Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread] Part 2 (September)

[Pinchak]

This is the Story and Diplomacy Thread for the Pitboss Diplomacy Game: Beyond the Pit (October)

Only use Anonymous Pitboss Diplo Game Accounts to post messages in this thread!
Other messages will be removed!
Use the organization thread for non-story/diplomacy messages.

Visitors, spectators, audiences, etc. are obviously welcome to read this thread, and comment in it, even without a special pitboss login.

Important links:
CivStats for this game
gmail login for this game

Story Thread Part 1 (July-August)
Story Thread Part 2 (September)
Story Thread Part 3 (October)

Organisation Thread (Part 1)
Organisation Thread (Part 2)
Organisation Thread (Part 3)

LOGOUT (to login with your real or pitboss account)

IP: plomp.eu:2062

[Pitboss Maya]

The Birth of Mayan Taoism

Knowing well that Pacal would never approve of sharing the scared wisdom of Teo-nanacatl with the general public, the Elders devised a plan to once again put spirituality at the seat of Mayan affairs.

Xuruto, the same Elder who performed Pacal's wedding ceremony five years prior, masterminded the plan. The mushroom was to be gathered in mass, and "accidentally" added to the corn meal in Palenque. To give credit to the mushroom for the visions that were sure to ensue, the mushrooms were to be scattered around inside the granary.

Once the corn cakes were consumed a week after the sabotage, the entire town left "maya" and entered the spritworld.

As the Elders had counted on, complete chaos took over the city. People stumbled around physically in maya as their minds functioned in the true reality. Some sat still and tried to work with the visions, while others went stark rave mad. Many laughed and believed they must have died somehow as the visions were not only grandiose and overwhelming in nature, but also felt like a sort of homecoming. Others, faced with the nature of their true selfs and unable to deal with their selfish and dishonest ways in a cosmic sense, killed themselves to make the nightmare stop.

After an hour or so of this, Xuruto the Elder Chief addressed the masses just as the effects were reaching their peak. He explained telepathically that there was nothing to fear, and that the lives they once knew were only an illusion. This was the true nature of things, and it was a blessing for them all to experience.

At the core of the experience was the erasure of "self" and the realization that everything, especially people, are interconnected on a much higher level. This understanding was to become central to Taoism, with "I am another you" as it's mantra, and Teo-nanacatl as it's sacrament.

Xuruto was careful however not to come across as a God or messiah, but rather a guide or shaman. The aliens which were now apparent to the entire city, were to thank for such realizations about reality. He then began to dance a traditional Mayan dance, and the citizens of Palenque who survived the awakening danced with him in boundless joy.

[Pitboss Vikings]

False religion is not needed in Oldonia.

the worship of the Great one has been the only religion known in our lands since time began.

[Pitboss Vikings]

The crew anchored the boat in the bay and trekked inland to see the wonders of the Core people.

The small group led by Adam Eveston carried with them the Oldonian official greeting flags and language break thru pics.

This enabled them to speak to foriegners by touching pics of common objects.

the message they had for the Core people was from the Elders of old

To whom it may concern.

You have been met by our industrious adventurers on their journey of discovery, we wish and pray that by the name of the great one that you find them in good health after their long voyage and that you accept them as representatives of the Oldonian peoples.

These hardy and brave men bring with them samples of Oldonian culture for you to enjoy and hope to sail from your lands with similar culture from your land and to have shared in a shaking of hainds , the traditional Oldonian greeting of friendship.

We would like to warn the world of the dark times we have seen, the dark skinned folk known to some as Terrorists to others as barbies. They stop at nothing to destroy the world we know.

But of the world we have seen much great things. The people of Wyandot in northern Razolia are a gresat people, freinds true and true. The Japanese are a small tribe of the Islands off Western Razolia. They have been agresive but peaceful for centuries now, but we understand they are going through much civil unrest at present as there was no heir to their throne.

You may have already discovered many other tribes yourself, the Greeks inform us of meeting you and the Mayans.

Through the Wyandots we know of the Pieerced Ones living in Central Razolia, the romans from the far east Razolia also the Port of gauls to the North East of Razolia. We understand this land we share is large and plenty of space for all to enjoy. No need for wars to fight for land.

We passed much empty spaces near your friends the Greeks. The Romans travellled very long way across empty lands to great the Wyandots.

The Great One has blessed us all with all we could ever want.

Your freinds the the people of the United Oldonian Provinces.

[Pitboss Greece]

Menelaus was still mourning in the hills of Sparta when a messenger arrived from Korea:

TO: Menaleus of Sparta, Pacal II of Maya
FROM: Steward Bae Hyeongyeong, General of Pyongyang

It is with great sorrow that I report the Koreans have lost their King Wang Geon of Goguryeo and their Princess Sinjeong of Silla. The King died of illness and the Princess took her own life, upon hearing of the King's death.

I am, however, happy to report the birth of Sejong who shall ascend the throne once he comes of age. In the interim I shall take up the reigns of governance and promise that I shall honor and follow all deals made by the King Wang Geon as will his son Sejong when he ascends the throne. I assure you of continued friendship and amity between the peoples of Korea and the nations of the Maya and the Greeks. This is a painful time for many Koreans and we hope that this event will not effect the friendly relationships our nations have achieved. Any messages or responses should be addressed to Hae Mosu, our foreign advisor.

Thank you for your time.

-Bae Hyeongyeong-

A message from Bae Hyeongyeong......
Bae "the Spartan" Hyeongyeong lead the Koreans till the young Sejong would be old enough....

"Dead..... Dead is everywhere..... dead hunts me..." Menelaus whispered back to the Messenger. While thinking by himself: "It's not that long ago that I killed the old Kirk.... at that time I loved dead. Now I hate it."

"Please bring the following message back to Bae" he continued against the messenger:

Dear Bae,

It's not that long ago that we yelled at each other, standing by the dead body of Lacedaemon. At that moment I might have not felt much love for you.
You may have thought of me as some barbarian.

I hope we can meet one day again under better circumstances.

Dead has hunted us in the past days.
To tell you the truth: I am sick of dead.

I send you my condoleances for the loss of your King, Wang Geon and your Princess, Sinjeong of Silla.
I also send you our congratulations for the birth of young Sejong and your position as a governor of Korea.

I hope you will not forget about the ties between Sparta and you from the past. Despite the image you may have gotten from me.

It may sound weird to you, but after everything that happened in the past days, I feel like you are my friend. Maybe that's part of the spirit of Lacedaemon that came over me when I took the Spartan reign from his fingers.

Menelaus
Leader of Sparta

Days passed while Menelaus kept mourning about the loss of his family, the loss of his innocence and the cruelty of this world. No response from Sparta, from Thadius.

[Pitboss Greece]

A few weeks had passed.
Menelaus felt better again, left the hills and walked into the desert. Then he saw a man approaching from far. He was clearly dressed Korean style.
He called him: "Hey, Korean man, Do you bring me a message from Bae?"

The Korean man approached him, bowed for him and gave him a mysterious box. Nothing was said during this.

"A box? Who sent this box to me?" Menelaus asked.
"I have no orders to bring you a verbal message" the messenger told him. "I am sorry"

Menelaus watched the box, suspicious....




Slowly he opened it. First thing he saw was a knife...

"My knife....!" Menelaus said loud out.
Then he picked up the message that was in the box, which read:

TO: Menelaeus of Sparta

This knife is a sign that I will do you no harm, however I wish to bring you and Pacal to the table of peace in Seoul so we may discuss the issues concerning our nations and the existance of others in this world. Namely the Oldonians. Please accept this entreaty and I will treat you to a glorious state dinner in my capital.

