The History of the World V . . . .

[KunojiLym]

Time passes as the crow flies, and Mother Russia spreads her wings. St. Petersburg, named after that most illustrious leader Peter I, and situated on the very mouth of the Muscovite River, is already starting to make her greatness known. Novgorod, as a most recent settlement in the time of Ivan I, sits as an oasis of peace on the other side of the Gobi Desert, to the east. Moscow herself, though her light has slipped a little, is once again striding along the destined path of greatness. From whence I sit, Mother Russia is the mistress of all that she surveys.

Through all this time, our Indian friendship has held steadfast and firm. Shortly after Peter I established his city, the first missionaries arrived from the Great Sea. Though they have yet to convince us of the existance of their pantheon of 'Hindu' gods, as they term it, our wise men yet listen with interest. The English, too, have reached out to us, and we have reached a firm understanding with regards to their peaceful intent and desire for co-existance. However, I regret to add that above this hangs a dark and stormy cloud.

The Incans. Ruthless indeed is their expansion. Already they threaten England with suffocation, and they also seem poised to overrun the lands that were so long ago promised to the Indians. The Mongols, as well, are ambiguous in their missives, but thus far, they have yet to incur our concern.

We of Mother Russia are a peaceful people, a cultured people. But we are also a strong people, a proud people, an honorable people. If the Incans press forward their mission of domination over our friends, the Russians will have no choice but to take up arms. May that time never come, but should it arrive, may the spirits be with us.

Here it be said, so shall it be recorded.

Vlamidir Goberchav
Chief Advisor to the Tsar of Mother Russia, Ivan II

[condor223]

Endless ages, time passes, generations join the ancestors. Every turn adds to the story of our clan. Dragon, our great symbol connects us with the great mother river, the fire, earth and the grand mysteries of the earth.

I Shang Ming Ti, lead a great nation. Join me in the library, stranger, and we shall talk of things past and present.

It was yesterday that father joined the ancestors and it came to me to be the leader. I am expected to find the right balance in everything and to lead everyone with correct rule; brothers and sons to be obedient to me… wives and children obedient to them.. Continuing my plan for order.

I have decreed that more workers shall be sent to the mines and refineries. We must have more ritual vessels for as you know, ritual is an aspect of power. Some bronzes are to be made to replace those I send on Father's long journey. Along with the court shamen, we will display the family’s awesome power and dignity in dramatic public rituals. We are powerful, can govern, commune with the spirits and function as guides for the common people.

We give thanks for our great ancestor, San, who brought horses to our keep. It is the generations of his horses that provide the family with great chariots. Indeed, I shall send father’s chariot team with him to the great beyond. I have selected several favorites of his household to accompany him on his great journey, some slaves, and captured barbarian warriors. His place of honour is being prepared and his name has been added to the family annals.

Ah the annals… See it is written here on these bamboo strips, how many past great grandfathers planned towns, selected people to join it… see it is also written here in the Book of Poetry…..

“…… left and right
He drew the boundaries of big plots and little
He opened up the ground; he counted the acres from west to east…
Then he summoned his Master of Work
Then he summoned his Master of Lands.
And made them build houses.
Dead straight was the plumb line.
The planks were lashed to hold the earth;
They made the Hall of Ancestors very venerable
They tilted in the earth with a rattling.
They pounded it with a dull thud…
They raised the outer gate
The outer gate soared high.
They raised the inner gate.
The inner gate was very strong.
They raise the great earth-mound
Whence excursions of war might start………”

I am head of a vast patrimonial state with a growing bureaucratic system.. It is more theocratic than secular in its institutional activity. My sons and brothers rule the cities we have founded. It is our kinship that is the foundation of rule.

I rule by the Mandate of Heaven. I am morally responsible for the people.. that they shall be led properly. By this mandate I have the reigns of power. Our Royal strength is the social order imposed by kinship and the ranking of lineages through their hierarchical segmentation.. that is, branch lineages remaining subordinate to their parent lineages. All individuals have status through their family group.

