The History of the World V . . . .

[The Capo]

Civ4
Large Terra Map
Temperate
Normal Sea Level
Noble
Marathon Speed

OOC Set Up Thread:
http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=147258
OOC Set Up Thread 2:
http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=152181



FIRST SESSION 2965 BC

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


And just for reference cause I like to keep track of this stuff, traits by civ:

Organized - America
Creative - Russia, France
Spiritual - India, Spain
Industrious - France, India, China, Germany
Financial - America, China, Russia, England, Inca
Expansive - Mongolia, Spain, Germany
Aggressive - Mongolia, Inca
Philosophical - England

This is the story-line thread for the HOTWV Diplogame. Please only post if you are in the game.

Thanks.

[OzzyKP]

OCC - people not in the game can post if they are commenting on the stories and such. It is always nice to know if we've got an audience or not. Also, I'm gonna be lazy and repost my opening salvo from the failed Epic of Man game attempt:


This tale begins on a day like any other, the sun shone on the plants and the rocks and the wind licked mountains and rivers. It begins in a place like any other, the valleys, rivers, mountains and forests not unlike those on any of the many continents were you to suddenly awake displaced far from home. Yet it begins among a special people, a noble people. A people with a long history, a rich history...

"Rich history? I ain't seen a cent of those riches."
"haha me either!"
"All I've seen is an endless treasure of ****."

"Silence! Do not interrupt Rishi Vyasa you worthless Shudra! Know your place! - Continue wise sage."

This epic tale spans thousands of years and is the great story of India. Our lives are but a speck in this grand story of our people. Yet, this is not the first world, nor is it the first universe. There have been and will be many more worlds and universes than there are drops of water in the holy river Ganges. The universes are made by Lord Brahma the Creator, maintained by Lord Vishnu the Preserver and destroyed by Lord Shiva. Since the universes must be destroyed before they can be recreated, Lord Shiva is called the Destroyer and Re-creator. These three gods are all forms of Supreme One and part of the Supreme One. The Supreme One is behind and beyond all.

After each old universe is destroyed nothing is left but a vast ocean. Floating on this ocean, resting on the great snake Ananta, is Lord Vishnu. Some say that a lotus flower springs from his navel and from this comes Lord Brahma. And it is from Lord Brahma that all creation comes.
How dies Lord Brahma create? Some tell of how he grows lonely and splits himself in two to create male and female. Then he becomes one again and human beings are created. In the same way he creates all the other living things, from the great animals to the tiniest insects. Others say that everything comes from different parts of Lord Brahma's body. All the different animals and all the people come from his mouth, arms, thighs and feet. His mouth became the brahman; his two arms were made into the rajanya; his two thighs the vaishyas; from his two feet the shudra was born. Everything comes from one - Lord Brahma, who is part of the Supreme One - so everything is part of the Supreme One. For this universe, this world and this Lord Brahma, like all those before and all those to come, will be destroyed by Lord Shiva.

How long is the life of a universe? Its length is beyond imagination. One day to Lord Brahma is longer than four thousand million of the years that we know. Every night when Lord Brahma sleeps the world is destroyed. Every morning when he awakes it is created again. When the Lord Brahma of this universe has lived a lifetime of such days the universe is completely destroyed by Lord Shiva.

Everything disappears into the Supreme One. For an unimaginable period of time chaos and water alone exist. Then once again Lord Vishnu appears, floating on the vast ocean. From Lord Vishnu comes forth Lord Brahma of the new universe and the cycle continues for ever.

[LzPrst]

In the beginning there was chaos and naught. But then out of the great woodland hills came the mighty leader Lamwald, meaning Ruler of Land, and brought order. He organized his tribe and led them from the dark empty forests and barren hills of the east and settled in a fertile river valley to the west. Here they soon abandoned their hunter gatherer ways and became a permament settlement which its people named Berlin, The Bright Home, Home of the Teutons.

Despite their now agrarian lifestyle some of the Teuton people decided not to settle in the swiftly growing citytown and set forth to find new prey for their axes and new lands for their feet to tread. This small group of hunters styled themselves the Wanderers and left the safety of their new homeland for the dangerous unknown lands. They traveled for many years, one generation replacing the next, becoming hardier and more guileful for each refreshment of the bloodline. They discovered great places, the Thicktop Mountain, the twin peaks they named the Horns of Bismarck, the fertile river valley to their east and the great river Lebenselbe that ran through it.

It was on the banks of this river they came across the warrior explorers of America. At the very first sight the Americans acted with hostility and savagery, demanding tribute and threatening the scouting hunters with destruction. Unabashed by the blatant savagery the Wanderers quickly avoided their aggressive foes by taking a northeastern route into the fierce jungles of Wildwaldt. Standing upon a great hill overlooking the great bay they saw the home of the americans. Robington. Built upon the very beaches of a peninsula the city glowed like a sun-bleached bone. Quickly the scouts disappeared further into the jungle avoiding the ravaging warriors of america.

While the simpler folk of the tribe fought their way through the vast jungles a new threat emerged near Berlin. Another group of warriors approached the peaceful home of the Teutons. Despite their far superior strength these people, the French were a civilized and honorable race. They limited their aggression to stealing a few chickens and soon left the vicinity of Berlin.

Realizing the dangers they were in the people of Berlin trained their young to wield the club and fight. Under the new great leader, direct descendent of Lamwald himself, Conrad the Bold organized the defenders of Berlin. Never more would the Teuton people fear their neighbours.

After many years in the fiercest jungles of the northlands the wandering scouts of the Teutons found another race. The Indians. Not wishing to risk another conflict contact was sparse and the wanderers made their way to the edge of the jungle where they were attacked by a great Pride of Lions. Several hundred beasts charged upon them and many lost hope and fled to the jungle, never to be seen again. But there was one who would not fare silently into the night. Hardtman the Brave fought and killed no less than 7 lions with his own weapons and led the hunted to become victorious hunters. After the great battle he took the name Löwenmeister, meaning Lord of Lions and brought his people towards a safe haven. He settled upon the mouth of Lebenselbe and his people live there still, at the Camp of the Lion Lord.

----- Hear these tales as told by the ancestors of our people in the most ancient days.

[condor223]

I Ming Ti, awoke to see the sunrise over the river. The gods were good on the day we found this campsite. Here the river winds like a great dragon, our clan protector. Indeed it is auspicious to remain om this the Middle Land. We have the red sun, the good earth for finding food, great forests and hills. We have scouted the area and have found no other settlements. Eldest son has reported good land in every direction.

Barbarians or others shall not bother us. We will learn and grow in this magical place. We shall appease the evil spirits should they come.

Honorable Second Son has taken the assignment to scout for me, but First Wife is not happy about this, as she had a terrible dream, with dangerous monsters devouring Second Son. She asked the shaman to review this bad dream.

There came this year, several travelers, Spain, Germany, Mongolia and America. We shall see what these nations want from us. We have much land, but share it only with good neighbors!

First son brought us sad news and the body of Second Son for burial in this new land. They were together when a barbarian warrior took him by surprise. First Wife has become a demon in the household with screaming and crying. May the spirits of the dead have mercy on me! It is time to find a second wife.

For burial, First Wife has given her tiger amulet to guard him from the evil spirits. I, the leader, made provision for his travel with a dragon made from small shells. We also made offerings at the family altar.

Third son has become the family shaman who will keep our practices correct; he shall also keep the family chronicles. He wishes us to find horses so we can sacrifice them to our beloved dead.
----
Stepping out through the west-wall gate,
I gaze afar at peaks west of the city wall —
An unbroken barrier piling cliffs upon crags,
where the deep blues darken, and sink away.

Under morning frosts the maple leaves turn scarlet,
in the evening dusk mists grow shadowy.
As the season passes one's grief is not slight;
Sorrows come and memories weigh down.

The stray hen yearns for her former mate,
a lost bird longs for its old forest:
Choked by feeling, they still ache with love —
Then what of myself, deprived of my closest friends?