-General Bae Hyeongyeong

Menelaus smiled.
"Tell your general that I will come to Seoul as soon as possible. First I must deal with Thadius Kirk and the Oldonians. First go to Sparta, ask for Falototius, tell him I have sent you. He will feed you and give you new clothes and prepare you for your journey back."

Menelaus looked into the box once again and picked up another message. While he read it he became angered. "I knew about this..." he whispered.

Then he picked up his stuff and traveled back to Sparta, running far ahead of the Korean messenger.
When he arrived back home he quickly called for Thadius the Barbarian.

Just after he cleaned up himself Thadius was brought to him.
"I'm glad to see that you have cooled down" Menelaus said.

"You have killed all of my family..... I should kill you for that!" Menelaus said.
Thadius looked a bit frightened. "Don't you worry, you young barbarian from a far away land. I am sick of dead. I am going deal with you in the most honest way. I expect you to do the same to me. First I will tell you that you will be released and be sent back to your country. Before you will be released you get a change to renew the relations between the Oldonian and the Spartanians."

Thadius looked somewhat relieved, but there was still a lot of hate in his eyes towards Menelaus.

"First you own me an answer." Menelaus said.

"James Kirk was an untrained unarmed man, he never carried a weopon, he was a sailor and fisherman, the only knifes James had were always with his fishing gear. You have killed my uncle in cold blood because you have judged him to be weak." Thadius responded.

"But he was not weak, he was untrained and unarmed...." he continued.

"So, he's your uncle. That's why you killed my uncle.... an eye for an eye....." Menelaus concluded.
"I'll tell you, young Thadius, Kirk was not untrained. I have traveled many weeks with him and my... friend Peritos trained Kirk and his Piercian friend Achmed many skills."

Menelaus waited a moment to let this message be fully understood by this barbarian from the north.

"Not only was Kirk a well trained man, he also carried a weapon...."

At that very moment Menelaus opened up the box that stood in a corner of the room. He picked up a knife from it and gave it to Thadius.

"This is the knife Kirk had gotten from Peritos, Pertos his friend. The man who saved his life by giving his life. The knife is doomed because of Captain Kirk."

Then Menelaus signed.

"You take this doomed knife back to Oldonia. You should know that it'll bring doom to everybody who touches it. It brought doom upon Peritos and upon Captain Kirk, it brought doom upon me and upon General Bae from Korea. Lastly it brought doom to Princess Sinjeong from Korea.

It returned to me. But it belongs to you, as the hair of Captain Kirk. He cursed the knife by not using it. Now bring it back to Oldonia and find a way to bring rest to the knife of doom."

Thadius accepted the knife and looked at it.

"But before you go, answer me....." Menelaus said.

[Pitboss Persia]

The new settlement of Meeting



It was common knowledge that romans and Piercians came along quite well. Now the cooperation between the kingdom and the Empire has reached a new accomplishment. Roman settlers have established a piercian city. A monument was raised in the desert to celebrate the friendship between the two civilisations.

The Prince supervised the transfert in person and adressed to the crowd composed of both romans and Piercians :

"This is an important day, and all my words would not suffice to describe the pride i feel when i look at all of you. Our friendship has reached a new level. There where we were partners before, we are now bretheren in blood. Every step, every breath, every birth in this place is an oath. An oath of eternal peace and engagement one for another. From now on the Roman Kingdom and the Piercian Empire are bound for the best and for the worst. Honor your oath, people of Meeting, and your future will be glorious !"

As the crowd cheered, the piercian cavalry entered the town and joined the celebrations.

The riders were the only ones in the world that managed to ride on the back of their mounts rather than in a chariot attached to them. This allowed more mobility and speed, so that their impact was greatly increased, and they could evade incoming arrows much easier.

After a brief look at the celebrations, Asiz ordered a horse and left for Pierced Hill.

[Pitboss Persia]

Somewhere in the greek jungles...

An old man was crawling in the bushes. He knew it was all about to end. Gathering his last strength, he wrote a message to Pierced Hill, explaining that he failed in his mission as an Ambassador, and was attacked by a spartan soldier. He wrote that another soldier tried to defend him, and that this man allowed him to escape into the jungles. But he was too old for surviving alone out there. He could not predict what the future would bring for the relations between the Piercians and Sparta. He apologized, and sent the bird away.

"Achmed," he thought, "this adventure was too big for you. You knew it from the beginning. And now this jungle will kill you. Fool...".

He took a look at the wounds that the local creatures already had inflicted. His leg was covered with blood, and insects were crawling on his flesh. The skin that was not covered with blood was blueish in color and smelled bad. The pain was awfull. He could no longer stand all of this. He layed back, and took a deep breath, waiting for death to come and take him once and for all.

After a few hours, the pain fainted, the sunlight did as well. With the release came the darkness... and the silence.

[Pitboss Persia]

The daugther

After a secret meeting with the General Kalidah, Esther arranged private fighting lessons with her. She said that she would like to impress her husband by fighting by his side on the field of battle, but that this should remain secret so that she may surprise him. Knowing Asiz, Kalidah knew he would be amazed. After all, Esther was the daughter of the Empress, so she accepted the training and the secret.

The young woman choosed to fight with the same type of ritual blades as the ones used during her wedding. She showed much talent wielding theese weapons, and a few months were enough for her to be able to compete with her mentor.

She knew that Asiz would come back to Pierced Hill very soon. She would not be ready by then. But she would wait. She would keep her secret and her plans to herself for herself alone until the right moment. It was perfect. For once, she would be the one who makes the important decisions.

[Pitboss Greece]

"There he is....." Pleay said.
Barely alive Achmed layed under a tree, countless ants and bugs were crawling over him, his body looked butched.

"He must have ran like hell was hunting him" Diditos said.
"Let's take him to our camp and see if we can keep him alive."



"Look overhere" one of the other phalanxs said.
"There's a pigeon here with some kind of a message attached to it....."
Pleay walked towards the pigeon, grabbed the message and read it. "Someone able to read Piercian?" he asked.
"Peritos was....." Diditos said.

"And Menelaus, of course" Pleay remembered.

Back in the camp the Spartan soldiers cleaned Achmed's wounds and tried to heal the old Piercian messenger. "Menelaus would kill us if he knew that we were trying to heal someone he would name a coward..." Diditos said.
"Maybe, but I don't feel comfortable killing old wounded people in the jungle."

Weeks passed and Achmed wonderfully started to recover. As soon as he became pretty much the old Achmed again the group of Spartanian soldiers went home to Sparta again. "I wonder what Menelaus will say about our catch" Diditos said to Pleay. "Let's hope that the message will save our lives!" Pleay answered.

[Pitboss Persia]

Achmed woke up in a small hut. The only thing he could see was a fireplace, with a man sitting next to it. His leg seemed to have been treated, but still was full of scars and hurted.

He slowly approached the man and thanked him for saving his life. He recognized that the man had to be a spartan. So he asked :

-"Where are we ? And what do you want me to do ? I am a dead man. I sent a message to my people when i was certain about my death."

-"Your bird was a smart one it seems, old man. It was still sitting next to you when we had found you. By now, noone knows about you beeing here. You should rest until we can inform Menelaus."

-"So you have brought me here for him to kill me, just as he tried before ? I fail to see the honor in your acts. How much is the life of an old fool like me worth ?"

