Cavebear Diplo Game

War4ever · February 4, 2001, 23:50

The Horde Report Vol 3 360AD

First Order: City Completion

I would like to report that the massive Horde empire has reached its city quota. The year of 200BC will go down in history as the end of the expansionistic era of our benevolent civilization. Free land grants to citizens are now finished. Those citizens not rewarded by new land can earn their work and honorable discharge by becoming involved in the public works program.

Second Order: Public Works Under Way

As mentioned above, a large portion of the population not engaged in extra curricular activity is now required to pave the way of the Horde empire. Roads on both the eastern and western parts of the empire are almost done, but we still need to unite both halves of our empire. Completion of mines and the construction of bridges is also required. Those with a background in construction, bronze Working , iron working or bridge building are invited to work under contract for the next few decades at the rate of $.02 and hour. Come quick as these jobs won't last long.

Third Order: Trading Places

Those not involved are public works are encouraged to spend as much time as they can , rummaging through personal belongings that we may ship by land or by sea to our peacefull neighbors. Remember another man garbage is another mans treasure. Money is to be paid by the pound. A collector will come by each city with a cart to pick up goods for transport to other nations.

Fourth Order: Copernicus Observatory

Our glorious nation has completed yet another one of these "Wonders of the World" This time it is the Observatory, built in Wild River nicknamed "Copernicus"
after our most famous scientist, Copper Custurd

With our new observatory built, our scientists have increased their knowledge by a whopping %50!!!! It must be the new buffalo hide leather chairs.

Fifth Order: Near War

It would seem that the diplomatic crisis between the Celts and the Borg has come to a close. Although war was declared in a shouting match between the two sides, there to this date no other casualties to report. Our spies tell us that some sort of verbal apology was given by both sides and that each empire has developed a "neutral zone" ????? This must be some sort of "space" lingo we are unfamilliar with.

Sixth Order: Diplomatic Relations

After returning some territory to our neighborly cousins the Japanese , the Mongol empire finds itself in a better defensive position. We lost a couple of outposts deep in Japanese territory, but we gained three valuable technologies for them. In the long run this will benefit both countries exponentially.

An embassy has been established with our large neighbors the Borg. It is apparent that they are second in size to us and therefore pose quite a threat to the sovereignty of our nation. As a precautionary measure, we have entered into an alliance with the Borg and hope that future technology will pass freely between both powerhouses.

Not much has been heard of our other northerly neighbors the Americans. These reclusive people seem to be reaping the rewards of a great library, where upon nations send in their work to be honored by this nation for safe keeping. Apparently the Americans are reading the scribes and using this knowledge for their own benefit without the permission of the other nations.

The English diplomats have toned down their rather loud mouths .... i guess they fear our mighty nation. Rumour has it there was a fight in the lobby and one of their foreign ministers received a fat lip.... I believe he had it coming someone was quoted as saying.

The Celtic nation has been seen tresspassing on lands which have Mongolian claim. This is an act of aggression. You don't see our young braves behaving this way. The Horde nation asks that all travellers be prepared to show a valid visa upon entry into our country.

Seventh Order: Murder of Jesus

Rumours fly about that the son of the Western God has been crucified! Records state that this young man was only 33 yrs old. It is believed that the English sprung a trap on the young lord and then tortured him before hanging him high in the air for the bloodthirsty mob to see.

The round eye cannot be trusted. If this is how they treat their "Gods" we shudder at the thought of how a commoner would fair. It is apparent that peoples of darker skin and/or slanted eyes, whom are better looking than the pale faced devil, are not tolerated in the area of the world only known to us as Europe.

Eigth Order: Long Term Plan

What more can we say about this ...... not much... but we want our people to know that all their hard work will pay off soon. Widespread growth and knowledge are soon to engulf our glorious nation. Stay tuned!

Ninth Order: Map Making

Yes we can now make maps. Our cartogaphers have made a detailed version of what our empire and that of our Borg neighbors. It is so big and detailed that four large trees were cut down just to make this tapestry of information.