I rub the mirror where my black temples show flecks,
and pull at my belt, where once snug folds are slack.
"At peace with the order of things" — mere empty words.
Obscure and alone, I turn to my singing lute.

[OzzyKP]

Civ4
Large Terra Map
Temperate
Normal Sea Level
Noble
Marathon Speed

OOC Set Up Thread:
http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=147258
OOC Set Up Thread 2:
http://apolyton.net/forums/showthrea...hreadid=152181



FIRST SESSION 2965 BC

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


And just for reference cause I like to keep track of this stuff, traits by civ:

Organized - America
Creative - Russia, France
Spiritual - India, Spain
Industrious - France, India, China, Germany
Financial - America, China, Russia, England, Inca
Expansive - Mongolia, Spain, Germany
Aggressive - Mongolia, Inca
Philosophical - England


Save:

[Robert Plomp]

My name is Robert LXVII
I am the 67th ruler of the Americans. Like my fathers did before me, in the ages when my people were wandering nomads, and like my children will be in the long long future.
We, the Roberts, are noble for our people. We believe that we can live in peace when they are in peace with us. That's what my father told me. That's what I'll tell my son after me.

Our people came from the far northwest lands and traveled to the far south east. We kept wandering untill we found 'The Bay'. There we stayed and settled during the reign of my grantfather Robert LXV.
Now we found peace and rest our people could multiply. The bay gives a natural defense against the barbarian and the rice fields in the west give us enough food to live in ease.

It's not surprising that our village grew out into a city. The city got named after the famous and loved rulers of our nation. Robingthon.

We know that there are other people in our neighbourhood. The french to the south. We do not fear them for they are civilized.
The germans in the south-west. We do not fear their armies but we do fear their desire for expansion. We know that they want to settle between the slopes of Mount Martin and the Lengthy River.

The Lengthy River has been a natural border between America and Germany. We fear that they will not respect this border which may end the age of peace we're living in.

We are friends with the indians who live in the north east. They worship many gods who are not to be found in the trees and the bees. We do not understand them and their vague believe system. But we know that they are wise and noble and will respect our natural hunting territory in the north east between India and America.

The French are close to us. The villages near Robingthon are getting more and more impressed by the French culture. Stories tell us that some of them do prefer the french tongue above the american one.
We don't believe in such a nonsense.

We have lead our people for millenia and we will continue to lead them for the millenia to come.
We will protect them from enemies and we will lead them into a glorious future.
Things are good the way they are. Things should stay this way forever. Death to those who'll change the way we live our life. The American Way.


popular american song sung by the american childs

From where the lengthy river sings
and the Martin Mountains dance
To where the wave of the Great Sea rings
and the gold in our rice fields glance
We will live in joy and freedom
We will rejoy! Come what may!
We will be friends with whomever may come!
And live in peace our American Way!

[KunojiLym]

We of Mother Russia are a generous people. We can afford to be thus, for the spirits have so blessed us.

The Muscovite River is but one example. At its head is the wellspring from whence our culture springs forth, as vodka warms the blood. Moscow. A greater city than this, we have yet to hear.

The Ural River, west of Moscow, serves as a second example. For at its head far to the south, in lush, wonderous vegetation, resides the Indians -- the strangest, and most intriguing people that we have thus far encountered. When first our emissaries sighted Dehli, they too believed in the spirits of the lands. But now they profess enlightnment, and talk of a whole pantheon of deities in the skies above. Our emmisaries express bafflement at this strange change of heart. But our wise and benelovant tsar has thusly decreed that, as the source of the river Ural, the Indians are a people that have the blessings of the spirits, whether or not they do indeed believe in this Vishnu and Shiva and these countless others. In his generosity, our tsar hath laid the groundwork for future peace and prosperity between our people.

More worrisome are the people who hail from the east. The English, the Incans, the Mongols. Their motives are unclear, and their emissaries wary. The French, Americans and Germans seem more friendly, but as our scouts report, there seems to be much tension between.

To the far west, our scouts have encountered the Chinese, and beheld a marvelous sight of vast riches in land. It seems certain that these far-off lands will prosper, and prosper well. Our tsar, while he has yet to send a formal delegation to China, is certain that there can only be peace and prosperity if our nations co-exist in a harmony beneficial to our people both. The zealous Spanish, on the other hand, are a distant but present worry. Like the Indians, they believe not in the spirits of the land; unlike the Indians, they instead proclaim that only through the attainment of inner calm can one achieve enlightnment. We are hopeful for a peaceful co-existance, but ever must we maintain our vigilance, least these distant people be tempted to force their beliefs upon through force of arms.

Yes, we of Mother Russia are not a warlike nation. We desire only to chart the lands, and to co-exist in the natural order of things. As the spirits have been generous to us, so shall we be generous to those beyond our lands.

Here it be said, so shall it be recorded.

Joseph Putin
Chief Advisor to the Tsar of Mother Russia, Alexander II

[The Capo]

(I know, I have yet to play in the game, but this is the start story anyway, as you will see it will work fine...)

"Abuelito, abuelito!" the children clamored as they ran towards their grandfather. He was a historian, and had lived a full life. He was aware his time left on the world was short, and wanted his children and their children to live on knowing where they had come from. Just like his father, and his father's father had told him he would tell them the story of a single man and how he brought the ancient peoples of Spain together in harmony.

"Careful Giancarlos" the old man said as his grandson hopped upon his lap "I'm an old man, you must be careful."

"Tell us a story" the child said smiling "Mama says we have to go to sleep for the night!"

"Alright, sit with your sister." the old man said as he gently placed the boy on the floor next to his younger sister "I'm going to tell you a new story tonight, this one is better than the rest because it is true..."

Many years ago, before Spain was called Spain there were four very different tribes who lived here. One was called Castille, and was named so for its grand citadel it had built in what is now Madrid. The Castillian King, Bainor, was a warlike king who claimed ancestry from a mysterious city known as Troy. One was called Andalusia, and was inhabited by people much darker than the current Spanish, these people claimed to be from far far away, near where India is. They said that thousands of years ago they were pushed away by people called the Aryans and were forced to Ebro, which is what they called Spain in those days...

"Why did they call it that?" Giancarlos asked.

I don't know, just listen my son. The other two are said to have come from the forests in Germany called the Wildwaldt. One was called Aragon, the other Celtiberia. These tribes were always considered outcasts from Ebro, and both the Andalusians and Castillians considered them foreigners who didn't deserve to come into their lands.

"Where do these people live now abuelito?"

They live in you my son, please listen, I know your mother would be angry with me if I kept you up all night... the Castillians and Andalusians were able to co-exist through their mutual mistrust of the Aragonese and the Celts. Over time the tribes grew in size, and food was sparse. Fighting among the tribes occured, until finally King Rahman of the Andalusians and King Bainor of Castille made an agreement to wipe the Aragonese and Celts from the face of the Earth! The two tribes, who were larger and in many ways much more powerful than the Aragonese and Celts, assembled their warriors and sent them to destroy their enemies. Aragon and Celtiberia were forced to combine their forces, despite their ancient rivalry.

"Abuelito, aren't we from Castilla?" the boy asked, tugging on his grandfather's pantleg.

Giancarlo, yes, this is ancient Spain, things are different now. The Andalusians and Castillians were winning battle after battle, as the Aragonese and Celts were pushed away from Ebro, they were forced to use children to fight against Bainor and Rahman.

"Like me?" the boy asked.

