The History of the World V . . . .

OzzyKP · March 13, 2006, 21:18

An Open Letter to All Nations

I, King Janaka, send warm greetings to all the civilized peoples of Terra. It is with a joyous heart that I announce to the world that my beautiful daughter, Princess Sita, will soon come of age and is in need of a husband.

India seeks to strengthen our diplomatic relationship with another worthy kingdom through the blood union of our families with my dauther Sita. In addition to being the fairest on our mighty continent, Sita is quite learned, having studied under the great Yajnavalkya himself, and will make a spectacular queen.

Sita has always been the favorite of my daughters, and as I care about her deeply I intend to find the best suitor possible for her. It is for this reason I am announcing a grand competition among all interested suitors from around the world for the hand of my fair Sita.

Only the strongest and most fair-minded man will be selected. This is your official invitation to send your sons to Delhi on the day of Sita's 16th birthday, which is also the summer equinox.

Please RSVP immediately if you are interested in competing for her hand in marriage.

A picture is enclosed.

condor223 · March 14, 2006, 19:19

OOOOOoooooooooooooo !!!!!!!! Nice...
About my eldest son.... I shall send him, but perhaps he will bring extra horses as a wedding gift.

However she might make a queen for ME!

It would be a long road to bring a wedding gift.. but she IS a delightful match.

KunojiLym · March 14, 2006, 21:28

It is with a heavy heart that I put these words to parchment. But such must be done, if we are to avoid the mistakes that had carried us to this point.

It all started five seasons ago, when we all first heard of the ailing health of the Tsar. To be honest, it started much earlier than that, but five seasons ago is perhaps the best place to start this tale. For it was then that this fateful and wasteful struggle for supremancy became overt, which such tragic consequences.

I will get to the point. Rudolf was the heir apparent to the throne, but the Tsar had never formally endorsed him as such. Furthermore, he was idle, having spent much time in intense study of the One True God. As such, the council of elders, those most responsible in the business of selecting a new Tsar, were divided for the first time in known history.

Into this void, stepped Victor. His ambition and distrust for all things foreign knew no bounds. The fact that he commanded the 3rd Imperial Axemen, stationed just on the outskirts of Moscow herself, was certainly a motivating factor, I feel, for him to feel confident enough to depose of Rudolf, right under the nose of our Tsar. Of course, there was, and there will never be, any direct evidence linking Rudolf to the gruesome murder. Anasthesia, instead, was implicated. I suspect that she was framed by Rudolf, as the uproar that ensued the murder was greater than even I had anticipated. It does not matter now, for she has since vanished from the face of the earth. Where the she-devil is, I know not, but I fear that she may yet return to haunt us. In the meantime, I pray that Rudolf is happy where he is, in that heaven of his.

But I am rambling. With the death of Rudolf, the Tsar's already frail health took a blow from which, in the span of three days, resulted in his passage from this world. The council of elders shut themselves up for a week. We all expected that Victor would become the Tsar, by hook or by crook. We were determined to prevent that from happening.

What happened next... Suffice it to say that it was bloody. Very much so. I myself do not know if my hands will ever be clean after what I have done. But it was for the good of Russia, to preserve the legacy that our forefathers had left us. As Rudolf's Axemen approached the palace, a group of us overwhelmed and slew him, just after he himself had slew the council. After that, much fighting broke out among us. I will only direct my readers to the official records of the imperial scribe for details of this most bloody of wars.

Now, here I am. All who had opposed me are dead. But now I am alone. The people are uncertain and fearful, and indeed, I cannot blame them for that. All I can do now, as heir to the legacy of Ivan II, is to restore to Mother Russia the splendor and greatness that lately had been so bitterly tarnished.

Let this be a record, and a solemn reminder to all who would follow in my footsteps. There can never again be any doubt as to who is the next in line of succession. In the past, it was the council, the lately departed council, that performed that function. Now, I, the Tsar of all Russia, will take up that awesome task. Let those with boundless ambition beware, for ambition so unlimited, and so blinkered, can only lead to ruin.

Nicholas I
Tsar of Mother Russia

OzzyKP · March 14, 2006, 22:35

Open Letter to All Nations -

An appropriate contest of wits and battle might has been set up for all potential suitors of Sita. All men interested in competing will travel to the jungles of NYRA outside of Delhi to do battle with the ancient Hindu spirits that live there. The most successful warrior will win the lovely Sita's hand in marriage.

These spirits (ghosts if you will) inhabit a region of the jungle so overgrown with trees and vegitation it is a maze. The men will run through this maze doing battle with the spirits, and the most successful will win the competition.

Please contact me personally for directions to the NYRA jungle and how the competition will opperate (OCC - Yes it is a REAL competition).

All suitors will have until 5 pm EST on Thursday to prove their mettle before the contest is over. At that time I shall award the victor.

I thank all for your interest. May this yield a great and worthy husband for my darling daughter and many years of peace and close relations between our two kingdoms.

-King Janaka

The Capo · March 15, 2006, 13:08

Rodrigo awoke violently clutching his temples, his head rang horribly, as he buried his head between his knees. He had no idea where he was nor did he care. Khalid dumped a bucket of water on his head, and kicked him to the ground. The cave was very dark, and only one torch provided enough light for Rodrigo to see he was surrounded by Andalusian warriors.

"You are in the forests south of Seville." Khalid said to him, crouching next to Rodrigo "You're safe, don't worry."

Khalid helped Rodrigo up. "What is this about?" Rodrigo asked.

"You seem pretty well, considering we killed your father." Khalid mentioned.

"He wasn't my father." Rodrigo said broodingly.

"Regardless, your master, doesn't matter." Khalid explained "We as you may already be aware, are enemies of King Bainor de Castilla, and thus enemies of Spain." he helped Rodrigo to his feet and handed him a goblet of water, which he quickly gulped down.

"The only reason you are alive right now is because of your fighting abilities, otherwise I would have killed you when I had the chance. The men you killed are former members of Rahman's royal guard. You may not realize it now, but it was an amazing feat of skills." Khalid held out his hand "And I must commend you... Al-Sayyid (El Cid)."

