Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 5 - August 2012]

[Sommerswerd]

[hide][top]Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 5 - August 2012]

This is the Story and Diplomacy Thread for the Diplo Game "Domination of Barbarians" (DoB)




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.

Domination of Barbarians 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.

[Sommerswerd]

Many tribes have created new settlements both nearby their ancestral lands and on distant shores. Several of these distant settlments have become large in their own right, bustling with activity and commerce and trade.

Another Great Wonder, the Oracle, is built in Paris, France, defeating other tribes who were competing to produce their own version of the Oracle. Rome joins the exclusive fraternite of elite tribes by building a Great Wonder of their own, The Great Wall, defeating China and Byzantium who were also building their own Great Wall. And at long last, after centuries of work and countless loss of life in the process, England puts the finishing touches on their own Great Wonder, The Great Lighthouse of York.



Further expanding on their knowledge of Hunting and Farming, some tribes are learning to capture animals in pens called pastures and domesticate them for food and other uses. Even more tribes are taking to the waves and making even more settlements on distant shores. More nations master the arts of weaponmaking and Axemen begin to appear in the ranks of multiple nations.

The Wars in Europe subside only to be replaced by a new conflict in the Middle East, near the Black sea. Christianity spreads like wildfire, and several tribes declare it as their official religion. Islam also begins to spread with some tribes like Greece switching their loyalty from Islam to Christianity and then to neutrality. France is the first to adopt a new kind of Government called a Monarchy, and Louis I is annointed as the first Christian Monarch of France.

The barbarian hordes gain in strength and number. No longer are the hordes limited to simple Warriors. Now they have developed advanced weapomaking techniques and Spearmen appear in their ranks. Still, frontier nations like China, Persia and Russia are able to keep them at bay with Archers. It would seem that the Barbarians are, at least for now... under control, but undoubtedly more epic battles are to come...




Headship / Royal Lineages of the World

Barbarians
The Children of Barbarous the Expelled - Warriors & Spearmen sighted

France
King Louis IV, son of King Louis III the Gullible, son of King Louis II the Zealous, son of King Louis I the Stalwart, first Monarch of France, successor to the Torino Workers, survivors of the Stonehenge Defenders, Successors of the Elder Mystics, Keepers of Benoit the Immortal, appointed successor of Tribal Chief Andre, traverser of the Alps, appointed successor of Pierre, First Despot of France, slayer of Jean-Guy, former co-ruler w/ his wife Patrica & brother Jean-Paul, son of Jean

Spain
Himilce, Princess of Spain, Mother of Astor

Portugal
Porto & Portu, husband and wife

Netherlands
The three factions, slayers of Hanz the Dutchman, named successor of Trotseer the Brave, named successor to Chieftain Aantaleen the Primersteleider and his wife Angeline

Ottomans
Head Chieftain Bedri Ayhan

Byzantium
Justinian II, successor to the Tribal Chieftains, successors to Leader Justinian I, son of Leader Constantine

China
Qin Shi Huang, successor of the Mother of Qin Shi Huang, successor to the Father of Qin Shi Huang

Norsemen
Chief Ragnar

England
Leader Elizabeth

Celtia
King Ire, successor of Lord Chieftain Brennus & Aithe

Japan
Family Elders of Kyoto, along with Ainu of Nishikyo & Jiraya of Osaka following the death of Tokugawa, defender of Kyoto, Leader of Japan

Russia
The Czar, successor of Ivan Grozni, successor of Ivan Dragonoff, succesor of Leader Peter

Arabia
The Tribal Leaders, successors to The Prophet & his wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Rome
Titus Bruti of the Bruti family, successors of Marcus, leader of the Slave rebellion, beheader of Baron Von the tyrant

Persia
Helu of Awan, rightful ruler of Persia, successor of Kikku-Siwe-Temti, ruler of Persia, usurper of Napi-Ilhush, usurper of Shushun-Tarana, usurper of Hishutash, usurper of Ukku-Tanhish, usurper of Tata I, successor to Peli of Awan, Rightful Chief of the Persian Tribes

Germany
Herman

Greece - ???
Holy Rome - ???

