The Dance of Civilizations [Diplo Game] [Story Thread Pt2 - October 2009]

[Robert Plomp]

This is the Story and Diplomacy Thread for the Diplo Game "The Dance of Civilizations" (DoC)

The purpose of this thread is to post in-character story posts and diplomacy for this game. Please discuss all organizational aspects of this game the Organization Thread.
Use your Anonymous Apolyton Game Account to put posts in this thread.

The Dance of Civilizations is a diplomacy game.
The players try to rule their empires like they are real. Role playing and story telling is an important way to achieve this.
Fore more information visit the Diplogame FAQ by OzzyKP





For more information visit the Organization Thread.

[Rasputin]

can i have the link to the vote sheet sent again please.

[Orb (DoC)]

[Korea (DoC)]

The Korzan people met again with the Fishing people and drew maps outlining where the Korzan people had explored and set up provinces. They asked the fishing people to indicate on the map the direction they had come from. It pleased the Korzans to see that neither tribe should ever need to encrouch on the others lands.

[Ottoman Empire (DoC)]

Originally posted by the Persian war-mongerers...

Now Hastog was gone
The Medes had to find new ways
To organise themselves
Not without Hastog's supervision and words
Handed to the people
By the Guru's of Hastogianism
Foroohar had became the Master Guru
Every morning he consulted Hastog
At the Oracle


Foroohar was the Master Guru of the hairy branche
Many accepted his authority
One day he addressed the people in Media
"People of Media"
"This morning Hastog the Glorious has told me"
"That he wants me to lead you"
"I am your leader now"
Then suddenly someone yelled: "Liar" from the crowd
A few 'heavy' Guru's ran to Foroohar
And killed him


FarAz of the Heavy Guru's climbed on a rock
Raised his hand and said:
"I will lead you in the name of Hastog the Heavy"
"Kill all the Guru's of the hairy sect"
While he was talking many 'hairy gurus' already tried to escape
Many were killed
Most escaped to Hastogsburg
Some escaped to Russia and Ottomania
Ottomania quickly became the world's first official Hairy Hastogianistic tribe

Let it be known that anything this tribe of cannibals states is not recognized by Mehmed and the Ottomans.

We have graciously accepted his persecuted and exiled as a show of Ottoman hospitality and let them practice their religion freely as this is the Ottoman way of life.

Mehmed is a fair ruler who lets his people decide who they like to pray to. Himself a religious man, he keeps his private religious practices to himself but know that he prays to a God that has been around since long before that of the Persians.

Let it be known worldwide that the unwanted people, religions, cultures, etc , of other close-minded nations will be welcomed with open arms in the Ottoman Empire.

Mehmed II

[Mali (DoC)]

For many years, the Mali had been telling their history through music and stories. People tried for many years to record these stories and songs for future generations. Slowly the Mali developed writing and eventually an alphabet.

As soon as The Great Korta found out about this discovery, he immediately hired a scribe. "Write a letter to our neighbors, the Indians. We must see if we can better communicate with them. Perhaps this will lead to sharing of knowledge." With that the scribe wrote a letter and sent a messenger to India.

In the meantime, the boundaries of Mali continued to expand. A new source of metal was found near Timbuktu and workers immediately began mining the shiny grey metal. Timbuktu was experiencing a boom in population, so much so that many people were considering leaving to start a new city west near Mount Okapi. However, hunting parties in the area had spotted men with clubs patrolling along the river near Mount Okapi. Protection would be needed for these families planning to build a new city.

[Arabia (DoC)]

Saladin's head is spinning with a variety of developments across our lands

1) The founding of Damascus at the confluence of 3 rivers to the south of Greece

2) The meeting of Russia and England and the start of cordial relations.

3) The exchange of open borders with Ottoman.

4) The agreement of borders with Rome to the south and granting of access to the rich dye fields.

5) The death of roaming bands of barbarians at the hands of our fierce archers who muddied their flimsy frilly frocks.


Our citizens continue to worship the feet of Saladin ... and we mean literally with pictures of his feet displayed everywhere. Our ministers are concerned about a growing foot fetish, especially nasty when our citizens worry less about bathing and more about inhaling mushroom fungus found growing in the fields of Medina.

