.
2. Pass on any inquiry or proposal.
3. Assist in passing on messages to foreign Governments.
4. Haggle minor factors in proposals.
5. Following orders issued by Foreign Department, contact rival diplomats to instigate dialogue and pass on information or agreement proposals.
6. Following orders issued by Foreign Department, agree to terms of proposals.

This way we will hopefully be able to contact or be contacted virtually 24/7.

Foreign Status ... Turn 64.


KISS
>Shares our Continent
>very open and sharing
>Green Alliance
>primary partner ... in the grand scheme
>Currently researching Republic to swap with us for our technologies ... We have a deal to swap all outstanding technologies as per the time of swapping.

Tension producing Actions
>Have recently taken lead in landgrabbing luxuries.
>Have recently taken lead in establishing embassies.
>Have intel on our capital through embassy.

Our One-up-manship
>Have popped Huts in their territory
>Have Map Making and will trade when Republic ... therefore KISS leisurely research is backfiring for them and in our favour.
>Will get Units on Battle Isle before KISS.
>Will pop unclaimed Goody Huts before KISS.
>Plan to establish City on Battle Isle before KISS


Doughnuts
>Battle Islander
>communications recently improved
>At war with TNT
>TNT took worker slave.
>Have decimated TNT invasion force of 3 Immortals
>Currently wanting Literature, to build Great Library
>Will next turn trade Maths for Horse Back Riding
>Are concerned by KISS
>Know KISS are researching Republic

Our One-up-manship
>Do NOT know that we got Maths from TNT ... they believe that we got from Hut.


TNT
>Battle Islander
>isolationists and aggressive war-mongers
>instigators of TNT/Nut War ... took first blood.
>recently approached other teams for tech trading
>arrogant dealers, outrageous trade proposals
>Sold Mathematics for the Technology Trinity and 12gp ... initially wanted 50gp
>MIA first team to successfully trade with them.
>We are led to believe that TNT are after a race to builf Great Library.
>Their 3 unit military force was destroyed by Nuts.

Our One-up-manship
>Do not know we traded on to Nuts ... if they do we will be honest and say that we were acting mercenary ... and are at their service for a price.
>We have ensured that KISS will not trade with them ... by supporting their anti-provo stance
>We have ensured early war ending will not happen by daring Nuts to send surrender ultimatum


Overview
I believe that MIA are leading in the intelegence gathering and manipulation stakes ... certainly with the new method we have instigated many breakthroughs with all rivals

Both Battle Islanders are being played against each other and KISS is being steadily kept out of any easy entry into dealing with these teams, both Battle Islanders are seeing KISS as a great threat, with a little bit of paranoia seeding from us

After sweating and weaving, the Big Domino Effect worked

MIA gained
>Mathematics 8/240 (205)
>Horse Back Riding 5/150 (129)
TOTAL = 334

Trade Price
>Ceremonial Burial 2/60 (34)
>Wheel 4/120 (68)
>Warrior Code 3/90 (51)
>12gp
TOTAL = 153 + 12 = 165

From turn 65 ... we have 20 turns left of 3M's.

That is until we trade Republic for heaps of technology to KISS, including Map Making

Options for trading

We have potential deals pending ... and a number of ways to act ... Also please note ... the figures have NOT been adjusted to who knows what tech values !!


What KISS get prior to any more deals
Republic 28/1680
>KISS get Mathematics 8/480, Map Making 12/720, Horseback Riding 5/300, Literature 10/600 ... value is 120 loss


We start the Great Library Race
Literature worth 10/600
>TNT give Currancy 16/960 ... up 360
>Nuts give Polytheism 12/720 ... up 120


We crowd the ocean
Map Making worth 12/720
>TNT give Currancy 16/960 ... up 240
>Nuts give Polytheism 12/720 ... even


*Please also remember that we have given them Masonry 4/240 as well !!!

BIG EDIT Rereading the Agreement ... Seven Tiers of Friendship ... Altered KISS values

Our deal with KISS (the relevant parts):

4. MIA and KISS will offer each other “Most Favoured Nation status”. Most Favoured Nation simply means that we will offer what we learn at the monopoly beaker cost less the Emperor trade discount of 20%, if, and only if, MIA will reciprocate. Other nations will pay monopoly beaker cost. No shared research, no sweet heart deals, just cold number crunching.