[Japan (DoB)]

After many months of silence - sitting before a fire, tended to by children - the spirit guide opens the eyes upon a people caught in a web like flies, waiting for a spider to consume it. Strange thoughts come with the dreams gathered in the spirit realm. Looking at the fire, the guide suddenly knows how to form it in a new fashion - wreathing it around the body - making direct contact with other guides throughout Japan. Gathering strenght and calling for a boy to bring Ainu, the fire begins to coil around the guide, connecting to guides in Japan and the one living with the Chasers of Sunset.

Fire_Guided.jpg

Ainu comes swiftly, followed by the Elders. They marvel at the new gifts granted by the spirits. Then the guide starts speaking, voice changing as one after another tales of sadness and strength in their respective villages, following the loss of their great leader. Good news comes when the presence of Tokyo, north in Japan, is revealed. Chasers of Sunset makes the Elders and Ainu thoughtful with tales of barbarians, strange animals, new tribes and good places to found new villages.

Then a new voice is heard like a rainstorm speaking through fire:

"Build monuments to remember every story from the past, search all of earth for stones and sparkling sand -
be proud of yourself and what form you are cast - Sons and Daughters, recognize Heianshi Ainu, You Are Japan!"

Gasps come from behind Ainu. "The spirits just named him leader of Japan." he hears from the left. "This is a sign we must follow!" comes from the right. Ainu turns around, finding the Elders all on one knee, swearing on the name of their family to follow his guidance. He tells them to rise, and turns again, his heart beating fast and head spinning with the implication of leading so many. Sitting down before the guide, the heat of the pulsing fire brings new heat to his face as he asks if this is what the other villages want as well.

Silence stretches for a long time, with the crackle of the continuing fire around the guide as the only sound.

Sweat is pouring down the face of both Ainu and spirit guide when answer comes from the newest village - Tokyo - They will follow Ainu. Soon after, Osaka brings news: Jiraya is dead. Entering his house to get advice on the matter, only to find him dead, the Elders have decided to follow Ainu. After a longer time, Kyoto finally answers that they, too, will follow Ainu now that the two greatest family leaders are dead after a final confrontation.

The guide moves a hand to the chest of Ainu -through the flames!- in a touch both tender and shocking Ainu suddenly sees through the eyes of the other guides, knowing that they can hear his words, he speaks:

"I will lead, to continue the growth of Japan. I saw the final journey of Tokugawa through the spirit guide, I heard him speak, his words are branded in me. I will do everything possible to make truth of his claim: It Will Be Worth It!"

[Russia (DoB)]

After centuries of invasion and migration of barbarians from the steppes of the east and south, a kingdom was created from the less mobile of the lot. At first it was a small tribe of men crippled by constant warfare and raids, unable to continue on in migration, forced instead to the belittling task of cutting the grasses for sustenance.

This made them angry.

Another tribe came from the south, calling themselves "Slavs". They wished to claim the lands that this first tribe had already taken for themselves.

This made them angrier.

The Slavs nearly won their battle, but in the end a single hero named "Volg" defeated the Slav 'king' in the fray, and in the aftermath of this crucial loss, the Slavs broke while the tribe of Volg rallied, chased, and crushed the Slavs underfoot. They knew more Slavs still lived to the south, though.

This made them angrier.

They swore to put these Slavs all to the club -or arrow, whichever was more convenient at the time- and to conquer their lands of the southern lake. Then some strange men calling themselves "Byzantines" showed up on the spot and claimed the conquest for themselves.

This made them angrier.

Yet these Byzantines had no army, just a few straggling herds of men with sticks and the like. They invaded the lands of the tribe of Volg, reaching the very heart river of Mother Volga, yet turned back as they saw the impenetrable defenses of the capital city, or perhaps their knees grew weak seeing the barbarians prancing about - they were unused to such men. Either way, they ran back crying for peace.

This made them angrier.

The Volgs were not ones to be made angry.

[Byzantium (DoB)]

Justin II listened to the grim news from the messengers from his field armies. The initial campaign had started well. The Russian settlers had been turned back from Byzantine lands and had settled somewhere in the north. The first Holy Roman invader army had been destroyed by the elite Byzantine Hammers and the 1st Border Guards had cut off the Holy Roman pass to prevent further incursions. Everything had went according to plan...

Then the Holy Romans launched what should have been a suicidal attack on the 1st Border Guards and the spirits favored the Holy Romans. The Holy Romans pressed their advantage by moving a second army through the pass and striking down the wounded Byzantine Hammers. Then the Persians had decided they did not want to fight two enemies at once and chose to move back to hunt down the elite Russian Witchdoctor army that was lurking near Persian and Byzantine borders instead of helping fend off the Holy Romans.