United Emirate Press

[Byzantium (DoC)]

Nobody could quite remember when the caravans from the East had been first sighted arriving over the high plateau and descending to Constantinople.

Some say it was many years ago, for there were old carvings showing dancing maidens which looked just like the goods the caravans brought.



Others argued though that these carvings did not depict the women as Eygptians, while there was no doubt of the background of the modern goods these caravans brought.

All were taken straight to the royal palace, apparently the Pharoah sent them personally to Constantine. Some were rarely seen ago in public hidden away in fine is richly decorated rooms.



Others soon appeared in the slave market, where there were no shortage of buyers.



Many wondered what deals had been struck to maintain this steady flow of women (and indeed of choice dates).



Whatever had happened there was no doubting the goods arriving in Constantinople, and the missionaries travelling back with the caravans to the east.

[Native America (DoC)]

Spotted Wolf watched the skies every day for further messages from Lone Horn. He was just about to descend from the observation point when he spotted the smoke.

It said that Lone Horn had sailed further along the coast and had come across the new tribe’s village. They had invited him ashore and offered him roasted meat. He joined them on the beach for the feast, and in turn, he lit the peace pipe, with its ceremonial markings. Once he had puffed and drawn on it a few times he offered it to the head of tribe. The tribal chief took it, looked at it, all over, puffed on it and coughed a lot, then threw it on the fire. Lone Horn laughed heartily and then they all laughed.

After getting fresh supplies of food from the villagers, Lone Horn said he was continuing his voyage of exploration.

[Greece (DoC)]

Floros the First was assassinated.....

There is a on going investigation who was responsible for this evil act.

[Greece (DoC)]

From: Voula the Great, daughter of Floros the First and new Ruler of the Greek City States.

To: Saladin, and rest of the known world.

Saladin, we urge you to reply on our message…. We made an agreement, which you were unwise to break. I am a woman in tears and you don’t want an angry Greek woman at your gates.

Voula

[India (DoC)]

Barbarians! Barbarians at the border! -Cried the messenger running to Chief Bhaskar's hut.
Need not to worry.-The Chief answered calmly- Our chariot divisons will take care of them as they did before.
-But, but Chief, these invaders equiped with strange sticks. We afraid these "spearmen" could easily impale our charging army..



-Then send the foot soldiers, what is the problem?
-But, but..
-YES??
-But we have no foot soldiers my lord.. by the orders of our shamans we send our men to worship at the altars instead of training new warriors
-Oh, so they prayed? That's good too.. if they prayed well then no need to worry: the gods will potect us as always..
Now if you are here I just have a letter to take it to our north neighbour, the Mali. It's time to meet and discuss future trades.

((edit: the Gods did their part: the barbarians hesitated at the border, giving us more time to gather our troops))

[India (DoC)]

It's rumored chief shaman Zulkash is blessed with eternal life, but He is definately not blessed with eternal youth. He hardly ever leaves the Moon Palace and spend most of his time in his dreams. He became the voice of the God, the one Sha'tur speaks the most.



"...It's been three thousand years since I've led you here, since then you enjoy my blessings and protection. Now it's the time to introduce the true faith not just to our people, but everyone who can listen and is willing to accept my blessings. This is the only way to prevent Evil to rise again.. All must learn about how can they save their souls and should join our quest to bring the light, the truth to everyone who still lives in the dark.
They will all love me.. or they will all fear me, they will all worship me or they are all to be vanquished. They are all offered to join the light or they are all to be banished..to eternal darkness.."

[Russia (DoC)]

The return of Catherine
as written by Igor the Wordbinder

These words are written by me, Igor, who witnessed these events, to let all know the true ruler of Russians.


In the time after the death, or ascension, of Hastog (May Victory in War Always Be With His Hairy Fatness), the leader of the Russians, Samo the headbanded, died from a wound that maimed him during hunting. There was great grief in Moscow and during this time, many great Princes of the Russian lands fought over who would succeed him, but the disagreement was so fierce that in fact Russia had no leader for many years.

