History of the World (part two)
Alright, on the rule changes...
I am really indifferent as to whether
or not ships get an increased movement or not, but of course Deity has some good
points. Changing rules mid game is kinda f'ed up. So despite whether or not this
change would have improved the game quality or not, I think we should just let
it go.
So since Prometheus won't be here this week, we need a
sub...anyone have someone in mind?
I have a few people to ask, so I'll
get back on here if I have any news...
Alright there are plenty of non-character related items to cover here so I'll
go down the list.
The first issue, well it isn't really an issue, just an update.
Sekong can no longer play, it seems that family issue that arose during last
week's session is going to effect his availability, so he found a replacement
for himself; Hydey. I'd like to welcome Hydey to the HOTW family, its been
changing a lot, but our core (Deity, Capo and Drake) has yet to erode (I'd like
to consider Prometheus and Chris core players too, but technically they ain't).
So anyway Hydey will be taking over the reigns of the Mongolian
hordes...
We also need a sub for Prometheus because he is hitting the
beach on Easter like a good Christian... yeah...
What we need basically
is a talented player, and one that will be able to cary on the Asian party line
as well as keep the strict interests of China at heart. I actually think China
itself would be more important than the Asian Alliance party line (at least to
China) so if we can I'd like to have Prometheus fill in this prospective sub
rather than Deity, Myself, Drake, etc... So Prom if you can do that before you
go that would be perfect. I'll try to find a sub before tonight (Teusday) so you
won't have to wait too long.
Deity misconstrued my futuristic units
repair for a "tweek." I was toying around with futuristic units on the same
rules.txt and FORGOT TO TAKE THEM OFF, the Units have not been tested enough and
the technology is ****ed up towards the end, so I think it would be super
important that I fix this, if anyone else has an issue with this please send all
comments to the nearest brick wall...
As far as CHANGING the rules.txt
for game play purposes, I think that upping the movement of ships that have yet
to be created is a good idea. Under the current methodology it takes what? 50
years at least to cross the Atlantic? I don't think that's very realistic, and I
don't see a problem with "changing the rules" midgame because (a) we are not
robots or atheletes playing for sport, this is just a game for fun and (b) the
rules have yet to even effect the game yet and (c) if it effects all of us
equally who cares?
On that same note, however, I really don't care either
way whether we change them or not, I just think the argument for is stronger
than the argument against.
We still have yet to resolve the host issue,
who will take over hosting responsability?
Here is the current roster for
Thursday:
Deity of the Australians
Capo of the Adriatic
League
Chris of the Mali
Drake of the Zulu
SunTzu of the
Israelites
Hydey of the Mongolians
??????? of the Chinese
So I'm
gonna work on finding us a sub, as usual I'd appreciate some help in that area.
See you guys on Thursday.
Peace.
There's one thing I failed to include in my laundry list of topics, and I'd
really like to say it...
Sekong thanks a lot for everything. You've been
a really good trooper the entire time, and have taken a lot of garbage (in and
out of the game), you have really been a good player and I think I speak for
everyone when I say that you will be missed. HOTW will always remember your
crazy ass!
I hope whatever is preventing you from playing is a good
thing, and if it isn't, I hope it is resolved for you and your family. Best of
luck bro, I can't wait to play with you again.
Peace.
Some mistakes, as I've said, were discovered in the rules.txt as it concerns
the Fascist and Communist governments, and their related units. So please DL the
rules.txt HERE, it will
allow you to take a look at it, look it over and see if there are any problems.
Nothing was changed except the following:
* Spies and Partisans were
given the sub tags; most of you should have this, I did, but Chris didn't so in
case I did something wrong I fixed that problem.
* Storm Troopers had
their movement decreased.
* There was a serious problem with the Fascist
tech rate, so it was set back at 50% as was the Max effective rate.
*
Communism was bumped to support five units, rather than three.
These are
the rules changes, so please note them. I had an idea that allows the creators
of the wonders to change their names, therefore we would have "The Broken Hill
War Academy" or whatever. So if you want that to happen I could do that after
every session/wonder.