On another note..... our first ship nicknamed "LostAtSea" has embarked on her maiden voyage with hopes of proving that the world is round! We hope the old scurvy dogs come back alive. Who said the Horde wasnt a brave and stupid lot J/k
[This message has been edited by War4ever (edited February 04, 2001).]

absurddoctor · February 5, 2001, 00:53

Despite the blood-thirstiness of the frontline troops, King Valdrast refused to actually launch an attack and simply allowed the massive presence of his armies to scare the Borg into submission. All forward troops were pulled out of Borg-marked territory and are now being used as border patrol.

A story of two men: Leonardo and Copernicus

Leonardo and Copernicus grew up together in the town of Myrwn. Both were of extreme intelligence, Leonardo became very involved in the things of earth, Copernicus was an investigator of the skies. One fatal day, they met Renoa, and both fell madly in love. Skipping the many details, they eventually were driven into a great physical battle. The matter of who would get the girl came before the court. Leonardo's investigations into ways of quickly producing items for the military was nearly completed, and Copernicus was getting close to completing his observatory of the stars. The court ruled in favor of Leonardo, and thus Copernicus felt compelled to commit a great act of treason and turned to the Horde in order to give them his knowledge. Thus the name of Copernicus became a curseword in the lands of the Celts.

CapTVK · February 5, 2001, 09:54

New English Times issue 2 date: 360ad price: 1 gold

Britain is booming!
The last 500 years will go down into the history books as the time of the great expansion. Thanks to renewed vigor, cities were founded all over northern Europe. Did the English nation first belong to one of the smallest civilizations in the world with only 10 cities. Now it's one of the larger ones with 21 cities. Expansion will slow down in the coming years as planners are saying we're slowly reaching a maximum limit of cities. The effort will shift towards public works. Slowly the wilderness of Europe is being tamed as more settlers start to concentrate on building roads, irrigation and mines. Plans to interconnect the English and Celtic road networks are well underway.

Celts & Borg create "neutral zone"
The diplomatic row over the diplomat has calmed down in the recent years. When the Borg stated they would declare war, the Celts were happy to give it to them. But the Borg seem to have backed down on their treats and have sued for peace. They also decided on creating a "neutral zone", which prohibits units from entering specified area along the border. The English were not privy to these agreements but it's clear that a border has been agreed on where no Borg units may pass. For further details we'll ahve to wait for announcements by the Celts and the Borg.
With the threat of war gone, the English have also signed a peace treaty with the Borg. English troops will remain vigilant at the border however.

English and Celts set up Organization
In response to the forming of a powerblock of the Borg and Mongols in central Asia the English and Celts have decided to enter an alliance. This alliance will make it possible for Celtic and English troops to cross each other territory without hindrance and make it easier for caravans to use each other's road network. In an official statement English high command stated that this alliance was formed to act as a counterbalance against the Borg-Mongol powerblock, at present the two most powerful nations in the world. Official documents for this alliance will be signed later this month. It will be called the: North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

First meeting with the Japanese and Mongols
During a scouting mission by a cavalry unit into central Asia and the middle east, two outposts of different civs were discovered. We met up with the paranoid Mongols. Who quite strongly made their presence known to us saying "it wasn't wise to keep close to their outposts". So we headed back west. We also met up with the Japanese in the middle east. This meeting was a bit more friendly, but the Japanese seem quite aloof of other civilizations. Apparently world affairs don't interest them much. In fact, they hardly make their presence known in the world, we know nothing about their objectives or their stance on specific world issues. At the moment, the orient remains a mystery...

Tiremes reach Africa: Contact made with Egyptians
A tireme of the royal navy managed to reach the shores of Africa last week and discovered a new civilization known as the Egyptians. First meetings went splendidly. They seem to be decent fellows and have made their voice known on the world stage on several occasions. English citizens might have much dealings with the Egyptians as Africa is quite far away for us. The Celts might become more involved witht the Egyptians as they can reach the African mainland more easily. At some places Africa is only a few days sailing away for the Celts. Still, some English presence in the mediterranean might be useful to help our allies. Meanwhile efforts to map the coastline of Africa continue.

New wonder of the world build in London
The efforts of English engineers continue to impress as they complete another wonder the world: The Colussus. It's a giant bronze statue, over 100 feet tall, guarding the entrance to the harbour. While some critics proclaim it as nothing more than a giant tourist trap spoling the view over the ocean most citizens think otherwise. This wonder has given a major trade boost for the city as more and more tourists flock to London. Merchants predict that this WoW will make London a favorite city for trade.