Rodrigo suspiciously shook his hand "Al-Sayyid (El Cid)?" he asked Khalid, he didn't know Andalusian.

"It means you are a great warrior." Khalid laughed, "We wish for you to join our ranks, King Bainor is a terrible man. He wishes for nothing but power. The kingdom of Leon was invented merely to support his will, we are making attempts to reach Prince Dodabella of Aragon to get his support, but doing so would put him in jeopardy. We need someone who, well, looks like you to go in there and get the king's support."

Rodrigo was confused "You want me to go to the King of Aragon and ask him to openly rebel against the King of Castille and more importantly Spain?"

"Precisely." Khalid answered with a smile, Rodrigo wanted to leave and go about his life, but he realized that he couldn't; what was he supposed to do?

"Why would the King of Aragon go against the King of Castille, they've been in a state of peace for years, why would they risk it now?" Rodrigo asked.

"Clearly you know nothing of the situation, Dodabella hates Bainor, he is reluctantly at peace. If we can get our soldiers close enough to Madrid and muster the Aragonese we can end Bainor's rule once and for all." Khalid explained...

Meanwhile in Madrid...

"Those bastards!" Bainor exclaimed at Juan Luis Olivares, his head minister of foreign relations "I can't believe they did this!"

"Sire, it had to be expected, we rushed the Leon plans. There were hardly enough soldiers to ensure the safety of Fiador. Besides, he was a puppet, a new puppet can be easily found." Olivares explained.

"This is bad timing Juan, we've already sent a small army to England because of the Mongolian situation and now this comes up." Bainor complained.

"Sire, it is fine. Our empire flourishes! The roads around Madrid are almost complete, including our roads connecting Leon and Aragon as well. The Kingdoms of Spain are stronger than they ever have been. Our staunch opposition to Mongolian expansion into England has gone well internationally, believe me, things aren't as awful as they seem."

"I understand that. But the reality of the situation, Juan, is that I have to maintain power here. And I can't do that with a bunch of Andalusians running around in the forests stirring up trouble, and now that Dodabella is in charge in Aragon who knows how long it will take for these pathetic rabble to get his support." Bainor poured himself some wine "Alright, I have a plan, we have to marry my daughter Evita to Dodabella. This way his son, considering they have one, will be next in line for the throne and he will have no trouble keeping his troops at bay, meanwhile we crush the rebels in the forests before they can reach Spanish territory. Warn the Chinese and Russians too, maybe we'll get lucky and they'll be caught."

Olivares realized that this King was on his last legs, he had made too many enemies and not enough allies "Sire, perhaps the time has come to consider sharing power with Aragon." Bainor turned his head slowly towards Olivares, who became nervous "I mean, Dodabella is already married with a daughter Elena who may potentially marry the Chinese Prince, potentially."

The King slammed his fist upon the table, breaking the skin on his knuckles "You bring me Dodabella at once!"

"Yes Sire." Olivares responded...

Years Later...

In the years since Leon was established by Bainor many things had occured. A new religion was founded; Confucianism, tensions between Mongolia and England increased leading to the prescence of Spanish troops as well as multiple solutions to the problem, and the Andalusian armies under Rodrigo, now known as El Cid gained two amazing victories over the royal army in the forests around Seville. The King's clutch over power only increased, however, when he convinced Dodabella to leave his wife in exchange for Bainor's daughter Evita of Castille.

Despite this the legend of El Cid reached Madrid and children of Spain sang his praises, much to Bainor's displeasure. The time soon came where the Spanish started called El Cid "El Campeador," for his mastery on the battlefield. Despite the legend surrounding the great Spanish warrior the King refused to speak with him and went so far as to make him an enemy of the state. Regardless Rodrigo and Khalid's goal remained the same; get Aragonese support in dethroning King Bainor. Eventually this plan would hit a huge crossroads as tensions in England found their way to the west and a small issue between two small countries would become an even bigger one in a way that nobody could have predicted...

NEXT: El Cid, El Campeador, y El Rey (part III)

The Capo · March 15, 2006, 14:03

United Kingdoms of Spain - Foreign Ministry
To: Queen Elizabeth I of England
From: Minister Juan Luis Olivares

Subject: Tensions with Mongolia

The first thing I'd like to say on behalf of King Bainor de Castilla is that we appreciate the gratitude expressed by her majesty Queen Elizabeth I of England. King Bainor is happy that you have received our army with open arms, and laments our inability to send more soldiers to the region; we have some domestic issues that need resolution at the moment.

Firstly, we wish to express our intentions in the area; despite contentions made by any nation, but Russia specifically, to the contrary we have no aims towards maintaining a territorial nor military presence in the region what-so-ever. Our initial aim in sending that force to the area were merely exploratory, so the expedience in which Spanish soldiers arrived should not alarm you or any other nation in any way. If we were to accept the territory of Trufan it would be on a very temporary basis, and only to supplement our military prescence in the area, which again is solely there for the purpose of helping the English if in fact the Mongols have military aims towards England's territory.

Secondly, it has come to our attention that the Russian Empire has offered you some territory in their region, and while we concur with their belief that England should have more land we also believe that this is a foolhardy measure to give away territory that Russia has no control over. The main reason this is an issue is the simple fact that this land is right next to Spain, and is territory Spain has intented on settling and is in fact making moves to expand into. So in our minds, the Russians have no business promising such land to you, or getting your hopes up for such land either. I hope England agrees with this position, for it is one that King Bainor refuses to budge on.

Again, you have our full military and political support to stopping the Mongolian threat and expanding the territory of England so they can be a viable competitor on the world's stage. If there are any further worries on the part of the English feel free to contact the Spanish Foreign Ministry, and it's chief advisor Juan Luis Olivares.

Thank you,

Juan Luis Olivares

This message has been related with the full authorization of his majesty Bainor King of Castille, Prefect of Madrid, and King of the United Kingdoms of Spain.

Robert Plomp · March 16, 2006, 04:34

Hail King Janaka,

Never before have the Americans seen a woman that beautifull as your daughter Sita!
Unfortunately I do not have a son who's older then 3 years.
I will agree with a mariage between my son and Sita anyway, though I'm sure that you'll understand that Sita must live in Robingthon from the mariage day on.
My son will be the next ruler of our kingdom and can therefor not leave our country.