-"I have brought you here because i don't think Menelaus will kill you. But he needs to know that you are still alive and in Sparta. What he will decide from now on, i don't know."

-"That's not the answer i was hoping for, but i imagine there is nothing i can do about it, so if you don't mind, i will return to rest."

[Pitboss Korea]

Seoul...

General Shin Sung began signing off of orders for new armor and uniforms, the brigade had to be ready soon for its departure to fight the Aztecs and flush them out from their stronghold once and for all. It had only been months since he was named the Imperial General under Bae Hyeongyeong, and he realized he was set for life. Barring a horrendous mistake that is. A young soldier burst into his chambers, nearly out of breath.

Shin Sung stood up quickly "What is the matter?" he asked, he feared an invasion.

"Sir, General." the soldeir said, breathing hevily.

"Catch your breath, relax" Shin Sung said, handing the soldier some water.

The soldier grabbed the cup and drank it down quickly, "Thank you sir, I had to come running, the rest of my unit is keeping watch over the ship sir."

"The ship?" Shin Sung asked. "What ship?"

"I don't know sir, there is a ship out there on the Ocean, it is heading this way though, I was told to get orders from you as soon as possible."

"And there were no horses, they sent you on foot?" the General asked, he grabbed his helmet.

"No sir, we have no horses, they are all being used in the mines."

"Okay, very well, come with me we'll get some horses. Guards!!!" Shin Sung yelled, the guards quickly ran inside "I need you to send word to Bae Hyeongyeong that I have gone to the coastline, and we need to construct a war vessel immedeately, there appears to be a foreign ship en route to Seoul."

The Guard nodded and quickly ran out of the room "Very good sir, we are certain it is not Greek, nor Mayan for that matter. There was word among the soldiers that there were blonde men travelling through Greece, but we heard the Greeks killed them all." the Soldier explained.

"Well apparently they didn't, come on, let's go..."

Later, On the Shoreline...

The ship landed and achored along the shorline, it was not nearly as large as Shin Sung imagined, and had nets and fishing lines hanging from the side "What the hell kind of ship is this?" Shing Sung asked aloud.

"Hard to say sir, it doesn't look like a warship, although that might be the idea." his lieutenant Jeong Jung-bu replied "Lull us into a sense of security."

"Well here they are, wow the Greeks were right, they have hair like wheat. Alright Jeong, you're coming with me."

Jeong nodded "Very well sir, does General Bae know of this meeting?"

"I sent him word, he should know by now. I am the Imperial General though, I have clearance to do this. Let's go."

The two Koreans approached the Oldonians, one of them put his hand out. General Shin Sung looked at it, then turned to Jeong "What is this, his hand is empty?"

The Oldonian man simply stared at him and furrowed his brow.

"I don't know sir, do the same thing, stick your hand out, see what he does." Jeong replied.

Shin Sung stuck out his hand, the Oldonian quickly grabbed it and started shaking it, in response Jeong pulled out his sword "STOP JEONG!" Shin Sung said, the Oldonian jumped back and uttered something unintelligable.

"What did he say?" Jeong said, pointing his sword at the Oldonian, it was quite apparent they were unarmed, "Shall I run him through sir?"

"Jeong stop it, they don't have any weapons, how am I supposed to know what they are saying?"

"Adam Eveston" the Oldonian said, patting himself on the chest "Adam Eveston." he slowly put his hand in the air and very cautiously reached into his bear-skin coat, he pulled out a message and handed it to Shin Sung.

"Adam Eveston?" Shin Sung asked, holding up the message.

The Oldonian shook his head and again patted his chest "Adam Eveston."

Jeong leaned in towards Shin Sung "I think he is Adam Eveston."

"What is this message here, look its in Greek..."

To whom it may concern.

You have been met by our industrious adventurers on their journey of discovery, we wish and pray that by the name of the great one that you find them in good health after their long voyage and that you accept them as representatives of the Oldonian peoples.

These hardy and brave men bring with them samples of Oldonian culture for you to enjoy and hope to sail from your lands with similar culture from your land and to have shared in a shaking of hainds , the traditional Oldonian greeting of friendship.

We would like to warn the world of the dark times we have seen, the dark skinned folk known to some as Terrorists to others as barbies. They stop at nothing to destroy the world we know.

But of the world we have seen much great things. The people of Wyandot in northern Razolia are a gresat people, freinds true and true. The Japanese are a small tribe of the Islands off Western Razolia. They have been agresive but peaceful for centuries now, but we understand they are going through much civil unrest at present as there was no heir to their throne.

You may have already discovered many other tribes yourself, the Greeks inform us of meeting you and the Mayans.

Through the Wyandots we know of the Pieerced Ones living in Central Razolia, the romans from the far east Razolia also the Port of gauls to the North East of Razolia. We understand this land we share is large and plenty of space for all to enjoy. No need for wars to fight for land.

We passed much empty spaces near your friends the Greeks. The Romans travellled very long way across empty lands to great the Wyandots.

The Great One has blessed us all with all we could ever want.

Your freinds the the people of the United Oldonian Provinces.

"What does it say sir?" Jeong asked.

"Hold on, my Greek is a little fuzzy right now." Shin Sung said, straining to read the message "I have no idea what half of these words are, wait a minute."

"What is it?" Jeong asked.

"The Japanese" Shin Sung looked up, the Oldonian nodded, "It says something about the Japanese here, it says they live on an Island somewhere around Raziolia or something like that, we're going to need a proper translator for this."

"Who are the Japanese?" Jeong asked.

"Its nothing I'm sure, we thought they were only legends though. Many many centuries ago a small porcelain message from the so called Japanese was found in Gung Ye's home. It offered some type of warning against the Maya, we thought it was nonsense from those Jogye monks, but if this Adam Eveston brings this here maybe there's more to it."

"Well, what do we do?" Jeong asked.

"That all depends, how many of them are on that boat?"

"I don't know, probably twenty or so."

Shin Sung thought for a moment "Okay, we will take them to Seoul, if they will not come willingly we will take them by force. Bae must see this, and we've got to translate this immedeately, this message is in Greek so maybe they can speak Greek."

Shin Sung looked up at the Oldonian and in broken Greek said "You speak Greek?"

The Oldonian thought for a minute "No I, I not, Kirk speak Greek."

Shin Sung smiled "Great, look at that!" he said to Jeong, he then turned again to the Oldonian and in Greek said "It good for now, you speak good Greek but" he looked at Jeong "How do you say where is in Greek?"

"I don't know" Jeong replied.

"You're a damn officer, you should be able to speak Greek!" Shin Sung yelled.

The Oldonian looked on in confusion. Jeong turned to Shin Sung "You're a General, YOU should be able to speak Greek, and I thought you've been to Greece before!?!?"

"Well not really, I've been to the horse pass, but that was before Thebes was built, it was wilderness back then." Shin Sung explained.

"Okay, screw it!" Shin Sung exclaimed "You Adam Eveston, you come with me, huh? Okay?"

Adam nodded.

"We'll get this language figured out, Hae Mosu speaks Greek he should be able to do it..."

[Pitboss Vikings]

Originally posted by Pitboss Greece


Thadius accepted the knife and looked at it.

"But before you go, answer me....." Menelaus said.

Thadius continued to play dumb and scared, he was hoping to find a way home, to escape and now this Spartan was offering him freedom.

All he had to do was answer a question.

"What do you want answering?"

If he could give an asnwer he could be on his way. Not home ,but forward to join the Enterprise.

[Pitboss Vikings]

"What does it say sir?" Jeong asked.

