Diplogame HOTW XII Ragnarok - Story Thread

[Diplo Holland]

OOC Could ozzy put New Hollande and New France on the map for all civs to see it?

[Diplo America]

The War Drags On

With stunning victories in three key Carpathian cities, Washington felt it was time to negotiate a dignified peace. Unlike the barbaric Carpathians who regularly committed the worst atrocities imaginable against their people, America did not want eternal war. America did not seek to vanquish its enemies – no matter how much wrong had been inflicted upon her. Washington came into office to bring peace and desperately sought to end this war and have peace once again.

Commander Washington sent a courier to the new Carpathian capitol, Targoviste with a message that Washington wished to end this war and negotiate a peace treaty. He waited patiently for a response. But it never arrived. Neither did the courier. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson was sent on a tour of nations around terra asking foriegn governments to put pressure on Carpathia to negotiate. World outcry was great, but only silence from Carpathia.

With no response whatsoever, Washington refocused his attention on the war. The newest worry was the situation in the south. He sent General Patton to command the southern army sent in pursuit of the Carpathian army that threatened the Mali. After years of fending off raiding parties and taking lightly defended cities Patton longed for a great, pitched battle between two worthy foes on an open field. He knew little of the Carpathian army, but panicked messages from the Mali indicated it was a sizeable force. He made haste to defend the Mali, America’s former enemy turned friend.

Unfortunately General Patton would see little more than a skirmish with Carpathia. The proud Mali did most of the damage to the Carpathian army, delivering a mighty defeat to them. Or so it was believed. The reports Patton received from American advance scouts and the Mali were conflicting and confusing. The Mali claimed there was no great battle and that the Carpathian army vanished into thin air. Patton sent scouts to cover their likely lanes of retreat, but found no soldiers. Patton assumed the Mali had defeated the army or that with their supply lines stretched to their breaking point and morale at an all time low the dirty vampires deserted. The American soldiers of course continued to circulate rumors that the Carpathians transformed into bats and disappeared into the jungle. The true fate of the Carpathian army may never be known, but Patton was itching for a fight with no great army in sight.

With Timbuktu safe, Patton turned his force north. Years ago, the Carpathians built a city, Prague, near the ruins of the city Goa, claiming all the territory of the once hotly contested city. Patton, hoping to succeed where General Daniel Morgan and others have failed, turned north to conquer Prague. The bulk of Patton’s army never made it however. The advance elephant scouts discovered Prague to be unusually lightly defended (even for Carpathia) and were able to capture the city themselves, before the bulk of the army even reached it.

George Washington, upon hearing news of another victory immediately sent word to General Patton that Prague was to be turned over to Mali control. Part of the peace treaty Washington signed that ended the Mali-American war recognized Mali control over the area of Goa. Washington wished only for peace with the Mali and to help them recover from the war with America and the deception of the Carpathians. General Patton had many reservations over turning over the city whose capture had claimed so many American lives a generation ago, but obeyed his commander. The Mali assumed control of the city and named it New Goa.

Washington once again offered peace to Carpathia. Once again their courier never returned.

It was at this point that the Inca sent an ambassador to Richmond. The Inca formally requested that the troops on loan be returned. The troops had helped the American war effort greatly, they had fought bravely even though the war wasn’t their own. General Patton’s force in New Goa consisted entirely of Incan soldiers. With the northern conquests seemingly secure, and the Mali capably providing for their own defense, it was time to return the Incans to their homeland. General Patton led the army south through Mali lands to Philadelphia. He was greeted by Washington himself who led a ceremony and banquet to honor their fallen Incan comrades and the heroes of many battles fought in defense of American freedom. Control of the Incan divisions were ceremoniously handed over to Incan control once more.

The Empire Strikes Back

The mysterious Carpathian Empire was down, but not out. With Washington and Patton both attending ceremonies in the south, they were unprepared for the boldest move by Carpathia during the war. For the first time, they assembled an army and attacked America. Their army was sent against their former capitol, Transylvania. The garrison was caught completely by surprise and eliminated. Carpathia recaptured their former capitol.

Washington and Patton quickly returned to the north. They assembled the northern army to immediately counter-strike Transylvania. It was a strategic priority. The Carpathian troops were injured and the city was an important center of production. Washington was unable to lead the troops personally so returned to Richmond and left the assault in Patton’s capable hands.