Since Robingthon is not that far away from the indian territories, I'm sure that this will not be a problem for you. You are allowed to visit your daughter as oftenly as you wish! We can drink some thea in my humble palace, and strengthen our relations.

I'm sure that you agree that there's no need for my son to compete against other contesters, since the relations between India and America are very good.
Plus that you don't have to fear that your daughter will lose her virginity any time soon, since my son is absolutely not capable to perform such a task. I'm sure that'll please you as a father!

If you wish to not accept these terms, I want to warn you as a good friend and neighbour. Don't give your daughter to the russians! Word has been spread that they sacrifice beautifull women and eat their flesh!

Robert LXVII of the Americans

OzzyKP · March 16, 2006, 09:22

Dear Robert LXVII,

We appreciate the offer, however it is with much regret that we must inform you that the rules of this contest are firm and cannot be negotiated. Either send a man from your royal house to participate in the competition or Sita will marry another. She is not interested in changing her husband's diaper.

As for the Russians, I shall look into the matter of their performing human sacrifices. As for eating beautiful women, you may be surprized to know that this is a readily accepted practice here in India as well. As a sign of our enduring friendship, if you like I can travel to Robingthon and demonstrate with your beautiful American women the proper technique for eating them out. I'm sure your women would be very pleased for us to share this knowledge with your people. I would do it as a favor to the great Robert.

-King Janaka

KunojiLym · March 16, 2006, 10:42

To Robert LXVII of America,

I find myself appalled to find our erstwhile brothers in faith accusing us of such barbarous activities as eating our womenfolk. While it is true that there has been much turmoil in Mother Russia which has only lately been quelled, I am sure that your priests can attest to the fact that we do no such thing. I am dismayed that the leader of a great nation such as America can bring himself to believe in such groundless rumors.

I will therefore kindly request that America withdraws such a shamefaced accusation, and apologize presently, for the honor of the Russian people. I am sure that such an act will clear up any misunderstanding that might otherwise emerge.

Nicholas I
Tsar of Mother Russia

Robert Plomp · March 16, 2006, 12:19

Hail Nicholas, Tsar of the Russians,

You will be pleased to hear that those who have spread lies about the russians have been executed!
They shall not spread more lies about the Russians.

Hail Janaka, King of the Indians,

You are very welcome to show the technique of the woman eating overhere in Robingthon.
While you are here you can look for proper men to marry your beautifull daughter yourself!

It's a pitty that Nicholas has chickened out of the women eating! Otherwise I would surely have invited him as well for this party!

I wish you a very good journey!

Robert LXXVII
Ruler of the Americans

The Capo · March 16, 2006, 23:39

Sorry double post.

The Capo · March 16, 2006, 23:39

El Cid quickly halted his soldiers as he noticed a slew of dead bodies strewn about an upcoming creek, "Stay with the army Khalid, I'll go look into this." the young warrior said as he pushed the brush from his face. They were mere miles away from the Ebro river valley, which they would follow to Madrid and set up camp.

The bodies were cleary foreign, and all of them were dressed the same, like soldiers, but one. He was ornately decorated with a grand head-dress. El Cid couldn't tell exactly what tragic end had come to these men, but they were ripped apart limb from limb, there was hardly a stench so he assumed whoever, or whatever, attacked these men was still lurking close by. "Khalid, you had better come quickly, I have never seen such carnage!" Rodrigo (El Cid) yelled. Khalid quickly came running.

"What is the matter Sayyid?" he asked, holding his hand on his sword.

"It looks like bears, or lions." El Cid replied lifting one of the dead soldier's legs.

"This is strange, its a small garrison of Incan Quecha warriors, but I don't understand, there is hardly enough men here to constitute a proper army, and as far as I know there are no Incan settlements nearby. They're quite far from their territory." Khalid looked around "That's a nobleman." he said as his eyes grew larger.

El Cid looked around as Khalid took a closer look at the nobleman, El Cid noticed a peice of paper on the ground and picked it up "Hey Khalid, I found something, here do you know how to read Incan?"

Khalid took it and looked it over "No not at all, but luckily for us this is in Indian, there is a contest in the forests of Naira I believe, these men were coming to compete for princess Sita's hand. It was an open contest for noblemen the world over."

"Well what happened to these men?"

"I don't know Sayyid, the letter says they were headed to fight evil spirits in the forests of Naira, I don't even know where that is." He handed the letter to El Cid, who shrugged his shoulders.

"What am I going to do with that?" he asked Khalid.

"I guess nothing, the competition was supposed to go on today, from the looks of things these guys lost."

"Alright, this place doesn't have a positive aura, we should head to Spain. C'mon, summon the army, we can't waste our time here in the forests." El Cid said, Khalid agreed and the two returned to the army...

Ten Miles West of Trufan...

General Mendoza stroked his beard as he surveyed his army, it was small, too small. He again looked over the exact same letter which held the exact same information; it would be a few years before re-enforcements came, how could he possibly hold a Mongolian invasion at bay with such a small army. "I told you General, we just don't have the means right now for an invasion." He said to his counterpart General Manning (remember him Deity?) of the English.

"General Mendoza, with all due respect your king offered full military support, and you are telling me that this support consists of a few small bands of warriors?" the Englishman said unimpressed.

"Well, with all due respect to YOU General Manning, maybe your so called army shouldn't rely on charity." the tensions were mounting, but both men were under a lot of pressure. On one hand General Mendoza was little more than an explorer, he had no clue when he left Madrid that he would wind up on the brink of war so far from Spain, let alone this ill-prepared and with a ridiculous mandate from King Bainor, and for his part General Manning had been given the task of saving England from the Mongols through hand-outs, but wasn't allowed to look weak to the Spanish. It was a difficult situation to say the least, and neither man was willing to admit to their faults.

"These petty squabbles are useless, has Spain had any luck contacting the Mongols?" Manning asked, he already knew the answer.

"No." General Mendoza said, again, he only wished he had recieved some help from his King "None what-so-ever."