As a further sign of ill omens, during the seasonal winds, great storms ravaged the Eastern channel (between Russia and Araby, sometimes called the Arabic channel, or Al-Jazeera in Arabic) so that no fishermen or traders could cross it for many years, though many tried all perished. Therefore Catherine, true heir to the Princedom of Russia did not hear of her father's death and could not return when it was told to her.

With Hastog dead, or ascended (MVWABWHHF), and Russia in dire need of a leader, Catherine would have to return, but the sea spirits were still raging. Russia remained leaderless, lost in the storm.

End of Script 1



(OOC: Been moving. No internet at new place, been unable to log on since thursday. Argh. Hopefully tomorrow. Also. How the hell do I paragraph my paragraphs so they don't run into the pics..?)

[Inca (DoC)]

[India (DoC)]

In 3000 OD (foundation of Delphi) great many changes have happened in India. The main event of course is that the Indian religion has organized into a new form, The name of the religion is Sha'Tao, Sha'Taoism or shortly just referred as Tao. The Shamans become the priests and missionaries of the new religion and they were sent along with diplomats to spread the word everywhere.




This was also the year when the son of Chief Bhaskar was crowned as first king of India. All hail King Kalidas the First!

India is truly in a new age, some may call it "medieval" though we are not sure what does that mean..

[Persia (DoC)]

The myth is being created....
How the stories of Hastog grow from tales into legends