I have commanded that pottery be included in great father’s tomb that he shall lack for nothing in the afterlife. He shall have silk clothing lined in fur on his voyage. Our warriors and charioteers have killed many wild beasts and supplied fur for edging our royal clothing. Silk too has been woven for his Royal covering. Jade Armour will cover his ancient body.

Ahhh, I must order another bronze refinery to be built.

Gold was discovered to our west, in the vast space between Spain and ourselves. It must be acquired either by marriage dowry or force or trade, for I must begin collecting my burial equipment.

I have sent a family lineage to settle by the sea. The monsters in the sea are to be reckoned with, in time we will bring food to the land from our shores.

Our records are now kept in pictographs, with a larger use of phonetics. Our records are becoming more precise. When we group the shaman-priests, warriors, scribes, heads of lineages, and the superintendents over artisans, we can see the development of the ruling elite. The emerging art of government make use of ritual land, art, warfare, writing and family connections, all of which contribute to our important culture. The barbarians look in awe at our order and strength!

When a question arises, we order the shaman to divine the right answer. He will place our question on the Oracle Bone. This will be heated in the fire and by the cracks, my answer will be found. Shall I accept a marriage with the Spanish, and if so what day is correct to begin this venture? We ask about marriage, childbirth, war, sacrifice, illness, even when we might move the capitol. In the end, it is I the leader, great Shang, who shall decide the fortunes of all. The common people believe in devination completely.. Most of the elite have less belief in such means to order ones life.

See master Hsun Tzu has written here:
“You pray for rain and it rains. Why? For no particular reason, I say. It is just as though you had not prayed for rain and it rained anyway. The sun and moon undergo and eclipse and you try to save them; a drought occurs and you pray for rain; you consult the arts of divination before making a decision on some important matter. But is not as though you could hope to accomplish anything by suck ceremonies. They are done merely for ornament. Hence the gentleman regards them as ornaments, but the common people regard them as supernatural. He who considers them ornaments is fortunate; He who considers them supernatural is unfortunate.”

Forgive me; it is now time to begin the ceremony. Our family honour requires the proper burial of our departed leader.
Shang Ming Ti … exits the room.

[Robert]

Washington, the religious center of the world.
Rumors have spread that the Americans have discovered the amazing fact that there is only ONE god!
The religion of Judaism has been founded in Washington.

This brand new insight gives new answers to the eternal questions of life:

Where do we come from?
Why are we here?
Why do we fade out and die?
What lies beyond
and what lays before?
Is anything certain in life?

Life is too short!
The here and the now!
And you're only given one change
Could there be more for me?
How can I live for eternity?
What should I do for that eternal dance?
If I die tomorrow, I'll be alright, because I believe....
That after I'm gone, my life will carry on!

We believe in the One True God.
He will send his messiah and save us from a certain dead. He will reign this earth forever and establish eternal peace.
We, the americans, are the chosen people! The peace will begin in Washingthon, the holy city of the jews.

I, Robert LXVII, declare that, because of this brand new insight, we will have peace with our neighbours and all that we will meet on the fields of Terra.

I have sent letters to the rulers of all countries, and offered them peace for eternally. All rulers should know that our God protects our country. Don't be a fool and attack us, since legions of angels will protect us. The holy city of Washington and our capital, Robingthon, wil stand forever.

Robert LXVII

[The Capo]

El Cid, El Campeador, y El Rey... (Part I of IV)

Bodies littered the ground as the latest Aragonese resistance failed miserably. King Bainor of Castille had established an iron-fist rule over the area known throughout the world as Spain. "This must end soon Eduardo." the King said to his finest general, Eduardo Contreras de Cadrez, who also happened to be his queen's brother.

"Yes sire, it seems these constant visits don't send accross the proper message. We should return to Madrid before the winter sets in, let these rabble fend for themselves." said Eduardo, as he turned his horse in the other direction "this miscreants deserve such treatment." he scoweled as he spit upon the charred ground.

"Very well general." said the King, looking around at the devestation, he noticed a small boy stirring in the rubble left by the Castillian forces "Boy! You there boy!" the king ordered, the boy seemingly didn't hear him.