"Well" Manning said, he had a thing for saying 'well' when he had nothing else to say, he sat and pondered for a couple of seconds then said "I guess for now we wait, we should let our men get to know eachother here at the camp, hopefully they'll fight stronger if they at least have some respect for one another, and besides, this gives us a chance to bring you to London for some proper English tea..."

Wildwaldt Forests, North of America...

"Are you serious Minolo?" Pedro asked as he snatched the map from his fellow scout "Give me that thing!"

They had been lost in the forests for what seemed like days and had not seen the plains they had to cross to reach Russia, first stop on their way to Trufan "The damn forest is so thick I can't tell which way is north, I think we're going to wrong way, leave things up to an Aragonese man and look what happens." Pedro said to Minolo, the two scouts were new soldiers and between the two had no clue where they were, why there were there, or where they were going.

"You take that back you son of a *****!" Minolo said, pushing Pedro to the ground.

"Both you stop now!" General Cadrez said "I'm tired of walking through this f*cking jungle!" he lifted Pedro up, looking around "Obviously the two of you have no idea what we're doing, do you realize if we don't get there in time Mendoza will be outnumbered and outclassed by the Mongols, which is embarassing enough, let alone showing up late with you idiots at my side."

The general looked around, "alright, we are heading south right now. We should be headed north-east, I can't believe I let this happen." he said shaking his head "You're both going to be flogged tomorrow morning, bright and f*cking early, now come on, we have to make time quickly." he threw the map on the ground "One of you numbskulls find a river that flows north, if we're late it could mean Mendoza's death."

NEXT: El Cid, El Campeador, y El Rey (Part III, I swear!)

OzzyKP · March 17, 2006, 00:00

The Great Swayamvara & the Nicoyana

The story of the great swayamvara of Sita is one of the most epic stories ever told in India. For time immemorial this grand tale will be repeated and studied. Intertwined with history and myth, this heroic epic has no equal.

It began innocent enough, King Janaka send forth riders to all corners of Terra to spread the word of his daughter Sita's coming of age and to solicit suitors to compete for her hand in marriage. Many brave men came from many lands. Not all knowing quite what laid in store for them. Yet they could not resist the beauty of Princess Sita. Nor could they resist the promise of a long lasting alliance with the great kingdom of India.

Five days before Sita's 16th birthday King Janaka gathered together the assembled men outside the entrance to the Naira jungle and explained the task they must complete. The jungle was the home to evil spirits calledRakshasa. Many Rakshasa were particularly wicked humans in previous incarnations. Their fingernails are poisonous, and they feed on human flesh and spoiled food. They are shapechangers and magicians, and often appear in the forms of humans, dogs, and large birds.

The Rakshasas were a great disturbance to the lands of King Janaka, and were notorious for disturbing sacrifices, desecrating graves, harassing priests, possessing human beings, and so on. Only by cleansing the jungle of their evil presence and bring back the head of their king, Ravana, will one of the contenders win the hand of Sita.

Fighting the Rakshasas would be no easy task, and far more daunting is doing battle with the great Ravana. After a penance of 10,000 years, endeavoring to please Lord Brahma. Brahma tells Ravana that he cannot grant him the immortality he desires, for none of the created are immortal. But Ravana obtains invulnerability against Devas (divinities), Asuras (enemies of the Devas), Rakshasas (demons), Gandharvas (celestial musicians), Yakshas (demigods), and other celestial and magical beings. He is a fearsome creature and conquerer of the celestial plain.

Hearing of the terrible demons awaiting them, some of the assembled men fled in terror. Many however remained, for according to legend, in his arrogance Ravana forgot to ask for protection from man. Among those courageous men who remained to face the demons were King Nicholas (translated as Rama in Hindi) of Russia and Prince Sun Wukong (translated as Hanumana in Hindi), of China. These two, above all were the favorites to succeed this mighty challenge. There was another, a mighty champion of the Inca, who was rumored to be fearsome in battle yet was strangly absent that day despite a letter to the King promsing he'd attend. Many wondered of his fate.

The nervous warriors prepared for the contest with many Hindu rituals preparing them for battle. After much prayer and sacrifice the brave assembled men were ready for the challenge that lay before them and courageously entered the dark jungle of Naira.

deity · March 17, 2006, 00:19

Originally posted by OzzyKP
Dear Robert LXVII,

We appreciate the offer, however it is with much regret that we must inform you that the rules of this contest are firm and cannot be negotiated. Either send a man from your royal house to participate in the competition or Sita will marry another. She is not interested in changing her husband's diaper.

As for the Russians, I shall look into the matter of their performing human sacrifices. As for eating beautiful women, you may be surprized to know that this is a readily accepted practice here in India as well. As a sign of our enduring friendship, if you like I can travel to Robingthon and demonstrate with your beautiful American women the proper technique for eating them out. I'm sure your women would be very pleased for us to share this knowledge with your people. I would do it as a favor to the great Robert.

-King Janaka

Elizabeth was beside herself with laughter!

Maybe this Indian king was not so bad after all

Hmmm... she strolled casually through her private courtyard, shedding garments gracefully, to her favourite spa... The royal felines paraded themselves...

deity · March 17, 2006, 02:04

Originally posted by The Capo

Ten Miles West of Turfan...

General Mendoza stroked his beard as he surveyed his army, it was small, too small. He again looked over the exact same letter which held the exact same information; it would be a few years before re-enforcements came, how could he possibly hold a Mongolian invasion at bay with such a small army. "I told you General, we just don't have the means right now for an invasion." He said to his counterpart General Manning of the English.

"General Mendoza, with all due respect your king offered full military support, and you are telling me that this support consists of a few small bands of warriors?" the Englishman said unimpressed.

"Well, with all due respect to YOU General Manning, maybe your so called army shouldn't rely on charity." the tensions were mounting, but both men were under a lot of pressure. On one hand General Mendoza was little more than an explorer, he had no clue when he left Madrid that he would wind up on the brink of war so far from Spain, let alone this ill-prepared and with a ridiculous mandate from King Bainor, and for his part General Manning had been given the task of saving England from the Mongols through hand-outs, but wasn't allowed to look weak to the Spanish. It was a difficult situation to say the least, and neither man was willing to admit to their faults.

