Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 6 - September 2012]

[Celtia (DoB)]

King Ire fumes with the news that Brennus killed Artair. After chasing off all his loyal clubbers, the whole of Vienne began to follow Brennus. To top it off, word comes from England about a new religion, Tao. It sounds wrong, far from the Rightousness of Christ! Stomping out to the training ground, he subsided a bit. The training was going well. With a little help from the english trainers, his men now formed the first Chariots into a circle, practicing how to use the club while guiding the horse. Those rebel scum would piss themselves by the first charge, and be running home before the second. Ire smiled, and the troops close by left him well alone as he started to chuckle to himself.


Meanwhile, in Vienne..


Brennus listened to the english messenger, about Lao Tzu and his Tao Te Ching, and smiled. He asked for good quarters to be given to the messenger, and food be brought to him so he could rest and be well. He made a point to tell him, that the Tao of Lao Tzu would always be welcome in Vienne, and in all of Celtia as well, as soon as the reign of Ire was ended. It would happen soon, this was a promise.

He also sent messengers to the leaders of all tribes known by Celtia, apologizing for his long absence. He would soon return to the throne and then he would be able to respond freely. The Return of the King was the greatest importance right now, and no full reply would come at this point, without his knowing the full capabilities of the Celtic tribe after his long absence.

[England (DoB)]

Commerce was returning to English lands after several years of strife. When the Christians priests in York moved to establish and organized the Church of England, it was not long before the Muslims in Nottingham reacted with the establishment of their own Shura. Meanwhile, in Hastings Lao Tzu had continued his teachings and accrued a growing body of followers for the god of Tao; while in London most continued to follow the old gods. All trade in the land was stopped as the four cities each barred travelers and work stopped as refugees moved across the land fearing prosecution for their respective faiths.

Elizabeth rode the length of lands meeting with the followers of each faith and ensuring them that, while the state gave an official mandate to the Church of England—for it had the greatest following in the lands—none from other faiths would be put to the sword and all would be free to practice and spread their beliefs. In the end life returned largely back to normal, and any revitalization or renewal that was sought was but naught.

While on her journeys Elizabeth heard word from a Taosit traveler back from Vienne that Brennus of the Celts again walked the earth. The return of an old friend would be welcome news, but in these times of turmoil could it be true?

[Celtia (DoB)]

Word has come to King Ire from other tribes, questions of Brennus, is he alive, are you still king, and other nonsense! He sends out messengers of his own to all the tribes, in strong words denouncing the false Brennus and his obvious lies! Any who believe he has returned must consult a priest at once! Only through the blessings of the Lord Almighty will such lies be removed and true vision restored! He also asks his messengers for news from the other tribes, making them figure out who listens to him, and who thinks Brennus may actually be alive.

He then orders his newly formed Chariots of Ire to sail on the Pride of Ire with utmost haste towards Vienne, and capture or kill Brennus at all costs! His nervous men follow the order, and when out of sight, talk amongst themselves about the King's strange and erratic behaviour of late..

[Japan (DoB)]

The Chasers of Sunset

After many years of helping the Porto people with their travels, the last one as an escort of Shankar's Last Journey, Chasers of Sunset are moving through waters belonging to beautiful spanish people. Their suntan skin and well-cut clothing pleases the eyes from both near and afar. They learn their moves from Himilce herself, making them graceful and a wonder to behold. Koji, now the leader of the ship after the passing of his father, holds to the promise made so long ago to Tokugawa, to move through all waters, chasing the sun to find new tribes and new friends for Japan.

Sailing past the first spanish village, they come to a place where there is new land to be seen further north. From talks among the Porto and Spanish, they have been told about Celtia, England, and the Nether with the Vikings even further on. Unfortunately, the French have been given several greatships by Porto, making any travel north very difficult. But through this strait between the large mass of land called Africanus and the Spanish Main, there are those known as Romans, Holy Romans and Greek.

Knowing about the french greathships, after knowledge of the sea was passed from Japan to Porto and improving their ships, Koji makies up his mind to sail to the Romans first.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Strange man arrives in River Village

In ancient proud River Village, a strange man arrives in Green and gold robes. He says that he is come from the Great Island across the great Northsea. He goes around to teach the people of Nether Faction a new ways to see the world around them. He teaches them that all the great spirits, Mountain Father, Ocean Mother, Gaia Earth, and Wind Sky are all truly different parts of the One Greatness. He say that there is two sides to everything, black and white, light and dark, day and night, good and evil, fire and water, hot and cold, summer and winter, sun and moon, but the two sides are of the same One Greatness. One side goes up and the other goes down, and then back again. As one get weak the other strong and then around the cycle continues, over and over like the seasons are always changing, but always coming back.