"Fiador!" the King turned to his underling, Fiador Diaz, a turncoat noble of Aragon "Do your people some good and adopt that child, I hate to see such misery come to children." the King said, ironically, as he kicked over the corpse of a dead father of five.

Fiador Diaz of Aragon was left little option in his conspiracy with Bainor. His family had deserted him when a peace was made with the Celtiberians, and a royal marriage established with Dodabella of Seville, a Celtic Chief, and his sister Yolanda Diaz of Aragon. His father announced that Dodabella would become King of Aragon if they fathered a child, which came to fruition with the birth of their first son Sancho a few years later. Fiador was outraged that he was being overlooked for the throne, and turned to Castille for support in ousting Dodabella, but Bainor wanted nothing more than to crush Aragon once and for all and convinced Fiador to help him breech the defenses of the town of Vivar...

"My lord, I don't know that a child in such a condition is fit to return to Madrid with us. The trek will be long, and winter is soon to come." Fiador explained, he despised King Bainor, but had little other option now that his people had come to such a horrendous fate due directly to his own treason.

"Stop making excuses!" the King barked "I TOLD you to take that child back to Madrid with us! The people must not believe our actions to be done in such a savage way. We will be seen as mercy-givers and liberators to our people. Now go, get that little piss-ant and take him with you to Madrid." Bainor glared at Fiador, who nodded slowly.

"Yes sire, I shall bring the child with us to Madrid." Fiador turned his horse and slowly galloped towards the child, who was sitting staring at the ground.

"Young boy, do you understand Spanish?" Fiador asked the child hesitantly.

"Si..." the child said, he didn't look up at all.

"What is your name son?"

"I am Rodrigo, Rodrigo de Vivar. My father is a warrior, and I can't find him..." finally the child looked up, his face was covered in ashes and soot, his eyes were bloodshot and tears cast dark trails in the dirt on his face.

Fiador was overcome, he could not believe he had done this to his own people, he struggled to choke back his tears but one fell from his own eye, "Please boy," he softly said holding out his hand "come with me to Madrid, your father isn't coming back, and you will be safe."

"I can't sir, I can't do that, I have to find him..." the boy explained, almost as if he was trying to convince himself not to follow Fiador.

"Fiador, we must leave NOW!" General Contreras yelled.

"Listen, if you don't come with me now they will kill you!" Fiador explained to the boy leaping from his horse, "They've killed your father, and they've destroyed my life, if you don't come now you will die." he said, clutching the boy by his skinny arms.

The boy simply looked at him, horrified he said "Why did they do this?"

"I don't know, it doesn't matter, you must come with us..."

Years Later...

In the years since Rodrigo was taken to Madrid by Fiador many things had changed, King Bainor established small fiefdoms within the territories of Spain in order to quiet the rebellious Aragonese, Celts and Andalusians in his kingdom. One such fiefdom was established for Fiador Diaz, this kingdom was called Leon. The people of Spain saw through Bainor's attempt to look like a peace-maker, and a secret movement was established to take the throne from him and his family. Bainor was growing old and the time was coming to think of a way to establish Castillian control over the kingdom.

Plan after plan failed, as Bainor never produced a male heir and was growing too old to try again. Finally he had a plan, if he could claim an adoptive son that he could mold into a princely figure he could achieve his goals. The boy from Vivar, the king believed, would serve him well. This was the last mistake Bainor would ever make...

Saragossa, Andalusia...

Khalid al-Aziz was the finest warrior the Andalusians had, of course they had lost many great warriors in the wars against Castille, nobody could deny his swordsmanship. But today was a little different than most, today was the day that the puppet King of Leon would be captured and replaced with one supporting Khalid and his allies; the resistance to Bainor.

"On my signal Hassan, we strike. I doubt Bainor would send much of a guard for this poor excuse for a king." Khalid said to his comrade Hassan Jamel, he was a former bodyguard of King Rahman, and after his murder went into exile ashamed of his failure to protect his king.