"These petty squabbles are useless, has Spain had any luck contacting the Mongols?" Manning asked, he already knew the answer.

"No." General Mendoza said, again, he only wished he had recieved some help from his King "None what-so-ever."

"Well" Manning said, he had a thing for saying 'well' when he had nothing else to say, he sat and pondered for a couple of seconds then said "I guess for now we wait, we should let our men get to know eachother here at the camp, hopefully they'll fight stronger if they at least have some respect for one another, and besides, this gives us a chance to bring you to London for some proper English tea..."

Well, General Manning of the English, of direct Deitian lineage, was English through and through - an intrepid explorer and great potential leader wherever he surfaced.

A man of peace and goodwill he felt comfortable with Mendoza. Although militarily weak at the moment he always, through all of time, managed to muster mighty armies that did bring planetory peace. Peace through strength. He whispered to Mendoza a secret that would only be revealed in the fullness of time.

Mendoza smiled. "Excellent. Through such means I'm sure we'll defeat the Mongols. I'll transmit this to Bainor. He must surely act swiftly."

"Come, Elizabeth awaits us. The Mongols will not yet invade; and English pussies await you." Manning smirked.

OzzyKP · March 17, 2006, 11:14

DAY 1 - 2

Nicholas, a born leader, quickly gathered all the men together. He convinced them that they would be far more successful if they stuck together and worked as a team, an army, to defeat the Rakshasa.

There was much disagreement however, including those who accused Nicholas of merely wanting to use them so he could claim the prize himself. It was known that while Nicholas was a mighty fighter, his true talent came in his intellect and creativity, lacking the physical prowess of some of the other gathered warriors. In the end however he was able to convince them all to join together with him and pursue this task jointly.

They marched for an entire day through the jungle, and an entire day the following day, unsuccessfully searching for a sign of this empire of Rakshasa. Not a single one had been found. At night of the second day as they made camp, there was a tenseness in the air. All knew that there was much distrust among the gathered warriors, and unease with the appearant failure of Nicholas' plan.

The American warrior, Sam Houston, was the first to speak, "This is madness" he exclaimed as he threw a rock into the fire, sending up sparks. "The Rakshasa are scared off by this army of ours. They will never come within half a mile of us as long as we travel in such a conspicuous way. The only way to draw them out is to split up."

"And simply allow these beasts to pick us off one by one?" asked Nicholas, "We are not strong enough to face them alone."

"Perhaps you aren't, but by golly I'm ready for a fight. Just because you are afraid you can't talk yourself out of their clutches doesn't mean you should hold us back, boy." said Houston in his American drawl.

No sooner did he finish that sentence then Houston found his hat pinned to the tree behind him with an arrow stuck through it. While Nicholas was not a master at hand-to-hand combat he was an expert marskman and a deadly archer.

"I will thank you not to speak to me in such a manner in my own camp." said Nicholas. "But look at us... fighting amongst ourselves. I have known far more infighting than any man should bear, please let us end it now. The only way we will succeed is if we work together."

"I do not intend to fight you, boy, but I do not intend to follow you aimlessly through the jungle." With that, Houston gathered his gear and began to walk to the forest's edge. "If you wish to shoot me in the back, so be it, but I will not stay a moment longer with this doomed plan. Sita will be mine and mine alone. If the rest of you are wise, you should think of yourselves. To hell with this noble fool and his notions of teamwork. What use is teamwork anyways? Does he intend us to share Sita? Hahaha."

With that the American walked into the darkness. Convinced by his words, the other warriors gathered their gear and set out into the forest on their own. Nicholas watched them walk away one by one in silence.

The last to leave was Sun Wukong, who turned to Nicholas and patted him on the shoulder as he left, "I'm sorry friend, this is the only way. We make too much noise traveling together and scare off the demons. I wish you much luck."

And with that Nicholas was alone.

OzzyKP · March 17, 2006, 12:56

DAY 3 - 4

"Finally the freedom of the hunt," he thought. "No more taking orders from that damn Russian blowhard. I will be the one to win the hand of Sita. And with the support of King Janaka I can overthrow that fool Robert and claim the throne of America myself."

Just then he heard a russle of leaves behind him. Houston spun around just in time to hear Nicholas call out to him.

"What the hell do you want, boy? Why are you following me?" said Houston, holding up his axe suspiciously.

"I just came to apologize for how things went down last time. You are absolutely right that we will never find the Rakshasa traveling together like we were. But being alone, they just may make themselves apparent to us. To make it up to you, I offer you a gift, please allow me to give it to you before we part ways once and for all," said Nick, walking slowly towards Houston.

"Ah, a gift? Much obliged. Let me see what you've got for me."

As the two met, Nicholas said, "I think you will be quite surprized by what I have to offer..." with that he quickly unsheathed his sword and ran it through Houston's gut.

"Quite surprized indeed...haha."

In Another Part of the Jungle

Nicholas moved cautiously through the undergrowth. "Fools," he thought, "They will be murdered one by one by these deceptive demons. I tried to help them, but they have turned away from me. If only there were something more I could do..."

Just then he heard a noise behind him. Spinning around with his arrow already drawn he sees the person of Sam Houston but 50 yards off. Smiling, Houston greets him, "Ah say boy, I'm sorry about how things went down last night. You were right, it is much smarter for us to stick together. These Rakshasa are too clever to face alone."

"That's one hell of a change of heart Sam, what made you change your mind?"

"I just realized I was being selfish. You were right. I was a fool for not trusting in you. Here, let me make it up for you, I've got a gift," said Houston, smiling and starting to walk towards Nicholas.

"Don't move a muscle. Or I shoot you dead. The Houston I know would never say such words. This must be a Rakshasa trick. Back away now or you die."

"No friend, it is you who will die for invading our sacred jungle. You will never escape here alive." And before Nick's eyes the man standing before him changed into a large bird and began to fly away. Nicholas was too fast for it, and shot it dead with a single arrow.

