{\rtf0\mac\deff21{\fonttbl{\f7102 \fnil Andale Mono;}{\f2311 \fnil Apple Chancery;}{\f2001 \fnil Arial;}{\f12077 \fnil Arial Black;}{\f15251 \fnil Aristocrat LET;}{\f1686 \fnil Bertram LET;}{\f15038 \fnil Bickley Script LET;}{\f1551 \fnil BlairMdITC TT-Medium;}{\f2420 \fnil Bodoni Ornaments ITC TT;}{\f13616 \fnil Bodoni SvtyTwo ITC TT-Bold;}{\f2513 \fnil Bodoni SvtyTwo ITC TT-Book;}{\f1505 \fnil Bodoni SvtyTwo ITC TT-BookIta;}{\f1483 \fnil Bodoni SvtyTwo OS ITC TT-Bold;}{\f1417 \fnil Bodoni SvtyTwo OS ITC TT-Book;}{\f2487 \fnil Bodoni SvtyTwo OS ITC TT-BookIt;}{\f15112 \fnil Bordeaux Roman Bold LET;}{\f2527 \fnil Bradley Hand ITC TT-Bold;}{\f2003 \fnil Capitals;}{\f2002 \fnil Charcoal;}{\f16383 \fnil Chicago;}{\f4513 \fnil Comic Sans MS;}{\f22 \fmodern Courier;}{\f2005 \fnil Courier New;}{\f3029 \fnil FirebugCapsSSi;}{\f11098 \fnil FrenchScript;}{\f2307 \fnil Gadget;}{\f3 \fswiss Geneva;}{\f12171 \fnil Georgia;}{\f21 \fswiss Helvetica;}{\f2013 \fnil Hoefler Text;}{\f2018 \fnil Hoefler Text Ornaments;}{\f1260 \fnil Humana Serif ITC TT-Light;}{\f1850 \fnil Humana Serif ITC TT-LightIta;}{\f1058 \fnil Humana Serif ITC TT-MedIta;}{\f2559 \fnil Humana Serif ITC TT-Medium;}{\f1970 \fnil IceDisplayCapsSSi;}{\f2039 \fnil Impact;}{\f15345 \fnil Jokerman LET;}{\f11099 \fnil Kidprint;}{\f1268 \fnil LunaITC TT-Bold;}{\f11103 \fnil Lydian MT;}{\f1887 \fnil Machine ITC TT;}{\f1221 \fnil Mona Lisa Solid ITC TT;}{\f4 \fmodern Monaco;}{\f2515 \fnil MT Extra;}{\f2 \froman New York;}{\f16 \froman Palatino;}{\f15248 \fnil Party LET;}{\f1506 \fnil PortagoITC TT;}{\f2004 \fnil Sand;}{\f2040 \fnil Skia;}{\f1737 \fnil Stone Sans ITC TT-Bold;}{\f2063 \fnil Stone Sans ITC TT-Semi;}{\f1769 \fnil Stone Sans ITC TT-SemiIta;}{\f1054 \fnil Stone Sans OS ITC TT-Bold;}{\f1892 \fnil Stone Sans OS ITC TT-Semi;}{\f1776 \fnil Stone Sans OS ITCTT-SemiIta;}{\f2574 \fnil Stone Sans SC ITC TT-Semi;}{\f10892 \fnil Swing;}{\f23 \ftech Symbol;}{\f2006 \fnil Techno;}{\f2305 \fnil Textile;}{\f20 \froman Times;}{\f2010 \fnil Times New Roman;}{\f1109 \fnil Trebuchet MS;}{\f1804 \fnil TremorITC TT;}{\f7203 \fnil Verdana;}{\f15318 \fnil Wanted LET;}{\f14213 \fnil Webdings;}}
{\colortbl\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green0\blue0;\red0\green255\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green255\blue0;}
{\stylesheet{\sbasedon222\snext Normal;}}
\paperw12240\paperh15840\margt1440\margb1440\margl1440\margr1440\widowctrl\ftnbj\ftnrestart\ftnstart1\pgnstart1\deftab720\sectd\linemod0\linex0\cols1\colsx0
\pard\plain\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Chapter II -- the Early Years\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 The Reign of Marquis de Sodaq\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 ...and so it was that ppl found themselves, united to a single purpose, the survive and thrive in an inhospitable world.  They gathered among them their meager knowledge, some real, others mere rumor or lore.  \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 They knew it to be a cruel world, where only a Deity could truly thrive.  Barbarous tribes roamed the planet in raging hordes.  And yet the size of the world was Normal, and rumored to contain other Civs, perhaps as many a six more, all striving to progres}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 s, to learn, to tame the wilderness.  It was known that all would compete for fruits of the earth, which were sadly limited.  The special benefits of plentiful game, of precious minerals, of fertile fields and des fruits de mer were there for the taking --}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1  but only to the swift of knee, the wise of beard, the clever of mind and the strong of arm.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 And so the President gathered the ppl and spake unto them, saying, \'d2We need in this early time your talents, your knowledge and your lore.  Give unto the nation what ye know, that we may all learn and prosper by it.\'d3\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 And lo, it was revealed that the ppl had indeed some knowledge of the world, creating a technical library in the oral tradition.  Of course there was irrigation and mining, and the ability to build crude roads through difficult terrain.  These were expecte}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 d.  Exultant was the President then, when learned he that also among the ppl was found knowledge of the Alphabet, which he knew was the first step toward writing.  So too was contributed a Code of Laws, by which an orderly society and a glimmer of future o}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 rganization might be imagined.  And finally, there was Pottery, by which knowledge could be made vessels of clay for many uses. \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 President Marquis de Sodaq wept tears of joy at this good fortune, knowing the ideas of adamsj were already bearing the ripe fruit of knowledge, a powerful force in this difficult world. he said unto his ppl, \'d2Let us now look about us at the land, to find }