6. Techs are shared between both teams when Writing and Republic are discovered. We believe this balances out under “Most Favoured Nation” status.

Click to expand...

Exchanges so far (from memory - please correct anything I'm missing):

We got Pottery, Warrior Code, Ceremonial Burial and 1 gpt for Alphabet and Iron Working (one-time deal not included in other calcs).

KISS gave MIA Writing (8), Philosophy (6).

MIA gave KISS The Wheel (4), Masonry (4), Mysticism (4).

KISS will give MIA Republic (28).

MIA will give KISS Map Making (12), Literature (10), Mathematics (8), and Horseback Riding (5).

Total – MIA to KISS = 47
KISS to MIA = 42

That is within the 20% window, but there is no way we owe them anything else under the terms of our deal. Even if they get Math from TNT, none of the other techs (Polytheism, Construction, or Currency) will fit in the 20% range. It is not our fault they wasted 17 turns.

I'll post some thoughts on Donuts and TNT in a little while.

EDIT - The discussion seems to have jumped threads. Comparing Literature vs. Map Making trades to TNT and Donuts is here.

Chat with Daghie straight after General_W cya

KISS wants to formalise existing agreements and beyond.

1. Trying to get Republic for MM, Lit and Maths

2. and then HBR for Embassy Photos

3. Add late fee +1gp for every turn after stated completion time

4. KISS research Construction ... MIA research Currancy

Turn 70 ... Halfway Thro' Term

What KISS get prior to any more deals
Republic in 15 turns
>KISS get Mathematics, Map Making and Literature
However we still have Horseback Riding

TNT
Currancy in ??? turns
>TNT get ???

Nuts
Polytheism in 8 turns
>Nuts get Literature

Still wondering how to tell KISS that we are getting trade deals happening.

I foresee that both MIA and KISS will both be even with techs when leaving the Ancient Age

Turn 74 ... A Change Hath Cometh ???

KISS
> KISS gifted Mathematics early, explained as a popped goody ... and to ease paranoia !!!
> Republic in 11 turns ...
> Agreed deal, MIA will supply Currency, Map Making and Literature for Republic
> However we still have Horseback Riding to send after.
Two outstanding technologies ... Polytheism and Construction, at this stage KISS research the later is proposed.

TNT
> Unknown Research regime
> No deals pending or antiscipated atm.

Nuts
> Reseaching Polytheism in 4 turns
> No deals pending or antiscipated atm.

Still foresee that both MIA and KISS will both be even with techs when leaving the Ancient Age and strongly aligned.

I want to look at options in the middle ages

Chivalry - 32* (960)
Feudalism - 32 (960)
Engineering - 36 (1080)
Monotheism - 36 (1080)
Printing Press - 38 (1080)
Music Theory - 40* (1200)
Theology - 40 (1200)
Education - 44 (1320)
Invention - 44 (1320)
Gunpowder - 48 (1440)
Banking - 52 (1560)
Free Artistry - 52* (1450)
Astronomy - 56 (1680)
Navigation - 56* (1680)
Economics - 56* (1680)
Chemistry - 60 (1800)
Metallurgy - 64 (1920)
Military Tradition - 64* (1920)
Physics - 64 (1920)
Democracy - 68* (2040)
Magnetism - 68 (2040)
Theory of Gravity - 68 (2040)

Assuming these numbers are correct ... Printing Press was written as 368 so I guessed.

Race to neutralise the Great Library
>Monotheism - 36 (1080) to Theology - 40 (1200) to Education - 44 (1320)
= 120 (3600)

However what does the other team research before it is safe to swap knowledge?
>Feudalism - 32 (960) then Engineering - 36 (1080) then Invention - 44 (1320)
= 112 (3360) then Gunpowder - 48 (1440)


anyway at least we can visualise stuff

There's no foreign office for Term 5 yet...so I'll use this...

I have no desire to take Fe's place – but we're in a hurry to get moving – so I wrote these draft letters… just to get us started!

What do you think?