Kaspar told his son, Malchior, about the early days. Malchior listened carefully to the stories of old. "First there was Astyages. He led us for years. Then he died. Then there was Hastog. Who challenged the fathers. He cursed them and lived. Then he ascended to heaven. One day Hastog was forced to drink the fluid of the fathers. He refused to. He lived. One day Hastog lead an army to Russia. There was no battle. The Russians gave in and peace they made. One day Hastog was in the field. Challenging the fathers. Lightning missed. Hastog lived. One day Hastog walked to the canyon. He talked to the people of Media. And jumped. Becoming our divine spirit. He leads us now from beyond."
		Malchior told his son, Baltazar, about the early days. Baltazar listened carefully to the stories of old. "First there was Astyages. He led us for years in wisdom. Then he died a heroic death. Then there was Hastog. He was huge and strong. Who challenged the fathers. He cursed them and battled them. He survived the battle. Then he ascended to heaven. One day Hastog was forced to drink the fluid of the fathers. His friend, Kaspar, told him not to. He then refused to. He was forced to. Then he drunk the poison. But his body powers were strong enough. He lived. One day Hastog lead an army to Russia. There was a lengthy battle. The Russians in the end were outnumbered. The Russians gave in and peace was made. One day Hastog was in the field. The fathers bothered him. He challenged the fathers. The lightning of the father failed to hit him. Hastog lived. One day Hastog walked to the canyon. He talked to the people of Media. He encouraged them. And jumped into the other world. Becoming our divine spirit. He leads us now from beyond."
Baltazar told his son, Khursheed, about the early days. Khursheed listened carefully to the stories of old. "First there was Astyages. He led us for years in wisdom. Then he died a heroic death. He was burried underneath the Oracleo of Media. Then there was Hastog the Great. He was huge and strong and hairy and heavy. He challenged the fathers. He cursed them and battled them with an iron fist. Hastog destroyed the fathers. Then he ascended to the afterlife. One day Hastog was forced to drink the fluid of the fathers. His friends, Kaspar and Malchior, told him not to. He then refused to because he knew the fathers too well. He was forced to drink it anyway. Then he drunk the poison. His body started to shake. His hair was lightning. His eyes were like the thunder. But his body powers were strong enough. He lived even after drinking the poison. One day Hastog lead an army to Russia. There was a lengthy battle. The Russians cursed Hastog. Hastog summoned the gods to strike the Russians. Fire was falling from the sky. The Russians in the end were outnumbered. Hastog killed 100 Russians with his bare hands. The Russians gave in and peace was made. One day Hastog was in the field. The fathers bothered him. He challenged the fathers. The lightning of the father failed to hit him. Hastog shaked the world. He then shaked the clouds. He then talked with a great voice. The fathers could not withstand his voice. They crumbled. Hastog lived. One day Hastog walked to the canyon. The ground was shaking when he did so. He talked to the people of Media. A million people heard his great voice. He encouraged them and teached them. His words were life changing. Then he jumped into the other world. His body was lifed fromt he surface of the earth. Into the clouds. He became the divine spirit. He leads us now from beyond."
		Khursheed told his son, Jaspar, about the early days. Jaspar listened carefully to the stories of old. "First there was Astyages the ancient. He led us for years in wisdom. Then he died a heroic death when the hut people assaulted Media. He killed the hut people and made them pay. He was burried underneath the Oracleo of Media. The big Oak of the Oracle is now covering his grave. Then there was Hastog the Great and the Gigantic. He was huge and strong and hairy and heavy. He was wise and smart. He knew the unknown. He challenged the fathers. He cursed them and battled them with an iron fist. He touched the untouchables. Hastog destroyed the fathers. The fathers were destroyed beyond the surface of the spiritual. Then he ascended to the afterlife. Where he dines with the spirits of his defeated enemies. Who worship him and serve him. One day Hastog was forced to drink the poisonic fluid of the fathers. His friends, Kaspar, Malchior and Baltazar, told him not to. They warned him for the poison. They were wise like Hastog. Though not as wise as Hastog. He then refused to drink the fluid because he knew the fathers too well. He was forced to drink it anyway. He was strong enough to refuse but decided to show the world his powers. Then he drunk the poison. His body started to shake. His hair was lightning. His eyes were like the thunder. His legs kicked the stars. His arms gathered the winds. His fingers caused winds strong enough to move the mountains. But his body powers were strong enough. He lived even after drinking the poison. The liquid designed to kill him, strengthened him. One day Hastog walked to the Russians. There was a lengthy battle between Hastog and a million Russians.. The Russians cursed Hastog. Hastog summoned the gods to strike the Russians. Fire was falling from the sky. The earth was shaking. The Russians in the end were outnumbered by the one. Hastog killed a hundred Russians with his bare hands. He murdered a thousand with his voice. He ended the life of tens of thousands by his will. The Russians gave in and peace was made. One day Hastog was in the open field. The fathers bothered him again. He challenged the fathers. The lightning of the father striked him. But he was not harmed. The lightning was harmed though. Hastog shaked the world. He then shaked the clouds. He then talked with a great voice. The fathers could not withstand his voice. Their ears were destroyed. Their minds faded into the nothingness. They crumbled. Hastog lived a life unimaginable. One day Hastog walked to the canyon. The ground was shaking when he did so. Mountains accompanied him. He talked to all the peopleo of Persia. A million people heard his great voice. Even those who stayed at home. He encouraged them and teached them all the secrets of the world. His words were life changing. Then he jumped into the other world. His body was lifed fromt he surface of the earth. Into the clouds. Angels sung the Song of Hastog when he traveled to the divine world. He became the divine spirit. That lives in both this world and the divine world. He leads us now from beyond, like he leads all nations."
Jaspar told his son, Faarih, about the early days. Faarih listened carefully to the stories of old. "First there was Astyages the ancient. He lead us for years in wisdom. Then he died a heroic death when the hut people assaulted Media. He killed the hut people and made them pay. He was burried underneath the Oracleo of Media. The big Oak of the Oracle is now covering his grave. Astyages you are the first to be Astyages you lead us Astyages remember me Astyages pray for us Then there was Hastog the Great and the Gigantic. He was huge and strong and hairy and heavy. He was wise and smart. He knew the unknown. He challenged the fathers. He cursed them and battled them with an iron fist. He touched the untouchables. Hastog destroyed the fathers. The fathers were destroyed beyond the surface of the spiritual. Then he ascended to the afterlife. Where he dines with the spirits of his defeated enemies. Who worship him and serve him. Hastog is being served Hastog is being worshipped Hastog is saluted Hastog is Adored By his enemies One day Hastog was forced to drink the poisonic fluid of the fathers. His friends, Kaspar, Malchior, Baltazar and Khursheed, told him not to. They warned him for the poison. They were wise like Hastog. Though not as wise as Hastog. He then refused to drink the fluid because he knew the fathers too well. He was forced to drink it anyway. He was strong enough to refuse but decided to show the world his powers. Then he drunk the poison. His body started to shake. His hair was lightning. His eyes were like the thunder. His legs kicked the stars. His arms gathered the winds. His fingers caused winds strong enough to move the mountains. But his body powers were strong enough. He lived even after drinking the poison. The liquid designed to kill him, strengthened him. The fathers The fathers The fathers made him drink The fathers The fathers The fathers striked his head The fathers The fathers The fathers made him died But Hastog lived And killed the fathers, the fathers, the fathers. One day Hastog walked to the Russians. There was a lengthy battle between Hastog and a million Russians.. The Russians cursed Hastog. Hastog summoned the gods to strike the Russians. Fire was falling from the sky. The earth was shaking. The Russians in the end were outnumbered by the one. Hastog killed a hundred Russians with his bare hands. He murdered a thousand with his voice. He ended the life of tens of thousands by his will. The Russians gave in and peace was made. A hundred axes A thousand arrows A Million spears They did not stand a chance A hundred Russians A Thousand Britannians A Million Ottomans They did not stand a chance One day Hastog was in the open field. The fathers bothered him again. He challenged the fathers. The lightning of the father striked him. But he was not harmed. The lightning was harmed though. Hastog shaked the world. He then shaked the clouds. He then talked with a great voice. The fathers could not withstand his voice. Their ears were destroyed. Their minds faded into the nothingness. They crumbled. Hastog lived a life unimaginable. He orders the lignthing it does like he says He tells the earth to quake when he wants He blows the winds and he pulls rains Hastog the Mighty the Hairy the Heavy Hastog controls nature at sight One day Hastog walked to the canyon. The ground was shaking when he did so. Mountains accompanied him. He talked to all the peopleo of Persia. A million people heard his great voice. Even those who stayed at home. He encouraged them and teached them all the secrets of the world. His words were life changing. Then he jumped into the other world. His body was lifed fromt he surface of the earth. Into the clouds. Angels sung the Song of Hastog when he traveled to the divine world. He became the divine spirit. That lives in both this world and the divine world. He leads us now from beyond, like he leads all nations. He traveled to the heavens He walked to the Divine He was raised into eternity where he drinks the godly wine He was brought into the skies He jumped into the nothingness He is the mighty and the wise He is the beauty and the best!"