"Hold on, my Greek is a little fuzzy right now." Shin Sung said, straining to read the message "I have no idea what half of these words are, wait a minute."

"What is it?" Jeong asked.

"The Japanese" Shin Sung looked up,

Adam was having difficulty with the speech, finally a word he understood. He nodded and repeated "Japanese"

"It says something about the Japanese here, it says they live on an Island somewhere around Raziolia or something like that, we're going to need a proper translator for this."

"Who are the Japanese?" Jeong asked.

"Its nothing I'm sure, we thought they were only legends though. Many many centuries ago a small porcelain message from the so called Japanese was found in Gung Ye's home. It offered some type of warning against the Maya, we thought it was nonsense from those Jogye monks, but if this Adam Eveston brings this here maybe there's more to it."

"Well, what do we do?" Jeong asked.

"That all depends, how many of them are on that boat?"

"I don't know, probably twenty or so."

Shin Sung thought for a moment "Okay, we will take them to Seoul, if they will not come willingly we will take them by force. Bae must see this, and we've got to translate this immedeately, this message is in Greek so maybe they can speak Greek."

Shin Sung looked up at the Oldonian and in broken Greek said "You speak Greek?"

The Oldonians looked at each other, they had been taught Greek in the years they had spent in sparta, but they had not learned it as well as their captain, and now he was gone. So they looked at each other, "I think that was greek Adam, they want to know if we speak it."

Adam turned to the Core people. "I dont speak Greek well, Kirk our old Captain did. Not us, but we try"

Shin Sung smiled "Great, look at that!" he said to Jeong, he then turned again to the Oldonian and in Greek said "It good for now, you speak good Greek but" he looked at Jeong "How do you say where is in Greek?"

"I don't know" Jeong replied.

"You're a damn officer, you should be able to speak Greek!" Shin Sung yelled.

Again they looked at each other and wondered why the Core people spent so much time yelling at each other. Were all nations as aggresive as this. The Japanese were , the Spartans had been.

. Jeong turned to Shin Sung "You're a General, YOU should be able to speak Greek, and I thought you've been to Greece before!?!?"

"Well not really, I've been to the horse pass, but that was before Thebes was built, it was wilderness back then." Shin Sung explained.

"Okay, screw it!" Shin Sung exclaimed "You Adam Eveston, you come with me, huh? Okay?"

Adam understood his name and the finger pointing meant they wanted him to follow. He turned to his collegea and told him to go wait at the boat while he went with the Core people.

"We'll get this language figured out, Hae Mosu speaks Greek he should be able to do it..."

Adam grabbed the ancient Oldonian scrolls of pictures and handed it to the Core people. He pointed to the pics and tryed to get them to understand, but he soon saw that they were not civilians like himself , they were soldeirs and only interested in following orders, they were going to take him to their leaders.

[Pitboss Vikings]

The council met and listend to the peoples concerns. It was getting overcrowded in the citys. The farms and cottages were spreading and people were getting over crowded in the central provinces. This cauded the people to be unhappy and rather than work they just met on street corners and grumbled a lot.

The council tryed to explain to the people that if further Provinces were created that the econmy would be worse as the cost of running the new provinces would be more than the whole of Oldonia could afford.

But the people refused to work , so finally the council agreed. A new province was formed to the south on the banks of the southern river. As the only river in all of Oldonia it ws vital that it be utilised effectively.

In memory of the lost Japanese soldiers during the aftermath of the Oldonia/ Nipppon wars , the warriors killed by the barbarians, the new province was called Nip.

A governor was installed and told to build his defences as more black skinned people were not far from his new borders.

To the East, much celbrations occured when Wyandot chariots stormed across Death Valley and met with the tired but brave Oldonian Axemen.

They were invited to a traditiona lfeast of Roast lamb and bear.

After much eating and drinking the Wyandots were covered in the skins of the animals and then shown the religous ceremonys carried out in the name of the great One.

New friendships were made and word soon spread across Oldonian provinces of the brave Natives from the East.

[Pitboss Celts]

Reports from the American frontline against the barbarians has been received. The Axemen dispatched to aid in the Great Barbarian War. The Axemen successfully defended Boston and march now to Washington to aid in the attacking hoards that threaten to overrun the city. At home, the barbarians have sent more warriors against our capitol, but it is expected they will be quickly dispatched.

[Pitboss Vikings]

Adam handed the Core people the latest sketchings from the OSS Enterprise.

[Pitboss Spain]

The people of the Spainish empire are glad to finally see some of the peoples that they have heard about from the messages from the Lonely Voyager. Unfortunately their would have been people there to greet them, but unfortunately we are under attack from some warfaring peoples who we do not know much about. When the ship gets to Madrid we will give the ship an official welcome to the people of the far away and great nation.

[Pitboss Portugal]

Spanish

The crew of the Spanish Lonely Voyager docked at our main port. The crew and its captain have been invited to the royal palace where they will meet with Tir and his advisors. A big feast has been planned to honor these brave people from across the seas.

Meanwhile a Portuguese ship with the first ambassador has been dispatched towards the Spanish lands.

There has been already a talk of sending reinforcement to aid our new friends the Spaniards against local barbarians. Details remain a secret to the public.

Some have heard that even the King himself will lead this defensive force to the Spanish lands.

As far as the crew of the Lonely Voyager goes, they have been invited to stay as long as they wish in Portuguese lands.

[Pitboss Korea]

Seoul...

Bae Hyeongyeong entered the chamber of Emperor Sejong, still a young boy, but growing older and more aware of his powerful position in Korea mostly due to the pandering of Hae Mosu, the chief foreign minister of Korea. Hae bowed to the Regent Bae Hyeongyeong "General Bae, we have been expecting you."

Bae looked at Sejong, he sat in his throne full of arrogance, "Emperor Sejong" he said, bowing "General Shin Sung is arriving with the Oldonians, we must also make preparations to entertain King Pacal and Menaleus of Sparta, but their visit musn't be spoken of during this meeting with the Oldonians. I am unaware of their purpose here, as is General Shin Sung, and as far as we can tell their vessel is nothing more than a fishing boat. Perhaps they have been blown off course. Further we received this sketch from their crew" he said pulling out what appeared to be a map, but had strange writing on it.

"The Emperor will let you handle this meeting as Regent General" Hae Mosu said, the Emperor simply sat there, like a statue, "He asks that you ensure nobody touch him, and that they pay their proper respects."

Bae was not impressed, "With all due respect, Emperor Sejong, perhaps it is unwise that you are present at all. You are a child after all, and we are unsure how these men will respond to that. Culturally that is." Bae thought in his heart that, thus far, he had failed his mission in raising the boy to be a good Emperor. He was a far cry from his warrior father Wang Geon (or for that matter his real warrior father Gang Jo).

The boy furrowed his brow "How dare he speak to me like that Minister!"

Bae was taken aback, "Sejong, again, I mean no disrespect but you are clearly unprepared to lead. I have only spoken with you once in passing thus far and I have a duty to raise you properly. As a warrior of Pyongyang, not as a spoiled noble of Seoul!"

"You do not raise me General" the boy said "I am Korea! This Empire will no longer be ruled by soldiers, it is uncouth. We are not Greeks, we are Koreans!"

Hae Mosu agreed with the Emperor's positions, of course he was the one who put it in the child's head, but he still feared Bae Hyeongyeong, he was a man who should not be taken lightly. "Perhaps the General is right Emperor" he said quietly to Sejong "We do not know what these men intend, and we would not like anything to go wrong here. We should retire to the garden, and await the report."