No no, not quite as young as you, but not much older either. These children were no match for the seasoned soldiers of Castille and Andalusia. But something happened one day, Rahman and Bainor were very greedy men, and were unable to decide what would happen when the war was over. There was an argument between the two and Bainor killed Rahman. Setting Andalusia and Castille against eachother. This didn't change the situation with Aragon and Celtiberia though, and a much larger war was waged, thousands upon thousands died. Then Castille won, and peace was brought to the region. This peace however was forced, the Castillians established a city, which in their ancient language was called "The Mother City," or Madrid. It was an attempt by King Bainor to unite the four peoples of Ebro into one nation. This however would prove to fail. Aragon and the Celts, who were nearly decimated, would never forget what the Andalusians and Castillians did to them. The Andalusians would always harbor hatred for the Castillians, and the Castillians would always consider the others inferior to them. This would continue for many years under the reign of Bainor, there were many uprisings but they were always crushed as Bainor was a very smart King and used the ancient grudges of his subjects against them. Finally the day came where a young boy named Rodrigo, or Roderick in his old Germanic language, would stand up to him and unite the people of Ebro.

"Abuelito, when did they call it Spain?" Giancarlos asked, his little sister was already asleep.

"I will tell you tomorrow my son, please, your mother wants you to go to sleep. I am an old man myself, and am very tired..."

NEXT; El Cid, El Campeador, y El Rey...

[LzPrst]

typical that a man of german descent would unite his people and defeat his enemies

[NicodaMax]

...
For a man in his mid thirties, he looked and felt surprisingly old. These were hard times, but they were changing. Far in the past were the days in which his people were no more than wondering nomads, enslaved by a lack of purpose and identity. His father had been a visionary, but the hardship and the heavy price to pay for his people’s prosperity had been his alone.

He looked at the horizon, and let the late evening sun warm his aching bones. This wonderful city, El Cuzco, as they now called it, had been founded many years ago on the shores of the tombolo of the Chanca peninsula, in the times before the last and greatest battle between the Chancas and the Kingdom of Cuzco, his people. This is where Manco Capac emerged from the caves and did as Inti, our sun god, had ordered him, he thought.

The walls and rooftops of the city lit up in fiery tones as Inti’s last rays of the day bathed the land. From the palace balcony he could see the ocean, both to the north and the south, and he wondered when his people would start to harvest the enormous riches that lay just beneath the waves. He could taste the salt in the air, but also the scent of the eastern forest impregnated the air. Far to the northeast, he could see the workers gathering their tools and preparing to go home for the night. Soon, we will be harvesting the wheat of those fertile lands, he pondered.

“Grandpa Pachacuti! Where are you? Come finish the stories, please!”

“I’m going, I’m going!” he yelled back as he snapped back to reality. I’m dreaming awake like an old man, he thought. “You’re going to be some tyrant one day, Huayna.”

As he entered his grandson’s bedroom, he wondered if the kid would ever be Sapa Inca. His father would someday be back from his expeditions to the west, and would probably settle down to the comfortable nobleman’s life. In these modern and peaceful days, the Sapa Incas could concentrate on building the empire more than defending it.

“Where was I, oh yes, the English, they live up north, not far from here, just up the coastal mountain range. Far away in the northern lands, there’s the Mongols.”

“Yes, yes. You told me about them. But, what about those people far away in the western lands, beyond the desert.”

“You mean the Chinese or the Russians? We don’t know much about them yet. That’s why our Quechua’s are exploring those lands.” He could see the question forming in his grandson’s eyes so he calmed his anxiety right away. “Your father is a skillful leader, and a good representative of our people. I’m sure he will be able to convey our good wishes to them, and tell them that all we wish is to live in peace.”

“Grandfather, will they join our people someday?” asked the boy, already dreaming of great times to come. Even Pachacuti, in all his wisdom, could not foresee what the future held for Huayana Capac, in spite of the boy’s evident precocious ambitions.

“That, my son, is a story yet to be written…”

[OzzyKP]

**THUD**

Prisha gets up from mashing up some corn meal to investigate the loud noise just outside her hut. Pulling aside the leather flap she sees today's copy of the Delhi Daily News sitting on the muddy ground outside.

"Bout time" she thinks "Damn stoneboy is late again, as usual."

With some effort she drags the stone tablet into her hut.

"Whew" she says outloud, "these newstablets are damn heavy. Maybe someday someone will invent a lighter material to use for the daily news."

Prisha holds the tablet up to the light and looks it over. The pictographs crudely chiseled into the stone tell stories of India and their neighbors. She scans the headlines, again talking to herself, "Land treaties, borders, exploration, blah blah blah, where is it.... ah yes, Brahamt baby, there you are."

Brahamt the Animal Slayer's reputation has spread throughout India. He and his fellow warriors have defended India from fierce animals in the wilderness for years. His famous exploits of wrestling down a great grizzly bear with his bare hands and killing a pack of wolves are repeated and idolized by all Indians. Brahamt the Animal Slayer's name is as well known as Bhishma, their chief.

Prisha studies the crude pictograms for a moment, trying to imagine what Brahamt must look like..... she permits herself a moment to fantasize about the strong, bare chested warrior in a leather skirt.



"Whew, if only there were men like that around here.... Oh my, seems Brahamt is up north now, preparing a way for a new villiage! Perfect! He will probably stick around to defend the new city when it is built. First thing tomorrow morning I'm going to go volunteer to be a part of the new settlement. There probably won't be many single women going off to brave the wilderness, so I might actually have good chances.... Heck, even if Brahamt is snatched up, one of his sexy brothers will be around. I'm such a sucker for a man in a skirt."



She sits and day dreams for a moment before snapping out of it, "I better look at the rest of this tablet before I loose all track of time. Hmm, Chief Bhishma is in the midst of some intense negotiations with our neighbors. It seems we are close to a deal with the Americans. I always liked that Robert, he seems like an honorable man. Hopefully things will work out for the best."

Skimming the rest of the tablet she sees pictorials about various domestic news stories, building projects, scientific advancement, etc. She has a nice laugh at a political cartoon poking fun at the French Sun God.

"Silly French and their primative gods. I wonder if its true they are afraid of pictures and get mad when someone draws their gods? Who knows. Oh well, I guess I better get back to work."

She stands up again and drags the newstablet out back behind the hut. She lays it down near her father who is out working on building their new home.

He looks at her and smiles, "This subscription to the Delhi Daily News was the smartest move we've ever made. Not only is it great reading material while out squatting in the bushes, but it makes a handy wall. After another month we'll have the whole eastern wall finished."

Beaming, he picks up another newstablet, packs some mud on it, and lays it carefully on the wall.

"Too bad I won't get to see this home finished." Prisha thinks, "Maybe one day I'll come back. Heh, well I've just got to bring Brahamt to come meet my parents... heh"

[deity]

1,000,000 BE (Before Elizabeth)

---

Once again the deity swirled through the vortex of the time-space continuums, traversing the maze of universes.

Despite the transitory nature of all things one thing stood above all creations. This was intelligent self-aware spirit.

A new world in a new universe once again came in to view but all he could see was water and oceans. Skimming across the surface a rocky outcrop of land appeared. It was not his best beginning. In other worlds he was familiar with reaping huge rewards from the lands.

However, some interesting prospects presented themselves here and deity decided to annoint a new world builder - a new leader, a woman...

This excited deity even more than the role of Captain Deiticus; and more than the role of Lizard (HOTW4).

He planted her seed in a genetic line that would later become the House of Elizabeth of the English, around, what would become known as 4000BC.

---

Elizabeth I established one city based on the riches of the sea, for deity knew that this was where her destiny lay. The local land was barren with some icy forests and by 3000BC neibouring city states seemed to be clustered upon each other.

This required superior intelligence, to establish who was friend and if any foes presented themselves.

A fair approach to land settlement was critical and EI drafted "The Critical Land Program", but more work was needed before any announcements were to be made...

[OzzyKP]

SECOND SESSION 2170 BC

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

[OzzyKP]

Delhi is the top city in the world!

[OzzyKP]

Hans and his girlfriend, Greta, gather on the shore of Vishnu Bay, which has become a popular hang out spot among German teens. Many other couples sit along the beach and gaze north longingly to the shores of India.

"Fräulein, isn't it such a beautiful night? Its such a clear night I can make out some buildings and even the grand palace of Cheif Bhishma. Delhi must be such an amazing city."