Sadly, even Patton’s capable generalship was not enough to retake Transylvania. Carpathia had too large a force. The battle was an epic one though. The Third Battle of Transylvania was the largest and most costly of the whole war. At long last Patton had his long awaited great battle. The American and Carpathian armies were the largest to have faced each other through the war. Unfortunately for America, Carpathia had the benefit of defense (and the very protective minded tendencies of their leader helped the battle greatly). America was unable to prevail. But the battle was not without great costs on both sides. The Carpathian army, the greatest the war had yet seen, was significantly weakened. Able to hold onto Transylvania, but not enough to project power on any other American territory. American troops withdrew and regrouped.

Washington had long assumed that after a string of defeats, the Carpathians wanted a good victory before negotiating for peace. It is wise to negotiate from a position of strength. After the retaking of Transylvania, Washington assumed Carpathia would finally be willing to negotiate peace. Another courier was sent. Another courier did not return.

Return of the Americans

After suffering to significant defeats, America regrouped. Transylvania was weakened, but still too well defended to attack. Since Carpathia still refused to negotiate the war must continue. Washington had the feeling that the vamps greatly depleted their force with the two Transylvania battles and felt comfortable authorizing lightly defended raids on Carpathian land. One such raid brought back intelligence that the Carpathian holy city of Oradea was very lightly defended (more than usual).

The American army was much smaller than in past years, but still large enough to handle this task. Washington sent Patton out with a small force to capture Oradea. Patton was victorious and reinforcements arrived in time to hold the city during the subsequent Carpathian counter-attack.

Washington again offered peace. One courier was sent. One courier never returned.

Richmond’s courier corps was now regarded as a more dangerous job than the army itself.

Meanwhile the Mali pressed forward in the south. With most of Carpathian attention focused on America in the north, they found it quite easy to retake their city of Bacau. When the war began, Carpathia was the largest nation on terra. Since then however they have lost 2 cities to the Mali and 3 to America. Or rather, they lost 5 to America, 1 to the Mali, and retook one from the Americans.

Still, they refuse to negotiate. Will this war never end?

Washington and Jefferson intend to draft one more formal offer of peace between the nations. Hopefully Carpathia will, at last, be reasonable.

[Diplo America]

Offer of Peace to Carpathia

As it is unlikely this treaty will ever be read or responded to, we shall save the ink and dispense with the diplomatic pleasantries by being brief. The war has not gone well for Carpathia. You attacked us without provocation and began this ill-fated war entirely of your own volition. America did not ask for this war, but we refused to be pushed around by a stronger and more advanced nation.

We mobilized for war and delivered defeat after defeat to the mighty Carpathian empire. In total we captured five Carpathian cities. One has been returned to the Mali and one you have retaken. Our army continues to grow and we have no fears about continuing this war. It will only continue to get worse for you. Now is the time to negotiate.

Americans are a fair minded people. We do not seek to cripple Carpathia, we merely want to end this war with honor. In light of our great military success, America’s poor situation in the world, and Carpathia’s role as the aggressor we offer the following terms:

America Gives The Following:

- America recognizes the cultural and strategic importance of Oradea, the Islamic holy city. Against our better judgment, we offer to return this city to Carpathian control.

Carpathia Gives The Following:

- Carpathia gives America the city of Craiova in exchange for Oradea. This is a reasonable request as this city borders America’s capitol, Richmond, is surrounded on three sides by American territory, and is entirely cut off from Carpathian territory. Considering the value of Oradea, this small backwater is a small, reasonable concession.
- Carpathia teaches America the technology of Engineering and Optics as reparations for starting this costly war.

Finally:

- All hostilities cease and current borders are frozen between America and Carpathia.
- The cities of Timisoara and Focsani remain under American control as they were fairly taken in combat in a war we did not start.
- Prisoners of war shall be exchanged.
- The border shall not be militarized by either side.

We believe these terms are fair. If war continues our next offer will not be as understanding or generous.

Signed,

Thomas Jefferson
Secretary of State

George Washington
Commander-in-Chief

[Diplo France]

Originally posted by Diplo Mongolia

(remember to vote before session!!!)

Actually if you rember we agreed to vote up to 24 hours after a session to let people read the very last storie posts made for the previoius session.


