As the nations of the western Mediterranean settled into peace once more (OOC: What happened to the Carthaginian-Roman War? Peace at the old border?), the nation of Mediterranea found itself unable to expand further. While the swampy lands termed "Belgica" by the Mediterraneans were still unsettled, no Mediterranean of significance would dwell in such a boggy region. No, it was time to expand by the sea.
Standing by the docks of Massilia herself, the Empress oversaw the sailing of the first ships to the far reaches of the Mediterranean Sea. While the unfinished bulk of the Guildhall loomed over the docks, boat after boat filled with men and supplies and set off for new lands. Mediterranea thrived on trade, and the establishment of ports in foreign lands would be key to success. Therefore, valiant Mediterranean sailors and merchants set off for distant lands to establish trading ports and contact distant civilizations.
Meanwhile, the Mediterraneans met the English, a comely northern people who, after crossing the cold strait separating their island from the mainland, had settled in the regions north of Mediterranea. The Empress prepared a dispatch to the barbaric English, asking for what amount they would part with some or all of their continental holdings. While the Empress did not expect to hear the answer she desired, the Empire nonetheless desires to expand peacefully at all costs, and such formalities are always important. The English, after all, are another trading partner, if a rather distant and poor one.
*Secret*
Orders:
~ Continue work on the Guildhall (5/6)
~ Send expeditions by sea to establish small colonies all around the Mediterranean coast at all locations as yet unsettled (if another civ is found, leave them alone). This means, if possible, small colonies in TRI, TUB, CAI, PAL, GRE, ANT, ANK and the unlettered area near Babylon.
~ Upgrade Education (-1 Econ, +1 Edu.)
*/Secret*
To England
From Mediterranea:
Would you be willing to part with any of your continental holdings? I can assure you that Mediterranea would pay richly for your territory.