British Guild of Cartographers reveals first detailed map of the world

Thanks to countless efforts by brave explorers, sailors and dilligent mapmakers the Royal guild of cartographers has finally managed to draw up a map of the known world. This map also shows the area of influence of the known civs in the world. The map isn't complete, there are still many white areas remaining on the map. The American civ in the far east only seems to have a few cities Confronted with problem one of the cartographers mentioned: "The reason some areas do not shown up on the map has to do with the lack of up to date information. We've decided to leave those areas unmarked until they can be verified."
Lack of information or not, the worldmap is an impressive piece of work. It's quite useful as a tool to show trouble spots or geopolitical areas of influence. This map will probably become a regular in the newspaper.

Seems the New English Times has the scoop with the first official world map!

color codes
[list=1][*]Celts: grey[*]Japanese: green[*]Borg: blue[*]Egyptians: yellow[*]Americans: light blue[*]English: orange[*]Mongols: purple[/list=a]

Note: All white areas are either unknown or unclaimed as yet.

[This message has been edited by CapTVK (edited February 05, 2001).]

Epik · February 5, 2001, 13:29

The Locutus Epik will now speak for the Borg Collective

The collective now consists of 28 hives. We expect to complete the 30th hive early in the next era. The assimulated land is good. Most of the hives have access to special resources.

Hive 02 completed a wonderous chapel which all hives can use. It will allow all the hives to increase their population without disturbances.

The one mind recalculated the costs and benefits of the state of war with the Celts. Hive 11 was well fortified, and many Celts would have been destroyed if they had attacked. Hower, it was concensus of the one mind that such a war would delay the assimulation of Alpha Centauri. Peace was offered to and accepted by the Absurd King of the Celts.

The collective will remember the pain caused by the loss of the diplo drone. Cooperation with the Celts is unlikely, until the diplo drone is replaced.

A strategic alliance has been made with the Hoard. The Borg-Hoard Pact will provide benefits to both of us and offset the danger of the NATO alliance.

Peace has also been made with the Americans. The collective has decided to withdraw Hive 20, to avoid a potential dispute over a silk patch. It will be relocated to the southern of the two rivers. We maintain our claim on the phesant between the rivers.

[This message has been edited by Epik (edited February 05, 2001).]

absurddoctor · February 6, 2001, 14:52

Grrr, my boss is really good at screwing me over lately.

Anyway, I have had Sundays off for quite awhile now, and just this past week we were discussing scheduling, I mentioned to her that I was glad I had had so many Sundays off, and that now it is the only day that I really want to have off because I have something going on from 4-7. So, this week, I am scheduled to work 4 to 8 on sunday. grrrr again.

I will ask my girlfriend if she wants to cover for me first, then I will try to find another substitute.

AD

CapTVK · February 6, 2001, 15:46

Oh no, we've lost one good man already!

And my ally!

Are you scheduled to work only this sunday? or also for the rest of the month?

Game related note for all players: about alliances
It seems alliances are starting to form, i would like to offer an important piece of advice: an alliance is not permanent. If conditions or interests change you should be able to cancel an alliance without much hassle. These things should not be etched in stone. In fact I urge players not involved as yet to hold off any offer of an alliance and try to play out both sides against each other.

War4ever · February 6, 2001, 18:52

darn English....always stirring the pot

BTW nice map.... i only i could do things like that....

[This message has been edited by War4ever (edited February 06, 2001).]

cavebear · February 6, 2001, 23:10

<center><table width=80%><tr><td>quote:
<img src="/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
Originally posted by absurddoctor on 02-06-2001 02:52 PM

I will ask my girlfriend if she wants to cover for me first, then I will try to find another substitute.