Greta pulls Hans close, as the sea air from the bay sends a chill through the air. She leans in close and says, "My great uncle was on the exploring party that first traveled the lands north of the bay. He says Delhi wasn't much to look at at the time, but boy it sure has grown. I heard that they have been building a great highway that connects Delhi to Bombay, and even far north to Moscow. Once trade begins, think of the delights Delhi will have."

"Yea, this place is a dump," said Hans, "I wish one day we could move north."

"Well to be fair, Berlin is still one of the top cities in the world. I mean its not that bad."

"Pssh, Berlin? I can think of at least four cities I'd rather in than this place. I dunno, it just isn't as exciting as Delhi. There just seems to be so much more to Indian culture. Great festivals and celebrations, many powerful gods, and there is just a glow about it."

"A glow? You haven't even been there."

"Well look across the bay, doesn't it seem to glow a little? Back lit against the dark sky, its just so beautiful...."

"You're right, it really is beautiful...."

"Just like you."

"Oh Hans..."

The two lovers kiss and continue to dream about the possibilities for a better life in Delhi. It seems so close, yet so far away.

[KunojiLym]

Time passes as the crow flies, and Mother Russia spreads her wings. St. Petersburg, named after that most illustrious leader Peter I, and situated on the very mouth of the Muscovite River, is already starting to make her greatness known. Novgorod, as a most recent settlement in the time of Ivan I, sits as an oasis of peace on the other side of the Gobi Desert, to the east. Moscow herself, though her light has slipped a little, is once again striding along the destined path of greatness. From whence I sit, Mother Russia is the mistress of all that she surveys.

Through all this time, our Indian friendship has held steadfast and firm. Shortly after Peter I established his city, the first missionaries arrived from the Great Sea. Though they have yet to convince us of the existance of their pantheon of 'Hindu' gods, as they term it, our wise men yet listen with interest. The English, too, have reached out to us, and we have reached a firm understanding with regards to their peaceful intent and desire for co-existance. However, I regret to add that above this hangs a dark and stormy cloud.

The Incans. Ruthless indeed is their expansion. Already they threaten England with suffocation, and they also seem poised to overrun the lands that were so long ago promised to the Indians. The Mongols, as well, are ambiguous in their missives, but thus far, they have yet to incur our concern.

We of Mother Russia are a peaceful people, a cultured people. But we are also a strong people, a proud people, an honorable people. If the Incans press forward their mission of domination over our friends, the Russians will have no choice but to take up arms. May that time never come, but should it arrive, may the spirits be with us.

Here it be said, so shall it be recorded.

Vlamidir Goberchav
Chief Advisor to the Tsar of Mother Russia, Ivan II

[condor223]

Endless ages, time passes, generations join the ancestors. Every turn adds to the story of our clan. Dragon, our great symbol connects us with the great mother river, the fire, earth and the grand mysteries of the earth.

I Shang Ming Ti, lead a great nation. Join me in the library, stranger, and we shall talk of things past and present.

It was yesterday that father joined the ancestors and it came to me to be the leader. I am expected to find the right balance in everything and to lead everyone with correct rule; brothers and sons to be obedient to me… wives and children obedient to them.. Continuing my plan for order.

I have decreed that more workers shall be sent to the mines and refineries. We must have more ritual vessels for as you know, ritual is an aspect of power. Some bronzes are to be made to replace those I send on Father's long journey. Along with the court shamen, we will display the family’s awesome power and dignity in dramatic public rituals. We are powerful, can govern, commune with the spirits and function as guides for the common people.

We give thanks for our great ancestor, San, who brought horses to our keep. It is the generations of his horses that provide the family with great chariots. Indeed, I shall send father’s chariot team with him to the great beyond. I have selected several favorites of his household to accompany him on his great journey, some slaves, and captured barbarian warriors. His place of honour is being prepared and his name has been added to the family annals.

Ah the annals… See it is written here on these bamboo strips, how many past great grandfathers planned towns, selected people to join it… see it is also written here in the Book of Poetry…..

“…… left and right
He drew the boundaries of big plots and little
He opened up the ground; he counted the acres from west to east…
Then he summoned his Master of Work
Then he summoned his Master of Lands.
And made them build houses.
Dead straight was the plumb line.
The planks were lashed to hold the earth;
They made the Hall of Ancestors very venerable
They tilted in the earth with a rattling.
They pounded it with a dull thud…
They raised the outer gate
The outer gate soared high.
They raised the inner gate.
The inner gate was very strong.
They raise the great earth-mound
Whence excursions of war might start………”

I am head of a vast patrimonial state with a growing bureaucratic system.. It is more theocratic than secular in its institutional activity. My sons and brothers rule the cities we have founded. It is our kinship that is the foundation of rule.

I rule by the Mandate of Heaven. I am morally responsible for the people.. that they shall be led properly. By this mandate I have the reigns of power. Our Royal strength is the social order imposed by kinship and the ranking of lineages through their hierarchical segmentation.. that is, branch lineages remaining subordinate to their parent lineages. All individuals have status through their family group.

I have commanded that pottery be included in great father’s tomb that he shall lack for nothing in the afterlife. He shall have silk clothing lined in fur on his voyage. Our warriors and charioteers have killed many wild beasts and supplied fur for edging our royal clothing. Silk too has been woven for his Royal covering. Jade Armour will cover his ancient body.

Ahhh, I must order another bronze refinery to be built.

Gold was discovered to our west, in the vast space between Spain and ourselves. It must be acquired either by marriage dowry or force or trade, for I must begin collecting my burial equipment.

I have sent a family lineage to settle by the sea. The monsters in the sea are to be reckoned with, in time we will bring food to the land from our shores.

Our records are now kept in pictographs, with a larger use of phonetics. Our records are becoming more precise. When we group the shaman-priests, warriors, scribes, heads of lineages, and the superintendents over artisans, we can see the development of the ruling elite. The emerging art of government make use of ritual land, art, warfare, writing and family connections, all of which contribute to our important culture. The barbarians look in awe at our order and strength!

When a question arises, we order the shaman to divine the right answer. He will place our question on the Oracle Bone. This will be heated in the fire and by the cracks, my answer will be found. Shall I accept a marriage with the Spanish, and if so what day is correct to begin this venture? We ask about marriage, childbirth, war, sacrifice, illness, even when we might move the capitol. In the end, it is I the leader, great Shang, who shall decide the fortunes of all. The common people believe in devination completely.. Most of the elite have less belief in such means to order ones life.

See master Hsun Tzu has written here:
“You pray for rain and it rains. Why? For no particular reason, I say. It is just as though you had not prayed for rain and it rained anyway. The sun and moon undergo and eclipse and you try to save them; a drought occurs and you pray for rain; you consult the arts of divination before making a decision on some important matter. But is not as though you could hope to accomplish anything by suck ceremonies. They are done merely for ornament. Hence the gentleman regards them as ornaments, but the common people regard them as supernatural. He who considers them ornaments is fortunate; He who considers them supernatural is unfortunate.”

Forgive me; it is now time to begin the ceremony. Our family honour requires the proper burial of our departed leader.
Shang Ming Ti … exits the room.

[Robert Plomp]

Washington, the religious center of the world.
Rumors have spread that the Americans have discovered the amazing fact that there is only ONE god!
The religion of Judaism has been founded in Washington.

This brand new insight gives new answers to the eternal questions of life:

Where do we come from?
Why are we here?
Why do we fade out and die?
What lies beyond
and what lays before?
Is anything certain in life?

Life is too short!
The here and the now!
And you're only given one change
Could there be more for me?
How can I live for eternity?
What should I do for that eternal dance?
If I die tomorrow, I'll be alright, because I believe....
That after I'm gone, my life will carry on!

We believe in the One True God.
He will send his messiah and save us from a certain dead. He will reign this earth forever and establish eternal peace.
We, the americans, are the chosen people! The peace will begin in Washingthon, the holy city of the jews.