The boy shot Bae a look, a look that Bae would never forget and one that was greatly unsettling to him "Very well Minister, we will go. I expect to know what occured, do you understand General?"

"Yes" Bae replied "Your Excellency, you will have your report."

Outside the Palace Doors...

The Emperor left with his entourage headed towards the Imperial Garden, "Minister Hae" he began "How well do you know Bae Hyeongyeong?"

"Well Emperor, he is highly regarded, especially by the soldiers. He is an astute diplomat as well, he was instrumental in dealing with the Greeks." Hae Mosu replied.

"I see, I have heard these tales of his exploits in Greece, he has quite a following apparently. I do not like his tone, and I do not appreciate men who do not understand their position. We must keep a watchful eye upon him."

"Yes of course Emperor." Hae said.

"Very well, I tire of that infernal garden!" the boy said "I should like to go on a trip, let us go to Pyongyang. I want to speak with these soldiers who love this man so..."

[Pitboss Korea]

The Imperial Palace, Seoul...

General Shin Sung was first to enter the Emperor's chamber, and was shocked to find only Bae Hyeongyeong and a translator in wait. "Where is Sejong?" he asked.

Bae looked up "Oh, hello Shin Sung. Our Emperor left, he was being quite rude actually, and I told him I thought it would be best if he weren't here for this, we don't want to ruin relations with these people, especially if we don't know them that well."

"Right" Shin Sung said "Well, he's just like his father I suppose."

"I thought you liked his father?" Bae asked.

"Well, you know, you can respect the guy but everybody knew Wang Geon was quite rude and capable of all kinds of terrible things."

"Right, of course, Wang Geon was like that." Bae said nervously "Well, um, are they here?"

"Yes, I just wanted to make sure the Emperor was ready, but um, hold on" Shin Sung went to the door and told the guards to allow Adam Evertson in, the Oldonian nervously walked in and was clearly impressed with the decor of the room.

(the translator translates all of this, I don't feel like typing all of that crap so just assume it)

"Welcome to Korea, I am the Regent Bae Hyeongyeong, place-holder for his majesty Emperor Sejong of Goguryeo (aka the Koryo Dynasty)" he said, bowing graciously to his guest.

"Hail!" the Oldonian said "I have come a long way, and have gone through the treacherous lands of the Greeks, we lost our captain, Kirk, somewhere along the way and hope that we can trust the Core people to respect our emissaries."

Bae thought to himself "The Greeks are an honorable people Adam, I am sure it was a misunderstanding. And we are not the Core people, we are the Koreans."

"I say to you respectfully that there is no misunderstanding on our part, they killed our captain."

Bae nodded "Yes, I understand. Well, we wish to make friends with your people, the Northmen. And believe me, I understand what it is like to be alone in a foreign land, as I have spent many years of my life among the Spartan Greeks. So I know things can be confusing."

"I have to say, we have partially been taken here against our will, what exactly do you wish to accomplish here?" Adam asked.

"Well, we have a general plan to get to know your people, but we have other motives as well." Bae said, he pulled out a small piece of porcelain "This was discovered centuries ago in the palace of the former Warlord of Seoul. It has a foreign language upon it, we have reason to believe you could help us uncover this mystery." Bae handed it to the translator, who gave it to Adam.

Adam looked at it "This is Japanese, it is a warning to Gung Ye it says."

"Yes, what else does it say?"

"It says that the Maya are going to attack, I don't understand what this is though." Adam said.

"Well, we don't either. But it is certainly Japanese?"

"No doubt about it, we know these people well." Adam could not help but worry something else was amiss here.

"Very good, we ask that you work with our translator to figure out these Japanese missives. We also would like to know about your own homeland, what is it like in the Northlands? Tell us about your history. What are your relations with your neighbors, and who are your neighbors? Why have you come here to Korea? What are your intentions here?"

[Pitboss Vikings]

Adam was led through the city and he was very impressed . The buildings had such character to them, much work was involved in their creation.

The people looked well fed and he noted he didnt see beggars on the streets.

He was concerned that the Core people seemed to deal with emissaries with their military. Was there no government here except by the military. Oldonia had long ago removed all military ties from its high offices.

As they appraoched the palace Adams breath was almost taken away. It was a cultural marvel. The Oldonian craftsmen could learn a lot.

His guards signalled for him to wait outside a large door and the leader entered.

Shin Sung went to the door and told the guards to allow Adam Evertson in,

finally thought Adam, he stepped into the room and was immediately impressed. Great tapestrys hung from the walls. Painitings and pottery were everywhere. He had only once been in the Oldonian Palace, and the Oldonians loved their art. But this was special.

He was greeted by the Core peoples Greek translater. After some stumblings they understood each other enough to continue.

"Welcome to Korea, I am the Regent Bae Hyeongyeong, place-holder for his majesty Emperor Sejong of Goguryeo (aka the Koryo Dynasty)" he said, bowing graciously to his guest.

Adam had not seen a bow before and wondered what it was, he bowed himself, a little stiffly as it wass his first time.

"Hail!" he said in the traditional Oldonian way."I am Adam Eveston, son of a long line of Travellors. I have come a long way, and have gone through the treacherous lands of the Greeks, we lost our captain, Kirk, somewhere along the way and hope that we can trust the Core people to respect our emissaries."

Adam had been well drilled to speak the facts as lies were not part of the Oldonian way.

"The Greeks are an honorable people Adam, I am sure it was a misunderstanding. And we are not the Core people, we are the Koreans."

Adam took mental note of the difference in the pronunctiation of the word, Core e an . He would write to Oldonia to let them know and he would update all maps.

"I say to you respectfully that there is no misunderstanding on our part, they killed our captain."

Bae nodded "Yes, I understand. Well, we wish to make friends with your people, the Northmen. And believe me, I understand what it is like to be alone in a foreign land, as I have spent many years of my life among the Spartan Greeks. So I know things can be confusing."

Adam began to like and trust this old soldier , he seemed to be more of a diplomat than a hardened killer.

"I have to say, we have partially been taken here against our will, what exactly do you wish to accomplish here?" he asked.

"Well, we have a general plan to get to know your people, but we have other motives as well." Bae said, he pulled out a small piece of porcelain "This was discovered centuries ago in the palace of the former Warlord of Seoul. It has a foreign language upon it, we have reason to believe you could help us uncover this mystery." Bae handed it to the translator, who gave it to Adam.

He looked at it, turning it over, he had seen a few of these in the Oldonian Palace museum, he struggled to remember all his Japanaese language courses. He had spent number of years fishing in Japanese waters. "This is Japanese, it is a warning to Gung Ye."

"Yes, what else does it say?"

Adam could tell that the General was deeply interested in this item. He knew from hisinstructions from Oldonia that the Japanese had been trying to force a war between maya and Greece, Adam had been warned to stay well out of Greece if war broke out. This item looked older than the current situation. Predating to early Japanese histoy.


"It says that the Maya are going to attack," he looked closely at brae then continued " I don't understand what this is though."

"Well, we don't either. But it is certainly Japanese?"

The markings and design were definatly Japanese.

"No doubt about it, we know these people well." he could not help but worry something else was amiss here.

"Very good, we ask that you work with our translator to figure out these Japanese missives. We also would like to know about your own homeland, what is it like in the Northlands? Tell us about your history. What are your relations with your neighbors, and who are your neighbors? Why have you come here to Korea? What are your intentions here?"