Hassan simply nodded. Three other men were there to back up this assault. The plan was simple; take the King's envoy by force, behead him and send it to Bainor, and in the mean-time prop up a false king to rule over Leon. They figured nobody would know what Fiador looked like anyway, so the plan had to succeed...

"So when we arrive you will choose a room, and we'll begin preparing you for nobility." Fiador said smiling, since he found the boy in Vivar his life had changed, he now had something to offer society; he was going to raise this child, Rodrigo, into a great man. No longer did he feel ashamed for his treason against Aragon, nor his sniveling position under Bainor, none of it would matter any more as long as he can give back this child's life. Of course Rodrigo was no longer resembling a child anymore.

"Fiador, I don't want to think about that right now. It has been a long journey, I just want to get to Leon and sleep." Rodrigo replied, he had taken up the name Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar and become a member of Spain's aristocracy, well in a way, you see Bainor established petty nobility to appease the people of Spain who weren't Castillian. His plan had now extended to chopping up large territories and granting titles to some of these former nobles. This way, he reasoned, the aristocracy of his enemies would be appeased and event indebted to him. So while Rodrigo enjoyed some of the finer things in life through his new title, he was still seen by the upper echelon in Spain as nothing more than an Aragonese lap-dog. Unfortunately for the Castillian aristocracy, the fact that Rodrigo was actually a Castillian never occured to any of these people, this fact would come to bite them in the ass much later, but back to the assault...

Hassan's club was deadly and accurate as Fiadors head caved in like a melon, pieces of skull, brain, and blood spattered accross Rodrigo's chest as he looked up in amazement, the other four assassins quickly showed themselves and surrounded the young man "Castillian dog!" Khalid said to Rodrigo "Your man is felled, I suggest you turn home and tell Bainor."

Rodrigo didn't know what to do, he was surrounded by five Andalusian warriors and Fiador was about as dead as anyone could be "You moron, that was Fiador Diaz of Aragon. He was no enemy to Andalusia." Rodrigo explained, Hassan approached him.

"He is nothing more than a Castillian puppet, with Bainor's hand shoved firmly up his ass." he tried to grab Rodrigo but he quickly leaped from his horse and grabbed his flint club.

"I'm not going anywhere but to Leon, you five are going to hell!" Rodrigo said as he charged towards one of the warriors, he smashed his club into the warrior's stomach and he promptly doubled over as he lost his breath. Rodrigo kicked him in the face breaking his nose, quickly turning to block Hassan's bloodied club. Rodrigo kicked Hassan to the dirt as he turned and lopped the warrior's head off. Quickly he turned to Hassan and lifted his club in the air, dropping it right into Hassan's skull. An arrow quickly hit Rodrigo in the arm.

"You'll have to do more than that!" Rodrigo barked at Khalid, who motioned for the two other warriors to charge Rodrigo, they pulled their weapons and ran at the young man, who was feeling woozy from the arrow, apparently it was poisoned.

Rodrigo knew he would run out of strength in a matter of moments, so he threw his club with all of his strength at the warriors. It struck them both in the chest as they flipped right over onto their backs, Rodrigo ran to collect his weapon and stomped one of the warriors in the throat; he died instantly. With his last bit of strength he could muster he killed the other and fell over, the poison had taken its effect...

NEXT: El Cid, El Campeador, y El Rey... (Part II of IV)

[LzPrst]

Indians!? Delhi!? Greater than Berlin!? Impossible! What you speak of Heinrich, it cannot be! Is Berlin not a great city? Delhi does not have many more people, nor have they any monuments greater than the Peacechief's Palace.

What makes Delhi greater than Berlin!? What!?

-My Lord Friedhold, you who have given us peace and prosperity, you have made Berlin among the greatest cities known to civilization. Surely, because some thinker has placed Delhi above Berlin on this list does not mean that it is truly so. And even if it were so, will not all realize Berlins greatness in time? We have but begun to make this place in our image.

You are of course correct courier Heinrich. There is so much to do. So much indeed. We cannot expect Berlin to be counted the finest when it is not even halfgrown. To work Heinrich!

