I'm considering a building a small Pergola, with the 4 posts standing 4' deep
by 6' wide, with 6' x 8' rafters. I'm not sure about the exact dimensions yet,
but that's close. Overall height will be 7-8'.

For various reasons, including location and permits, I don't want to sink the
posts 4' into the ground, use screw in post-anchors, footers, etc. I basically
want the entire structure to be freestanding.

I'm thinking about building a ground level deck, using 2 x 12's as a base frame,
and a multitude of fasteners to attach the posts to the frame. IOW, 11" of post
attached to the frame. I'm willing to add extra structure as required to support
the posts. Any joists not in contact with the posts will probably be 2 x 8's and
the entire deck will be recessed into the ground, leaving about 4" exposed.

Is this thing doomed to failure?