When the people ask him what does it all mean, he says that it is Yin and Yan, the One Greatness that is all things. By understanding this the people can at last acheive great power by unite with the world around them in true harmony and truth. And then he takes a stick into his hands and closes his eyes.

Then, with eyes closed, draws a perfect circle in the sand.

There are gasp from the crowd at how easy he make such flawless shape with one flick of his wrist. Then with the same precise moves, he fills the circle with symbol in the sand in perfect precision, his hands as steady as a rock, all the time eyes closed.



It is the most beautiful display of balance a control that the people have ever seen. None of the tablet writers in River Village have ever show so a steady hand. So perfect and fluid his motion is that many people are just gasping in awe. And he does it all with his eyes closed.

Right away the people are so inspired by his display that many grab their own stick and some just with fingers begin to try to imitate what he has done.



So crude are they imitation that even more the people are convinced that this man must have some true divine power. Even the tablet writers try, but they can not imitate it, try as they do.



They are sloppy even with eyes open. Even with the writing skills they can not do what he has done, with eyes closed they dare not even to try. Now they think it must be some trick and they dare for him to do it again. This time the man does not even use a stick, just his finger, eyes closed, and he draws again the same symbol, a perfect match.



Now there can be no doubt. This strange man is onto something. He must be a divine spirit! There is such an uproar and commotions that no one sees where the man went! He is gone like the wind. Some say he must be Lao Tzu himself, some say he is the Fire father, some say Wind Sky, but the teaching he made spread like wildfire in River Village, inspiring many works by writers, metal-makers and stone workers alike.



The new faith of Daoism it is called has come to Nether Faction.

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XVII, the Beast Tamer, is dead and is succeeded by his son King Louis XVIII. King Louis XVII's reign was peaceful but most French advisors consider the Kingdom in a much weaker state then it was when King Louis XVII inherited it. On the positive side, King Louis XVII domesticated the horses and boars in French lands and he strengthened the archer garrisons by expanding their number and equipping them all with pigskin suede leather armor. The archer garrison armor provided a modicrum of additional protection but was mainly considered a fashion success.

On the negative side, relations with neighboring tribes deteriorated under King Louis XVII. King Louis XVII's main foreign policy objective of getting the Portuguese Christian leaders to proclaim slavery a sin was a flop, with Chief Porto merely expressing a weak sentiment of possible regret over the loss of slave lives. Meanwhile, the English had established a new false religion as a fall back plan in case the Christian church proclaimed slavery a sin. The new false religion was quickly spreading amongst the Western Slaver Alliance tribes since the new religion would presumably support their slavery agenda.

In addition the English had built up a navy comparable in strength to the French navy in preparation for their next invasion of France. The English had also attempted to outflank French forces by sneaking through Roman lands preparing to attack from the south. King Louis XVII managed to negotiate weak assurances from the Roman tribe that they would warn foreign tribes to not attack France from Roman territory but the Romans would still allow enemies of France (such as the English and the Japanese) to sit on the Roman-French border positioned for a surprise attack!

The Nether forces had also built up a huge force of axemen and attempts to negotiate an alliance with the Holy Romans as a defense had gone unanswered. Finally even the once peaceful Celts broke the no-espionage treaty between the Celts and French, which had stood for over a 1000 years, when France offerred to open their borders to the Celts, as soon as they had researched the appropriate technology, for keeping the treaty for so long!

King Louis XVIII was inheriting a foreign policy and military defense nightmare and his advisors wondered if the young King was up to the task!

[Japan (DoB)]

After passing through Rome, it was not thought that anything would surprise the Koji and his crew.

Even from far away, the genius of Roman construction was visible. A single wall built on top of the hills around the entire city of Rome! The Church of Shankar may have been beautiful, but no match in scale compared to the Great Wall! Truly, Romans are a people to behold with awe and respect.

GreatwallofRome.jpg

Their friendly faces and open demeanor to visitors reminded Koji of the Porto, but no crosses were seen, and Christ was a curious subject among villagers. It became evident from their descriptions of the French.

How France proclaimed their view as the only correct view of the world, deferring only to Porto since Christendom came from them. Koji listened to stories from Romans, how French villagers claimed more and more land from them. With larger claims repeated as truth, even when it was visibly not so. There existed a peace between their people now, but it appeared to be a fragile thing, held together among Romans more from love of their leader than trusting the French.


After passing through Roman lands, the Chasers of Sunset met their first Greek.