[Orb (DoC)]

Marcus entered the war room where the Espada, Britannian generals ranked from strongest to weakest with their number tattooed somewhere on their bodies, where already waiting. A scout walked in to give a report on what was happening in the empire. "My lords," said the scout, "We have made contact with another nation the Russians call Arab. Information is still unclear as of yet but from what we have learned they do warship god as we do with only slight variations. To the north our forces have encountered hostile men who without warning attacked our troops. We where able to easily defeat them but it seems as they where just a scouting party. We have sighted large gatherings for well-armed spearmen to the north and east while another force is to the west just outside our borders." Marcus asked if that was all, the scout nodded and left the room.

The Espada began talking among themselves. It was decided to send a scouting party into Arab lands as soon as possible to learn more of their culture. As for the hostile men it was decided that since the main army was already spread thin protecting the new cities recently built. So the Espada number 3 also known as Nell was sent to deal with the problem as best she could until the rest of the army was finished. Everyone agreed and Marcus returned back to working on his grand plan.

[Byzantium (DoC)]

Constantine was spending more and more time in the ancient church of Constantinople



It was there that he had realised that Christianity was not just a private matter, that the whole of the Byzantine state ought to be organised to promote the true faith.

He was praying there, when he heard the priests chanting the scriptures. Three passages stuck in his head.

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and locked and sealed it over him, so that he would deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God

Again and again, week after week, these passages woudl not leave him. But what did they mean? What was the message the true God was trying to give him?

Then, one day, as he was praying in the inner sanctury, he heard his secretary calling for him. He brought with him a man from the East, a noble of the Inca people, bringing an invitation from Lloque Yupanqui to come to Cuzco.

There was no doubt. Constantine would go, of course, to his friend's capital to take part in this congress. But what did this mean? What was the one God saying to him.

A month later Constantine set out accompanied by his bodyguard of horseman, each armed with their fiercesome bow, still pondering what he would find.