Adam smiled at last. " I will gladly work with your translator , and teach him the Japanese language, but also our own. Oldonian is much easier to speak than all this Greek." Adam pulled out the Oldonian picture cards.

"We used this centuries ago to learn the Native tongue of the Wyandots. It will help your translator and then he can teach others."

"As to my peoples history i have much to say on that too. We are a small peoples with desire to fulfill our mission to the Great One. He gave us life and we must fill the life he gives us with noble deeds. My mission, on the OSS Enterprise is to discover all lands as promised we would by the Great One. His word has been passed down from generation to generation. The stories of the 18 tribes. Of how Razolia came to be, how the 10 tribes of Razolia were separated. At first our peoples believed not, but now we have met 4 of the other tribes already. We know the Wyandots a great and friendly people. The Wyandots tell us of three other tribes they know, the Pierced Ones to the south of Wyandots, the Romans from the far east and the Port of Gauls from the north east.

We met the Japanese who are a mystical people, they had far sight that revealed much to us. When we would not help them destroy the world we didnt even know existed we ended up at war with them. Only to unite agaisnt the terrible black skinned people.

Sailing we found the Greeks another strong and military led peoples. They told us of the Mayans and Core . I mean Coreean peoples. So the stories seem true, we are going to continue our search for the missing tenth tribe.

Our goal is to build friendships and exchange knowledge and skills to all. To wipe out the people we refer to as Terrorists.

Adam asked for permision to draw for Brae and scribbled the following


He then reported to Brae the full history of the Oldonians and there meetings with others

{OOC: read all the Story threads}

[Pitboss Korea]

Sparta...

Kim Jong-seo appraoched the door of Falototius, all of the homes in Sparta looked alike, even those of the nobility as that was the Spartan way. He hoped to himself this was the right door and knocked on it. A man a little older than him answered the door. "Ah, a Korean soldier" the man said, looking over Kim's uniform "Very nice uniform, looks good."

Kim simply stared at him, he didn't know Greek that well and was trying to figure out a proper sentence to deliver so he didn't seem an idiot; "I Kim Jong-seo, from Pyongyang. I come for Falo- Falotatotusius, I um-"

"Falototius, yes that is me, come in come in." the Greek said, Kim nervously walked inside the home, the interior was just as simple as the exterior, there was the familiar smell of lamb in the air "You are just in time for some food my friend. And what may I call you?"

Kim looked around the place, there didn't seem to be anywhere for him to sleep "I Kim Jong-seo."

"Oh yes, that's right, I'm sorry. I've had some wine to drink, here here, have some" the smiling Greek said, handing Kim a cup of wine.

"Menaleus sends me, he say I sleep here, can go home in morning" Kim said.

"Yes yes, indeed you may..."

Seoul...

Bae stared at the map the Oldonian had provided him, it was late at night and he was up with Shin Sung. "Well, it seems according to this map that both the Greeks and Maya have vast extensions of land, it looks like we got the short end of the stick on our border agreements" this paricularly bothered Bae as he was instrumental in these deals.

"Well, we can't take this map literally sir, we currently have a fact finding mission in Greece so we will have the correct accuracy of Greek holdings, these Oldonians may be exaggerating." Shin Sung explained.

"Why would they be wrong? They made it all the way here on that pathetic ship, speaking of which how are ours going?"

"Splendid sir, they should be finished soon, and they would put that rickety Oldonian vessel to shame." Shin Sung said proudly.

"When Kim arrives we will know Menaleus' answer, have we any word from Pacal yet?" Bae asked.

"Isn't that a question for Hae Mosu?" Shin Sung asked.

"Should be, I don't know where Hae's allegiences lie. It seems he has filled Sejong's head with such loftiness, it is not good for the boy. And now it seems the two have snuck off to Pyongyang!" Bae said angrily, still pouring over the Oldonian map.

"Are you alright sir?" Shin Sung asked, patting his old buddy on the back "You don't seem like yourself anymore."

"Lacademeon, Gang Jo, Wang Geon, even Sinjeong. Its like everyone is gone and I have to pick up all of the pieces!" Bae said, "And now this Hae Mosu seems to have Sejong as his little puppet, I just don't want Korea to descend into competition again, not with all that we know now."

"You should get some rest, I'll send a message to Pacal first thing in the morning. We will call together a summit between ourselves the Mayans and the Greeks, we will show them this map, tell them what the Oldonians have said about Japan." Shin Sung replied "Everything will be fine, then once that is finished you can hand over the reigns to Sejong and retire in peace, you need it."

"That's partially what I am worried about Shin Sung, if Sejong takes over, will I truly be able to retire in peace..."

The Road to Pyongyang...

The boy Emperor's entourage was quite large, he kept entertainers, artisans, soldiers, slaves, and members of court with him at all times. He was always surrounding with the trappings of court, and all of this was at the insistance of Hae Mosu.

"My lord, I am concerned about Bae Hyeongyeong, I fear he may be growing too old to administer the Empire, perhaps you should name a new regent." Hae suggested to Sejong.

Sejong, still a boy, could hardly wait to ascend to the throne and take charge of his Empire. Although this was not his only thought, he was truly nervous to take the reigns; "I do not have the loyalty of the army just yet Hae Mosu, and you know that is necessary."

Hae thought a moment, and then said "Well Emperor, I have it on good word that the General Jumong does not see Bae in a very kind light, and he is commander of our armies in Pyongyang, perhaps we could get his loyalty quite easily."

"You are very anxious to undermine Bae." Sejong replied.

"Well my lord, he can not lead forever, it is written that you shall become Emperor."

"I AM EMPEROR!" the boy replied "He is respected, he will not withold the title from me for long, if we move quickly the people may not accept me."

"You are wise far beyond your years Sejong" Hae said smiling "You will make a fine Emperor."

"I do agree though Minister" Sejong began "This Bae does not seem to show his Emperor the proper respect, I shall speak with him personally when we return to Seoul. For now though cease with that talk, I do not want court intrigue to spoil this trip..."

[Pitboss Spain]

The Spainish People have a very important announcement to make.

The peoples have been fighting a long and dangerous set of battles with an army that seems to have no end. We even lost a city to these foes and that some people started to losee faith in our government to do mighty things. But the people stood tal and we a proud to introduce everyone to a marvel and a wonder of gigantic proportions. The people of Barcelona have been working very hard this magnificent achievement and we proudly unviel to the rest of the world that we have built the Great Lightouse of Barcelona.



There was a massive party held at the unveiling of the great project that many, man years of hard sweat are tears were put into the vision of having this marvellous The greatest and brightest of our citizens were present to be there. We did not invite any foriegn dignities, since they might have tried to steal the lans for this building and build it before we had the chance to do that, so we are sorry that we did not allow others to see it before being completed, but now that you have knowledge of it you are welcome to visit this wonderful sight we have.

[Pitboss Portugal]

Tir congratulates Isabella on her great achievement. Portugal has come to admire Spain’s engineering skills.

[OzzyKP]

The Guardians and the Bard

The years passed slowly under the peaceful reign of Ozzy the Bateater. Peace was declared with the Holy Romans and after many decades of enslavement, the captured workers were returned. Pioneering young Metalheads left Black Sabbath to form their own bands of Metalhead civilization elsewhere. The first expedition was led by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich in tribute to the Church of Metal founded a city to the east named “Metallica”. Years later, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page founded a settlement north of Metallica called Led Zeppelin. Finally, more recently, Phil Anselmo created a settlement south of Black Sabbath named Pantera.

