Negotiating at Pylos (CYOAH!3)

Spartan negotiators arrive at Pylos to discuss an armistice with the Athenian generals there, leading to a cessation of hostilities. As part of the deal the Spartans are allowed to send food to the men trapped on Sphacteria, but must send a proper diplomat to Athens to negotiate a full peace treaty. Also, Sparta is forced to surrender its fleet to Athens temporarily in exchange for the peace.

While the Spartan diplomats advocate for a moderate peace preserving the status quo, a faction of Athenians, led by Cleon, advocates for much harsher terms, including Athenian control over Megara and Sparta abandoning many of its allies. At an impasse the Spartan negotiators leave having not accomplished anything, and Athens renews hostilities, having claimed that Sparta broke the armistice. The men on Sphacteria continue to be in Athenian hands, as does the confiscated Spartan fleet.

The men on Sphacteria attempt to fight their way out, but are defeated. The survivors are taken to Athens as prisoners, and Athens threatens to have them all killed should Sparta make any attack in Attica. Likewise the defeat at Pylos and Sphacteria have caused increased instability among the helots, with many deserting to join the Athenians, or generally causing havoc in Spartan territory.

In the north the Athenians prepare to launch their invasion of Boeotia as well, having assembled their largest force to date. It is clear at this point that if Sparta does not secure a major victory soon Athens will emerge victorious.


 * Secure our own territory, cease all attacks into Attica, and rebuild our forces.
 * Send men to aid Thebes against the Athenian invasion.