Peace.
Deity asked if I
would like to sub in this game for this week as it is good friday and I will not
be working, I said I can sub and that is still the case but only for this week .
Your usual playing time of Friday daytime is impossible for me as I have to earn
a living (work). I am happy to sub this week if required for any civ you require
me to sub in .
Thankyou.
God Hydey looked down from the heavens and spied the lowly Chinese, left to
fend for themselves under the foolish AI leadership. Hydey took over the reigns
and led the chinese away from extinction and towards glory.
New cities founded in
china and in the ameriacas and many new units built,improvments to many cities
led to increased population and the people where happy.
Alright well its Thursday, around lunchtime.
We have a full seven for
the game, but two are only temporary replacements and we will have to work on
getting a new Mongolia over the course of the next week I guess.
The
roster this time around is as follows...
Deity of da Aussie
Posse.
Hydey of the Cha Cha Chinese.
Berzerkin' It Raw of the
Mongoloids.
Drake of the Zulus (I got nothing).
SunTzu of the
Rockin Israelites.
Chris of the Machiavellian Mali (Yeah Chris, nobody
buys your act!).
And of course the (despised) Capo of
Apolyton.
Alright clowns, we play tonight at 8:00pm EST and we will
convene around 12:00am EST hopefully (hey wait is it EDT now?). Everyone be
there, be sure to DL the new rules.txt and try to show up a half hour earlier so
we can figure out who is going to be the sub.
Peace.
Medici Royal Palace, Venice...
The two men were awestruck, they
had seen this place before but centuries had passed and many changes had been
made. They stood at the massive oak dorway, with two Winged Lions carved into
each side. The hall was filled with marble columns, trimmed in gold. Lush aqua
blue carpeting, gorgeous plants from the Caribbean, wooden furniture from Egypt,
statues made of Mali gold. Over the doorways was a large golden laurel with the
letter "M" in the middle, swords of all types hung from the walls; Mongolian,
Zulu, Venetian, Mali, all types of them. It was quite a sight for these men.
They had spent the past few years living in the harsh Russian forests, foraging
for food, hardly surviving the biting winters. They had been freedom fighters
there, but the world had paid them little attention. They were the soldiers of
the Europa movement, centuries old and just as long despised by the
Monarchy.
"This is a mistake, we should never have come." Said Giuseppe
Garibaldi, he was growing old, but had not quite fulled ripened yet. He had
served for years under various Adriatic Kings, his last was Lorenzo D'Medici.
Father of the current king.
"Would it pain you so to keep your mouth shut for
at least a second Giuseppe?" questioned his ally Napoleon Bonaparte, former
Corporal under Lorenzo "This is important, we have no idea what he could say to
us today, perhaps he wants to abdicate to the Europa Senate?"
"Europa Senate?
Pah! You mean that shack out in Khazakstan, that thing? Bonaparte, don't be so
naieve. This is clearly an ambush!" said Garibaldi as he unsheathed his sword "I
shall die prepared!"
"Giuseppe, our men are right behind us, our guards. They
are the best in Europe, nay the world!" Napoleon boasted as he patted one of the
soldiers on the shoulder. They were poorly dressed, but clearly in uniforms.
They were blue with white and gold trim, 12 stars encircled within a shield with
the letters "EP" within it.
"Aye, but even ten of the world's finest could
never defeat the entire Adriatic army, they won't stop until we are aprehended,
or dead. Bonaparte, I plead with you, we sould leave as soon as is possible-" He
was interrupted by the giant wood doors, which were opening. A slender man
emerged, he looked Sicilian, he was dressed in a black robe, he had a small
mustache and short cropped hair.
"Corporal, General, I presume? Please,
enter." He beckoned the two soldiers into the room, they looked at eachother and
reluctantly made their way through the doors. Giuseppe made one last look at his
guards and nodded, the message was clear...
"Please, have a seat I shall
summon his Majesty..." said the Page as he walked towards a small door in the
corner, he opened it and took a peak. He then quickly shut the door and said
"Well, um, his Majesty shall be with you in a few minutes, please sit down, sit
down!" He motioned for them to sit in the couch accross the room, they slowly
made their way towards it and had a seat.