Contact was made with the Happy Funglish tribe who lived peacefully on an island to the east. Quickly the two people found mutual respect and admiration. The Funglish sent expeditions by boat and by land to visit the Metalheads and learn their ways. One of the most famous of these travelers was Oswald the Noisy Bard (known to some villagers as Oswald the Nosy Bard). What seemed like noise to the uncultured Funglish was described as “Rockin” by many Metalheads. Oswald was accepted by many in the nation and bonds between the Funglish and Metalheads strengthened.

As Oswald made his tour through Metalhead lands the small kingdom of music lovers were increasingly threatened by the wild lands beyond their borders. Uncivilized men raided their lands, destroyed their crops, and raped their villages. In response, Metallica raised a company of Axe-wielding warriors, the Guardians, to defend their lands from the barbarian threat. The Guardians, led by their captain, Hansi Kürsch, fought back and destroyed many roving bands of barbarians. During their travels and battles they came in close contact with Oswald the Noisy Bard. He followed them and observed their exploits. Apparently in the Funglish homeland there were no warlike, uncivilized tribes so he was fascinated by the battles and wrote many songs of their exploits. Oswald and Kürsch became good friends. Kürsch taught Oswald the ways of Metal and of war, Oswald taught Kürsch poetry, music and art. As Oswald began his journey home he was escorted by Kürsch’s unit, the Guardians, through the dangerous forest to the southwest.

The forest proved more hostile than expected. The Guardians were ambushed in the woods by a war party of ravenous wild men from the south. In the confusion of the battle, Oswald fled. He was not a warrior. He sought safety while the Guardians dispatched their foe. The battle was long and hard fought. Ultimately the Guardians were victorious but they suffered many casualties. Their beloved captain, Hansi Kürsch, was injured in the battle. A barbarian blade slashed his face and cost him his eyes and his sight. The wounds inflicted ran deep – both physically and emotionally. As the panic of the battle receded and his wounds were dressed Kürsch called for his friend, Oswald.

Oswald could not be found.

Search parties were sent into the woods to find the notoriously noisy bard, but all they heard was silence. Finally they discovered the bloody, lifeless body of Oswald. Jagged axe wounds made it clear the wild men had caught up with him. His body was returned to camp and presented to Kürsch. He was distraught. Not only had he lost his vision, but his good friend as well. With a heavy heart, he instructed the Guardians to return to Black Sabbath with Oswald’s body. He sent a runner to the south to inform the Funglish of their loss.

[OzzyKP]

The Bard's Funeral in Black Sabbath

The journey back to Black Sabbath was a long one. The Guardians encountered several more threats along the way, but their leader was no use to them. He could not see, he could not fight, he could not lead. He was distraught. There is nothing more shameful than a warrior who cannot fight. Leadership of the Guardians passed to André Olbrich.

It was then as Hansi Kürsch was thinking of his plight and the loss of his friend Oswald that he had an epiphany. Oswald was not skilled in battle yet he boosted morale of the troops – and of the Metalhead people every where. Oswald’s worth was marked by his songs. Kürsch did not want to be useless; he wanted to inspire people the same way Oswald had. Kürsch began writing music. His eyes may be gone, but his ears still worked just fine. His first duty was to write a song to honor his friend, Oswald the noisy bard.

The Guardians returned to Black Sabbath and learned that preparations were already made for a grand funeral for Oswald. They learned the Funglish had sent a ship, the RCS Fungolia – their flagship, to attend the funeral of Oswald. Word had been sent to the Khmer as well and they sent envoys to attend the funeral as well. Representatives from the cities of Metallica, Pantera and Led Zeppelin were all in attendance. The Guardians were welcomed back into Black Sabbath in a grand parade.

Metalhead citizens lined the parade route and saluted the brave, returning warriors carrying the body of Oswald.



The crowds cheered the Guardians, but cheered especially for their brave former captain who was increasingly known as the blind guardian. His injury in the line of duty made him a beloved figure among the people. He organized several men of his company to perform some of the songs he had written on their homeward trek in the parade. He could think of no greater honor for Oswald than to carry on his tradition. The music of the blind guardian met with immediate approval from the crowd.

The Guardians entered the main square in Black Sabbath, known as Odin’s Court. There a large mass of people had gathered to say their final goodbyes to Oswald. Dignitaries from the Khmer and the Funglish were in attendance. The Guardians brought the body of Oswald up to the stage and the funeral began.

The captain of the RCS Fungolia read a statement and several Metalheads spoke of their memories of Oswald including Ozzy himself. The funeral lasted into the night. Finally, the most moving tribute came from Hansi Kürsch. He performed a tribute to Oswald in song.

Now you all know
The bards and their songs
When hours have gone by
I'll close my eyes
In a world far away
We may meet again
But now hear my song
About the dawn of the night
Let's sing the bards' song

Tomorrow will take us away
Far from home
No one will ever know our names
But the bards' songs will remain
Tomorrow will take it away
The fear of today
It will be gone
Due to our magic songs

There's only one song
Left in my mind
Tales of a brave man
Who lived far from here
Now the bard songs are over
And it's time to leave
No one should ask you for the name
Of the one
Who tells the story

Tomorrow will take us away
Far from home
No one will ever know our names
But the bards' songs will remain
Tomorrow all will be known
And you're not alone
So don't be afraid
In the dark and cold
'Cause the bards' songs will remain
They all will remain

The crowd was moved to tears. In a traditional Metalhead sign of respect, the people lit small torches of flame and held them aloft during the performance of the blind guardian’s ballad.



With that, the Guardians lifted Oswald’s lifeless body and carried him onto the RCS Fungolia where he was to be buried at sea. The life of the bard was over, but his spirit and memory lived on.

Ozzy commissioned a painting to honor Oswald. After some months the painting was unveiled that pays tribute to Oswald’s life, but also to the blind guardian who memorialized him so memorably in song.



The painting would be hung in Black Sabbath for all to see and remember.

[Pitboss Vikings]

The leaders stood and cheered. They had been impressed with the whole show. For the past two hours the new Cavalry Battalion had been show casing just what their new animals could do.

The horses had been secretly discovered about 50 years ago. On the outskirts of the new province of Eastern Oldonia.

Horsees had been heard of and seen in use by the Wyandots for centuries. But none could be found in any Oldonia province. Finally the new settlers had discovered them, and with the workers brigades sent on a priority mission. The horses were captured and new paddocks created.

Now after some intense training. Carriages were placed behind the horses and soldiers could ride to battle much faster. There was much debate over the effffectiviness of them though as the soldieers were much weaker because using an axe on the back of the horse was very hard.

so the first cavalry division was formed but given not the task of attack, but exploration only. They were too weak to be the frontline forces.

[MMC]

From the Court of Alexander McFungal, Crown Prince of the English Happy Funland (aka the Funglish Dominion):

All was quiet, and the Prince was contemplating the building of a summer retreat in the highlands to the North, when a messenger arrived and insisted on an audience.

"Sire, we have just received word from the RCS Fungolia, concerning the burial of Oswald."

The Prince sat thoughtfully for a moment.

"Proceed."

"Oswald's body was given a parade fit for a king by the Metalhead Nation. Even their leader, coincidentally a man by the name of Ozzy, had something to say. Everyone believes that sending Oswald to the Metalhead lands was the best thing you ever did, even if it didn't turn out so great for Oswald himself."

At this news, the Prince sat upright. Carefully, he asked

"I trust that his body is on it's way back to London for burial?"