I, Robert LXVII, declare that, because of this brand new insight, we will have peace with our neighbours and all that we will meet on the fields of Terra.

I have sent letters to the rulers of all countries, and offered them peace for eternally. All rulers should know that our God protects our country. Don't be a fool and attack us, since legions of angels will protect us. The holy city of Washington and our capital, Robingthon, wil stand forever.

Robert LXVII

[The Capo]

Bodies littered the ground as the latest Aragonese resistance failed miserably. King Bainor of Castille had established an iron-fist rule over the area known throughout the world as Spain. "This must end soon Eduardo." the King said to his finest general, Eduardo Contreras de Cadrez, who also happened to be his queen's brother.

"Yes sire, it seems these constant visits don't send accross the proper message. We should return to Madrid before the winter sets in, let these rabble fend for themselves." said Eduardo, as he turned his horse in the other direction "this miscreants deserve such treatment." he scoweled as he spit upon the charred ground.

"Very well general." said the King, looking around at the devestation, he noticed a small boy stirring in the rubble left by the Castillian forces "Boy! You there boy!" the king ordered, the boy seemingly didn't hear him.

"Fiador!" the King turned to his underling, Fiador Diaz, a turncoat noble of Aragon "Do your people some good and adopt that child, I hate to see such misery come to children." the King said, ironically, as he kicked over the corpse of a dead father of five.

Fiador Diaz of Aragon was left little option in his conspiracy with Bainor. His family had deserted him when a peace was made with the Celtiberians, and a royal marriage established with Dodabella of Seville, a Celtic Chief, and his sister Yolanda Diaz of Aragon. His father announced that Dodabella would become King of Aragon if they fathered a child, which came to fruition with the birth of their first son Sancho a few years later. Fiador was outraged that he was being overlooked for the throne, and turned to Castille for support in ousting Dodabella, but Bainor wanted nothing more than to crush Aragon once and for all and convinced Fiador to help him breech the defenses of the town of Vivar...

"My lord, I don't know that a child in such a condition is fit to return to Madrid with us. The trek will be long, and winter is soon to come." Fiador explained, he despised King Bainor, but had little other option now that his people had come to such a horrendous fate due directly to his own treason.

"Stop making excuses!" the King barked "I TOLD you to take that child back to Madrid with us! The people must not believe our actions to be done in such a savage way. We will be seen as mercy-givers and liberators to our people. Now go, get that little piss-ant and take him with you to Madrid." Bainor glared at Fiador, who nodded slowly.

"Yes sire, I shall bring the child with us to Madrid." Fiador turned his horse and slowly galloped towards the child, who was sitting staring at the ground.

"Young boy, do you understand Spanish?" Fiador asked the child hesitantly.

"Si..." the child said, he didn't look up at all.

"What is your name son?"

"I am Rodrigo, Rodrigo de Vivar. My father is a warrior, and I can't find him..." finally the child looked up, his face was covered in ashes and soot, his eyes were bloodshot and tears cast dark trails in the dirt on his face.

Fiador was overcome, he could not believe he had done this to his own people, he struggled to choke back his tears but one fell from his own eye, "Please boy," he softly said holding out his hand "come with me to Madrid, your father isn't coming back, and you will be safe."

"I can't sir, I can't do that, I have to find him..." the boy explained, almost as if he was trying to convince himself not to follow Fiador.

"Fiador, we must leave NOW!" General Contreras yelled.

"Listen, if you don't come with me now they will kill you!" Fiador explained to the boy leaping from his horse, "They've killed your father, and they've destroyed my life, if you don't come now you will die." he said, clutching the boy by his skinny arms.

The boy simply looked at him, horrified he said "Why did they do this?"

"I don't know, it doesn't matter, you must come with us..."

Years Later...

In the years since Rodrigo was taken to Madrid by Fiador many things had changed, King Bainor established small fiefdoms within the territories of Spain in order to quiet the rebellious Aragonese, Celts and Andalusians in his kingdom. One such fiefdom was established for Fiador Diaz, this kingdom was called Leon. The people of Spain saw through Bainor's attempt to look like a peace-maker, and a secret movement was established to take the throne from him and his family. Bainor was growing old and the time was coming to think of a way to establish Castillian control over the kingdom.

Plan after plan failed, as Bainor never produced a male heir and was growing too old to try again. Finally he had a plan, if he could claim an adoptive son that he could mold into a princely figure he could achieve his goals. The boy from Vivar, the king believed, would serve him well. This was the last mistake Bainor would ever make...

Saragossa, Andalusia...

Khalid al-Aziz was the finest warrior the Andalusians had, of course they had lost many great warriors in the wars against Castille, nobody could deny his swordsmanship. But today was a little different than most, today was the day that the puppet King of Leon would be captured and replaced with one supporting Khalid and his allies; the resistance to Bainor.

"On my signal Hassan, we strike. I doubt Bainor would send much of a guard for this poor excuse for a king." Khalid said to his comrade Hassan Jamel, he was a former bodyguard of King Rahman, and after his murder went into exile ashamed of his failure to protect his king.

Hassan simply nodded. Three other men were there to back up this assault. The plan was simple; take the King's envoy by force, behead him and send it to Bainor, and in the mean-time prop up a false king to rule over Leon. They figured nobody would know what Fiador looked like anyway, so the plan had to succeed...

"So when we arrive you will choose a room, and we'll begin preparing you for nobility." Fiador said smiling, since he found the boy in Vivar his life had changed, he now had something to offer society; he was going to raise this child, Rodrigo, into a great man. No longer did he feel ashamed for his treason against Aragon, nor his sniveling position under Bainor, none of it would matter any more as long as he can give back this child's life. Of course Rodrigo was no longer resembling a child anymore.

"Fiador, I don't want to think about that right now. It has been a long journey, I just want to get to Leon and sleep." Rodrigo replied, he had taken up the name Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar and become a member of Spain's aristocracy, well in a way, you see Bainor established petty nobility to appease the people of Spain who weren't Castillian. His plan had now extended to chopping up large territories and granting titles to some of these former nobles. This way, he reasoned, the aristocracy of his enemies would be appeased and event indebted to him. So while Rodrigo enjoyed some of the finer things in life through his new title, he was still seen by the upper echelon in Spain as nothing more than an Aragonese lap-dog. Unfortunately for the Castillian aristocracy, the fact that Rodrigo was actually a Castillian never occured to any of these people, this fact would come to bite them in the ass much later, but back to the assault...

Hassan's club was deadly and accurate as Fiadors head caved in like a melon, pieces of skull, brain, and blood spattered accross Rodrigo's chest as he looked up in amazement, the other four assassins quickly showed themselves and surrounded the young man "Castillian dog!" Khalid said to Rodrigo "Your man is felled, I suggest you turn home and tell Bainor."

Rodrigo didn't know what to do, he was surrounded by five Andalusian warriors and Fiador was about as dead as anyone could be "You moron, that was Fiador Diaz of Aragon. He was no enemy to Andalusia." Rodrigo explained, Hassan approached him.

"He is nothing more than a Castillian puppet, with Bainor's hand shoved firmly up his ass." he tried to grab Rodrigo but he quickly leaped from his horse and grabbed his flint club.

"I'm not going anywhere but to Leon, you five are going to hell!" Rodrigo said as he charged towards one of the warriors, he smashed his club into the warrior's stomach and he promptly doubled over as he lost his breath. Rodrigo kicked him in the face breaking his nose, quickly turning to block Hassan's bloodied club. Rodrigo kicked Hassan to the dirt as he turned and lopped the warrior's head off. Quickly he turned to Hassan and lifted his club in the air, dropping it right into Hassan's skull. An arrow quickly hit Rodrigo in the arm.

"You'll have to do more than that!" Rodrigo barked at Khalid, who motioned for the two other warriors to charge Rodrigo, they pulled their weapons and ran at the young man, who was feeling woozy from the arrow, apparently it was poisoned.