[Korea (DoC)]

Further research of this now long lost civilisation reveals that it was its leaders ineptness that continualy slowed down their advancement. The civilisations neighbouring Korzan were developing at a much faster rate and it was partially due to this that the Korzan civilisation failed and today there are only archeological sites with any remnant of their history.

The Korzans had expanded to fill their island home and soon became restless to see more of the world. Hampered again by their inept leaders their military was just not strong enough to venture beyond their own shores. The Korzan navy had explored many coasts but everywhere they went the lands were inhabited by larger armies with many metal weopons.

Writings from the archeological digs reveals a lack or direction from the leaders. Many a time their leader the Despot was not even to be found. The people just did what they felt was right in their own eyes. This led to many people doing nothing for years upon years. The labour force was stagnant for so long that provinces lands were left idle for too long. The people starved and the poputlaiton stagnated.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

next week we examine the Millenium of the Last Depot

[Rome (DoC)]

The myth is being created....
How the stories of Hastog grow from tales into legends

Kaspar told his son, Malchior, about the early days. Malchior listened carefully to the stories of old. "First there was Astyages. He led us for years. Then he died...

Aeneas tossed aside the document he received. "Just like the followers of a mud-wallowing pig... Fat Hastog farts and they write it as truth... Barbarians..."

[Greece (DoC)]

A Byzantine horse was found just outside of the VoulaPoli border. What he was doing there so far away from his homeland, is still unclear…. There will be a investigation if this horse man is connected to the assassination.

Luckily our border patrol was able to spot him.

[Mali (DoC)]

The strangers holding clubs crossed the river and into Mali. They did not know they had been spotted by the skirmishers escorting settlers to a new spot on the river. The strangers marched north attempting to navigate around Mount Okapi. As the settlers began building their houses near the river, the skirmishers tracked the strangers from the treeline. The Great Korta had received no messages from the western neighbors of a visit, so these strangers were considered enemies of the empire. Without warning, the skirmishers burst from the treeline, screaming war cries against the strangers. The battle was bloody, but all of the strangers were defeated.

"Let this be a warning to all who enter Mali without permission!" The bodies of the strangers were displayed on the Western border for all to see.

[Inca (DoC)]

Dancing in the streets of Cuzco and songs ring out! The Tawantin Suyu Council of Governors meets to make final preparations for the great feast called for by Great Lord Lloque Yupanqui to be held in honour of all our continental neighbours. Already Great King Constantine and Pharaoh Meni have accepted our Lord's invitation. Sadly the legendary Beauty of Greece, Voula the Great, is unable to attend herself but has despatched her son Alexander to represent her. Lord Constantine has also offered to bring the leader of The Romans, Lord Aeneas Rex, as a companion. Never have the Quechua had discourse with these distant people of whom only legend previously existed. We await only the reply of King Elizar of England to complete the seating arrangements.

Special honour is prepared for King Elizar to formally and publically ratify 'The Anglo Quechua Mutual Defence Treaty'. This Treaty will bind England and Tawantin Suyu in an eternal bond of friendship and respect of the territorial integrity of Egypt being agreed by both! None shall dare cause nuisance or distress to either of our great nations without feeling the wrath of both. Lloque Yupanqui holds the seat upon his right hand side ready for King Elizar to sit upon that they shall break maize bread together.

Tawantin Suyu High Council Speaker,
Mani Acila

[Byzantium (DoC)]

Constantine was surprised by the messenger.

The noble from the northern district was trustworthy and and experienced barbarian fighter.

"So you are sure it is a Greek army marching on our northern territories"

"Yes Sire. Phalanxes with some supporting archers."

"But surely they are hunting barbarians?"

"I don't think so Sire. They are bringing equipement to attach towns, and it is an army - though a rather small one - not individual units hunting barbarians. And if it was barbarians they were after, they wouldn't need to approch our boundaries"

"Perhaps they are escorting settlers?"

"No settlers in sight Sire"

Constantine looked out across the valley. Confused. Surprised. Relationships had always been good with the Greeks. Even when they pushed the location of their second city further east than he had asked. They were fierce warriors the Greeks but a small nation. Were they really launching a suicidal war?

He turned to his officials.