The troops were demoralized. Fortunately, the southern border was secure thanks to the Islamic Alliance and our Greek allies who were fending off the African barbarian hordes which had allowed the repositioning of southern troops to reinforce the northern front. Unfortunately though it was going to take a few more decades to get the armies into position to reinforce the northern front.

With the immediate Russian settlement threat averted and the Persians intent on hunting down the Russian Witchdoctor, Justin II had dispatched an emmissary to Russia to arrange a ceasefire and ordered his armies to withdraw from Russian territory. The Russian had spurned the peace offer but Justin II decided to pull back his armies into a defensive line and wait until the southern reinforcements arrived. It was going to be a long and difficult war.

[China (DoB)]

Qin has been declared emperor for life by his counsel. The citizens of Beijing cheer in celebration. Workers are able to go into the fields which are finally cleared of barbarians. The fields are overgrown and filled with the bones of the dead barbarians who were slaughtered by 10's of thousands of arrows. Qin and several escorting experienced archer armies march past the sentries on guard at the newly constructed wall to meet Ainu and Aiko in the north. The alliance between our two nations will go far to protect both nations against the hordes. Qin is also sending scouts to find the source of the barbarian hordes. He fears a new barb nation has risen in the forests of the north.

[England (DoB)]

The Great Lighthouse of York stands as a resplendent beacon of hope for the English peoples. Though all know it will be generations before the cursed French black magic is driven from English shores, the fearsome shadows pouring out of Paris are no longer so dark nor so terrifying.

[England (DoB)]

Elizabeth is greeted at the gates of London with resounding cheers from her people as she returns from the celebrations in York. All feel an age of great achievement is close at hand thanks to Elizabeth's wise rule. Already the many workers who had helped build the Great House of Light were at work improving the rich land around London. Elizabeth on her journey has seen not only abundant stone in need of quarrying but also great herds of wild horses and cattle in need of pasturing.

Most impressive though has been the increase of trade throughout English lands. Situated as it is at the narrow istmus connecting the English lowlands with the Scottish highlands, York is a natural crossroads of trade. Guided by the powerful beacon of York's House of Light, merchants travel in great confidence up and down both the eastern and western coasts. With trade having increased by some 100% the English people yearn to explore markets further afield and many dream of the great profit to be had should trade with neighboring tribes become feasible. Elizabeth has directed her scholars to study some mechanism by which more formal agreements can be made with England's many friendly neighbors to encourage trade and codify longstanding spoken bonds of trust.

[Japan (DoB)]

Ainu has ignited the efforts of his people, and great feats of craftsmanship has been accomplished all over Japan. The ability to talk directly to all the villages has greatly increased all methods of planning. All thanks to the new Fire Mystics, who now share a great reverence by all villagers throughout Japan. Each village now has a circle of ever-burning fire just outside the village, maintained by Fire Mystics and guarded by warriors.

circlefire.jpg

Young men and women are flocking to the new-built barracks in Kyoto, the first of its kind. Having a seperate building with dedicated trainers have improved the ability of new warriors and archers. Where they used to train with their father or family at their convenience, now whole days go into their training, with special training being conducted from the wise words of Guga, brought forth in tales from teacher to student.

Preparations are underway to celebrate the coming union of Ainu's sister Aiko and Qin, Eternal Emperor of China - this will help create a lasting bond of mutual friendship between Japan and China. Ainu looks forward to meeting Qin in person, and to see more of the Main Land under the protection of his newly trained Archers.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Ocean Faction please to report that our brothers in Nether Faction finally learn the way to write. We use stone tablet and simple tools to make marks to record our words and treaties for future generations can read what was agreed. Already Ocean Faction has use this skill to make treaties of peace and friendship with many neighbors. Even France was not left out of the offers for peaceful relations. We hope that this makes a new era of trade for Ocean faction. Already the ports and towns of Holly Roamers are trading with Ocean, Fire and Nether factions. Aachen sends their goods all the way to Ocean Faction by trade boat and Warrior from Holly Roamer is visiting Nether Faction. We hope he comes to make an embassy here where we can write even more new treaties.