Rodrigo knew he would run out of strength in a matter of moments, so he threw his club with all of his strength at the warriors. It struck them both in the chest as they flipped right over onto their backs, Rodrigo ran to collect his weapon and stomped one of the warriors in the throat; he died instantly. With his last bit of strength he could muster he killed the other and fell over, the poison had taken its effect...

NEXT: El Cid, El Campeador, y El Rey... (Part II of IV)

[LzPrst]

Indians!? Delhi!? Greater than Berlin!? Impossible! What you speak of Heinrich, it cannot be! Is Berlin not a great city? Delhi does not have many more people, nor have they any monuments greater than the Peacechief's Palace.

What makes Delhi greater than Berlin!? What!?

-My Lord Friedhold, you who have given us peace and prosperity, you have made Berlin among the greatest cities known to civilization. Surely, because some thinker has placed Delhi above Berlin on this list does not mean that it is truly so. And even if it were so, will not all realize Berlins greatness in time? We have but begun to make this place in our image.

You are of course correct courier Heinrich. There is so much to do. So much indeed. We cannot expect Berlin to be counted the finest when it is not even halfgrown. To work Heinrich!

Now for the other matters of the day. Gunwald! Tell me about our brothers who left us.

-Sire, Our settlers have traveled back into the lands from whence our people originated long ago. It is a desolate and inhospitable place. Dark gloomy forests and barren hills. But we have nonetheless returned in numbers to that land. There we have built a city upon a great hill overlooking the ocean. Many of our people there believe the water will be a resource in itself and primitive barges, like the ones used on the Grünflood by Berlin are tested and experimented with. They might even turn out to be seaworthy in time.

-Other than that we have some bad news. Löwenmeisters camp was dissolved as an American city, Washington was built not far away. Some of the campers joined the American farmers settling along the river, but most of them decided to become roaming explorers once more. They have travelled north and will send messengers with news of their discoveries. Apparently they have met several other civilizations in the northern wastes. Der Löwenmeister said he will send more news if anything of importance shows up.

Anything of importance!? Several civilizations up there!? And he doesnt consider that of importance!? And the Americans have settled upon the Lebenselbe!? This is a disaster! The Teutonic people were to settle there along its coast. We were to join Löwenmeister and unify our people! And now the americans rule that land instead...
Curse them. Curse them and their lonely god.

Where will our people go to now when Berlin becomes too crowded? To the north? There isnt much room there.... and we are surrounded by the sea on the west and our neighbours on the east. Nowhere do we have to settle! Our people will suffocate!

-Excuse me sir, if I may interrupt. Berlin can host many people, yet we have realized that that is not enough for the future. At the rate we are growing soon there will be no more room.

TELL ME SOMETHING I DONT KNOW!

-Yes sir. But what if there was a way to make Berlin capable of hosting more people? What if we could administrate hundreds of thousands not just tens of thousands? It would not only solve our lebensraum problems, but it would make Berlin by far the greatest city in the world. Is not that a legacy worth leaving behind?

And how in the name of the spirits shall you manage this!? Magic? Your shamans can pray and chant all you want, but it does not make the people happy. Nor does it cure their ails. Prayers are more useless than begging the peacechief to solve the ails of the world. Leader I am, but not a God.

-Peacechief. If you will listen to my humble words. There are ways of making the people happy. And there are ways of making them healthy and free of ails. Your wife peacechief. What is her most prized posessions?

Her jewelry, the shiny beads and scraps of gold. Not a day goes by that she does not ask me to get her more.

-What if we could ensure that not only your wife could acquire such items, but the entire population of Berlin? My prospectors have discovered an enormously rich source of gold in the northern hill. It should supply us with enough gold to sell to all the women of Berlin for generations!

Advisor. You are truly a treasure more valuable than all the items in my coffers! Send our people out and get that gold! And make sure that only our kin may sell it and thus we shall reap wealth such as none have ever seen!
But what about our lebensraum problems?

-Sir, the best way of dealing with it right now is ensuring that everyone is happy and that we have full control over every development.

Of course. Let it be known that Berlin no longer be built randomly as we have in the past. From now on, I, we, the leaders of our city will organize and make order upon our growth! Berlin shall be the greatest city in the world!
So say we all!

Advisors: So say we all!

[deity]

A Tale of Two Cities:

An exhausted English warrior collapsed on the stone pavements leading into London. "Puff, they, puff, are here... we couldn't hold the area, whew, it's gone without a fig..." He died. His name was Alfred, father of 10; wife known as Boudicca.

The area of gold, staked out by the English forces for their second city, was obliterated in a cultural flash! The Mongol settler and accompanying warriors built a new city in the English's spot, right on top of them. Almost as though they knew not of the English existence. The Mongols, being led by an AIen leader, could NOT be attacked. An agreement had been reached with civilised nations that AIen led civs were to be totally ignored UNLESS they attacked.

The gold was gone. Meanwhile excellent diplomatic relations were being established with the Russians who had agreed to leave a small river system to their North for the English to establish a city. Cultural borders may have eventually caused problems but goodwill was extremely evident. The area was staked out as was the English way, ready to negotiate with any explorers so that the site remained secure for the English city....

---

As was customary another exhausted English warrior collapsed on the stone pavements leading into London. "Puff, they, puff, are here... we couldn't hold the area, nor the Russians... it's gon...." He also died. His name was Harold, good friend and sweetheart of John.

The area of rivers and sea, staked out by the English forces for their second second city, was obliterated in another cultural flash!

Once again, negotiations proved impossible as two AIen led civs had now established cities totally surrounding the English.


[maps to follow]
---

Elizabeth, her draft proposal for a Fair Lands deal now in tatters, was distraught. Her people, clustered around London, needed to expand and settle new lands...

[OzzyKP]

"Rishi, did you hear about this new god the Americans follow?"

"Haha, yes, the fools have but one god. We have nothing to fear from such a weak religion. They have one, we have many."

"Yes, but they claim their god is the most powerful of them all, and they forbid their people from even recognizing other gods."

"Liars and fools. Such bold claims and bold actions may hurt relations between our two peoples, I pray it doesn't come to that. America has long been our friends, it would be a shame for something like this to come between us. Lets hope they do not molest any Hindus within their borders or the gods will be angry. I have little doubt that our gods could kick their god's ass."

"Haha, yes, I bet even one of our Danavas could destroy their weak god."

"Ah yes, a mighty Danavas, our giant demi-gods and protectors:"

[OzzyKP]

THIRD SESSION 1420 BC

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

[KunojiLym]

From behind curtains, Anastesia stole another peek at the man from the far west. God, but he was *such* a hunk! She hadn't yet gathered the courage to speak with him, but from the moment she set her eyes on him, she *knew* that he was the one! Oh! The one to take her heart to ever greater heights! What a man, what a man...

"Cousin, what are you doing?"

"Eeek!" Anastesia spun around, holding her hand to her breast and heaving heavily. She glared at the rugged looking man who was now standing before her. A gleaming bronze axe was slung by his waist.

"Victor. Don't *do* that!"

Victor smirked, crossing his arms, as he leaned against a granite pillar. "I see that you are fantasizing over that foreign imbecile, Annie."

"He is *not* an imbecile! And *don't* call me Annie!" The young woman clenched her fists and gnashed her teeth together in a most dramatic fashion.

"Hmmph." Victor pushed himself deliberatedly from the pillar, and slowly made his way towards her. "As entertaining as it is to tease you, my dear cousin, I do need to get down to business."

Anathesia drew herself up as Victor approached, her face knotted up into a pretty scowl. "And what possibly could you want of me, *dear cousin*?"

"Don't play dumb. You know what this is about. And I shall need your aid."

---

Nicholas paced up and down the study, a frown on his face. "I fear that our cousin Victor is planning a coup most foul."

Rudolf barely glanced up from his writings. "And this concerns me, how?"

"God damn it, brother!" The pacing man spun around, and strode angrily towards the study table where Rudolf sat, slamming his hands onto the table. "It bloody well *does* concern you! All of us! Would you get that nose out of your scrolls for a moment and take a look around!"