The King's chambers had been
improved since both men had last seen them. The furniature was replaced with
foreign goods, the carpeting from Israel. Two tapestries hung, both with a
winged lion symbolizing their country. One of the lions had a sword, the other a
book. A large Medici Coat of Arms hung above the throne, with silk crutains
flowing down to the floor and spreading out accross it, a large red carpet
encircled the area. It had gold trim. The throne itself was large with the head
of a lion on the top of it, wings spread from the lions head, its paws served as
the arm-rest. The windows were open, and the Venetian skyline could be seen from
them, the large statue of Carlo D'Medici could also be seen, the sun turning it
into a sillouete.
Just then the door opened and a young girl began
walking out, she was smiling with hear face towards the ground. Her hair was
disheveled, she held some clothing under her arm, she seemed sweaty. The two men
looked at eachother and shook their heads, the Page got up and entered the small
door on the other side of the room.
"This is ridiculous Napoleon look where
we are!" said Garibaldi.
"Sssh, we will never get anywhere complaining,
listen he has invited us here. We can't possibly ignore the King of the Adriatic
League, no matter how much we despise him. We shall hear him out, no doubt this
is about the war with Australia, perhaps maybe something else. Maybe he wants to
abdicate to us!" Napoleon said smiling.
"You are quite a brash man Bonaparte,
one could never say otherwise. Do you think a Medici would give away the crown?
A Medici!?" Just then the door opened, and the King entered.
Cosimo D'Medici
was a short man, somewhat stocky. He didn't have the look of a King, but of a
merchant. A fat merchant. His cheaks were round, his eyes were soft and blue. He
wore a thick beard, his hair was thin and beginning to recede. He was wearing a
white robe, and seemed somewhat distraught. He slowly made his way towards the
throne and sat down, after a minute or two he began to speak...
"The finest
whores in Venice couldn't ease my sorrow gentlemen!" he said with a smile,
Napoleon and Giuseppe did not change their stern expression, the King scratched
his chin. "I am not here to joke with you gentlemen, I am in a terrible
position. Do not let this smile fool you."
"Why have you called us here
King?" asked Napoleon.
"Were you always so blunt Corpoal Bonaparte?" asked
the King.
"Ask your father Cosimo." Napoleon replied.
"My father, yes. He
gave away our crown to the Habsburgs, he was weak Bonaparte. He was a weak man!"
yelled Cosimo.
"I am sorry to hear such things King, however, me and Corporal
Bonaparte are quite busy as you probably understand. We really would like to
know what your issue is with us?" said Giuseppe.
"Well General, as you may
already know we are now at war with Australia. They sailed a ship into the
Meditteranean and refused an escort as per the FAWT treaty. We were forced to
sink their ship or void the treaty. Therefore we took the precautions and we are
now at war. The Mali, they have also joined the war." said the King.
"The
Mali? Well King Medici, what of your allies the Israelites?" asked
Garibaldi.
"We do not want to drag them into this, it would be at great
expense for Israel to assault Australia, completely impossible." said the
King.
"Oh but it has been of no expense to us King? Please do not take us for
fools, we are soldiers." Retorted Napoleon.
"Aye, we have lost many things in
this war. Cuba, among other things" said the King reluctantly "Many men have
deserted us to join the Australian navy, it is quite sad. Those ships were
rather expensive, actually you can blame yourselves for that. You have spread
your Republican propoganda throughout the Caribbean, it has caught on with the
men there. They would rather join the Australian Republic than remain subjects
to the King!" yelled Cosimo.
"With all due respect King Medici" said
Garibaldi "This is your fault, if not for you there would be no deserters, the
Republic would be strong. There would most likely be no war!"
"Regardless
General, I am not here to discuss what ifs, or what could have been. Truth be
told, we are now at war with Australia and they are currently winning." said the
King.
"But I was under the impression that we had yet to lose a battle, not a
single drop of blood was spilled in Santiago!" said Napoleon.