Nether Faction also report new discovery. By taking the soft earthen clay near the river we can make into small jars and pots. Then it is cook in a fire and it turns hard as stone. Then you can carry things in it long distance. You can put things and with a top the rats and flies cant get it. With this knowledge we tried to store fish all winter to eat, but even in the pots too long it made many sick and died. We needed even better ways to store things. So while amidst the death from the rotten fish we build a salting house that can store salted fish and salted food for long times without going rotten. This method is much better and we call it a Granary.

Now also since we have clay pots some of our people want to trade with each other. Clay pot makes it possible because they can carry back and forth with their goods. So much trade is happening that a large trading house called a cottage was built in the countryside near a known boars hunting ground. This makes a natural good spot fro trade and trade cottage prospering.

Ocean faction has more news. To keep up with the higher trade demand because we can write, some more slaves must be sent off to sea to be fisherman to fill the needs. Some died because they starve st sea or coyld not swim, but we feel its best to have more fish for trade. Sacrifice must be made.

Fire Faction has discover original Mountain Father, the volcano that give life to us all. We live now at his feet and his mountain protects us and fuel our fire magic. We ask now that Nether learn deeper the ways to make powerful msgic do that Fire Mystic does not only have Du-Cha magic which is almost forgotten after all the Du-Chat are killed. We need our own new Fire Magic. Our village prospers and grows, soon we will need more foid to feed them. We hope Ocean faction sends soon to us the fisherman they promised.

[Spain (DoB)]

"How can these precious shiny things be used ?", she asks the rugged traveler from Fire Faction.


"Mountain Father has learned me to find these, but legend tells that only a fair queen from the south can teach us Nether people how these precious shiny things should be used..

So I travelled far and wide until I heard of you, fair Himilce", he says timidly..


"Aah", Himilce says with a radiant smile,
"tell your leader to send me all the shiny things you've got.

I will tell all my scholars, wise women and wise men alike,
to study what these exquisite trinkets are for.."

[Spain (DoB)]

After ample deliberation with her councillors and wise men called "Inventares", Himilce says:

"Let's make sure the sun can activate the magic in these stones,
and make it so that the energy of the stones is contained by metal.

Then I am sure these stones can work magic on men and women alike.."

[China (DoB)]

Emperor Qin settles into camp after travelling north to meet his future bride and the leader of the land of the rising sun to the east. He enjoys some tea as his guardsmen prepare the defences about him. Extra berms of soft earth are piled atop the hill he has chosen to be his camp. Tree branches are dug in to prevent newly seen horse with boxes being carried behind - called chariots - from overrunning them. His archers place logs in a row to stand on and be standing behind. He looks on with pride as years of experience are visible. His veteran archers breasts are heavy with decorated ribbons. He knows nearly all by name, having seen their fathers and their father's father service. So long ago ... so many lives gone and his persists. Immortality is both a blessing and a curse. This is the first time he has ventured outside the walls of Beijing. Life in the countryside is harsh compared to his home but his people love him. He realizes his advisors have chosen well, his camp is near running water, well protected and sweetened by the fresh incense of candles from his palace. His servants decorate the tent to please his bride. His thoughts are abuptly interrupted as reports of new barbarian spear are brought by runners from the distant forest. He fears for the arrival of his bride. Please bring enough troops to protect you Ainu and Aiko.

[Spain (DoB)]

"Oh my god", Himilce says.. "God be praised.."

"This is a true work of art. How did your people learn to make such delicate and extravagant things?

I feel more radiant and beautiful already. This is really magic.

You really make a woman, even a queen, blush.."

[Japan (DoB)]

Preparations for the Affirmation of Emperor Qin and Aiko continues, meanwhile, the circles of fire have a grand status in every village now, as each night bring more tales through the flames.

Most of all, the Chasers of Sunset, the legendary sea-warriors that sail ever on towards the setting sun, following the land as it changes with each day, facing the most unusual and strange in all the world. The latest tales are stories of the great monsters - Oni - that live in the sea. They vary greatly in size and shape, some are broad with wings almost like birds, others are enormous and rarely seen close to shore. The two most talked about however, is the one that has a sail on its back and a great long snout! With many tries, no-one has yet been able to catch one. It is a being of great power.

The other brings a darker tale, that scares the youngest among the listeners and bring the elders to think twice, the Kiken'na!

Kiken_na.jpg

This beast once swallowed a member of the crew in a single bite!

Such a large and dangerous fish had never before been seen - and now the warriors on board have taken to dare eachother to swim when one of them is spotted. The big mouth has the largest teeth ever seen on an animal - even bigger than the great Bears seen on the Main Land.