AD
<img src="/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></td></tr></table></center>

Absurdsensei/Debuchan will be welcomed in the game. Failing that, I will certainly trust your judgement as to a good sub. And if you need, I can try to find a sub to help you out. We all work together on these things!

cavebear · February 6, 2001, 23:13

Cap - Great map, as usual! I'm glad I will only start to show up gradually though. LOL! Keep up the great map work.

absurddoctor · February 7, 2001, 13:54

AbsurdSensei has agreed to play for me this Sunday, I will be sure to fill her in as to what has been going on, but be forewarned - she is free to play as she wishes

As far as my schedule goes, it is subject to change every week. I will remind the boss that she said having Sundays off was ok, and hopefully whatever occurred that they need me to work for a measly four hours will change. (I know why I'm working now, hopefully I can help to change the problem

). I'll have my schedule for next week by Friday at the latest, possibly today or tomorrow, so I'll let you know on my availability for next Sunday as soon as possible (assuming I remember to pick up my schedule

)

AD

Epik · February 7, 2001, 15:03

AbsurdDoc... will your sub be the host of the game? We need a high speed connection to make the game run smoothly.

I have the high speed connection, but I use Mac OS. No one has figured out how to set the simul flag on Mac OS. However I did save this game, and I wonder if it is possible for me to host using the saved file. This would require a test to find out.

War4ever · February 7, 2001, 19:17

Epik i am thinking from the post that she is hosting from his machine ?

absurddoctor · February 8, 2001, 15:13

It will be run off the same machine, we share a computer (well, its her computer, with my harddrive installed in it and some of my software installed in it

)

The only thing is we had to wipe out the system. Of coruse, I saved the game to disc first, at some point I have to reinstall Civ, the patch, and make sure everything is still going to work.

AD

CapTVK · February 10, 2001, 13:47

Note: http://apolyton.net/forums/Forum2/HTML/002053.html

Please use this thread for game-related issues so that this thread can be use for official postings (news reports, diplomacy, treaties etc...)

cavebear · February 11, 2001, 18:07

Journal of the Amerigos, 360 AD, Secretary to His Majesty reporting.

It was an evil day here in the castle. I have never seen such frustrating chaos. King Amerigo is raging throughout the keep, kicking furniture, and sweeping precious art off tables and shelves.

Everyone is trying to hide or look busy. I am trying the "look busy" route by writing this; he is very cautious about damage to the Journal so I should be safe.

It all started this morning when the Astrologer looked glum after visiting the rooftop where he watches the stars at night. He was later seen fleeing the King's Chambers. Then the Royal Scheduler was pacing outside the Chamber before entering. He left rather hurriedly, too!

Rumor has it that an important meeting of many Heads of State has fallen through. One Leader was delayed by barbarian uprisings in his outlands, another was becalmed at sea (some messengers rowed for days to convey the bad news), and yet a third simply has not been heard from (though sightings are reported now and then).

I, myself, caught a castle-mouse and examined the entrails. I'm not fully trained in such things, but they certainly didn't look very good to *me*. The cats were happy with it, though!

It is quieted down a bit, so I think I will lay quill aside and seek my quarters now.

War4ever · February 11, 2001, 21:43

The Horde Express Late Edition Time is unknown

It would appear that our wise and benevolent leader has been whisked away!? Last seen this morning leaving the womens dorm, singing at a high pitch, thus waking the men, a bright light followed and then blackness ?????

Via diplomatic relations, messages were sent out to other nations , looking for answers to this unfortunate phenomenon.

At first it was thought that our English or Celtic rivals had kidnapped the great one? Alas not even these neanderthals were capable of this much tyranny.

We talked to our great Borg allies..... they too had not seen our king..... although they admitted too, that their leader "locutus" was missing???

Fearing that the sky would fall on our heads, we headed inside to ask for forgiveness from the Gods.

Until the return of our leader, CO leader Mercantile has promised to keep the empire rolling

absurddoctor · February 11, 2001, 23:48

"You planted the not correctly, yes?" the foreigner asked me.

"Of course, my tracks were all covered, I haven't lasted this long in this business by screwing up" I retorted.

"Let me see it one last time, I need to make sure I have every detail of it memorized, that I know how to react to every word if and when it is heard by the others."

I handed him a copy of the note (I had kept three all together for insurance). Pacing wildly back and forth, he began reading outloud, he seemed to nervous to keep any thought to himself. Poor amateurs.

"To the members of my Kingdom, I apologize. I have made a grave error, and turned a possibly fruitful alliance into the dooming of our fair people. My stubborness, vanity, and conceit caused me to act improperly towards the might Empire of the Borg. I do not blame the men who killed the hapless diplomatic entourage, nor do I blame myself for ordering them to do so. However, in refusing to pay for this error, I have brought about the end. My existence must cease to continue. I only hope and pray that someone will find the strength and courage to find solutions to the damages I have caused.