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 a spot on which to build a great Capital, a village which, i promise you, will one day grow to house your children\'d5s children\'d5s children, providing all with safety and security.  In it we shall build great Wonders a train our citizens unto a variety of ski}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 lls.  Let us find a position of great resource and call it our own!\'d3\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 And the ppl looked about them, led by their two designated specialists, called Settlers.  They found the sea with its plentiful fish, the forest with its game, and the grasslands and plains.  And they set themselves down among these things a built their me}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 ager homes.  The greatest of these was reserved for their leaders, that they might gather in solitude to plan, to create their polls, and to discuss great stratagems for the common good.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 With the skills of their first Settler, the first city was founded.  The city of Apolyton.  To feed the city, the Fish were exploited.  To protect it, a Warrior was trained. \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 And so went forth the second settler, to learn more of their world.  In 3900 BC found he a crude Hut, and being of curious mind, he entered, finding there a skilled Archer, whose rare skills were enlisted to the common good of the ppl.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Years passed.  Progress was steady, but necessarily slow.  Small triumphs built on early successes.  By 3750 BC was devised a respectful and holy method of interment, called Ceremonial Burial.  While some sniggered at the seemingly unnecessary pomp, the wi}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 se men knew that it would lead to greater things.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 The ppl were fruitful and multiplied in kind.  marquis de Sodaq smiled and knew the time had come to expand and, in 3700 BC was founded the nation\'d5s second city, which he humbly named... Sodaq.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Soon was spotted another hut.  Reached by a faithful Warrior in 3500 BC, bravely he entered and was astonished by the knowledge found therein.  Indeed,  what he found was the long-rumored and sacred Warrior Code, which would help the ppl of Apolyton tame t}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 he wilderness and fend off the barbarous hordes they were sure to encounter along the way.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 For generations then, did wise men think, for they knew that their President was, in many ways, little more than a Despot, albeit an enlightened one who ruled by the ppl\'d5s will.  Still, it was thought that a better way might be devised, one which would all}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 ow greater flexibility in the disposition of resources, the arrows of research, the cost of government and, lo, the happiness of the ppl.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Long did they ponder, long did they study.  The spoke among themselves, they implored the gods, the consulted the lore of their forebears.  And so it was thought to create a Monarchy, refined from Depotism yet still malleable to the will of the ppl.  In du}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 e course was the idea brought to the President, who knew at once that it was Good.  In the year of Oedo 3100 BC was it decreed and agreed that the office of the President should be so.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 The idea was so novel that it caused a revolt among the ppl, whose world again would change.  But, true to the prophesy of Oedo, the revolt was short-lived, and in 3050 BC, president Marquis de Sodaq was crowned king of United Apolyton.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 History becomes sketchy at this point, as the ppl settled into their lives.  Sciences were studied, fields were sowed and reaped, great harvests of fish were pulled from the seas.  The government took polls, the ppl spoke, and progress was made.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 In 2650 BC, a third city was founded -- Paha Sapa.  The ppl wonder at its name.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 By 2400 BC, another, called Fishy, no doubt in tribute to their humble beginnings.  About the same time, excited wise men called an a special session council meeting to announce that, after centuries of study and self-discipline, they had finally discovere}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 d the secrets of Bronze Working, a science that promised a greater defense for the homeland and all its cities.  There was great rejoicing.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 With a seer\'d5s vision of the future, the President and High Council (after a suitable period of celebration), sent forth the wise men on another quest for knowledge.  \'d2We know by now that we live in a watery world, that in fact our great nation rests on but}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1  a modest island in a great sea.  This knowledge should inform our studies and direct our minds,\'d3 said the esteemed science advisor, Gramphos.  \'d2Our cities grow and the ppl multiply.  Let us create a body of scientific knowledge that will help us to go for}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 th.  Let the world make room for United Apolyton!\'d3  With both determination and resignation did the wise men return to their labors.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 2150 BC -- Wise men discover Map Making.  Specialists are set to work, designing and building the first crude boats, called triremes.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 1700 BC -- Wise men discover Currency.  It is found to be inedible, but still perhaps, someday useful.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Soon, the first sailors set forth away from the island of Apolytonia, bravely exploring uncharted waters with only the wisdom of Foreign Advisor adamsj, and Military Advisor shade to guide them.  \'d2Go forth,\'d3 quoth adamsj.  \'d2Remember always to stay within s}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 ight of land.