Now for the other matters of the day. Gunwald! Tell me about our brothers who left us.

-Sire, Our settlers have traveled back into the lands from whence our people originated long ago. It is a desolate and inhospitable place. Dark gloomy forests and barren hills. But we have nonetheless returned in numbers to that land. There we have built a city upon a great hill overlooking the ocean. Many of our people there believe the water will be a resource in itself and primitive barges, like the ones used on the Grünflood by Berlin are tested and experimented with. They might even turn out to be seaworthy in time.

-Other than that we have some bad news. Löwenmeisters camp was dissolved as an American city, Washington was built not far away. Some of the campers joined the American farmers settling along the river, but most of them decided to become roaming explorers once more. They have travelled north and will send messengers with news of their discoveries. Apparently they have met several other civilizations in the northern wastes. Der Löwenmeister said he will send more news if anything of importance shows up.

Anything of importance!? Several civilizations up there!? And he doesnt consider that of importance!? And the Americans have settled upon the Lebenselbe!? This is a disaster! The Teutonic people were to settle there along its coast. We were to join Löwenmeister and unify our people! And now the americans rule that land instead...
Curse them. Curse them and their lonely god.

Where will our people go to now when Berlin becomes too crowded? To the north? There isnt much room there.... and we are surrounded by the sea on the west and our neighbours on the east. Nowhere do we have to settle! Our people will suffocate!

-Excuse me sir, if I may interrupt. Berlin can host many people, yet we have realized that that is not enough for the future. At the rate we are growing soon there will be no more room.

TELL ME SOMETHING I DONT KNOW!

-Yes sir. But what if there was a way to make Berlin capable of hosting more people? What if we could administrate hundreds of thousands not just tens of thousands? It would not only solve our lebensraum problems, but it would make Berlin by far the greatest city in the world. Is not that a legacy worth leaving behind?

And how in the name of the spirits shall you manage this!? Magic? Your shamans can pray and chant all you want, but it does not make the people happy. Nor does it cure their ails. Prayers are more useless than begging the peacechief to solve the ails of the world. Leader I am, but not a God.

-Peacechief. If you will listen to my humble words. There are ways of making the people happy. And there are ways of making them healthy and free of ails. Your wife peacechief. What is her most prized posessions?

Her jewelry, the shiny beads and scraps of gold. Not a day goes by that she does not ask me to get her more.

-What if we could ensure that not only your wife could acquire such items, but the entire population of Berlin? My prospectors have discovered an enormously rich source of gold in the northern hill. It should supply us with enough gold to sell to all the women of Berlin for generations!

Advisor. You are truly a treasure more valuable than all the items in my coffers! Send our people out and get that gold! And make sure that only our kin may sell it and thus we shall reap wealth such as none have ever seen!
But what about our lebensraum problems?

-Sir, the best way of dealing with it right now is ensuring that everyone is happy and that we have full control over every development.

Of course. Let it be known that Berlin no longer be built randomly as we have in the past. From now on, I, we, the leaders of our city will organize and make order upon our growth! Berlin shall be the greatest city in the world!
So say we all!

Advisors: So say we all!

[deity]

A Tale of Two Cities:

An exhausted English warrior collapsed on the stone pavements leading into London. "Puff, they, puff, are here... we couldn't hold the area, whew, it's gone without a fig..." He died. His name was Alfred, father of 10; wife known as Boudicca.

The area of gold, staked out by the English forces for their second city, was obliterated in a cultural flash! The Mongol settler and accompanying warriors built a new city in the English's spot, right on top of them. Almost as though they knew not of the English existence. The Mongols, being led by an AIen leader, could NOT be attacked. An agreement had been reached with civilised nations that AIen led civs were to be totally ignored UNLESS they attacked.

The gold was gone. Meanwhile excellent diplomatic relations were being established with the Russians who had agreed to leave a small river system to their North for the English to establish a city. Cultural borders may have eventually caused problems but goodwill was extremely evident. The area was staked out as was the English way, ready to negotiate with any explorers so that the site remained secure for the English city....