From the first meeting, Greek men and women are seen as the very embodiment of grace. Indeed, from first hearing this word described by Porto and Spanish people, it is now clear that it must come from Greece! A single word to describe a people. Grace from Greece! The fair Himilce of Spain is the only leader so far that compares to them.

The crew learns many things from these people. Some have fallen in love and bonds are being formed, with permissions of marriage being seeked from the elders of Greek villages. It is hoped that they do not object to this.

Permissions.jpg

After all these years, the crew are truly happy. Their mission is becoming more meaningful with each passing day. By meeting new tribes and learning new customs, gaining friends and learning about Main Land, it is as if a veil has been lifted from their eyes and they can see the world again. Koji and his crew look forward to each morning, wondering who they will meet, and what they will learn.

[Celtia (DoB)]

King Ire has the French messenger chased from his house to the awaiting boat with these words:

While I had my men searching for supporters of that liar Brennus, I have been able to single out how many men you have in Bibracte my dear, French, friendly King. No less than 21 men and women of different families have been found sending stories to you. Knowing this, I have sent enough men to your lands that we stand equal once more. Whatever deal was made by the weak and foolish Brennus, heed this: I am not beneath any leader in this world, and certainly not beneath you! However, I will send no more men to your lands now that we stand equal. If you have any sense, you will accept this and send no more men to my lands.

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XVIII's religious advisor left the French Royal Court in disbelief. He had informed the King of the recent spread of the Slaver Religion, Taoism, in Freedom Point and had gone to great extents to explain the threat to the Kingdom that this posed. The significance of the Taoist symbol, of two fish perpetually feeding upon each other while encased in a slaver's manacle, had been explained, along with the Taoist rationalization that there needed to be "balance" of good and evil in the world which they used to justify the "necessary" evils of slavery!

The fact that the many english Taoist agents had found such a fertile ground for their beliefs in Freedom Point which was composed of descendants from former slaves was troubling. Freedom Point had been the settlement of the more militant slaves though, who wanted to fight back against the slavers instead of "turning the other cheek" and forgiving as per Christian teachings. The Freedom Point populace had whole heartedly embraced the tenants of Taoism since they wanted to completely turn the tables on the english and other slavers by enslaving all the slavers!

It was a dangerous situation in Freedom Point but King Louis XVIII had just casually dismissed the advisor with a bored wave of his hand.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Top of the World

Fire Mystics split up into two groups to complete the mission faster and both are having success. The first group led by the Fire Mystics Captain has continue to push East throught the treacherous Barb infested woods on mission to make contact with the rumored tribes in the East. The second group led by the man Bede has headed back north to discover what lies beyond the frozen woods after Captain's group was turned back. Bede is determine to prove his mettle as leader and someday surpass the Captain.

Bede's Fire Mystics travel to the edge of the frozen notrhern woods and into the barren lands of frozen rivers. But soon after this make a shocking discovery. The way is blocked in all direction by massive impassable wall of galcier ice in every direction to the North. This must be the top of the world, that no man can go North of.

[England (DoB)]

Lao Tzu had barely aged in the many years since he had started recording the voice of Tao. The immortal Tao fulfilling both his spiritual and physical needs as it had for mankind in the old days before the exodus.

His disciples had grown and spread the word of Tao from Hastings to Celtic, Nether, and even hostile French lands where on still nights the devotions could be heard across the narrow sea. But as the word of Tao spread, many grafted old beliefs on to the new.

In France they had discovered the power of Tao but see only the dichotomy of good and evil in the balance of the Wu and Wei within the Tao. Belief undoubtedly taken from the Manichaean Christian faith with its two powerful gods ever locked in conflict. But no, Tao is neither good nor evil – it IS.

Those like the Nether, who had previously known only the old gods, were generally better able to grasp the real nature of Tao’s central unity. But Lao Tzu knew he had much more to teach and even more to learn if the true understanding of Tao was to spread across the world.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

New Friends

Meanwhile Captain's Fire Mystics keep pressing East. With his skilled hand and leadership they move swiftly, and they are skilled hunters and wodsman to find Deer plentiful in the more southern part of these cold northern woods. They sight barbarians everywhere, and are able to slay some, but most cowards and flee at the sight of Captain's ferocious warriors. Determined to complete the mission, Captains men move farther and farther east, and it begins to seem this woods never ends, but then one of the forward lookouts comes back to the main group with news.

"Captain, I spotted someone in the woods ahead"

"Arm Yourselves! Is it more Barbarians? They shall perish on th..."