AV"

"The mistress of the King did attempt to take control of the throne, but she was quickly imprisoned by a military general who accused her of having murdered the King. Another General who favored the mistress Sensei murdered this General, and since nothing but mayhem as ruled." I informed the outsider. "I hope you know what you are doing, if you ever need my services again, I will know it and come to you, but for now I must go back to the shadows."

I dropped my smoke maker and quickly departed.

boann · February 12, 2001, 22:39

Hanako most treasured possession of the great priestess Boann .
A more quiet time has not been seen in many moons.
The priestess lays in bed with a most lingering illness. There is a sweeping sadness hovering over
our small empire. Hushed rummers of her pending death drip over every household.
the priestess appears weak and pale but attends to
the requests of the day. Many talk of who will be chosen to rule in her place when the time comes.
the whole world seems quiet , as though everywhere
has come to a stop. Many huddle in their homes in fear.
the great astrologers look to the sky for answers to this strange time.

CapTVK · February 16, 2001, 16:25

Special Notice

The entire editorial staff of the New English Times has gone on strike. Due to differentiating opinions with our publishers concerning the matter of editorial control over this newspaper. Until this matter is resolved we won't be able to publish. Our reasons for having been forced to make such a drastic move can be found here.
[This message has been edited by CapTVK (edited February 16, 2001).]

War4ever · February 18, 2001, 19:23

The Horde Reports Vol. 4 700AD

First Order Fabulous Monuments of the World

Horde architects continue to amaze the rest of civilization with their remarkable ability to construct masterpieces. Most recently is Adam Smiths Trade Factory, arguably the most sought after work of man kind in the world

With the trade factory, Horde citizens will be able to build the infrastructure the empire needs to grow into a trading juggernaught.........

The Hordes famous ship "Lost at Sea" whose maiden voyage included the suvival of the rocky point of "Cape Fear" and pilgramages to the Japanese and Borg Empires, has been honored with a statue commemerating.... push the little green button on the left to watch the movie......

The captain, named Magellan, although killed by savages during shore leave, will forever be remembered in his home town of Follow Suit.

An Oracle was erected in his honor, making Magellan the first citizen to have two Wonders of the World named in his honor. Although the citizens of Follow Suit are to be thanked for their contributions , one has to wonder if someone didn't mess up down there.

Second Order. Irrigatin problems

It would seem that an English merchant has given the Horde army a bunch of worthless grains.. This discovery was made when citizens complained of crops rotting in the fields. It would seem that these crops only grow when next to a water source, therefore we are encouragaing all citizens to partake in the irrigation drive of the dark ages.....

Third Order. Diplomatic Functions

Relations with the Borg remain on the front burner and our alliance appears to be stronger than ever. Trading of goods is on the rise as is public favour of our rather obscenely dressed neighbors......

It is rumoured that the women have no sense of style as they wear their clothing with only the slightest understanding of fashion....

The rest of the world seems to have grown silent in the diplomatic relations of our great planet.... We wonder what sort of treachery the Celtic empire is upto?

cavebear · February 18, 2001, 21:35

Amerigo the Unsettled, Journal entry, sometime after 680 AD

We have lost the count of days and years in the Kingdom. Starting at 620 AD, we found ourselves out of touch with the rest of the world we have come to know. This strange condition lasted until 680 AD, and We have spent years in recovering. The outlying areas of the kingdom were reduced to virtual anarchy without Our strong hand at the helm.

Settlers went astray and built fortresses in useless places, mounted units went careening across the countryside, and the caravanserries were found wandering in the wastelands.

My helpful guidance has corrected most of the problems and returned the people to prosperous and organized activities, but it is still a sadness that so much labor went to hither and yon in a handbasket.

All shall be made right, and more!
[This message has been edited by cavebear (edited February 18, 2001).]

cavebear · February 18, 2001, 21:51

Amerigo the Unsettled, 700 AD, Journal entry

It has been a hard, but productive 20 years. We have established contact with Our borders again, and set the Kingdom on the path to success and prosperity once more. Mines are again producing precious metals, farmlands food, and librarians knowledge.