Half

a dozen other large birds decended on him from above. Five of them he shot before they reached the ground. The last however reached him and transformed into its true form. Drawing his spear quickly, Nicholas did battle with the forest demon.

The Rakshasa fought hard but was slain by Nicholas.

"And that," he said to himself, "is why we should have stayed together. Or these shapeshifters will trick us all by taking on familiar forms to get close to us. This has just begun, may God protect the others."

The third day was long and bloody. With enemies waiting behind every tree, Nicholas had to be on guard constantly. He was smart enough to see through the ruse of all the creatures that presented themselves to him, and strong enough to slay them all. It was a difficult battle, and he was getting no closer to finding Ravana.

Knowing he would not be safe to sleep, Nicholas continued on, fighting both day and night. Hundreds of Rakshasa fell to his sword and bow. But he was getting tired...

Finally at midday of the fourth day his luck ran out. The Rakshasa, guided by their skilled commander, Prahasta, set a trap for him. Chasing one of the demons in bird form, Nicholas failed to notice the covered pit ahead and stumbled in. Dozens of demons closed in on him, but to his surprize, didn't kill him. Instead he was bound, knocked unconscious and carried away to their camp.

At Prahasta's Camp

Nicholas awoke in a cage at the demon's camp. He looked around at his captors and saw creatures of all shapes and sizes. Some of them disgusted the eye, while some were beautiful to look upon. Some had long arms and frightful shapes; some were very fat and some were very lean; some were mere dwarfs and some were prodigiously tall. Some had only one eye and others only one ear. Some had monstrous bellies, hanging breasts, long projecting teeth, and crooked thighs; whilst others were exceedingly beautiful to behold and clothed in great splendor.

He did not see any human warriors from the contest, but while still in a daze when he was first brought in, he swears he heard human sounding screams from elsewhere in the camp.

Soon Prahasta, their commander, and servant of Ravana, came to speak with him. "King Janaka was a fool to think you humans could hope to challenge us. The men he sent are all dead. And soon you will join them."

"Why did you capture me? Why not kill me when you first found me? And who was it I heard screaming earlier?..."

"You and the slit-eyed man with a monkey on his armor, have been captured and brought here to be tortured before you die. You both killed many of our soldiers and deserve a punishment worse than death for your transgressions. Before we are finished you will beg us for death, but you will not die. Not yet at least," said Prahasta coldly.

Glaring menacingly into his cage, Prahasta continues, "First you will be whipped. Guard, give this man 20 lashes."

The guards entered Nicholas' cell and tied him to the back and began striking him. The pain was terrible, and long scars took their place upon his back.

Prahasta stepped in close to him, and began to speak, "I must confess there is another reason I have taken you both alive. I wish to learn the location of King Janaka and Princess Sita. My King, Ravana has heard of your pathetic contest and has seen the beauty of Sita and wishes her for himself. Tell me where they are and I will show mercy and kill you quickly. Otherwise you will continue to be lashed."

Nicholas turned to Prahasta and spit in his face, "I will never talk, fiend."

"No matter, human. If you don't talk than the other will. Let me make a deal with you, to show I am a person of good will. The sooner you talk the easier it will be for you. If you talk and the one you call Sun Wukong refuses, then I will grant you a quick and merciful death. If he talks first and you continue to be obstanate, then you will receive 50 lashes."

"And if neither of us talk?"

"If neither of you talk then you will each receive 10 lashes and we try again. If you both talk then you each receive 20 lashes and we allow you to die. As you can see, telling us what we want to know is the easiest escape from this pain. What do you choose?"

"I will never tell you."

"So be it. Guards, lash this man...."

OzzyKP · March 17, 2006, 14:00

DAY 5

Nicholas and Sun Wukong were both men of impeccible honor. Neither had divulged the location of the King and the Princess. Yet by now, both were quite bloody. Not wishing to kill them yet, Prahasta allowed them some time to recover and build their strength before continuing.

On the morning of the 5th day of the Swayamvara Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, comes to visit Prahasta at the camp, "Why do you toy with them so? My brother already knows the location of Janaka and Sita and moves towards them now. Why continue with this cruel game?"

"Breaking their spirit is the worst torture of all. Whether we need the information or not is irrelevant, they must believe they have betrayed not only each other but the Indian king and the lovely Sita. Only then will their punishment be complete."

"Ah, but they don't talk do they? The honor of these two humans is the likes of which I have never seen. No matter the pain, they continue to stay silent and suffer rather than betray a friend. It is quite remarkable."

"Quite frustrating is what it is. But don't worry, all men break eventually. Their time will come."

At the camp of King Janaka

Pacing nervously in his tent, King Janaka confides in his wife, "What have I done? It is now the 5th day and not a single warrior has returned. I have sent all these young men to their deaths in a foolhardy Swayamvara. In the end not only will Sita not have a husband, but India may find herself at odds with all the kingdoms who sent their princes out to die in our jungles. This couldn't get any worse."

And just then, things got worse.

A loud clammor was heard outside, and one of the King's men rushed in the tent, "Sir! Terrible news! Princess Sita... she's... gone sir."

"Gone?!? What do you mean gone?"

"It happened too fast for any of us, it seems Ravana himself infiltrated our camp and kidnapped Sita."

"Kidnapped!! How did you not see him?"

"It seems he took another form, sir. Witnesses report seeing you enter the Princess' tent, then hearing a loud scream, and they both were gone. All that was left was this note."

Ravana's Note

King Janaka,

Your attempts to destroy me are pathetic. You send a few dozen brash fools to invade my lands seeking to marry your daughter. A cunning plot to be sure, let the others do your dirty work, but like your other foolish schemes this one has failed. You humans are a pathetic lot, and now you will pay for your misfortune.

I am quite frankly hurt I wasn't offered an opportunity to compete for your daughter. No matter, the letter you sent to the Inca was quite revealing, I especially liked the attached picture of your daughter. So much in fact I couldn't let a gem like her go free.

Therefore as per the rules of your competition, as the sole survivor of the battles in Naira, it is now the 5th day and I have come to claim my rightful prize. Don't worry, she will have a spectacular birthday.