The messenger was now getting nervous. He knew that Prince Alex has a mighty temper and could be set off by the slightest wrong move.

"Errrmmm... Actually, his family were fishermen and left instructions with the Captain of the Fungolia that he was to be buried at sea."

As he said these words, the messenger was slowly backing towards the door. With a laugh, Prince Alex responded,

"Very well. I am given to understand that visitors from other nations were invited to the ceremony, namely the Holy Roman's and a people known as the 'Combers'?"

Visibly relieved, the messenger eased forward again.

"Yes, sire. The Khmer sent an official party, and the crew of the Fungolia were able to discuss preliminaries with them. The Holy Roman Empire, however, did not send anyone in an official capacity, although I'm sure many peasants attended."

"Yes... The Holy Roman people are reported to be very insular, although I'm told we've been making significant progress on the diplomatic front." The Prince motioned for his diplomatic adviser, a large fellow called Robert the Plump, who was waiting in an alcove. "Am I mistaken?"

Robert quickly stepped forward, and spoke with the experience of one who has server flawlessly for many years.

"Of course not, sire. The Holy Roman people love us, mainly for our public proclamation of their Christian faith. The people seem to open up to us much more than the leadership does. As you know, we have had many goof years of trade with them, exchanging our excess fish for their local delicacy known as Beef. We have gotten to know their merchants well enough that they often proclaim the state of their cities with little regard to secrecy. However, their leader, whom I believe is called Matthias, seem very reluctant to talk about much."

The Prince pondered this for a moment, before returning his attention to the messenger.

"I see. What of these Khmer? Are they trustworthy?"

Bolstered by Robert's obvious confidence, the messenger answered promptly.

"They seem to have trouble grasping the finer points of our common language (which we share with the Metalhead nation), unlike the Holy Romans who are able to switch languages as one might switch hats. However, they seem to be a very trustworthy people, and have readily expressed a desire for further contact. I believe the Captain of the Fungolia, did arrange for some preliminary discussions for a treaty, but I had left before I could learn the outcome of these discussions."

At that moment, Robert shifted his bulk in an attempt to gain attention.

"If I may, sire, I would like to suggest something that may solidify the peace on this continent."

The Prince, now curious, turned to his friend and smiled.

"Of course, continue."

"As you are (I am of no doubt) aware, there has been a proposal for some form of memorial for the lost Captain of the London Militia. The one who was lost on board the Britannia?" The Prince nodded. "Well, I propose that we build a peaceful settlement, here." Robert pointed to a tapestry on the wall which showed the limits of the Funglish knowledge of the world. "In honour of the lost Captain, we should name it Hastings, and I propose that we establish it as a base for our diplomatic and trade operations."

Wishing to ponder what he had heard, Prince Alex sent the two men away, before calling for Christopher the Scribe (named for both the Christian Deity and the traditional Funglish World-Creator Spirit).

To: Matthias of the Holy Roman Empire, and Ozzy the Bateater of the Metalhead Nation, and Shiva of the Khmer Empire
From: Alexander Nicholas Anthony Mcfungal, Crown Prince of the English Happy Funland

We of the Funglish Dominion believe that peaceful co-operation is essential to maintain balance and order in this world. We therefore cordially invite you all for a conference of allied nations, to be held, along with much celebration, in the new city of Hastings.

Please respond promptly, as we wish to be able to deal with all problems that may arise.

Yours most sincerely,
Prince Alex VI

May the good Lord keep you, and May the Music continue to play.

"Now send that as quickly as possible. And tell Robert that I have decided to give his project the go-ahead. He'd better hurry up if we are to fulfil our obligations."

With a cursory nod, Chris hurriedly put his tools away and ran to the Royal Messenger's Post to find runners to send copies of the letter to the appropriate leaders.

[Pitboss Korea]

Pyongyang...

The Boy Emperor Sejong arrived in Pyongyang quite early in the morning, despite this General Jumong had his troops up even earlier and prepared to greet the Emperor. Jumong felt disrespected by Bae Hyeongyeong's decision to give him command over Pyongyang while Shin Sung and Han Gong became the Imperial Commander and the Commander of the Aztec wars respectively. In his mind all he got was an outpost on the Taebong, to make friends with the Greeks, and he didn't care much for Greeks.

Sejong arrived with the Imperial Foreign Minister Hae Mosu, who was appointed by his father King Wang Geon of Goguryeo. While he retained the title of Imperial Foreign Minister he did little but advise Sejong, a job that was supposed to fall under Bae Hyeongyeong, however Hae Mosu was ambitious and was smart, and realized in the end that his future relied entirely on this boy. Sejong was nearing his coming of age, and wanted to become acquainted with his men and his military officials before this happened. He was planning ahead.

"Such fine soldiers" Sejong said smiling, he turned to General Jumong, "and such a fine officer, having them this disciplined, I certainly did not expect this."

"Well Emperor" Jumong beamed "We are always at the ready, especially for his excellency. Breakfast has been prepared as well, the finest fruit in the land, and the finest boar as well."

"Fantastic General, there are many things we need to discuss, such as the future of Korea, and your future as well." Sejong said slyly.

"I like to think that my future and Korea's shall always be intertwined, I am her defender and her demise shall be my own."

"Indeed" Hae Mosu said, this General was kissing ass.

"Well then, I shall let you speak with your men Emperor" Jumong said "Then we shall feast!"


Seoul...

Bae Hyeongyeong was the Regent of Korea, holding the throne until Emperor Sejong was of proper age. He was also Korea's most renowned General as well as Statesman. He was well liked throughout the Empire and within the military, and was great friends with the Greek people as well. For such an uneasy time in Korea, following the demise of the former King Wang Geon and the Princess of Silla Sinjeong, Bae calmed the people's nerves. He had done much so far in his tenure, he established new relations with the Greeks, maintained peace and accord with the Mayans, and hosted the Oldonians from far north. He had also organized a campaign against the Aztecs which was sure to succeed, even if it would happen during Sejong's reign. He wanted to establish a loyal and prosperous Korea for Sejong to rule.

Bae was practicing his swordsmanship when Shin Sung returned, Shin Sung had been acting as the foreign minister as Hae Mosu literally never lifted a pen, "General" Shin Sung said "I regret to inform you that we have yet to hear from either the Greek or Mayan emissaries. Either they are uninterested in this summit, or communications are going slowly, we simply don't know."

"Well Shin Sung, there isn't much else we can do. Has Kim Jong-seo returned from Greece?" Bae asked.

"Not to my knowlege sir, perhaps he didn't make it." Shin Sung replied.

"Make it?" Bae asked "Why wouldn't he make it, he is a good soldier."

"Just the Greeks sir, you never know what they will do."

"I trust he is fine." Bae said "If they haven't replied yet, we will send an official missive, that they both will receive. You shall write it, make it known that if no response is proferred we will be greatly dishonored."

"Shall I inflect that tone sir?" Shin Sung asked.

"That tone?" Bae asked, putting down his sword "There was no tone, we have discussed this issue with them, they have tentatively agreed, we sent invitations, and there is no response. Tell them we have to discuss this matter between them, we are allies with the Maya but that means we have a stake in their relations with Greece. Korea will NOT become a battlefield, and surely with the information we posess, they simply must agree to our proposal."

"Shall I lineate the proposal sir, and send that in the message?" Shin Sung asked.

"No, don't put anything beyond the invitation in the message, we can't risk spies getting their hands on that information." Bae said "Send it as soon as possible."

"Yes sir" Shin Sung said as he bowed and quickly left to see the scribes...