The matter of other kingdoms continue to vex Us. That they exist without My hand ruling them is disturbing enough, but they don't even seem to care that I exist. This will take some thought, as I am obviously, the only fit ruler of all peoples. There do appear to be competing versions of Us, which seems passing strange. Perhaps I shall need to send emissaries abroad to let them know of Me so that they shall not want of My presence.

We are aware of Mongol Hordes of people, and of the strange emotionless folk called the "Borg". The Librarians assure me of yet other unled folk in farther places and stranger lands.

*Sigh*, the world is in such desperate need of My guidance.

Chaos Warrior · February 19, 2001, 10:39

CapTVK (sp?

) paged me about a sub in this game (wasn't it this one?)

OK, when do you play, how many players are in there, which CIV am I about to sub for then?

most important is the time, when to play.

Epik · February 21, 2001, 09:53

Locutus Epik will now speak for the Borg Collective

Do not attempt to adjust your game settings... we are in control... the Borg now host the game.

The Collective currently has 28 hives. We have disbanded 2 of the hives that were assimulated from advanced tribes, and are in the process of relocating them. ( Are the Borg coming to city near you? Be afraid... be very afraid! )

The Borg drones in Hive 06 were constantly being hit on the head with falling apples. This constant pounding lead to the development of the Theory of Gravity. Now the drones no longer walk under apple trees. It also stimulated Hive 06's capacity to assimulate knowledge. Hive 06 has completed a wonderous college where the research drones work at twice the normal rate.

The Borg drones of Hive 07 were visited by 7 of (hive) 9. The male drones were so impressed that they built a large statue of this female. During the building they contemplated forms of government ( they were looking for one that would allow free sex ) and now the Borg Collective can change governments quickly. The Collective will be changing to Communism at the beginning of the next session.

The male drones and have begun cloning 7 of 9. In response to the Hoard's fashion concerns... the One Mind says, "Clothing is irrelevant."

sekong · February 21, 2001, 14:37

Celts Reports. AD.700
--Prime Minister Sekong

The time resumes. Our King Absurb is so depressed from the betraying of his mistress. The kingdom is under the care of a new Prime Minister. Here is his brief report to the King.

1. To honor our King, a King Absurb's Crusade statue is errected at Mynyw. It magically make the city more productive.

2. The Prime Minister secretly meet with our ally, British King CapTVK. The meeting was friendly, and productive. We exchanged the most recent science discoveries, and proposed the future co-operations in discovering new tech. of Explosives and Steam Engine. Mr. Nobel is taking charge of the current research teams.

3. During this meeting, our people begin to know the new concept of managing a country: The Republic. It has the benefit to allow people having more trades, and allow the happy cities grow faster. Celts people are eager to try out this new way of managing country.
But before that, many preparations need to be arranged. The Prime Minister have build several new cities: Cardigan, Dinas Emrys on the east border of the Kingdom, where there are our mighty Eastern Army. The next step will be build several fortresses at that area, to hold our mighty troops, ao that their relatives in the hometown won't be worried.

4. Our power have come back the Moderate of the World.

Due to deliver difficulty, the report was delayed on the way.

sekong · February 21, 2001, 15:03

A short note to our King Absurb,

The King Absurb's Crusade is a project proposed before the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister suspect that it's a project initiated by your mistress, which might show her love.

It's rather late when the Prime Minister informed by the British Consul CapTVK that Italy is also our land. Settler are waiting for the trireme to tranport them to the new land.

Species8472 · February 23, 2001, 07:03

Tuatha de Dannan's people day report

Minister of Defense reports:

Tuatha de Dannan has reached a critical point in time. The paranoid people of the Dannan have finally seen that city walls, massive attack units and building on mountains is not the way to reach the modern times.

Sword where melted into tools, cannon balls into lead windows for cathedrals and negotiations with our ally the Japanese flourished.

Minister of Culture reports:

With the new growth to the new age, the need for goods, and luxeries increased. People where not happy anymore when they felt save. They had seen the glories and the wealth of other nations. As the empire grows, big cities organizations started to avolve to take interest in the small worker.

Minister of trade reports:

The government realized that a country is not there only to be glorious and strong, but mainly for the people themselves. What do you need with a country that is strong, when the people cant enjoy it, because they have no time to realize their greatness? It was decided to make roads to increase trade and co-operation between cities.