VOTE PEOPLE!

[Diplo France]

Great session!

[Diplo France]

TO: To the royal court
FROM: King Henry the II.

In our wisdom we have decided to accept the peace proposal hammered out with the Incas. They seem to be willing to hold their word on the matter. Despite our military superiority in the New World, this war is damaging our economy. We shall therefore recognize the Incan claim over New Cuzco in exchange for certain reparations, including Incan recognition of our remaining claims.

The Apostolic palace vote to end the war against the Incas will be coming up soon, since we are in agreement, we shall not defy its will. Thought we have the support of our population to do so with near impunity. We shall still vote no however, but only because we do not recognize the Popes influence over secular affairs such as ending conflicts.

The Incas have also said they are willing to provide us with the local wine in exchange for extensive reparations in materials paid by our side.

OCC: Will move this to a later post later. I haven't got around to writting the next chapter in the history of france or the war stories.

[Diplo America]

Having received no response, America rescinds its offer of peace to Carpathia.

We still seek peace with Carpathia and will do what we have to to secure it. But with the failure, yet again, of Carpathia to respond to our magnanimous offer of peace we have now have no interest in returning the great city of Oradea.

America is interested in discussing terms with Carpathia. What is important to us is the discussion. We are running very short on couriers and hope to one day receive a response from Carpathia.

Our offer, at this time, is essentially to support the status quo. Our nations have had an uneasy peace over the last several years. It is understood that this peace was made with a transitional Carpathian government and may not be seen as valid when more permanent leadership returns to the nation.

Please note that America could easily have continued to press the war while the Carpathian government was in disarray and eradicated your people from this land with little effort.

We however showed remarkable restraint and agreed to peace. Be grateful.

If nothing changes and no further terms are agreed to beyond maintaining the current peace, America will be content and satisfied.

However we do propose one exchange. The city of Craiova is now isolated from Carpathian territory. Its location makes it a natural possession of America and we are willing to make payment to secure its transfer to our control. We can provide considerable help to facilitate Carpathia's rebuilding after this costly war.

We ask Carpathia to suggest suitable payment and open negotiations.

Thank you. Please do not impale our courier.

-Jefferson

[Diplo France]

He woke up abruptly, he had lost consciousness again. His shirt was blood soaked and dirty ”I must have fell.” he tought. If he had not some experience as a herbalist he would have never endured the suffering.

He rode his exhausted horse. In the distance he saw the beautiful green land that could only be the surrounding the ruins of Jute, they came as a relief. It helped him and his group summon the will to travel for a few brief hours that seemed like an eternity. As he neared the his destination, travelling through rough hilly terrain he saw a something... it was a… city!

“How can this be?” he asked himself, he then turned to his second in command.

“Sayid are you seeing this as well or has the sun stricken me mad?”
“Indeed, by Ozzy. Perhaps the locals rebuilt?”
“We have been touring this part of New France for a long time, the local chieftains would have mentioned something like this.”
"I don't know what is more disturbing the fact that there appear to be fortifications or the fact that I don't recognise the arhitecture.

He seemed uneasy, he glanced at the leader expecting instructions, the leader obliged.
“All right lets move out. Sayid get six more capable men. I want to investigate this.”

He then turned to the remainder of his group.
“The rest of you stay here!”

As he neared the city, it began seeming eerily familiar. He quickened the pace, driving his horse almost mad. The foliage grew unusually thick for the region, he approached with barley four horses and eight men.

He saw a man runing towards the foilage, he ordered his to conceal themselves as best they could. 'Why is this man runinig towards us?' Before he could finish that thought, something is trown at the running man. As the running man caught the object, the commander realised two things, first that the object was a ball and second that the man was Incan.



Sir Emmanuel Deragon was travelling through the forests in norht eastern New France, the continent was peaceful since the razing of the barbarian city of Juto. He commanded a unit of French Noble knights. His voyage had gone well so far, the trek to this new continent was a long one but it was less dangerous than in the old days. The captains of the royal naval academy were some of the best in the world. He still did not cherish the memories of the tropical storm they encountered, but they were alive, more than most people who have seen such storms can say.


