An envoy to the Pandyas

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

Chandragupta dispatches a diplomat to make contact with the friendly kingdom of Pandya.

[Aetius]

The rider approached the might city of Madura from the north and could see its skyline was dominated by the Meenakshi Amman Temple Complex. A legendary construction by the present King, one of the wonders of India, it was dedicated to Parvati who is known as Meenakshi and her consort, Shiva.

The city itself was a a bustling market place, and farms stretched beyond the horizon.This was the capital seat of the wealthy mercantile Pandya Dynasty. As the emissary approached the guards and told him who he was they at first did not respond, ignoring him like any other serf. The emissary threw them a small bag of coin and they immediately thanked him graciously and led the Mauryan to the central plaza and palace. The city streets, like all in India were full of people, heavily overcrowded. They made way for their betters. That is how business was done in Madura.



Inside the palace, he was led up to the central courtyard. The air was much sweeter here than in the dirty streets, and music floated gently on the air. Women gazed at the strange man from the shadows but whenever he looked in their direction they giggled and disappeared into doors. From seemingly nowhere, a clean shaven man in his prime approached the diplomat.

"Welcome friend, I am King Malayadwaja Pandya. I have heard much of your master's work, and I admire his character and resolve in ending the corruption of the Nanda and driving out the Yavanas. "

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

"I greet you mighty king. My master sends his regards to you and wishes you long life and health. He seeks to make a marital union and alliance between the two kingdoms if you would be as good to agree great king." The diplomat quickly looks down after delivering the message.

[Shmiggles]

The king examines the diplomat with a critical eye.

"Well that's a rather abrupt proposal on your part."

He waves for the diplomat to follow and leads him into an expansive and ornately decorated dining room. Apart from the king, his guards and the diplomat, it is empty of all but a few servants. The King claps his hands twice and the servers immediately bring in a platter of various foods and place it on the table. The King takes a seat opposite the diplomat.

"So, tell me, what would the details of this arrangement be?"

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

The diplomat continues to stand not having been told to sit. "My master would like a mutual alliance between equals each of us bound to help the other. He would also like to take the hand of one of your kin to cement this magnificent allaince. Would this be agreeable my lord?"

[Shmiggles]

The King waves his hand in a gesture for the diplomat to sit.

"Yes I'm aware of what a marriage alliance entails, but every marriage is different is it not? Would this entail the changing of lands? Or gold? And who does he wish to marry whom? I have many beautiful daughters and many beautiful sons. Does he propose that I should marry one of his and become an heir? Or does your great king propose to be my son in law?"

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

The man sits down gingerly. "My master is unmarried and would propose he become your son in law through the marriage of one of your daughters. It is up to you to decide what your daughter's dowry will be if the marriage is agreed upon my lord. it is customary for the female's parents to give a gift with their daughter. That is what my master wants sire."

[Shmiggles]

The king smiles slyly and stands again, leading the diplomat out into a garden. In the garden a beautiful woman is enjoying the flowers.



"My daughter Devi. I believe your King would be pleased with her. As for a dowry perhaps some gold? Say a few hundred talents?"

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

The diplomat stands and admires the daughters beauty. "My master would be greatly pleased my lord. As for the dowry the greater the dowry land, men or gold the better the giver and his daughter look", he finishes slyly.

[Shmiggles]

"You speak truthfully. However it would be hard for your King to control these lands so far from his own and his armies, even with my help. So perhaps six hundred talents to start with and an annual gift of 200 talents?"

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

The diplomat smiles and nods his head business concluded. "This would be acceptable my lord".

[Shmiggles]

The King smiles broadly.

"Excellent! You are welcome to stay here and enjoy my palace at your leisure until you are required to return to your master."

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

The diplomat graciously accepts.

Treaty of Pandya

Mutual alliance of protection
Devi to be married to Chandragupta
Dowry of 600 talents and 200 talents per year to Chandragupta

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

Dear Great King of Pandya


I am calling for your help as your son in law. My enemies have united against me and treacherously attacked me. I call on you as my father in law and ally to aid me in this time of great need. Time is of the essence my father. Please send a reply with all due speed stating what you can bring so we may march to war father and sin and crush these usurpers and barbarians!


Sincerely,

Chandragupta Maurya

[Aetius]

Dear Chandragupta Maurya;

It brings me great sorrow to hear of your misfortunes against the Yavanas. All the Kings of India watch your wars with great interest and even more apprehension. You risk too much with these endless wars, my son. The Yavanas are not the Avanti, I know this. Their merchants sail into my harbors and tell of a great armies being amassed against us now, they have ended their feuds and you have provided them with a common enemy. Conclude a peace and return home, give me a grandson, build temples and roads, give to the people. Show them you are more than just a conqueror, but a divine ruler in all aspects.

Yet, you will likely not heed my advice, and I am bound by our treaty to provide you with mutual protection. I will ride to your aid with what men I can spare, but only in for defense of your Empire, I will not partake in your foolishness beyond India."

Malayadwaja Pandya

Malayadwaja Pandya Quick marches to Sukkur from Madura ~4 days
Pandya dispatch
100 Pandyan War Elephants
100 Pandywan War Chariots
20000 Panyan Poorly Armed Levy Infantry
5000 Pandyan Hardened Well Armed Guild Warriors

[Pyrrhus the Molossian]

OOC: Do I get control?