Minister of Labour reports:

Skilled laborours on road construction were assigned from the finest professional labor families to work on this persuid. Road building is now the best payed job in the empire, and to become one, you have to graduate from the finest universities in the empire!

Minister of Science reports:

But as the roads grew larger, the need for food increased. The workers were so far from home, they had to take so much food with them, that it seriously threathened the cities grain supplies. The oldest wisemen in the empire came together to find a solution to this huge problem. They found an old saying from the beginning of time:
"The Tuatha de Dannan have knowledge of Irrigation, mining and roads"
The wisemen immediatly started writing courses for our most respected road builders to incorporate the task of Irrigation! The dry land was soon sprankled with fresh water from the river Nile and the middle sea, and crops grew like never before!

Prime minister reports:

Our empire is ready to step into the future. We have everything that an empire needs to grow, the luxeries, the skills, the resources and the knowledge. Let us now invest in strongen our relationship with our neighbour countries that we have been neglecting in our prior vision to strongen our empire.

CapTVK · February 23, 2001, 15:11

New English Times issue 4 date: 700ad price: 1 gold
[*]Increasing lead of Borg and Mongols worries other nations
The rapid technological developments by the Borg and Mongols seems to know no bounds while the rest of the world can only play catchup. Just in the past 3 centuries they managed to build four new wonders of the world between them. While the English and Celts only managed a paltry two. The Borg managed to build the Statue of Liberty, who can imagine such an affront to freedom!? And also named their new science academy to one of our most famed scientist "Sir Isaac Newton's College". Although Sir Newton feels honored, he remarked that the Borg could never have invented the Theory of Gravity by themselves, which means they got help from another party.
Meanwhile the Mongols have been hard at work too. They've build Adam Smith's trading Company in River Wild. How they managed to research economics so fast remains a mystery, although it may have something to do with the strange disappearance of a draft copy of the "An Inquiry into the Wealth of Nations" from Adam Smith's home. To top it off the Mongols also build Magellan's expedition in the city of Follow Suit. What a primarily landlocked power like the Mongols would want with a WoW that's intended to help in the navigation of ships makes one wonder what the Mongols are up to. Perhaps an attempt to also gain control of the seas?
Due to some turbulent times in parliament English research has lagged a bit. The time has come to correct this. To booster scientific research and innovation The British parliament has decided to invest more in education. To combat illiteracy a new campaign called "books for everyone!" has been started which will establish libraries in all the major cities.

[*]New Celtic settlements? Curiouser and curiouser...
In the Absence of king Absurd, the present leader of the Celts, Prime minister Sekong, decided to reinvigorate the Celtic nation with an expansion plan. Unsettled tracts have been colonized in great speed in the last few centuries. While the English are happy they're Celtic neighbors are prospering, they do find the location of some settlements: "are puzzling at best". Several cities have been established so close to each other that it makes no sense. While there are still prime spots of land available in Europe and at the outskirts which would make far more sense settle. The English hope that when king Absurd returns he also takes a look at the long term prospects of these cities and not only the short term.
[*]English complete survey of Africa, new challenge ahead
This week English navigators finally completed their survey of the African coast. Many Egyptian cities have discovered along the coastline which will make excellent locations for future trade. But for now these brave mariners can relax and enjoy the splendours of London. They won't rest long on their laurels though, as an even bigger challenge awaits them: Crossing the Atlantic!

[*]Shakespeare's Theater becomes London's new top attraction
If you ever plan to visit London there's one place you shouldn't miss for the world is Shakespeare's Theater. Since our national playwright made this his permanent acting spot the place has been continuously packed. Book in advance though, as the waiting list is almost 6 months! But the NET has acquired some top seats and has launched a special competition where you can win two front row seats!
All you have to is answer the following questions and send it to the usual address.

The questions are:
Where Shakespeare's theater located?
And, what is the official name?