In the sunny forests of he met with tribal chieftains, they pledge allegiance to the King of France if they were within claimed land. Those who were beyond French lands also provided tribute in gold as a sign of respect, many trade arrangements were made. These people had always traded or warred with Jute, the power vacuum created by old Cortez meant that France seemed to have a much larger presence than it actually did.


There were already rumours of other native cities to the south and the west, gaining importance. Among them was of particular concern Yui-Chi. Its ruling council saw themselves as an opposing force to French rule. This would not be problematic by itself if the city would not have been located in the claimed zone.


They bid the final chieftain farewell and headed south east. The scorching sand of the desert was not a pleasant place for men in armour. Many horses died reducing more men to walking. Some of them did not make it. As they travelled lost under the scorching sun, he regretted choosing this path rather than just following the river… he closed his eyes and fell off his horse.

[Diplo Ottoman]

The whispering is increasing from the least to the greatest, whispers in Arabic only, whispers not to be heard by foreign ears, nothing written down, this cannot be revealed before its time

The yearning is there, the desire is strong, something momentous, something stupendous, something never done before in the annals of the History of the Worlds is being discussed, planned, considered.

Can It be done?

The spirit of the ottoman people is stirring, an ambitious spirit longing for something better, MUCH BETTER

[Diplo Mongolia]

(arabic?)

[Diplo France]

Originally posted by Diplo Mongolia
(arabic?)

Arabic is a dead language. It was spoken in the region of the Ottoman empire and the Russian deserts around the time of the 3rd millennium BC. (if you looked at French stories of exploration)


The Ottomans probably teach it and use it in a similar way one might have used Latin in the 16th century.
Also it is used nowhere else, so by merley speaking in Arabic you drasticaly reduce the possiblity of bein understood by someone who does not reside in the Ottoman empire or does not have higher education.

[Diplo Mongolia]

Required reading: Excerpt from the 103rd Mongolian Tribesmoot, Military affairs, as noted by the scribe Louis the Frank, translated from medieval French.


This is the 103rd Mongolian Tribesmoot, meeting at the Horsefields of Runan'Gee. Present are a total of 509 Clansmen from the 11 Tribes of Mongolia, Runan'Gee, Karakorum, Beshbalik, Turfan, Hsing-Nu, Harboria, Akhitnur, Port Akhit, Horseshoe falls and Landsedge, to discuss the matter of armament and power in the east. I, Primogen and First Speaker, Yogotë XI, gives the word to the Honorable Lord Togarai of Beshbalik.

-I, Lord Togarai, first and foremost of the Knight Riders, acknowledge the Primogen, the Venerable and Honorable Yogotë, and I accept the Spear of Speaker.
My brothers and cousins, I come to you today with great concerns, we have seen in the recent years of late that Mongolia, though great advances have been made, the people of the Plain have fallen behind our neighbours.
These nations grow in size and power, and we are now in the position we were once before, our rivals far outstrip our forces with advanced technology. As the Honorable Primogen Speaker, Yogotë witnessed personally, such a situation leaves us weak and unable to extend our influence. Mongolia cannot be allowed to stagnate!
I have finished my words, for I have spoken my greatest concern of this matter and I return the Spear of Speaker to the Venerable and Honorable Lord Yogotë. I ask forgiveness for my briefness and lack of good words, but I do not wish my issue to be blurred by verbose and volumous recitations.


-I, the Lord Yogotë accepts the Spear of Speaker from the Honorable and Mighty Lord Togarai, and I thank him for his words. I chose next as recipient of the Spear of Speaker, the Lord Suzuna of Harboria.


-I, Suzuna of Harboria humbly accept the Spear of Speaker and thank Yogotë for this Honor, and I thank Togarai the Mighty for his words.
I too have a concern, much like Togarai, The Hollandics have begun a colonization of a new land across the sea, apparently greater than even our own. France has grown and is taking part in this. Ottoman as well, and even the Inca, who far outstrip most nations desire lands in this new world. Is Mongol to fall behind these ambitious nations and be without colonies? Are we to lack the prestige of such honor? Surely we must acquire grand sailing ships and cross the Ocean sea to find new lands!
We can purchase or conquer such ships from the Ottoman wharfts, and send our great Knight Riders to conquer this grand land. For truly, honor is done by doing what is bold, and letting others take the glory of exploration and conquest is surely not our way!
I have too been too brief, but I beg that my inexperience in speaking is forgiven. I return the Spear of Speaker to the Venerable Lord Yogotë, Primogen of the Tribesmoot.