- King Ravana

"Sire, your orders?"

Janaka's face was gray and bleak. All seemed lost, but he would fight for his daughter if it cost him his very life, and indeed his entire kingdom. Finally he turned to the soldier and said, "Ready your men, we march."

At the palace of King Ravana

Vibhishana arrived back at the palace just as his brother did. Seeing Sita held firm in one of his many arms, he asked Ravana, "What do you intend to do with her?"

"Brother, brother, brother, you have spent far too much time in meditation and prayer, if you can't guess what I would do with a beautiful woman like this."

"No, this time you go too far. Janaka mobilizes an army to destroy you. Release the girl and he may seek peace."

"Peace? Hah, that old fool sent forth men to destroy me a mere 5 days ago. It is he that has started these hostilities, I am entitled to my due rewards," said Ravana, eyeing Sita lecherously, "I have no worries from King Janaka, his pathetic band will not threaten me."

"And I am entitled to my conscionus. I will have no part of this." With that, Vibhishana left the palace.

OzzyKP · March 17, 2006, 14:45

Day 6 - Morning - Back At Prahasta's Camp

Approaching the camp, Vibhishana heard more screams. It seems the prisoner's day of rest was over and it was time to torture them again. As he suspected they still didn't talk, maintaining their honor no matter how painful, and ultimately pointless. He couldn't allow this to continue. He couldn't allow his brother's evil to continue. Even if it meant helping a human.

Turning himself into a small dog he secretly entered the camp. He waited until Prahasta left Nicholas alone for a moment while he turned his attention once more to Sun Wukong. At that moment he entered the cage and quietly began to nibble away at Nicholas' ropes. After he was freed, Vibhishana then dragged Nicholas' sword to the cage.

"Why are you doing this?" asked Nicholas.

"No time to talk, free your friend," replied Vibhishana, "Your bow is in the eastern most tent. First though, I will heal you."

With that, Nicholas was healed, and grasping his sword for the first time in two days, freed himself from his prison. Quietly making his way around the outside of the camp, avoiding detection and silently killing whatever guards he met along the way, Nicholas reached his bow and armor in the eastern most tent.

He strode confidently and quickly in the direction of Wukong's cell. His screams piercing the otherwise calmness of the jungle. Nicholas shot down all in his path before reaching Prahasta and his elite soldiers. With no hesitation Nicholas opened fire with a rapid volley of arrows on their position.

He felled a good number of them before they had time to react. Prahasta however deflected the arrows and drew his sword to face Nicholas, however he would never make it. Using the distraction, Vibhishana entered Wukong's cell and freed him, and healed him.

Picking up the whip which was just minutes ago used to torture him, Wukong lashed out at Prahasta, gripping his sword arm with the whip, and pulling him to the ground. Wukong was a feared soldier known throughout China and the world for his power in combat. However, he was not without honor, and allowed Prahasta to rise to his feet before squaring off with him.

The two fought with sword, whip, and shield. It was a ferocious combat, and is remembered always as second only to the battle that was yet to come. Ultimately though, Prahasta was no match for Sun Wukong. The Rakshasa warrior fell to his knees, injured and bloody, and defenseless.

Nicholas stepped in and urged Sun to show compassion, "Let the creature live, he can no longer hurt anyone." Wukong lowered his sword.

"You are wrong!" gasped Prahasta as he reached for his sword.

But before he could bring it to bear on the two surprized warriors, he was felled from behind by Vibhishana.

Looking up at him, still shaken, Wukong said "That's twice now you have saved us. Who are you and why do you betray your own kind?"

Vibhishana said, "I am Ravana's brother, but I do not betray him. It is he who has betrayed God, and I can no longer turn a blind eye to his evil. But we have no time to lose, Ravana has kidnapped Sita. I will lead you to the palace. Quickly, follow me. She needs your help."

OzzyKP · March 17, 2006, 17:01

Day 6 & 7, the Climax

Vibhishana led them forward to Ravana's fortress. Word had spread about their escape and the going was not without incident. Many Rakshasa attacked the three, but none survived.

By nightfall they arrived at the palace, a palace embroiled in an active siege. King Janaka's army had arrived earlier that day and laid siege to the castle walls. There were thousands and thousands of Rakshasas and the Indian army was taking heavy losses.

Nicholas and Sun Wukong rushed off to speak with Janaka. They were detained and after proving their true identity were allowed to speak with the King.

"King Nicholas, it is good to see you alive, and you Sun Wukong. Any word from the others?"

"It seems they have all perished sir, the Rakshasa are cunning demons."

"Yes, our forces are quickly finding that out. This battle is taking too long, I fear for my daughter's safety and...purity."

"With your leave sire, Sun and I wish to rescue her. Ravana's brother, Vibhishana has aided our escape and will show us a hidden passage into the palace. He has taught us Ravana's weaknesses, and has been a great asset to us."

"Wonderful news. I wish you all godspeed. Please find Sita and save her from that monster. I will continue to press the direct assault. Please hurry."

A Short Distance Away

"Here, this is the tunnel entrance that will take you right into the palace. Remember what I told you, and good luck. Save Sita, I couldn't bear for more innocent lives to be lost this day. I cannot follow you. Not only can I not fight my brother openly, but his immunity to all celestial creatures like myself, makes the idea impossible. You two are on your own now."

"Vibhishana, your conscious is clear. You have done an honorable thing today. You truly live in harmony with dharma, and I shall remember your devotion as long as I shall live."

King Nicholas of Russia and Sun Wukong of China boldly entered the tunnel that carried them to the palace and their destiny. They ran forward dispatching any guards they met along the way. They both worried for the fate of the Indian army amassed outside, but knew they must not fail in their rescue of the Princess.

The two great warriors raced through the palace until finally they heard Sita's screams. Following her voice they tracked down Ravana. In his natural form he was a terrifying, gruesome sight to behold. Ten heads and twenty arms. This would be the battle to end all battles.

After noticing his 'guests', Ravana locks up Sita and arms himself (har har, arms), ready to fight. Nicholas with his bow, and Sun Wukong with his sword the fight rages on for hours. They fight throughout the night and through the entire next day. The palace itself is shook by their epic battle.