"That is true,
but they have seized Cuba regardless. The people gave no resistance to the
Australians. They have seized our ships as well, the people went willingly. God
damn them, God damn their republic!" said the King as he slammed his fist upon
his throne.
"But sire, this is a sign that the people wish for a Republic,
surely if you call for one the people of Cuba will willingly overthrow the vile
Australians in exchange for their own Republic!" said Bonaparte.
"Well
Corporal, that is not what I have come here to discuss with you. You see, at
this point in time the politics of the Adriatic League have gone from words to
actions. I fear that my life is in danger, I fear that there will be more
deaths. Charles of Habsburg was assassinated in Orenburg, brutally-" the King
was interrupted.
"By a Mongolian, I know." said Garibaldi.
"No, it wasn't
a Mongolian. That was a cover. It was the Duke of Orsoni, he was a Habsburg.
Charles was not worthy to them, he was unfit to rule, he did not wish to keep
the crown in the bloodline. He was going to marry Isabella of Spain." explained
the King.
"You can't be serious King!" said Napoleon.
"Its true, however
they couldn't find a new heir. Phillip was the only one and at the time he was a
small child. The House of Regents quickly made me King, they knew of the
Habsburgs' plans." he said.
"My God, this is insanity." said
Garibaldi.
"Tis, tis, this war was the work of the Habsburgs. I do not want
war, I want peace, I didn't want to lose Cuba. I didn't want to kill those
Australians. But they are the Generals, they are the Regents. They have the
local power, they can get things done quickly and legally before I even hear
about it. This war, they will lose it for me. They will lose all of our colonies
so they can return to power. Those blasted, vile Habsburgs!" the King said
angrily.
"No offense King, but how do we factor into this equation, we do not
accept any King, whether they are Habsburg, Medici or otherwise." explained
Napoleon.
"I understand that. But I need some military men, some that are not
Habsburgs, some with your experience I ne-" the King again was interrupted by
Garibaldi.
"No, not a chance! We can not serve as his commanders Napoleon,
this is ludicrous. The King fears he will be in a civil war, he fears he will
die, he fears he will lose to Australia!? Pah! What kind of King are you? You
are pathetic. Bonaparte, can't you see, the time is ripe for Europa, if the King
is afraid, we have nothing to fear!" Garibaldi arose from his chair and began to
pace.
"I apologize King Medici, he is quite proud of this movement. In what
capacity would we command?" Napoleon asked.
"Full, you will command anything
you want, call upon anything you want. Bonaparte and Garibaldi, the best Italian
generals." said the King.
"Corsican." said Napoleon.
"I am actually from
Switzerland, Medici" said Garibaldi.
"Pah! You know what I meant! You serve
as my commanders, I shall discuss the sharing of powers after the war. We must
win however, I can not accept defeat here." said the King as he arose from his
throne.
"I understand, but what of sabatoge? Surely if the Habsburgs wish for
your death they will have no problem killing us?" asked Napoleon.
"Yes I
understand, but if you command the people's respect like you claim to, they will
have a hard time finding an assassin, no?" asked the King.
"King Medici, with
all due respect, I believe gold commands the people's respect more than I or
more than Garibaldi." Napoleon said with a smile "But I was never a man to run
from death, so that will not be considered, we shall consider your offer,
however we can not agree to it at this time. I shall send a messenger on the
morrow to tell you our decision." Bonaparte said as he stood up...
A half
hour had passed since Cosimo had finished speaking with the Republican leaders.
Had he made a mistake bringing them here? Had anyone seen them? Will the people,
will the Habsburgs find out? The Page entered again... "How were the rebel
rabble sire?" he asked.
"Much more sophisticated than I would have
imagined... however, that isn't to say they were gentlemen by any stretch." said
the King as he took the goblet of wine from the page and drank it.
"Leopold
and Phillip shall be here within the next ten minutes my lord. They have news
from Africa, Leopold has spoken with Shakeem. They wish to discuss the matters
at hand." said the Page.