-I Lord Yogotë, Primogen Speaker of the Tribesmoot accept the Spear of Speaker from young Suzuna of Harboria and thank him for his words, I choose as next speaker, the Lord Katurai of Hsing-Nu.


-I thank you, my Venerable and most Honorable, Yogotë, sole survivor of the Horde's northern glory and most Vigilant and Wise Primogen of the Tribesmoots. I thank the Mighty Lord, Togarai for his insightful and forewarning words, his knowledge of the doings of other nations is truly unsurpassed, I believe he at times knows more of foreign lands than the Kings who's countries he spies on. I thank also the fates for young Suzuna's ambition, for surely such desires of grandure will win much honor to his sea-gazing tribe.
I too will apologize for my previous' speakers briefness, for that which is not worth saying well can surely not be worth saying at all. My predecessors have spoken much of the situation of Mongolia, our acclaimed plight of stagnation and lack of boldness. If the situation were truly as dire as proclaimed, I wonder why the Ottoman have not already invaded, or why the Dutch have not bribed the people of Turfan to change their allegiance. Oh, how weak and pitiful we are!
Nay, my brothers! We are not weak! We are not cowardly, we are Mongol! And as always, other nations look to us for lessons in courage and Honor! The Dutch do not respect us for we have not defeated them, but is it not courage to choose death rather than dishonor? All other nations know that Mongol will rather fight to the death than give in! The Inca send regular tribute to us to protect themselves from the Horde. France fears us and seeks the protection of Holland. Ottoman cower in their countless villages and towns at the mere thought of our forces! But I forget, other speakers at this Moot say we are weak and unambitious. We commission no great works, we sail no grand ships, our armies are old and outmoded,

I say we are Mongol! That alone should be enough to dismiss such insults, made far worse as they are propagated by our own!
Young Suzuna needs perhaps a lesson in riding, for he has forgotten that the Mongol way is the way of the Plain, not the sea! Perhaps he should start out carefully, riding an ass, for it seems that at the moment the ass is riding him!
Mighty Lord Togarai, who's forces are unrivalled, say we must fear, lest the great enemy move against us. What enemy would dare, I ask?
I have finished my volumous recitation, my unending rant, my verbose and anachronistic way of honoring our forefathers, by as them, being bound by Honor to smith words worth of wielding as the finest sabre. I return the Spear of Speaker to the Venerable and Honorable Lord Yogotë.


-I, Primogen Speaker, Yogotë recognize the words of Katurai of Hsing-Nu and retrieve from him the Spear of Speaker. I choose at this moment to call a deliberation in our meet, for I sense tensions are perhaps high, and awarding any one of you with a weapon would perhaps be unwise. Let us reconvene at sunrise tomorrow. I remind you that an amnesty between all tribes exist within the tradesposts limits and any aggression is prohibited and enforced by a unified Mongolia.

[Diplo France]

The Late Middle Ages
(900AD – 1200AD)

The priestly cast began to loose influence in the 10th century AD. Its twilight was obvious from the criticism of the cast system to the ever greater power of the monarchy. The cast system was alive and well, but attitudes towards it became more utilitarian. It was no longer considered something desirable in itself but something that was necessary. Charles in his final years did something unthinkable he declared the King of France had the final word in interpreting genealogical records. This caused some outrage among the priestly class but since the Confucian faith was not as hierarchical or organized as the Christian one they failed to gain a decisive advantage in the struggle, when the townsfolk cast representatives sided with the King the debate was over. King Charles after securing this gain to the thrown abdicated in favor of his son Robert.



Robert dispenses alms to the poor. He was said to have be compassionate towards the lower casts, the weak and the poor.

King Robert the Good would significantly change the legal order and administration of France. Despite opposition from the nobles, he reduced the importance of hereditary stewardships over cities favoring the classical system of royal appointed governorships that had fell into disuse over the centuries. He embarked on a course of centralization and reorganization of the ever larger French Empire. His determination to employ a civil service and increase the importance of the capital (not coincidentally in so doing increasing his power) his own position led to the rebellion of certain nobles in 920AD. It put French lands through a long ten year period of anarchy. Little fighting occurred, but no achievements can be traced to this unfortunate period. In the end King Robert, after granting full pardon to Duke Dooku, but demoting his position to count, established central control. The organization allowed great feats of construction to be accomplished more quickly it also boosted the economy of the capital and increased the efficiency of the French economy more than enough to offset the added tax burden the provinces endured in order of to support the extensive bureaucracy.