"God tells us not to call upon damnation so easily, Nicholas. I would think twice before cursing so." Rudolf calmly picked up his now-bespoiled parchment, and laid it to a side, before he started to reach for a blank sheet.

Nicholas growled, and grabbed roughly at Rudolf's hand. "Will you just *snap* out of it for a darn moment! You *know* what Victor is like! You *know* that he will not stop at eliminating any and all contendors to the throne! And you jolly well *know* that you are being considered as the heir apparent! *Open your eyes*, man!"

"My eyes are open enough. Would you let go, please? I must get back to my scribing."

"It's your *life* we're talking about here!!"

Rudolf simply smiled. "Is that all? I am not afraid. I know that glorious rewards await me in Heaven, as great as that of the damnation that Victor must face in Hell. If he wishes to face damnation, then by all means, let him strike me down."

"*Damnit!*" Nicholas let go in disgust, and turned away, striding up to a window in the study. He scowled, staring out of it, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I'm not going to say this again, brother. I know that our grandfath- the Tsar doted on you before he started to waste away. But the fact is, you have done nothing but preach and write about God. The elders are divided, Rudolf! This is the first time that this is happening! If Victor were to strike now, there would be nary a peep from them!"

"God will render judgment, and not us mere mortals. Surely you know that, brother mine." With that, Rudolf picked up his quill, and started scribing anew on his parchment.

Nicholas could only shake his head sadly. "It's on your head, then. Good luck brother.... and farewell." He turned abruptly, and strode out of the door.

---

"How was it?"

"I've tried, but I fear Rudolf is lost to us now."

"We cannot let Victor have his way. That bloodthirsty bastard will ruin what our fathers had so carefully wrought."

"Stephan. You had something to say?"

"Yes. I am worried that Anathesia may be joining forces with Victor-"

"What!?" "Blasphemy!" "That cannot be!" "The bloody harlot!" "Where did you hear this??"

"-It's just a hunch, cousins, just a hunch! I've seen them together once or-"

"That's a bloody lie! I wonder about your motivations, Stephan... how could you possible *think* to suggest such an unlikely alliance as this-"

"Speak for youself Ivan! You still haven't told us anything about where your Imperial Guards will stand! I have fair reason to-"

"Hmmph, now look who's talking! I've half a mine to-"

"SILENCE!!!"

"..."

"Good. We all have a common aim. To stop Victor. Until we do that, all this squabbling among ourselves will accomplish little. Now, let us plan."

[deity]

Distraught wasn't the word. She said just get the map out there... we'll talk later.

Alfred the second obliged...

[The Capo]

The Madrid Times
1420 b.c.
1/10 Gold

TOP STORY: Tensions Mount Between Mongolia & England!
London, England - English Queen Elizabeth has asked for help from leaders of the known world against what she describes as "Aggressive expansion" on the part of Mongolian Khan Temujin (known as Genghis Khan). The English have asked for support namely from the northern kingdoms of the Inca, Russia, and Spain. Spanish King, Bainor of Castille, has already agreed to send troops along with the Incas who have soldiers in the area prepared in case of a Mongolian invasion of England. "Our issue is getting our warriors into the area before a potential war breaks out" King Bainor explained "Spanish troops will decimate any attempt to crush England, we have sent several warnings to Temujin and are prepared to go to war if necessary." Critics of the King question the motivation to become embroiled in a conflict so far from the kingdom, citing that he may have become enticed by an English plan that would see the Mongolian settlement of Trufan come under Spanish control. Carlos Dodabella, Prince of Aragon strongly criticized any involvement in the hostilities yesterday when he said that Aragon would never send troops to a foreign conflict of this nature, warning that if Bainor committed the kingdom's men to the English cause would create a situation in Spain where the entire government could break down. Currently the leaders of the world are working out a way to come to an agreement, the Mongolians have yet to speak on their own behalf despite numerous attempts by many nations to discuss the issue. Either way Bainor made it clear that none of the Spanish holdings would be at risk if this does go to war and that Mongolia doesn't have the resources required to properly respond to any Spanish support of England.

____________________
DOMESTIC REPORT
____________________

Rebels Defeat Royal Army in two Battles!
Seville - Royal troops failed in two attempts to destroy a rebel army commanded by a mysterious warrior known only as "El Cid." El Cid supposedly is of Aragonese ancestry, but commands a band of rebels whose goal is to unify the kingdoms of Spain in a stronger union that would reject Castillian King Bainor as the rightful leader of the kingdom. The aristocracy, which was extended to Aragon and Leon by King Bainor, is divided over the issue with some minor fiefdoms actually supporting and housing these rebel troops. However, after new royal decrees were released making it illegal to house or support in any way enemiees of the King the rebels were forced to take to the forests east of Spain, near the kingdom of Russia. Little is known of El Cid, other than his familiarity with Andalusian customs, which is how he developed the name (it is derived from Andalusian, Al-Sayyd, or "the leader") due to his amazing battle skills. There is no word on whether or not the rebels are headed this way, but the closest settlement is the newly established Seville. The Royal army urges anyone to report any activities that seem suspicious or subversive.

King Bainor's Expansion Policy Seeing Results.
Madrid - Since the peace between the Kingdoms of Spain years ago, King Bainor of Castille has tripled the size of Spanish holdings creating more fiefdoms and a larger aristocracy expanding southward from the cold forests of Madrid and the Ebro River to more moderate climates to the south. "Great land has been discovered and settled under King Bainor's rule" said settler Lorenzo Duarte "I have built a farm here near these fields, hopefully we can begin to yield crops and I can bring my family here with me." Not everybody is so optimistic, including the house of Diaz in Aragon, which has been accused by leaders in Castille and Leon of aiding rebellious Celtic and Andalusian factions to the east. Prince Carlos Dodabella of Aragon, known critic of Bainor remarked that "The expansionist policy is being used to create a pro-Castillian nobility solely for the purpose of destroying Aragon, Celtiberia, and Andalusia." The Celts and Andalusians of course are non-aligned with the Kingdoms of Spain.

____________________
FOREIGN REPORT
____________________

Chinese Empire Searches for Foreign Princess.
Beijing, China - The Chinese empire has expressed interest in a wife for the son of the Emperor. Spanish foreign minister, Juan Luis Olivares stated earlier that the "Kingdom of Spain would be interested in some form of alliance with the Empire of China," which is located directly south of Spain "in order to achieve peace in our region. However we have no princess of marrying age at this point, but will be more than happy to discuss a marriage proposal in the near future." The oldest un-married Spanish princess is Elena de Aragon, but she is still a very young girl. Other nations that have shown interest have been Russia and Mongolia.

Russia and Spain Agree on Open Borders.
Moscow, Russia - After years of closed borders the Russians and Spanish decided on a treaty that would enable Spanish exploratory units to pass through Russian territory to explore lands to the North and East of Russia. King Bainor said that it was a "relief that the Russians had finally agreed to open borders" and that "this treaty was years overdue." Fortunately this agreement came right before Mongolian and English tensions reached a fevered pitch, allowing Spanish soldiers a quicker route to that region.

Incan, Spanish Troops Offered to England.
Cuzco, Incan Empire - Following the request of troops by English Queen Elizabeth I, the Incan Empire and Spanish Kingdom have already offered direct military assistance to the English should Genghis Khan decide upon a military invasion. General Cadrez would head up a Spanish expeditionary force that will be sent shorty, however there are already Spanish troops in the region as well as en route at this point in time. One English proposal would see the Mongolian settlement of Trufan come under Spanish control, a plan that was seconded by the Chinese and Indians, but questioned by the Russians.

Oracle Built in Delhi
Delhi, India - A grand Hindu temple called the Oracle was finally constructed in the grand Indian capital of Delhi to much fanfare and celebration. "The city is one of the most beautiful and ornate city the world has ever seen" remarked foreign minister Juan Luis Olivares "this wonder in architecture is just another shining expample of Delhi's greatness. But this victory of culture comes with a backdrop of a caste system, which establishes strong seperation between the different classes in India based on the writings of Hindu clerics."