"Callimachus, go, summon the warriors of the northern settlements. They are to gather against the Greek forces. If the Greeks approach the borders of our lands they are to attack them without quarter. Make clear to the commanders in person that their role is to take down as many of the Greeks as possible. The main army will be not long behind, and can clear up the mess"

"aristus, go west, summon levies from the land. Prepare a force to invade Greece across the land bridge, on my order"

"ipparchus, the time to prove the strength of those horses. Prepare the main force. I will lead it personally"

"eulogos, go to Voula leader of the Greeks. Find out what is going on. Explain to her that the capture or destruction of a Byzantine city will result in a war which will only be concluded when the land is reconquered and a Greek city annexed. Make clear to her that a surprise attack will not result in a short war, and it is not in her interest to make a bitter enemy of her close neighbour. See what she actually wants. But make clear - we will not talk while her small army continues to march on our cities."

"petros, damacles, orestes, go to our allies. Remind them of their oaths of mutual protection. Tell them to summon their forces."

Horsemen thundered into the dust as Constantine still confused prepared for war.

[Byzantium (DoC)]

As Constantine prepared his armour, a second messenger from the west brought a copy of the rumours that were emerging from Voula.

A Byzantine horse was found just outside of the VoulaPoli border. What he was doing there so far away from his homeland, is still unclear…. There will be a investigation if this horse man is connected to the assassination.

He laughed shaking his head. So, there we have it. Voula trying to create a pretext for war, something which will cover up her betrayal of friendship. Something she will try to hide behind when after initial success the Byzantine forces grind her down and she is cowering behind the walls of her palace trying to persuade other nations that she is the victim. What she doesn't point out is that the Byzantine men immediately withdraw to Byzantine territory, while her army has continued its advance.

Go to her tell her that if our scouts have frightened her, we apologise. We will withdraw all our men within our cities, let her do the same.

[Korea (DoC)]

After centuries of abuse by the Korzan Despot and his Advisors. The Governors of the provinces did meet on the Western Island Province to discuss the future of the oppresed people.

The despot heard of this meeting and ordered the immediate arrest of all the governors. This proclamation led to immediate revolt across the nation.

The governors led thier armies to meet the Depsotand his army in the valley of Korzana north of Korzan province.

Many many months the battle raged, many lives were lost. Finally the Despot himself was mortally wounded and his advisors immediately retreated from the battle

It took another 6 months for the eventual peace accord agreement to be ratified.

This agreement set up the full Autonomous freedom of each of the provinces.

The future of Korzan was changed for ever.

[Rome (DoC)]

On this Joyful day Saladin of Arabia, Voula of Greece and Aeneas of Rome sign a pact uniting brothers and sisters of the Islamic Faith in cooperation and defense.

All Hail the MAD pact

[England (DoC)]

To my friend Lloque Yupanqui

I warmly accept your invitation. I will leave immediately for Cuzco.


Your friend Elizar

[Russia (DoC)]

The Return of Catherine
As written by Igor the wordbinder
Witnessed by Igor the wordbinder

Leaving her long stay in the Arabic lands Catherine set sail to cross the Al-Jazeera (the Arabic Channel) returning to a land in chaos. Russia's cohesion under Samo the headbanded had disintegrated upon his death. His many sons and nephews and brothers sought dominance, each claiming land and taking the title Prince, supported by men at arms loyal to them. They fought like savages with hit and run tactics, seeking booty and glory that would allow them to draw more men to their flag. But their craftiness was too great, and their stubborn stupidity too. None could gain suzerainity over the others. Alliances changed on a weekly basis, backstabbings were over-frequent (more than twice per week), and in general things were a proper mess.

To this situation Catherine came with no more than a handful of personal guards and a few Arabs who wished to see Russia. Already Arab traders had made their way through Russian lands and taken habitation in Moscow and Novgorod and brought to these cities Islam.

Returning to Moscow, Catherine gathered the few of her fathers retainers that would swear loyalty to her and set out to create an army to reestablish dominance of Russian lands. With a small retinue of just under 100 men she marched to her old teacher, the cowherd and asked if she would support the cause. Offering as much milk and cheese as the troops of Catherine could eat she could now focus on fratricide.