In foreign policy he was remarkable for beginning a long tradition of giving aid to states that suffered disasters, were devastated by war or where living conditions were appalling. He often went against French interests to adhere to his humanitarian ideal.

Papyrus fell into disuse and was gradually replaced by paper in the second half of the 10th century, it was made from many different fibrous materials. It was first produced on a large scale to cover the needs of the expanded government services introduced by King Robert.




Robert was eventually succeeded by Charles the II., known in the latter part of his reign as Charles the Great or Charlemagne.

Under his reign French explorers sailed the oceans of the world, this eventually resulted in the discovery of the continent of Madagascar. In the following decades the continent was further explored, cultural exchange occurred with the natives that boosted the development of classical music in France. The settlement of Grenoble and Dijon were granted with city rights during his reign, while the Eastern French cities continued to prosper and grow.



He favored institutions of learning, this prompted him to invite American Islamic scholars to the city of Lyons at the start of his reign, they arrived in 1010 AD. He was by all reports pious and ensured proper Confucian schools were opened in Dijon in 1095 AD. Charlemagne died in 1075AD after having reigned for sixty-seven years.



His accomplishments in developing France were many, but he is best known for fighting the Hundred year war with the Incas after they settled and refused to leave the eastern French holdings in New France. (more will be told of the war in the next chapter)
Suffice it to say the war defined France for the second half of the period. It caused France to increase the size of its navy and undertaking a breathtaking military reform that elevated her forces to regional importance. The tactical genius of Charlemagne is also undisputed, military academies world wide still teach extensive courses on his battles, his strategies and his commissioned and co-authored work called the The Art of War. The book is impressive because of its sound strategic advice, pragmatism and incredible insights on the nature of war. The book quickly spread through, and was studied and debated on, in the Confucian world within a century. This is probably because of how well its concepts fitted Confucian culture.


He is also widely seen as a master diplomat, he skillfully convinced his neighbors before hand not to allow troops of either side to cross their lands in so doing he protected mainland France from attack, forcing the Incas to fight in New France. He sought and received guarantees of neutrality from several powers before beginning his campaign. He tried and exhausted all possible diplomatic solutions to the crisis, some leaders thought he took too long. But he wanted to reason with the Incas until in his words: “it became clear this was not a mistake or misunderstanding but that the Incas thought that they can invade and steal land from the weak with impunity. They only make offers that we allegedly can not refuse. I say France can refuse anything she wants… truly one can not see the theft of land as anything less than a declaration of war.”


Charlemagne, visiting a royal school.

These two traits combined with his boldness and his good record as a leader made him a legend among his people and respected abroad.






He was succeeded by Henry the II., another capable military commander who finished his predecessors plan. He was the first French king to persecute Christians accusing them of spying for the Incas. Despite this he was an advocte of peace with the Incas, he deeply regreted the loss of life of the Incan people.

In 1135 AD peace was made with the long time foes after a deal was reached. That is why when the College of Cardinals in the Apostolic Palace of Cuzco voted on a religious peace, he did not defy the resolution as he easily could have due to the overwhelming support of the French people. He did resent the idea of the Incan controlled body, and a heretical body at that, having any say at all in world affairs so he voted no.

He invested heavily in improving French ship designs and sponsored early attempts at printing press . He sought to further the interests of France where he could, trying to help the French economy recover and to ensure that colonial interest were fulfilled. His handling of the explosive crisis of 1165AD, when the Incas disregarded the original deal and sought to renegotiate the original settlement and his latter reign will be covered in the next chapter.

[Diplo France]

OOC: (please give me some feedback about my posts, I have another one ready I just don't want to write up too much stuff that isn't good)

[Diplo Holland]

Originally posted by Diplo France
OOC: (please give me some feedback about my posts, I have another one ready I just don't want to write up too much stuff that isn't good)

They are great but can you wait until the others catch up and do some of their posting. Holland should start posting from tomorrow.