\'d3  Shade advises, \'d2Verily, it is said: Only fools doth go where brave men fear to sail.\'d3\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 1500 BC -- By this time, the island north of Apolytonia has been reached.  A hut is discovered and entered.  Inside are found nomads, more than eager to join the obviously advanced and intrepid explorers.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 1400 BC -- The cities of Ten Zuiden and Walvis Baai are settled on the North Island.  The High Council rejoices at the news, knowing that in growth there is power.  Trireme sets for to explore the western island.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 1350 BC -- The western island is found to be inhabited by an \'d2advanced\'d3 tribe.  Having seen the wonders of United Apolyton from afar, this tribe begs to join our democratic ways, promising eternal loyalty and devotion in return.  After a suitable period of}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1  consideration, their city (called, oddly, \'d2Riverton\'d3) is welcomed into the nation.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 1300 BC -- Wise men excitedly report that, inspired by our expansion to other islands, they have now mastered the advanced scientific concept of Trade!  City Planner kassiopeia and Imperial Expansion Advisor Frank Johnson meet to discuss the ramifications }
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 and agree that the time has come to awaken Trade Advisor El Lawrence from hibernation.  historian AlbertB is left to continue his slumber.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 It is known and, in some quarters, feared, that the President\'d5s first term of office is nearing its end.  It has been a time of discovery and growth.  United Apolyton is held in high esteem by all, yet there is, as always, trepidation in the face of change}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 .  \'d2Fear not, my ppl,\'d3 says President de Sodaq.  \'d2Just as I was not truly known to you as we set upon this journey of democracy, so too will be your future.  I declare that the next election shall go forth as scheduled, and that a new leader shall emerge t}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 o lead you into an even greater future.\'d3\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 975 BC -- In his \'d2lame duck\'d3 turn as President, the Marquis adds one final triumph to his legacy of growth and discovery.  In this year, the wise men -- finally -- report that they have figured out what to do with the Alphabet skills they have toyed with f}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 or the past 3,000 years.  Writing is discovered, promising a new era of knowledge and diplomacy.  \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Foreign Advisor adamsj immediately volunteers to remain in his present office, energized by the thought \'d2finally having something to do.\'d3  Inspired, the rest of the High Council also agrees to a second term, if the new President will have them.  In their e}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 xcitement, they neglect to awaken AlbertB, perhaps the one council member who could benefit the most from this new technology.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Leaving that issue for his successor, president Marquis de Sodaq gathers his meager personal belongings, along with a few insignificant souvenirs of office (the leather chair, a case of wine left of from last year\'d5s Day of Adams-J celebration, and some ass}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 orted campaign gifts from High Council members and right-minded citizens).\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Making his final speech, Sodaq notes the vast progress attained by United Apolyton.  growing from anarchic roots to now inhabit three islands, the population has exploded.  The wise men are become better scientists with each passing decade.  The list of kn}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 own sciences now includes:\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Alphabet -- Bronze Working -- Ceremonial Burial -- Code of Laws -- Currency\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Map Making -- Monarchy -- Pottery -- Trade -- Warrior Code -- Writing\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Marquis de Sodaq thanks the ppl for their indulgence and expresses his wish that the next President continue to rule with the will of the ppl foremost in his mind, tempered to wisdom by the advice of the High Council.  The Marquis rambles on about the joy }
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 of leadership  and the need for humility amid the grandeur of his reign when vice President Shaka Naldur jabs him knowingly in the ribs.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 The Marquis, realizing that his time has come and gone, accepts a stylus, dips it in a thick gooseberry paste, and signs his resignation papers, commenting wryly that \'d2The stylus, perhaps one day, may be mightier indeed than the sword or pike.\'d3  The High c}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 ouncil bursts into laughter.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Town criers are dispatched to all cities, announcing the end of the Era de Sodaq and the opening of polls for the new election.  The result is minor panic in the streets.  Men search their souls for bravery in the face of the unknown.  Women burst into tea}
{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 rs, wailing in the streets.  Dogs howl at the moon.\par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 \par }
\pard\ql{\plain\f21\fs24\cf1 Historian AlbertB sleeps.}
}