Somehow, the presence of another fish that seems to smile all the time makes it go away.
So any man swimming is told to smile to keep the Kiken'na away.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Fire Mystic are exploring all over the lands nearby. We have met up some Greek fisherman. They seem to be the best fisherman in that land that we have ever seen. Greeks have more different kinds of fish than any tribe we have ever know. They dont seem to have the Clams, but they have so many fish. Ocean Faction traders have been trading fishes with many nations far and wide. The Fish traders have the fishes from all over, warm and cold seas fish creatures of all kinds strange and delicious.



The females in Ocean faction did not like to send away to Himicle their Gems. Already some are refusing to tend the fires of their huts and care for the homes. We have asked the Nether thinkers to give us some wisdom to make the women happy again while Himicle has the Gemstones from the hills of Ocean faction. Meanwhile Ocean faction has also learn to train longstick warriors as Nether does.

Nether Faction finish their Granary and now the wise men are saying to build something new, a house to hold all the stone tablet we have in one place so they dont get lost. Good thing for us Fire Father has given Fire faction some great stones at the foot of his mountian. With these stones we can make even more tablet to make treaties. Maybe there is some other use for these great stones? We will study this amore and finds out.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Fire Mytics are visiting the Lands of the Germ-Manes. There are some Nether living in Berlin and some wish to join the ranks of Fire Mystics. Many have hear the tale of glorious battle with France and now they want his own glory like his fathers and grandfathers. The great War in the west is over only war is in middle east. For now only battle to have is againts barbarians. Fire Mystis also travel to lands of Holly Roamers. The city of Aachen is strong and powerful up on hill. Do not be alarm when you may see Fire Mystic coming near. Fire Mystics are on a mission to meet nearby tribes for making fish trades. Your warm waters fish for our cold water fish. After seeing the bounties of the sea that Greece has we wish to learn all we can from them on the arts of fishing.

[Celtia (DoB)]

"I want more." King Ire said. "MORE!"

Gone was his voice of reason. Only greed marked his rule now. Any shiny item, any valued object, every single thing that could be construed to be worth something, he claimed as his, and his alone. An entire house was now filled with everything of value, and another house was under construction for the same purpose.

Far from his ears, voices marked fair the rule of Brennus.
Silently, they made plans..

[Spain (DoB)]

While Himilce is bading, a new fleet is prepared to cross the Middle Sea.

"Did you hear from the people on the other side?"

"We have some good news, let me whisper it in your ear.."





"Well tell them that.."

[China (DoB)]

Qin looks anxious as he sees his new bride and father-in-law arrive in a grand procession. The archers look less seasoned than his, he thinks quietly but still formidable in their own way. We will have no issue with holding the barbarians on this hill. Already his veterans have repelled two attacks without losses.

[Byzantium (DoB)]

The Byzantines conceded their ancestral lands to the Holy Roman Empire to allow them to found the city of Nuremburg in exchange for peace. The Byzantines then founded the border city of Fort Sorrow just in time as the greedy Holy Roman Empire were advancing even more settlers into Byzantine lands. Now the Holy Roman Empire has declared war on Byzantium, yet again trying to take more of our land!

May Allah protect us by ending this senseless slaughter by evil greedy men!

[Japan (DoB)]

As the scouts reported, the fortifications of the Chinese was a reflection of their wovs. Strong and steadfast.

Ainu walked proudly towards his future ally. The hillside thrived with archers and warriors, some of them led the way through the elevated areas of defence. The eyes of the chinese always moving, searching the forest around them for any disturbance. Those were the eyes of seasoned men, reminders of his own men protecting Nishikyo. They knew dangers in the smell and sounds around them, the value of vigilance. In his mind, the image of such men in greater numbers was like a force unstoppable.

Respect grew from the review of Qins men, as he walked towards the center of his camp in the hills. Making his way to a peak of the hill, he gazed on the encampment with wonder. Order and structure that was new to him was like a line through the Chinese Army. Well spaced and with weapons close to every warrior, both standing and sitting, nothing would take them unaware. Thinking of how this could be applied to his own men, he entered the center court.