"No Captain, I dont think. They wear strange cloths we never seen before and they dont have the look and markings of Barbarians. They seem civilized."

Captain thought for a moment, then his heart was proud. They had made contact with another new tribe! "We must prepare to make contact with them!" he said.

"There is more Captain I must urgently tell you. They are tending to their wounded. They have the look that they were in battle, and many of their number are injured and wounded. They armed with bows like the Norsemen carry. And..." his voice trailed off as if he did not want to say.

"What else is there? Tell me!"

"Captain, there are powerful barbarians nearby to them, better armed, with Axes like ours and they will most likely attack the camp of wounded. They will most likely be dead before we can meet them."

Captain did not say anything else, he ran to his Axe and taking it up in hand he charged off into the woods in the direction the scout came from. The warriors looked at each other, confused for a moment, then they all scoope their Axes and run as fast as they can after the Captain. They catch up with him not one moment too soon, as they find him fighting side by side with the new tribe men as Barbarians swarms all over their camp from all sides. With a yell, the Fire Mystics join the battle to defend these men they have never met, swinging their Axes as the men of the new tribe fire their bows. With their combined strength, the barbarinas are slaughterd and Fire Mustics chase down the ones retreating, killing them all to the last man.

When the battle is over, these new men called Japanese, they learn exchange tablet written in the Fire Mystic way, with deerskin marked with the writing of the Japanese. The two tribes are now friends and the two groups spend a little time healing and getting to know each other culture. Then Fire Mystics ask for directions to their lands and are told south. Also they learn that there is fierce and desperate fighting going on in the south against the Barbarians. The settlements in the south need assistance.

Captain and his Fire Mystics head south to aid their new friends in their struggle against barbarians. "The mission can wait" he thinks. "Good friends are worth more than shiny rocks."

After traveling some time, they soon see a sight that they thought they would never see. There is a clearing in the forest and from the edge of forest they can see a vast open plains that they have not seen in ages. "What new things await them?" thinks Captain

[Celtia (DoB)]

Word comes from France that the King is afraid to answer the strong words of Ire. That he has not the tongue to speak nor heart to stand up to the true words of a rightful king! It is said that the sleeping place of the french king is changed every day. "Hah!" King Ire exclaims to his comrades upon hearing this. "He wets his bed in fear of equal treatment!" and the rest of his men laugh with him..

[England (DoB)]

So it is confirmed the French fleet has sailed south. The news was both heartening and worrisome. The fearsome French fleet had lain off our costs for years, but now it had vanished for unknown purpose. If it were to return having extracted more tribute from Portugal it would present an even greater threat. Only time would tell.

[Greece (DoB)]

It is true what the Portuguese and Spaniards say, the African lands are infested with the barbarians they speak of. Not one, not a dozen but thousands rush from the dark jungles to extinguish all traces of any attempts to scout and settle. We the Greek advice all civilizations trying to send scouting parties to be protected by strong able men. The jungles are no place for unprepared expeditions, just recently a whole settlement party traveling south has been put down by the barbarians yielding giant rusted axes. Greek archers weren't strong enough to hold them back even fortified high into the jungle hills.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

A change of Faith

After the mysterious Man left after teaching to the people of Nether Faction the foundation of Daoism, many more "Disciples of the Dao" as they called begin to spring up. Soon the Dao is the main belief in River Village as all of Nether Faction seem to embrace it. Fire and Ocean Faction hear only the rumors, and no DoD's (Disciple of Dao) have visit there settlements, but the truth of Dao reaches many ears. There are reports from Ocean faction that Dao is already the faith in the Celt village of Vienne as well as others.

As always, the French have already began to spread lies and misinformations about the Dao and the DoD or "Tao" as it is being call in France. France so-call Mystics have been saying,

The significance of the Taoist symbol, of two fish perpetually feeding upon each other while encased in a slaver's manacle, had been explained, along with the Taoist rationalization that there needed to be "balance" of good and evil in the world which they used to justify the "necessary" evils of slavery!

Of course the scholarly minds of Nether faction know these are untruth by ignorant French. Nether Faction being the first in the World to discover the secret of Writing, first in the World to become Literate, and first to build Libraries of knowledge. Since Nether Faction are keepers of knowledge for the Three Factions they have began recording the statements of messengers from generations past, so that the historical recor of the world can be know by all. A scholar "Scientist" as they are called, who is study in the Library of Fire Faction has review the record and forund ancient statement made by Arabian Mystics during the First France cruscade against Islam following when Christianity first comes into existence.