---

As was customary another exhausted English warrior collapsed on the stone pavements leading into London. "Puff, they, puff, are here... we couldn't hold the area, nor the Russians... it's gon...." He also died. His name was Harold, good friend and sweetheart of John.

The area of rivers and sea, staked out by the English forces for their second second city, was obliterated in another cultural flash!

Once again, negotiations proved impossible as two AIen led civs had now established cities totally surrounding the English.


[maps to follow]
---

Elizabeth, her draft proposal for a Fair Lands deal now in tatters, was distraught. Her people, clustered around London, needed to expand and settle new lands...

[OzzyKP]

"Rishi, did you hear about this new god the Americans follow?"

"Haha, yes, the fools have but one god. We have nothing to fear from such a weak religion. They have one, we have many."

"Yes, but they claim their god is the most powerful of them all, and they forbid their people from even recognizing other gods."

"Liars and fools. Such bold claims and bold actions may hurt relations between our two peoples, I pray it doesn't come to that. America has long been our friends, it would be a shame for something like this to come between us. Lets hope they do not molest any Hindus within their borders or the gods will be angry. I have little doubt that our gods could kick their god's ass."

"Haha, yes, I bet even one of our Danavas could destroy their weak god."

"Ah yes, a mighty Danavas, our giant demi-gods and protectors:"

[OzzyKP]

THIRD SESSION 1420 BC

India(Gandhi) - OzzyKP
America(Washington) - AI
Germany(Bismark) - AI
France(Louis XIV) - AI
China(Qin Shi Huang) - condor223
Russia(Catherine) - KunojiLym
Spain(Isabella) - The Capo
England(Elizabeth) - Deity
Mongolia(Genghis) - AI
Inca(Huayna Capac) - NicodaMax

[KunojiLym]

From behind curtains, Anastesia stole another peek at the man from the far west. God, but he was *such* a hunk! She hadn't yet gathered the courage to speak with him, but from the moment she set her eyes on him, she *knew* that he was the one! Oh! The one to take her heart to ever greater heights! What a man, what a man...

"Cousin, what are you doing?"

"Eeek!" Anastesia spun around, holding her hand to her breast and heaving heavily. She glared at the rugged looking man who was now standing before her. A gleaming bronze axe was slung by his waist.

"Victor. Don't *do* that!"

Victor smirked, crossing his arms, as he leaned against a granite pillar. "I see that you are fantasizing over that foreign imbecile, Annie."

"He is *not* an imbecile! And *don't* call me Annie!" The young woman clenched her fists and gnashed her teeth together in a most dramatic fashion.

"Hmmph." Victor pushed himself deliberatedly from the pillar, and slowly made his way towards her. "As entertaining as it is to tease you, my dear cousin, I do need to get down to business."

Anathesia drew herself up as Victor approached, her face knotted up into a pretty scowl. "And what possibly could you want of me, *dear cousin*?"

"Don't play dumb. You know what this is about. And I shall need your aid."

---

Nicholas paced up and down the study, a frown on his face. "I fear that our cousin Victor is planning a coup most foul."

Rudolf barely glanced up from his writings. "And this concerns me, how?"

"God damn it, brother!" The pacing man spun around, and strode angrily towards the study table where Rudolf sat, slamming his hands onto the table. "It bloody well *does* concern you! All of us! Would you get that nose out of your scrolls for a moment and take a look around!"

"God tells us not to call upon damnation so easily, Nicholas. I would think twice before cursing so." Rudolf calmly picked up his now-bespoiled parchment, and laid it to a side, before he started to reach for a blank sheet.

Nicholas growled, and grabbed roughly at Rudolf's hand. "Will you just *snap* out of it for a darn moment! You *know* what Victor is like! You *know* that he will not stop at eliminating any and all contendors to the throne! And you jolly well *know* that you are being considered as the heir apparent! *Open your eyes*, man!"

"My eyes are open enough. Would you let go, please? I must get back to my scribing."

"It's your *life* we're talking about here!!"

Rudolf simply smiled. "Is that all? I am not afraid. I know that glorious rewards await me in Heaven, as great as that of the damnation that Victor must face in Hell. If he wishes to face damnation, then by all means, let him strike me down."