Note: Employees of the NET are excluded from entering

English army being refitted
Thanks to our Celtic allies we finally have obtained the knowledge of making gunpowder. Army planners say this black and very explosive powder will totally revolutionize warfare. From official reports it's said that army units equipped with rifles are twice as effective in the field as present units for the same support costs. So the decision to upgrade our defense force was quickly passed in parlement.Older defense forces consisting mainly of phalanx and pikemen will be phased out and refitted to become musketeers in the coming years. In a way it's sad to see a part of martial culture disappear with all of it's different uniforms and banners .But we should look toward the future. Besides, our lads look splendid in their new royal uniforms.

[This message has been edited by CapTVK (edited February 23, 2001).]

cavebear · February 26, 2001, 20:20

Journal of the Amerigos, 1040 A.D., Head Librarian Report 1040-D

The researches of the Library staff have been fruitful, as always. In my own lifetime, I have seen the advancement of Science to an unimagined degree. The ancient art of Alchemy has grown into the modern structure now called Chemistry, the laboratories have developed separate disciplines of Physics and Metallurgy, and theoreticians have comeup with ideas to increase the value and understanding of money actions they call Economics.

From these and other discoveries, we now have brethren of a more practical kind, who put our learning into pragmatic effect. These new scholars, Engineers, are men and women who see structure where the Librarians see abstract knowledge. Their efforts are already making changes to the countryside, which I can see even from my window as I write.

Still, we cannot help but gaze in envy at the accomplishments of our neighbors; the Borg and the Horde. They manage to build things called "Wonders" at an astonishing rate, some of which we do not even understand yet but wich seem odd to us. We have to wonder what this "liberty" thing and why there is a statue for it. The King seems vaguely discomfited, but will not tell us why or what he knows of it. I have cautiously formed a secret committee to study this idea and learn what it is on my own. Perhaps I will be able to please the King by surprising him with the introduction of it on his birthday. As he rarely leaves the castle, and depends on me for his daily reports of the status of the Kingdom, this should not be a difficult plan.

The food production, a problem centuries old, has been solved by, of all things, an ancient technology only recently brought to our attention. Learning only now of the annual starvation of peasants in the countryside, we have arranged the construction of huge storehouses, called "Granaries" for the protection of the food supply from rodents and weather. Sometimes, I simply do not understand the working on the peasant mind. If they were having so much trouble with food why didn't they bring the matter to our attention earlier? And if they had no bread, had they no cake to eat in its place?

I am pleased to report that the caravel fleet sent out years ago has been reported intact by a passing vessal recently landing on our shores. We anxiously await hearing whether our finest silks and other goods are valued in far-off lands. The goods we received on the foreign vessal were a wonderful surprise to us, and the people of that city are thrilled with the new idea. Their happiness is good for both morale and productivity. We shall seek more of such trade, I think.

We shall, of course, seek the King's approval for these ventures, but the Royal Family does not seem to be as engaged in the daily operation of the Kingdom as they once were. Instead, they throw costly parties and use up the taxes at a fearsome rate. I only dare mention that in this journal knowing that it has been forgotten by the Royalty. It strikes me that He might not find such observations acceptable. In my heart, I wonder if there is not some other method, more practical and efficient, for managing the affairs of State.

War4ever · February 26, 2001, 20:56

The Horde Reports 1040 AD

Government Change...... Democracy

The enlightened Horde empire has discarded its ancient and archaic succession of kings in lieu of the peoples choice... Democracy! The streets were filled with celebrations like never seen before. Tourist came from abroad athough those with Celtic and English passports were escorted to the fringes of the empire and told not to return. Seems like bad apples try to ruin every good party..... they probably were going to spike the punch....

Technological Breakthroughs...... Explosives

Engineers have been busy connecting the last of our cities while completing construction of mines and bridges. Irrigation and terraforming are next to follow as the Horde prepares its cities for more growth and industrial power.

Diplomatic Relations...... New alliance with the Danann....

We are pleased to announce an alliance with the Danann... a tribe to the southwest of our nation and southwest of the Japanese. This alliance was made after the gifting of technology from our generous leader War4ever.

On a sour note..... the Celtic nation refuses to pay the reparations demanded by our glorious govt for their part in the Borg diplomat fiasco. This will not be forgotten and economic sanctions are still being sought after.

Trade ....... With the Borg

It would seem as if our allies the Borg are assimilating our many coffers of trade goods. This benefits both powerhouses and makes our unity that much stronger. We wish Locutus of Borg the best of course.