Our Mystics have worked for years to track the movements of the stars, as this is the very foundation of Mysticism, the tracking of the movement of the stars as they move across the night sky.

It is the knowledge of Mysticism, the knowledge of the constellations and celestial bodies that kept children of Islam free from the heathen beliefs in Earth, Water, Wind and Fire spirits. Through our knowledge of the stars, we have learned that the stars form groups called constellations, that never change. These groups of stars move together through the skies, very slowly. Each in turn moving to the point of the rising sun, and staying there for approximately 2000 years. We call these periods the "Ages" and each "Age" is named after the constellation which marks it.

Although our thinkers have confirmed that in approximately 2000 years we will enter the Age of the fish, called Pisces, when the morning sun will align with the constellation of the fish, all thinkers and star-watchers know that the current Age is that of the Bull, as the morning sun aligns with the Bull constellation, called Taurus. The next Age will be that of the Ram, called Aries. If man wishes to worship the stars, then surely the appropriate constellation to worship is the Bull as this is the current astrological Age, or the Ram, as that is the next Age.

Our Scientist then discover that when Chritianity was discover it involve the Worship of a symbol of a Fish, that this symbol was used by the Portugese to announce when the Religion was founded.



Our scientist conclude that this is the cause of France confusion. The images for Pisces Constellation that Arabian Mystics is discover is basis for Christianity looks like this



At the same time, our stonecrafters and writers have already started to create images of the famous Dao symbol in stone tablet



and Deerskin parchment



But Many thinkers and writes have already started to show the famouse Dao symbol in more creative ways as it is so popular. Some show the symbol as dragons, some as birds, people and one very popular is to show as fish, which looks like this, two fish as the Yin-Yan, one dark, one light, swimming in a circle symbolizing the constant cycle of the One Greatness.



This is why French Mystic are confused. With the Christian Pisces religion being the official faith in France, it is only natural that the DoD in France would use the Fish-Dao image as their favorite trademark. But this can be expected as Daoism has become so popular, so quickly, that already is is part of the culture of many nations though having been discovered very short time ago. It shows a testament to the power of Truth.

As a reaction to the appalling ignorance of France attempts to slander and misrepresent the truth of Dao, the Nether Faction people and Scientist have decided that a strong measure must happen to show the World the power of the truth of Dao. Therefore Nether Faction hereby declares that we will be the first tribe to declare Daoism our official faith, and we encourage other tribe to show their belief in the truth of Dao by doing same.

[Japan (DoB)]

Kikiru walks among his men, giving praise to their courage. The moans of the wounded a sad background to the quiet forest and the chirping birds. He walks to the edge of camp, past the last few wounded and to the returning scout.

"What can we expect?" he says, knowing the answer from the look of his face.

"They are too many. A full company of axemen against us...and only a third of our company able to fight."

Closing his eyes, Kikiru recalls the day when he set out from Nishikyo with his men. Two full companies of archers marching out from the village, Ainu and his Spirit Guide watching them go. They made their way for many days, sneaking past barbarian scouting camps, ambushing barbarian scouting parties. When they found the barbarian village, everything was still going well. It was as expected, a mere five day journey from the village to their advance camp. It explained how the barbarians were able to field so many of their men against Nishikyo.

After a messenger had been sent to update Ainu of the camp, they moved on past a great river. Another company of archers had been met as they were crossing the river. The Spirits had been on their side that day, but casualties were heavy, being half-submerged in water was one of the worst ways to start a fight, especially against archers.

After this, the way had become more difficult, uphill and close to mountains reaching high to the sky. The wind became colder and more biting. They surprised a company of barbarian archers in a valley between the mountains. After a short fight, the fur from the barbs were divided among the men. Barbs had taken to changing the way they fought. Some of them feigning death only to attack when the company had passed them by, many dying of sudden stabs from behind. It was very frustrating.

Three days ago disaster struck. As the men were moving uphill, a massive attack of axemen poured out of the hillside from hidden caves. The first company had been completely decimated in a matter of minutes, it was all his men could do to run back down the hill and escape. Even so, more than half his company had been wounded and it would have gone hard on his men, had the sky not opened up as they ran to their previous campsite. The rain made his men stumble and fall, hurting themselves even more running away from the enemy. But the enemy had stopped. Evidently they were not eager to fight when it rained. Spirits of both water and wind were praised that day.

Now.. it did not look good. Opening his eyes, he looked at the scout.

"How long do we have?"

He heard them then, a soft roar at the edge of hearing. The final hour had come. With a gesture to the scout, he walked back to camp, preparing them for the fight that would come.

