Term V- GONG Diplomacy

[greekguy]

Hello all! This will be the SABER thread to conduct diplomacy with the simpleminded GONG. You'll soon notice that each team we've met will have a separate diplomacy thread instead of 1 main thread for all diplo. This was only issue with dutchfire, who otherwise did a fantastic job for 3 terms as our Chief Ambassador to the Barbarians.

Basically, I think GONG has the potential to be the first civ eliminated, by a possible joint SABER-Council attack when we both get our UUs. Especially since GONG is in Feudalism and apparently going for 100k, they could be easy pickings for the two SCI civs.

Since we just met GONG, I'll try to be amicable with them, but expecting things to turn more frosty soon enough since they're pretty much allied with BABE, our mortal enemies. Diplo with them will be a fresh start, since we don't know what to expect, but I'll do my best to get info, tech, gold, or whatever in exchange for as little as possible of SABER assets.

[Chamnix]

Have we even exchanged introductory emails or anything with GONG? We're just assuming the (apparent) friend of our enemy is our enemy. We might as well talk to them if we can find out who their contact is. We don't have to tell them anything about our military plans if they start fishing for information to help Babe.

[Marsden]

Maybe their alliance isn't as solid as it might seem. Maybe a wedge you can put in it.

[Chamnix]

GONG culture turn 119 = 1079
GONG culture turn 120 = 1267

They are already at +188 cpt .

[Marsden]

Maybe that other wonder they were thinking about building was TOA.

[greekguy]

ok, I plan on sending a basic hello email to GONG's gmail today. Anything specific I should mention or just go general, "hope we can be friends and trade yada yada yada".

Also, I'm as shocked as you Chamnix, how could they be gaining over 100+ cpt at this point? According to CAII, we're at +7 cpt.

[Marsden]

They probably have a ICS with the pyramids and fuedalism and are whipping away. Wait til it doubles.

[greekguy]

ok, here's an introductory letter to GONG. please read and judge:

Dear GONG,

Greetings from across the ocean! It seems that by the mercy of the Great Meleet we have come to met, even without our boats reaching another's shores. Regardless, my people hope to have a long and fruitful friendship with your civilization for many years to come. May trade occur in abundance between the crafty Ottomans and the cultured Celts.

Bye for now.

greekguy, SABER Chief Ambassador

[Chamnix]

Do we really want to describe ourselves as "crafty"?

[greekguy]

I was trying to point out something that is supposedly secret yet obvious to all the other teams. Our blockade is officially only known by us and BABE, but all the teams know it, just like everyone is soon to realize GONG is going for a culture victory. Kinda like taking a dig at each of our civs.

If you don't think crafty is a good word, how about "quick thinking" or "clever"?

[greekguy]

I sent the letter to GONG today, replacing "crafty" with "clever".

[Chamnix]

Their reply:

Dearest SABER,

You managed to dig up our address before I got around to it and we appreciate your note.

We too look forward to a long and fruitful relationship in this very odd world of Rik.

I am only one voice amongst the Gongers but I would very much like to have some straightforward discussions regarding current world politics and kick off our long and fruitful friendship.

You are always welcome to contact me at this address, in my private diplomatic offices at jbgocubs@gmail.com or while I'm contemplating our mutual interests on MSN, jb1964. PM's can only be addressed in the evenings.

Best Regards,

jb1964, Team Gong's Chief, and only, ambassador

[Marsden]

I'd prefer to call us "determined" or "steadfast" but the horse is gone, no sense in closing the barn now. Maybe for the future.


I'd say were dug in like a tic, but that's not very flattering now, is it?

[Chamnix]

There's nothing wrong with a little self-mockery...

I would very much like to have some straightforward discussions regarding current world politics

I am very interested in what they have to say. Our view on current world politics is that Babe and GONG are allied and FREE and the Council are allied. SABER is not in tight with anyone, but Babe has given us a rather violent shove away from them. If GONG thinks we can work together despite our strong dislike for Babe, then we're all for it.

[dutchfire]

Greekguy, he uses MSN, right? Are you going to come over to the dark side , or will you try to get him to use AIM?

[greekguy]

I figure we can meet each other halfway and use Gmail's chat feature.

Anyway, I'll try to chat with him soon, and I'll of course talk about the world situation and alliances and such..but should I talk to him about us buying techs from GONG or do we only want to continue our exclusive deal where we give Council all our gold to get on par w/everybody else.

[Chamnix]

I think we are pretty much committed to buying the remaining Ancient Age techs from the Council, but after that, I don't see why we shouldn't solicit bids from anyone else. If their prices are significantly cheaper than the Council's, we have to do what is in our best interest.

[greekguy]

A little announcement for everyone:

After some thinking, I've decide that having to do day-to-day diplomacy w/3 teams is a little much for me, even in with all my free time in summer. So, in that vein, I've been talking with Nobody, and he's agreed to take over as GONG Ambassador for me. He'll handle the the day-to-day diplo, while I'll conclude any treaties w/GONG or sign off on any tech deals, and other major things. I'll tell GONG's representative, jb1964, at our first chat, and then pass the reins to Nobody.