"Very well, tell the cook to prepare dinner, will
they bring their wives?" asked the King.
"I am not sure my lord, I shall
inquire." the doors quickly flung open, Phillip and Leopold stood there in full
body armor, with two guards each. Leopold carried a few scrolls under his
arm.
"Ahhh, Lord Cosimo, it has been a very long time!" said Leopold with a
smile.
"Yes it has, you were barely a man when last I saw you. I have heard a
lot about your worldy travels you must treat me with your anecdotes one day!"
said the King with a smile "Here have some wine" he said as he motioned towards
the bottle.
"No disrespect my lord, but we have issues to discuss that
require our utmost attention." said Phillip.
"Phillip, we have traveled far
from Bosporus, it wouldn't hurt to have a spot of wine!" argued Leopold.
"It
shall ruin our judgement, these are harsh times." said Phillip.
"Who are you
Phillip? My maid? Come now! I am a big man, I can take a spot of wine. Perhaps
it shall do you good, you seem quite tense!" said Leopold with a smile. Both
Phillip and Cosimo despised Leopold. He was a handsome man, and a renowned sword
fighter. He had yet to marry since he was simply an ambassador, and entertained
everyone (women mostly) with his tales of far off lands, and his romantic as
well as adventurous escapades. He was always showing off, and was quite astute
and intelligent. He had a quick wit and was always trusted by everyone, nobody
seemed to hold him in contempt.
"Perhaps you should obey your uncle Leopold."
said Cosimo.
"Very well," Leopold said, and gulped down the cup "no more
wine."
"Now we may get down to the issues?" said Phillip spreading the
scrolls out on the table "Here is a map of Nuova Italia (Adriatic New World
Colonies), the Australians moved into Santiago with a garrison of armored
horsemen, somewhat like our Royal Knights. They have also been intercepting our
ships above Colombia and Venezuela. Here." said Phillip pointing at the
map.
"Well, I am sure we are all aware of these things." said Cosimo "Now
what?"
"That is the question entirely eh?" asked Leopold.
"Well, what do
our forces look like in the area, Mexico and Panama specifically?" asked the
King.
"At this point, they are nearly non-existant, but forces can be
mustered quite quickly." responded Phillip.
"That is good, I suppose we could
pull some troops from the Mongolian border, that is our highest concentration. I
am sure we don't need it, I shall schedule a meeting with the Mongolians to
address it." said the King.
"Cosimo, they are the Austrlians' allies!" said
Leopold "They'll know why you want the border to be demilitarized, they aren't
stupid, they'll tell Australia. Do it secretly."
"Wouldn't they notice
Leopold?" asked Phillip.
"Very well, if you want to committ a great deal of
our army to a border that has been peaceful for more than four thousand years,
and continue to do so then you gentlemen may. However, I must say, we have a war
to fight and an island to retake." said Leopold quite sternly.
"Well, what
about you Leopold, what message do you have from the Zulu?" asked King
Medici.
"Sire, they have found through their ambassadors that the Australians
had lied about the cargo on their ship. They intentions were possibly different
then what they had indicated to us initially. Which is probably why they would
not let us escort the ship out, we would have found out that they were lying."
said Leopold.
"I have heard that, the Zulu sent us a letter about it.
Regardless, we can't force an end to the war Leopold. Who would enforce it? The
only way to get this over with is a cease fire, a comprimise, or something. We
must get Cuba back before this is over regardless." said the King.
"We
shouldn't end the war my lord, why do you want to end the war?" asked
Phillip.
"Its obvious Phillip, we are losing men, and property over something
so stupid!" said Leopold.
"Stupid? Australia is the only stupid thing about
this war, they wanted this war Leopold, we shall finish it for them!" he
yelled.
"Please, we should not get vehement over this. War is the game of a
thinking man." said King Cosimo.
"A thinking man? Pah! We will simply
overwhelm them, they won't know what hit them!" said Phillip.
"Well, I
believe a meal should be prepared soon, we should retire to the kitchen and
discuss these matters at a later time...." said the King...
(to be
continued)