He stood in the center of camp, giving thanks to the spirits for all their aid. The tip of an arrow drew blood from his palm, and watching as drops of blood fell to the ground, he sent a final prayer to the four spirits.

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"By this token of my life, I ask for your aid in our final hour. Grant my men the strength to fight with full hearts and strong arms. Give me one more chance to complete my mission, and if not, grant me strength to kill as many of the enemy as possible."

As he said this, he could hear them roaring, running, rampaging through the forest straight towards the camp. "Everyone! Stand and Fight!" he shouted, and they obeyed. Some of them swaying, unable to walk a single step. They all stood ready with bow and arrow, knife and club. A shout was heard from the side then: "They are flanking us!" Cursing, Kikiru ran towards the side, and he was surprised. A man in well-cut skins was running towards him, but he looked nothing like any barbarian he had ever seen. His clothes had a pattern of orange on them, never seen on any barb. His axe was well-made and a sheen ran along the edge as he moved swiftly toward them. One of the men nearby took aim, but on a gut feeling, Kikiru told him to not shoot this man.

Already the cries of his men and the sound of fighting made plain that the camp was overrun, but he stood still. As the stranger ran towards him, not stopping, he shouted "Praat na het gevecht! Eerste doden de barbaren!" and ran on past Kikiru, towards the front of the camp, chopping the head off a barbarian axeman without missing a step! With a quick look to the sky, Kikiru followed, wonder filling him as the camp suddenly became flooded with these new orange axemen fighting alongside his men.

As quickly as it had begun, it was over. With the aid of the Orange Axemen the enemy had been wiped out. Only a few of his men were dead, and for some, the wounds had become even worse. But they were alive.

That day, friendship was made between Japan and Nether.

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They shared camp for a while, exchanging language and writ. Being positively surprised at the skill that they each employed. Gifts of weapons and bonds of blood were shared. A messenger was sent back to Nishikyo carrying deerskins with the Nether writ and an Axe for Ainu as a token of good will. Kikiru gave the Captain of Fire Company his own bow in return.

Then, they parted ways. The Captain's Fire Company headed south to seek out the lands of Japan, to visit and give aid against the barbarians. They were given directions to both China and Japan, and words of warning about the numerous barbarian raids and possible camps. Kikiru's Yon No Guga archer company continued north, seeking the barbarian main village.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

The Captain and his men defeat Barbarian warriors in the South but the casualty forces them back to take cover in the Noth woods. But then while tending to the wounded the worst happens, A group of barbarian armed with Axes, the strongest of all barbarians sighted.

"This is grim news" think Captain "We may not survive the next battle"

Just then forward scout returns with news,

"We have spotted barbarian civilians working in woods to the south. There must be a city of these to the south."

"If only we have the strength to survive, we can go back North and tell our new Japanese friend that we have found the barbarian camp they search for" Captain picks up his Axe and steel himself for what may be his last fight.

"These barbarians are strong and worthy foes" thinks Captain

[England (DoB)]

Elizabeth had grown used to the morning devotions of the fast growing Taoist following in London. She would have to seek out the storied Lao Tzu to learn more about their faith.

[Japan (DoB)]

His right leg cut off at the knee, Kikiru could only watch...he heard the cheers go up among the barbarians, triumphant at the slaughter of his men.. then -a sharp pain in his back- ..and his vision faded.

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XVIII is dead. Long live King Louis XIX. King Louis XVIII found the affairs of state to be very boring and often chose to ignore issues instead of dealing with them. His true passions were in boar hunting and chariot racing. He was occassionally called The Bored by his critics but he was commonly called The Boar by the people. King Louis XVIII, The Boar, was well loved by his people because his reign was peaceful and prosperous however his popularity was not as great as most of his predecessors as many subjects felt the King was not doing enough to keep the Kingdom safe. Most of this criticism was silenced with the founding of The Boar's Men, France's first company of charioteers.

King Louis XIX's advisors are hoping he will take a more active role in governing the Kingdom since several neighboring tribes have built up large military forces on France's borders and the advisors feel it is merely a matter of time before one of the enemies of France again seeks to test France's defenses.

[Celtia (DoB)]

After making sure that Vienne was well stocked with food for the winter, Brennus made his way towards Bibracte followed by thousands of warriors. Along the way, he was joined by a company of Charioteers that had come up on them from behind, having sailed from Bibracte to attack him. Instead, they swore to follow Brennus, being glad to have him back. They were a welcome addition to his forces, and soon, the Celtian Capital was in sight. They made camp outside the city, and sent a messenger in, asking Ire to stand down from the seat of power and surrender to the true Celtic King.