Draft letter to TNT:

Dear TNT friends,

We have sad news – things are not going well with KISS, and we fear these warmongering fools may attack us after promising peace. (Our diplomats are still working furiously to avoid this, but there's only so much you can do. You may see a big trade between us happen soon – we would like to back out, but fear that if we do, we'll only bring their attack down on us before we're ready)

Needless to say, we're now in more desperate need of friends than before.
We truly appreciate the warm relationship we've had so far, and we hope to extend and solidify that friendship.

Now – we understand you are at war with those Dnut monsters – so we wouldn't presume to ask for military help. Your forces are plenty busy already I'm sure!
(We've spotted a mounted warrior patrolling the West coast of your continent, near the jungle. If you're trying to sneak down that way – you may want to be aware that there's a MW lurking there.)

Here's what we propose – We'll make you a sweetheart deal where we get Construction and you get a big ole sack of Greek goodies.
Name your 2 techs – you want MapMaking and Polytheism? You got it.
Polytheism and Currency? It's yours.

In exchange, we'd like you to agree to not trade with or help KISS in anyway.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say (the sooner the better!) and many more years of cooperation and friendship.

Your Brothers across the Sea,
MIA

Click to expand...

Draft letter to Dnuts:

Dear Doughnut friends,

We have sad news – things are not going well with KISS, and we fear these warmongering fools may attack us after promising peace. (Our diplomats are still working furiously to avoid this, but there's only so much you can do. You may see a big trade between us happen soon – we would like to back out, but fear that if we do, we'll only bring their attack down on us before we're ready)

Needless to say, we're now in more desperate need of friends than before.
We truly appreciate the warm relationship we've had so far, and we hope to extend and solidify that friendship.

Now – we understand you are at war with those TNT barbarians – so we wouldn't presume to ask for military help. Your forces are plenty busy already I'm sure!
(we have heard whispers of a TNT stack headed your way – Those TNT fools have earned a reputation as braggarts… but we thought we'd pass the tip along in case there is any truth to it. Sadly we don't have any info on where the stack is coming from or headed too).

Here's what we propose –
We'll make you a sweetheart deal we get Monarchy and you get a big ole sack of Greek goodies!
(are you researching Monarchy? Do you have any plans to? If not – what are you working on?)
Name your price. If it's anywhere within reason, we'll be happy to make you a silly-good deal. We can offer MapMaking, Currency, Literature, Code of Laws, (or we are working on getting Construction).

In exchange, we'd like you to agree to not trade with or help KISS in anyway.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say (the sooner the better!) and many more years of cooperation and friendship.

Your Brothers across the Sea,
MIA

Click to expand...

Revised Draft to KISS:
(Original by Chamnix)

Dear KISS:

We are very sad to hear of your decision to bring an end to our deal. We have truly enjoyed our peace and cooperation, and it is our sincere hope that peace can continue even without a formal deal in place. As you noted – war between us only helps TNT and Dnuts – and rewards them for their foolish play so far.

We know that both teams highly value their honor – and we both want to win with honor… therefore we'd like to make sure we're both clear on one point:

According to the terms of the agreement previously signed; Specifically, “…our peace deal is basically unlimited, and can only be terminated at least ten turns beforehand. This shall not be done, before at least 10 turns have passed after the discovery of Republic.”

So while we appreciate your forthrightness in telling us now, according to our signed agreement, you may not cancel the deal until 10 turns have passed after the discovery of Republic – if you still wish to do so, then at that time you may provide the required 10 turn notice as agreed.

As people of honor – we will also remain faithful to the treaty – and will not make any moves to void the treaty until 10 turns after Republic, and even then we would offer 10 turns warning as agreed.

(*please note, we have no intention of declaring war – we just want to make sure we are both clear on what was agreed too regarding the mechanisms for voiding the treaty – which doesn’t mean automatic war)

If it is your view that our prior agreement is completely dead 20 turns after Republic is discovered – we would deeply saddened, but could accept that as honorable.

We appreciate your dealing fairly and honorably with us in the past, and trust that you will continue to be men of your word in the future.

Sincerely,

MIA

Click to expand...

Comments? Revisions? Suggestions

First reaction: I like - especially the KISS one. I think you have the techs that TNT and Donuts each have confused, but that's minor. The danger I see is that TNT or Donuts (or both) could also ask us not to trade with the other - we could be placing ourselves in an awkward spot.