[condor223]

I have sent representatives to look for marriage alliances, and to gain power in this increasingly smaller world. Russia invited us to ally so beloved son has taken a long trip to report the conditions of Russia. He will be seeking a lady of quality who might make a good addition to our country. In the end, it shall be the fathers who make the arrangement.

Spain, our northern neighbor, has settled closer to us and has become interested in an alliance. This time we shall require an exchange of gifts… Our view of others is peaceful, but wary. Russia has much internal turmoil.

When the council of elder statesmen decides what to do with the Mongols, we might begin to deal with more relaxed neighbors. I have not found Mongolia, but it must be near to make the eastern nations so edgy. My son reports that they are arming for trouble. It is good for them, that we are peaceful and would prefer to stay within our own area.

Our people are making progress. The roads connect our cities and speed merchants on their way. Pottery is used everywhere. Our land is good. The wild animals have been tamed or killed, for we do not see them any longer. There is an occasional renegade warrior, but such disappear or are killed when they enter our lands.

We are a very powerful clan. We make a great nation! Every city now has its recording system and is building archives.

I have several daughters who might make marriage alliances, but the Imperial house, which is I, will not permit them to marry unless they are to be queens.

[deity]

My dear King Bainor,

Thank you for your support of late. Your secret messages arrived safely and unintercepted, however, I fear that some of our correspondence may be revealed so I will be careful here.

Let me summarise our situation.

It all started with the crabs.

Well, it really started before that. Genghis, without any consultation or negotiation built cities precisely where the English intended. So did the Inca but they have since become close friends and we need to make pragmatic anmd political allowances for the Inca and my other dear King Nicoda.

With no where to go our first built settler group did settle a second city right next to the Mongols. This was needed for economic reasons for we need to develop a production base at least.

But the Mongols would not be pleased with this and their perspective would be that we built on top of them. They only have room enough for their three cities but being an AIen nation I urge you to consider the plan.

The Mongols first aggressive act was to demand our crabs!! Not being permitted to communicate with their diplomats we declined, as is the custom in our world when dealing with AIens. This would have mad them mad, not to get a crab. How sad I say.

My sense tells me that they will attack us. Thus, our plan, encapsulated in the map we published far and wide. So if and ONLY if they attack...

For politic reasons we need to sacrifice Beshbalik to the Inca. We would dearly love this city but the Inca have no space either. We desire some lifelong friends like you and the Inca and are prepared to compromise.

As for Turfan, what I suggest is that if war comes and you are able would you empty Turfan of its armies so that the English may enter the city. Of course it may be destroyed in this process but at least the Mongols will be reduced as a threat and we may buld a new city there in your honour.

A city named Bainorville.

Please respond cautiously and beware intercepts.

Your dear Queen Elizabeth I

x

NB The Russians and their Ivan are also good friends but I fear they are trying to be too friendly to everyone, particularly the self-centred Indians.

---

Queen Elizabeth I (OOC - not Ian Adkins in the posts guys. ozzy can you change it in your pics too please.)

[OzzyKP]

Sarva Dishanaam, Suryaha, Suryaha, Suryaha


On the outskirts of Delhi---------



"...times the radius..."


*Knock Knock*


"...carry the 3..."


*Knock Knock*


"..which means the distance is..."


*KNOCK KNOCK*


"What in Shiva's name do you want?!?!"

"Sage Yajnavalkya, the King requests an audience."

"Damn it boy, I'm not that man's personal tutor, I'm busy. Come back later."

"But sir, I've been given explicit instructions to bring you with me and not accept no for an answer. You've sent away the last two couriers, and King Janaka told me if I return unaccompanied it'll be my head."

"Why do you think I'm so concerned about what happens to your head?"

"I don't sir, which is why the King sent a squad of soldiers to accompany me and escort you to the palace."

"Blast, have your men gather my things....."


The royal palace---------


"Glad you could join us, Yajnavalkya."

Bowing low, he replies, "You highness, to what do I owe the honor of this audience."

"Save the sarcasim and mockery, sage. You know why you're here. After considerable expenditure of manpower and resources of this kingdom I have built the great field of stones you requested. An impressive monument to be sure, and one that has earned us noteriety the world over, but there are more impressive structures I could have built were I so inclined. What have you learned about this world and the bodies that surround it? What greater understanding of Brahman have you attained?"

"That 'field of stones' has been critical to our understanding of Truth, and I do appreciate your efforts in this regard. However I resent the interuption of my work so I can vomit out that which I have learned here for you and your ministers to consume like unlearned birds."

"Your resentment duly noted old man, now vomit. The sooner these birds are satisfied the sooner you can return to your prayers and calculations."

"Very well, sire. I have been quite busy and have learned much. It is beyond question that my work puts us far ahead of all other civilized people in regards to understanding of the cosmos. While our primative neighbors fear the awesome power of our sun and cower before it, I have communicated openly with him and he has yielded his secrets. And through Lord Surya's light of guidance I know the secrets of our own Terra and Moon and much more."

Yajnavalkya motioned to one of the soldiers who had been setting up his materials, and continued his lecture, "For instance it is clear to me now that when one sun sinks below the horizon, a thousand suns take its place. The night sky is not a blanket with pinholes stuck through it, but indeed are distant suns like our own. Suns in all directions."

"Facinating" interupted King Janaka, "And what of our own world?"

"Our world is a perfect sphere, and large. Larger than any of us could have known before. We exist on its surface like mere gnats with no concept of its expanse stretching on for miles and miles and miles in all directions before doubling back and returning to our start. While our map makers and explorers have not seen much of this world, the tales from the Russians and Americans, and even the distant Chinese seem to leave off much. The greatest distances known to us, from Spain to France, from China to England are but half of this world."

Seeing the soldier finish setting up one of his models, the old sage points to it, "I apologize for the incompleteness of this map and model, but there is much of this land we have yet to accurately chart."



"Bravo, wise sage. This is truly revolutionary knowledge. The gods smile on you to share this great wisdom. I was right to trust in your mysticism and study rather than simply send of parties of men to wander the land from ocean to ocean as other kingdoms have done. Sitting in your temple you have discovered more truth of this land than all the scouts of the Americans Spanish or Russians. I am truly impressed. What then of practical uses for this new knowledge?"

"The passage of our world around the center sphere, the sun, is 365 days, 365.24675 days to be precise, and with this we can create the world's most accurate calendar, better schedule our growing and have a more bountiful and steady harvest. Finally, this greater appreciation for the bodies that encircle this world will help deepen our understanding of the gods and the enduring cycle of existance. Our philosophers and priests will be busy studying the ramifications of this for generations. I hope you understand the importance of this 'circle of rocks'"

"Excellent, excellent. You are truly a man without equal in India and indeed the world. Though I be a mere partridge, I am honored to peck at the vomit of a man as learned as you."

"I am humbled by your kind praise sire."



Epilogue---------

King Janaka was not to be disappointed by the practical uses of this new knowledge. In the decades that followed, and aided by the improved farming techniques from this accurate calendar Yajnavalkya discerned, food production and this population expanded throughout all of India. So within a few years, India was the most populous nation on Terra, with Delhi leading the way as the largest city the world had ever seen. Religious understanding and study has deepened, and Indian culture spreads far and wide throughout the known world.

OOC Epilogue---------

Everything from the above story was true in Earth history (except India didn't build Stonehenge of course) Indian science was amazingly developed in ancient times. Yajnavalkya (a real person (maybe)) truly did calculate the length of a year in the 9th century BC, and it was only 6 minutes longer than the modern value we accept today. He also knew the world was round and rotated around the sun and that the stars were suns like ours. He calculated the distance from the earth to the moon, and to the sun mostly accurately as well. Long before modern instruments, and heck long before even the Ancient Greeks. Go India!

[OzzyKP]

DP