As the guide foretold, a man unmatched in graceful movements was at the center of a gathering of men. In this circle, Ainu came to stand at the middle, alone, surrounded by an entire camp of the Chinese. His trust in Qin absolute. With both hands open palms up, not loosing sight of Qin's eyes, Ainu bowed. Standing straight and facing Qin, he spoke:

"Greetings Qin, Eternal Emperor of the Strong Chinese People. I am Ainu, leader of Japan. May the spirits guide me, and our talks of friendship now begin in earnest. To make our two people one, in the Affirmation of a Life-Bond between you, and my sister Aiko.

Too long has this been delayed, by the sadness endured in our loss of Tokugawa. May he rest in peace, knowing that our two people will be joined, as was his wish.

As I see you close Qin, I marvel at your grace, and the wisdom in your eyes is clear. Let us talk now, about happiness, celebrations, and future trade. Of defence, danger, and challenges. Of peace, war, and how we can bring the barbarians to their knees.

[China (DoB)]

Qin received Ainu's greeting warmly with open palms. He then pledged his eternal support and allegiance of his people. And ... A runner approached and whispered in his ear. Qin abruptly ordered his men to their defences. A fresh cohort of barb spearmen are a half league away he tells Ainu. Drums sounded to call the men to arms. He takes Ainu's hands and says "before we celebrate, lets show these barb men how Chinese and Japanese can fight together to rule this world".

[China (DoB)]

Soolong, leader of a group of scouts exploring far to the west is unaware of the battles with barbarians and union of the Japanese and Chinese. He is more concerned about evading barbarians. He has climbed up a hill to peer below. These are not barbarians. They're wearing woman's skirts but they're big, brawny warriors. A shout comes up the hill he can barely make out. He turns to his 2nd ... " Did the skirt wearer say we're Geeks?" What is a geek?

[Japan (DoB)]

Far from the hills and the fighting there, the Chasers of Sunset sail on as always. In the morning after a day filled with rain, a ship is spotted on the horizon. Coming closer, the sails seem to be colored in a green and white pattern. Every man aboard the ship makes ready to fight - as the leader of the Chasers dives into the sea, swimming quickly towards the ship. Curiosity must have stayed their hand, as they let him climb up the side of the ship, and standing alone he asked to talk to the sailmaster - the leader of the ship. These were his words:

"A fair wind has brought us here, to see your great ship in green and white, well-built."

"I am Jimmu, Sailmaster of the vessel known to my people as Chasers of Sunset. I welcome this opportunity to know you better, as my leader is Ainu the Wise, leader of Japan. He desires to know more of all tribes that live on the Main Land."

"I ask your permission to let us pass, so we may learn more of the world and other tribes. We do not wish to fight, only to learn more of the world and the telling of tales, for ourselves and our children. We have much knowledge that we can share, if you wish to know more of our tribe and the world."

Being met with silence and strange looks, Jimmu starts talking again, slowly, using his hands and his body to better signify what he meant. After a full day spent with them, with no real understanding being reached, he left their ship. Swimming back to his own, and ordering the men to sail past them, he wondered how further talks would go.

If these men, bright enough to make a greatship, did not understand the use of tongues or bodysigns, how would other tribes react to us? The strangest thing about them was two big logs that were crossed at the back of the ship, it seemed to be of importance to them, but it did not seem to have a use on the ship. Jimmu walked down to the hold, intending to talk to the spirit guide about this..

[Japan (DoB)]

From the fields they ran, screaming in rage and defiance! To the last man they fought, running headlong into rain upon rain of deadly arrows from both sides. It was a complete victory achieved in surprisingly short time. The men from both sides were talking among themselves, exchanging tales of good kills on the way back. A warrior bond had been made today, the kind that only surviving a fight would bring. Now they came back to the hills, and took up their place around it, waiting for the ceremony to begin..

It is a warm and pleasant summer day, with birds that voice their joy of life. Around the largest hill, a circle is made by warriors and archers from China and Japan, to witness this most important day - the Affirmation of Qin and Aiko - joining the two tribes in a bond of everlasting friendship! Ainu stood at the top, his hair bound with a knot, barechested.