The answer was plain as the messenger's head returned...

messenger.jpg

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XIX listened to his numerous advisors drone on about their various concerns. His domestic advisors were worried about potential unrest, and preparations for possible famine or disease. His religious advisors were pushing the King to sponsor a Christian missionary expedition to Freedom Point to counter the growing Taoism movement there while his foreign and military advisors were warning of possible attacks from neighboring tribes!

Tired of all the doom and gloom scenarios, King Louis XIX was happy to welcome in the messenger from the Greek tribe.

The Greek messenger brought golden cups, plates and jewellery that glittered enticingly to display. The Kings of France had enjoyed bountiful feasts from time immemorial however their plates had always been simple wooden affairs likewise while their clothing was of the finest cloths and leathers, the Kings' had never taken to wearing jewellery or other ostentatious adornments.

King Louis XIX demanded of the Greek merchant,

I will have this Greek gold. What does the good Greek Chieftain seek in return?

The smiling Greek merchant replied,

The legends of the fine French wines have reached even Greece and the Greek tribe seeks but a taste.

King Louis XIX turned to his foreign advisor and said,

Send an equal weight of the finest French wines to Greece for as much gold as the Greeks can deliver.

A young domestic advisor unwisely interjected,

But my Lord, there will not be enough wine for the annual festivals and your subjects may become agitated.

King Louis XIX angrily arose from his chair and declared,

I am King Louis XIX. The only true King in all the tribes. For nineteen generations the bloodline of Louis, which has been tied to the land of France itself by no less then the Holy Spirit, has ruled over French subjects justly, compassionately and ensuring their very survival while other tribes are led by brutal tyrants that enslave and kill their very kinsfolk so that the tyrants can wear fancy jewellery and build larger buildings and armies! If any French subject wishes to leave France to become a slave outside of our borders then they are free to do so. France is the cultural center of the world and it is time that the Kingdom be adorned properly to reflect that status. We shall show our splendor to the world and my subjects will be happy in the pride of our accomplishments!

Thus began the rule of King Louis XIX the Golden.

[Greece (DoB)]

King Louis XIX the Golden we thank you for sending us your fine wine. We hope we do continue such mutual beneficial deals between our christian civilizations in the future as well.

[France (DoB)]

With all the wild animals in the Kingdom of France domesticated and pastured, King Louis XIX ordered the Disciples of Shankara and the Torino Road Crew to begin cutting down the forests as part of his beautification project to replace the traditional French mud and sod houses with wooden houses, starting with the Royal Palace.

There was some muted warnings by the King's domestic advisors about the adverse health effects of cutting down the forests but the domestic advisors were out of favor with the King and mostly ignored until one day when an advisor brought the matter of the Portuguese non-workers to the attention of the King.

A brave domestic advisor dared speak,

My Lord, your subjects grow agitated that the Portuguese workers have sat for 40 years doing nothing while they await new orders from their Portuguese chieftain. The Portuguese workers frequently wait for a decade or more after each road section is completed for new orders since the Portuguese chieftain only issues orders a single section at a time instead of queuing up a string of road section orders. Your subjects wonder aloud why they are asked to sacrifice the wine for their annual festivals to the Portuguese who are lazing around doing nothing but drinking French wine instead of performing the work which they are receiving the wine for!

The religious advisors who had felt cheated in the Shankara deal jumped in with their own counsel,

The Portuguese chieftains are known short-changers, my Lord. The Great Prophet Shankara agreed to imbue the Church of Nativity with his spiritual presence in exchange for the Portuguese church decreeing that slavery was a sin against Christ however instead the Portuguese merely issued a mild statement of regret for the lost lives of slaves. It is possible that they are deliberately delaying the road constructions so that they will receive French wine for longer.

A foreign advisor immediately interjected,

The Portuguese have long been peaceful neighbors and one of the oldest friends of France. They are also the Holy Land of Christendom and as such should be given the benefit of any doubt. France needs more friendly tribes instead of adding to our long list of enemies! I advise discretion and caution, my Lord.

King Louis XIX decisively decreed,

A friend who will not uphold their ends of bargains is no friend. Send word to the Portuguese chieftain that unless the Portuguese workers immediately return to work that the French wine shipments to Portugal shall cease until such time as the Portuguese workers have made up for the lost decades of work.

Also send word to the Holy Roman Republic Senators, who had requested an open border agreement with France, that perhaps a deal with them might be worked out. Ask if they would be willing to have their workers build roads in France in exchange for an open border agreement and French wine.