Ravana has lost many arms, but he presses on. There seems to be no hope of victory for either side. They have fought each other to a standstill. Being righteous to a fault, Nicholas attempts to talk to Ravana, "This battle is pointless, simply release Sita and you will be forgiven."

"Never, I shall not surrender without being defeated first, human."

"Why must you be defeated in combat? Is not an intellectual contest worthy of settling this matter once and for all?"

"Haha, a creature with but one head challenges the great Ravana to an intellectual battle. What do you propose?"

"I propose a battle of wits, riddles to stump the other."

"Agreed. I shall go first. Until I am measured, I am not known, yet how you miss me when I have flown."

Nicholas thinks it over, and then answers, "Time. That was easy, my turn.. I never was, yet always will be. I am never seen, yet always come. I can carry nothing, yet hold much for some."

Ravana mulls this one over for quite some time, before with a chuckle, answering "Ah-ha, the answer is 'tomorrow'. Quite clever. Now, here is one for you, What goes on four legs in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs in the evening?"

"A man. Crawling as baby, walking upright in middleage, and using a cane in the twilight of his life."

"Damn... I suppose that is an acceptable answer. I would have also accepted a shapeshifting rakshasa. But good job, its your turn."

Alright, "As I was going to Maradhives, I met a man with seven wives, And every wife had seven sacks, And every sack had seven cats, And every cat had seven kits, Kits, cats, sacks, wives, How many were going to Maradhives?"

"Ah crap. Math. I hate math. Lets see... 7 wives, times 7 sacks, 7 cats, 7 kits... 7 times 7 times 7 times 7, hmm... fricken hell," Ravana gets out all 20 hands (including the lopped off ones on the floor) and starts counting and doing his figures on his many outstretched fingers, "49... and, uh... 343. Ok. Its.. its.. 2401."

"No. You are wrong. The answer is one. I started by saying 'As I was going to Maradhives.' So the answer is one. Hand over Sita."

Angered, Revana bellows menacingly "Noo! That was a trick! You cheated me, human. You will die!!" With that Revana lunged forward towards Nicholas. His sword however never reached its destination. Sun Wukong dove in front of Nicholas.

Nicholas cried out, "Noooooooo!", but was unable to act, as Ravana stabbed Wukong through the chest, a fatal blow.

With his dying words, Wukong called out, "Remember what Vibhishana told you. Remem...b..e..r.."

He is right, Vibhishana, said that Ravana had obtained amrit, the nectar of immortality, from the gods. Though he could not consume it, he nevertheless stored a vessel of it in his stomach. Destroying that would render him vulnerable. Now was his chance to strike, Ravana left himself open.

Nicholas quickly reached for an arrow and let it fly. It is a perfect shot, striking Ravana right in the gut, destroying his vessel of amrit, and at long last killing the mighty demon.

Nicholas stumbled over to Sita's cell and unlocked it, exhausted from everything, he collapsed into her arms. Looking up at her heavenly face, he asked, "Will you marry me?"

"Yes!"

With that he passed out.

KunojiLym · March 18, 2006, 06:57

The ceremony of marriage held in Moscow rivalled that held in Dehli as the most lavish celebration in the known world. People from all over the world came to gawk at the man who, it was rumored, slayed a full-fledged demon with naught but an arrow, and also at the legendary beauty of his new bride. For weeks afterwards, the streets of Mowcow were alight with color.

Tales of the Tsar's feat spread far and wide, all over Russia. Whereas archery had previously been a sport enjoyed only by the Imperial Court, it was not long before every man, woman and child, too, learned to pick up a bow. Furthermore, Sita's beauty awed and inspired many an aspiring talent, and it was not long before the clamour began in the great cities to erect a suitable mounment in her honor. But it was in matters of the faith where the Nicoyama had the most impact.

While the Imperial Court, seated in Moscow, remained firm believers in the sole existance of the 'One True God', the people of St Petersburg, that second light of the Russian nation, were soon singing the Nicoyama in the streets. The tales spread up the Ural River too, eventually making converts too of the people of Rostov, then a young and brash city. The former personal guards of Victor even named themselves the Ramayans, using the Tsar's Indian name, after they slayed a troop of barbarian axemen on the outskirts of India. However, their brashness was to prove their undoing, as they perished shortly thereafter in a futile assault on a set of entrenched barbarian warriors, upon a desert hill where the Indian city of Bangalore now stands.

This was but a taste of what was to come. The hordes came swiftly from the west, arrows and axes on the ready. The people of St Petersburg mustered every resource that they had to fend off the threat. That desperate war would later be forever known as the years when the mouth of the Muscovite River ran red with blood - the Leti Krobee, or Years of Blood. At the end of it, St Petersburg was a shadow of her former self, and the remaining troops blooded and half-dead. But the indomitable spirit of the Russians saw the city through those dark times, and within the span of a few decades, she was once again a leading light in Mother Russia.

To ward off the barbarian hordes, Tsar Nicholas established his own elite troop of axemen. Dubbed as Nicholas's Axes, they were sent first to India, and then to the easternmost reaches of the Russian nation. In the meantime, as tensions once again came to a boil in the east, the Russian expeditory force proved itself against the Mongol horde. In aid of the English, what will be later be known as the Impeskie Osi (Imperial Axes) routed the weary archers in Turfan, and then made its way towards the capital of the enemy.

As the rule of Nicholas the Great reached its twilight years, Mother Russia looked set to continue upon her path to destined greatness. The Tsar had already named his heir, and was now spending much time in grooming him for the throne. With a heir clearly named, the turmoil that characterized the years of internal conflict seemed but a distant memory.

OzzyKP · March 18, 2006, 08:34

FOURTH SESSION 480 BC

India(Gandhi) - OzzyKP
America(Washington) - CyberShy
Germany(Bismark) - AI
France(Louis XIV) - NPDragon
China(Qin Shi Huang) - condor223
Russia(Catherine) - KunojiLym
Spain(Isabella) - AI
England(Elizabeth) - Deity
Mongolia(Genghis) - AI
Inca(Huayna Capac) - NicodaMax