[greekguy]

Just had a chat w/jb1964. Some interesting stuff he said:

9:43 PM jb1964: ok, this is all the window I get to type in?
me: yeah, i'm pretty sure it is
9:44 PM jb1964: ah, figured out the "pop out" expands the box....
me: yeah, makes sense
this is only like my 3rd time using this, so I'm no expert
jb1964: I sorta was thinking "disconnect" but hey, it worked....
9:45 PM anyways, how goes...
me: things are going good, both in rl and in the game
jb1964: good to hear
me: my team is really hoping to have a good relationship w/GONG
9:47 PM jb1964: So are the Gongers... We're trying to convince the Babes that it's in our best interest to pull Saber into the fold but they're a bit pissed off at the moment.
me: yeah, it seems the world is being split off into 2 camps
BABE and GONG on one side
9:48 PM and FREE + Council on the other
jb1964: I think the Free/Council Axis was the first to form...
We sat around like couch potatos
me: yeah, they met fairly early and started a tech alliance right outta the gate

9:49 PM yeah, well, in teh current situation, SABER is kinda the "swing vote"
jb1964: When Gong found us they were trying to figure out what to do w/ us and you...
me: you mean BABE, right?
9:50 PM jb1964: yes... correct...
me: anyway, if my read of world politics is correct, SABER can push any alliance to the magical number of 3, giving a huge advantage to whoever we side with
jb1964: Whether this goes the way of the warriors or turns into a political, cultural battle I don't know....
9:51 PM But 3v2 sounds better than 2v3
me: yes, truly it does.
I'm sure you can imagine we currently aren't inclined to join BABE, given recent events that transpired..
9:52 PM jb1964: I'm sorta surpised that the FC Axis hasn't invited you in?
me: we have diplo going on w/all the civs we've met, and that would include BABE and Council
9:53 PM jb1964: well, Babe got the GLib and that was a huge asset... They decided to use it to double their lands and we were just glad they were not pointing guns, or MW's, at us..
9:54 PM me: I can imagine, though your Gallic swords would be able to put up a good fight
jb1964: Now that we have contact w/ the rest of the world, unfiltered contact that is, we're trying to figure out how best to move forward
me: you guys have contact w/FREE?
9:55 PM jb1964: We did make it plain that a band of GS's would make quick work of 3/1 MW's and that retreat was not an option
9:56 PM Yes, free found us and sent contact to council
me: we lack contact w/FREE
maybe we could possibly trade for it from you guys
Council is being greedy and unwilling to let us talk to FREE
9:57 PM jb1964: Well, frankly, I'd rather let Council be bastards while we work on softening up the Babe's heart to work out a long term agreement w/ Saber
9:58 PM I've been feeling up Free and Council and I don't think we can drive a wedge into that relationship
me: Good to hear you're trying to get BABE to come around
..and, I agree, FREE and Council are really tight
jb1964: Hey, it make sense, you know that, I know that, but the Babes are being stiff-necked for the time being.... but they can't stay that way forever
9:59 PM Just to let you know, there are factions in Babe that think as I do
me: Agreed, eventually logic will kick in over emotion, and BABE will acknowledge us
10:00 PM interesting to hear that...though I never expected the whole team to agree on hating us.
jb1964: But they're a vocal minority for the time being... I think I'll have to enter into some back channel talks
me: sounds good
10:01 PM jb1964: Hey, I have to watch a movie w/ the wife... I'm already in trouble so I had better move on for the time being....
me: ok, just want to add one more thing
jb1964: ping me whenever you would like.
me: i'm a little pressed for time over teh summer, so I've appointed Nobody to be GONG ambassador for now
10:02 PM he'll handle day-to-day stuff, while I'll do major stuff, like conclude treaties, big tech deals, etc.
so, we should talk again just not that often
10:03 PM jb1964: one moment
sorry, phone call from great aunt.... uncle died yesterday
10:04 PM me: ouch, my condolences
10:06 PM jb1964: OK, yes, summer is winding down and there's much to do... as I get any valuable feedback I'll be glad to share... I'll ask the powers that be about sending Free's contact to ya'll..
me: ok
10:07 PM You said you gtg, so talk to you some other time

Seems like GONG knows the reality of the situation. FREE and Council are really tight, and if we join them, then BABE and GONG are done for. It also looks like GONG is trying to reel in BABE and get them thinking straight again. Good to know someone is thinking long term. Also, we might be able to work out a deal to contact FREE, seeing as Council has not been agreeable to such an arrangement.

[Chamnix]

In our gmail:

How about contact w/ FREE for first right of refusal to trade luxes?
Hey Saber,

When we get to the point where we can trade over the oceans it would be nice to have a partner ready and waiting. We would like to have first right of refusal to trade luxes straight up if both teams have not expanded past their continental homelands. With that the relative value of a lux is about as even as it can be. Heck, this is a good idea even without offering up the contact.

Thoughts?

I'm not really sure what this means. Do they mean we can't trade luxuries with anyone without their approval, or just that we have to save one of each luxury for them to be traded for one of their luxuries on demand? If the latter, then considering we have 5 wines and 5 gems, it's a no-brainer if they are throwing in contact with FREE (but I'm not really sure if they are).

However, we should find out ASAP - I know our poor Commander in Chief will protest, but if we are going to trade for contact with FREE, then I would prefer to disband our curraghs for shields than send them on suicide missions (and pay unit costs until they sink).