Ainu.jpg

He stood firm beside Qin, who was dressed in the traditions of his people. With a strong beard and his piercing eyes, with cloth made in a fashion unknown to others. Light, yet sturdy and easy to color. The clothing of the Emperor spoke with a force unto itself - giving the smallest of movements a grace and flow that made all others appear stocky and unbalanced. He was of the long-living ones, with wisdom and a knowing that only Tokugawa could have matched. In his Presence, Ainu was aware of his own life, knowing that he would die one day. He made a silent prayer to the spirits, that this Affirmation would go well and the bond between the two people last for thousands of years. Meanwhile, Qin stood firm beside him, waiting for the arrival of his bride.

qin shi huang.jpg

He could see the silence spreading, as men began to raise one arm to the sky as they saw her. More than a thousand men were surrounding this one hill. The very lack of noise from so many was something Qin had only seen among his own men before. The men of Japan were able to maintain themselves in large numbers. He thought to himself: "These are good men." Silently, arms reached to the sky from the bottom of the hill, spreading around it and joining in on itself as Aiko walked ever upwards to the top of the hill, the wind flowing through the hair and moving her garments, bringing with them the fragrance of delicate seaweeds from Japan, a present from the sea spirits.

She was wearing light and dark colors to present herself as a woman to him blessed by Sun and Moon, Rain and Thunder, Flower and Tree. Her eyes like the stars of night, flames that to him burned so bright. They were a path from dark to light, as she walked to him through a forest of arms raised to the sky. In her hands the Coral Vessel of Affirmation. A hollow tube made from coral under the waves, brought forth by spirit guides to contain a sample of blood from both Qin and Ainu to seal the Bond of Blood between them.

Scroll_of_Affirmation.jpg

As she came to the top of the hill, the forest of arms lowered to the ground, as every man went down on one knee. Silence fell on the land, even among the birds in the trees. Then the men gathered started to speak in a whisper, they were one whole voice with the strength of a thousand, and the voices were both heard by ears and by heart as the spirit guides manifested their voices through them:

Tribe of Ainu - be amourous and increase, your worth will share through thick and thin.
Tribe of Qin - eat drink and sleep, you are the center of this land.

Tribe of Ainu - your seeds increase, grown from earth to heaven grand.
Tribe of Qin - burnt offerings from your race flatter the nostrils of the spirit realm.

Tribe of Ainu - come take your place, around the fireside of your kin.
Tribe of Qin - you must breathe hard, to find the value in rocks and sand.

Tribe of Ainu - learn from Qin, defend this world that you both share.
Tribe of Qin - attend your station, aware that danger is ever there.

Tribe of Ainu - your will have renown, far after you are dead and gone.
Tribe of Qin - your task is not yet done.

Tribe of Ainu, Tribe of Qin - share your blood for all to see
Tribe of Qin, Tribe of Ainu - share this bond in future's weave

From this day let your friendship grow. Our aid we give as we know how.
Be plentiful and listen to both earth and wind, we bless thee now - Asian Kin.

As the last words fell, the two leaders each held a stone knife to the palm of their hand, drawing blood, dripping into the Coral Vessel one at a time. Aiko held the vessel, and closed it after the blood was given. She held it up for all to see.

Then, giving it to Ainu, she brought forth some leaves and used them to bind the hand of Qin with tender care. A wise man of China, and a spirit guide of Japan came forward. With these witnesses, Qin and Aiko spoke their wovs to eachother. With blessings on their Life-Bond complete, they embraced, as the roar of a thousand men began the celebrations that would last for many days to come.

[Portugal (DoB)]

[Japan (DoB)]

Spirit Guide: "Take the sails toward the land!"
Jimmu: "Why go near land now? We have food, water, we should sail on."
SG: "You fool! We may be close to destruction. There! Enter that bay you see further on. Here we must wait until I can learn how they make their signs. Any further trespass will be dangerous and foolhardy."
J: "I do not understand."
SG: "Then I will show you."

BookOfFire.jpg

SG: "This is the way they make signs. I must learn them, study them, and from that we can learn how to talk to them."

[China (DoB)]

Soolong watched the skirted warriors move to the east towards his home land. He sent 3 runners to send news of their approach to Qin. He and his remaining team walked on west over mountains and desert and on the horizon could see water and ... smoke from cooking fires. Alot of them. Is this a new kingdom?

[France (DoB)]

Word has reached the court of King Louis XII, of the Japanese declaration of war against Portugual, presumably by the Chasers of the Sunset invading Portuguese waters. King Louis XII is so incensed by the blasphemy of someone invading the Christian homeland that he ends generations of French seclusion by sending an emmissary to Portugal stating,

The army and navy of France stand ready to defend the Christian homeland. If you wish our assistance then you need but ask.

King Louis XII