[China (DoB)]

As soon as they reach the wall a barbarian with a huge axe leaps over the side and runs to kill Qin. Aiku steps in his way ...

Before Qin can react Aiku blocks the crushing blow of barbarian’s giant axe with her decorative leather shield. The shield disintegrates under the onslaught and she falls to the ground stunned. Qin runs to cover her and thrusts his stone axe upwards as the axe man lifts his weapon to finish Aiku off. The barbarian’s jaw is shattered and blood sprays from his mouth in a scream. But still the barbarian manages to recover and before Qin can block it, he raises his axe and slams it’s blunt side into Aiku’s head as she rises, with an audible crack. Her skull is whole but her eyes roll back and she falls to the ground unconscious.

From the same location 100’s of barbarians are vaulting the wall. Qin raises his war horn and blasts 3 short OHASS OHASS OHASSS . This is the signal for a breach - telling everyone not engaged to go to the sound of the horn. When his men realizes it’s Qin himself and his wife laying prone on the ground they run with renewed energy. Soon the sound of stone and copper axes striking each other resound within the city battlements. But the metal axes are lighter and can be used more effectively. Each of his men fall back, Aiku is left on the other side of the advancing barbarians. Qin fears they have lost the city and his wife – despite all he can do he can’t get to her lifeless figure on the ground. He then sees a small patch of blood has pooled around her head. This sight causes a rage he has never felt in 2000 years. He raises his stone axe and slate knife and slits and bludgeons his way forward, with strokes of lightening speed. The barbarians flaughter and for the first time his men rally and begin the advance. Qin’s captain of the guard arrives with a contingent of archers with short range arrows that can pierce hardened armour. He sounds his war horn the prearranged WOOHOO! That is the signal for Qin and his men to suddenly fall to the ground. The archers release and where there were 100s of barbarians one moment …. The next there is nothing but the sounds of death. The breach has been beaten back.

Qin runs to his wife lying motionless on the ground …

[Celtia (DoB)]

Outside the city of Bibracte the campfires numbered in the hundreds as they lay waiting for something to change. Brennus was not willing to simply charge in and take the city by force. The sheer number of women and children prevented this. After the messengers head was returned, no more men had been sent to attempt reasoning with Ire. It was stated that they were waiting for Ire to choose what he wanted to do.

In the evenings, focus had come to the items recieved from England. Fragments of bone and wood and stone with the writings of Tao on them. Sitting around a fire, he read aloud to his men:

"No-change is the background against which change is made possible.

For in regard to any change, there must be some fixed point to which the change can be referred;
otherwise there can be no definite order and everything is dissolved in chaotic movement.

This point of reference must be established, and this always requires a choice and a decision."

His men then asked, "What does this mean?" to which he replied:

I was tied to a stone, unable to move. I could not change my place in the world.

I had a choice, to exhale and die, or breathe and live. I held my breath... and found that I wanted to live! I decided to live, and use what I could from my meager surroundings. Only those able to hear me, could be persuaded to help. Speaking to the birds, to the rodents, to the crawling bugs and writhing worms, it was clear none of them could help me escape. They did however come to me with roots, berries, and droplets of water so I did not die from lack of food.

So I decided to listen, making my heart beat slow. After a time, I became so good that a whole day could pass between each heartbeat. It was like a dream that lasted forever, I could hear the trees grow and the stone stretch. Then one day, I was able to hear a boy walking past my place of entombment.

I then decided to speak to him, softly, gently, so as not to scare him. Behold! He came to the stones, standing outside in the light as I was in the darkness. He listened to my words, my plea for help, and he began to help me. As the years passed, he grew in strength and was able to remove more and more of the prison that held me. Until the day he released me from my place of no change.

The men were completely silent, eyes wide and listening completely as Brennus continued his story:

Until that day, I had not moved. The world had moved around me. I had been a background in the world of men, and only by my decision to listen, my decision to speak, had I been able to find a way to change the world. If you listen, you can change the world. Heed my words in this, to do so you must decide to listen, and listen truly. By listening and understanding what you hear, you can better make a decision to speak, and thus say things that may change our world!

One man spoke up, "Then why do we sit outside these walls? Why not make more attempts to speak with Ire? Why not go in there clubs ready?" Brennus looked at the man and with a grave face spoke:

I have given him my message. I have changed his world. Now the time has come for Ire to decide what he shall do. He may have the whole of Bibracte to play with as he sees fit, but from where I stand he is locked in the background. He is unable to move, and must make a choice: to listen, to speak, or to fight. The choice is now his alone, and if there is anything I have learned from my time underground, it is patience.