"*Damnit!*" Nicholas let go in disgust, and turned away, striding up to a window in the study. He scowled, staring out of it, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I'm not going to say this again, brother. I know that our grandfath- the Tsar doted on you before he started to waste away. But the fact is, you have done nothing but preach and write about God. The elders are divided, Rudolf! This is the first time that this is happening! If Victor were to strike now, there would be nary a peep from them!"

"God will render judgment, and not us mere mortals. Surely you know that, brother mine." With that, Rudolf picked up his quill, and started scribing anew on his parchment.

Nicholas could only shake his head sadly. "It's on your head, then. Good luck brother.... and farewell." He turned abruptly, and strode out of the door.

---

"How was it?"

"I've tried, but I fear Rudolf is lost to us now."

"We cannot let Victor have his way. That bloodthirsty bastard will ruin what our fathers had so carefully wrought."

"Stephan. You had something to say?"

"Yes. I am worried that Anathesia may be joining forces with Victor-"

"What!?" "Blasphemy!" "That cannot be!" "The bloody harlot!" "Where did you hear this??"

"-It's just a hunch, cousins, just a hunch! I've seen them together once or-"

"That's a bloody lie! I wonder about your motivations, Stephan... how could you possible *think* to suggest such an unlikely alliance as this-"

"Speak for youself Ivan! You still haven't told us anything about where your Imperial Guards will stand! I have fair reason to-"

"Hmmph, now look who's talking! I've half a mine to-"

"SILENCE!!!"

"..."

"Good. We all have a common aim. To stop Victor. Until we do that, all this squabbling among ourselves will accomplish little. Now, let us plan."

[deity]

Distraught wasn't the word. She said just get the map out there... we'll talk later.

Alfred the second obliged...

[The Capo]

THE MADRID TIMES

The Madrid Times
1420 b.c.
1/10 Gold

TOP STORY: Tensions Mount Between Mongolia & England!
London, England - English Queen Elizabeth has asked for help from leaders of the known world against what she describes as "Aggressive expansion" on the part of Mongolian Khan Temujin (known as Genghis Khan). The English have asked for support namely from the northern kingdoms of the Inca, Russia, and Spain. Spanish King, Bainor of Castille, has already agreed to send troops along with the Incas who have soldiers in the area prepared in case of a Mongolian invasion of England. "Our issue is getting our warriors into the area before a potential war breaks out" King Bainor explained "Spanish troops will decimate any attempt to crush England, we have sent several warnings to Temujin and are prepared to go to war if necessary." Critics of the King question the motivation to become embroiled in a conflict so far from the kingdom, citing that he may have become enticed by an English plan that would see the Mongolian settlement of Trufan come under Spanish control. Carlos Dodabella, Prince of Aragon strongly criticized any involvement in the hostilities yesterday when he said that Aragon would never send troops to a foreign conflict of this nature, warning that if Bainor committed the kingdom's men to the English cause would create a situation in Spain where the entire government could break down. Currently the leaders of the world are working out a way to come to an agreement, the Mongolians have yet to speak on their own behalf despite numerous attempts by many nations to discuss the issue. Either way Bainor made it clear that none of the Spanish holdings would be at risk if this does go to war and that Mongolia doesn't have the resources required to properly respond to any Spanish support of England.

____________________
DOMESTIC REPORT
____________________

Rebels Defeat Royal Army in two Battles!
Seville - Royal troops failed in two attempts to destroy a rebel army commanded by a mysterious warrior known only as "El Cid." El Cid supposedly is of Aragonese ancestry, but commands a band of rebels whose goal is to unify the kingdoms of Spain in a stronger union that would reject Castillian King Bainor as the rightful leader of the kingdom. The aristocracy, which was extended to Aragon and Leon by King Bainor, is divided over the issue with some minor fiefdoms actually supporting and housing these rebel troops. However, after new royal decrees were released making it illegal to house or support in any way enemiees of the King the rebels were forced to take to the forests east of Spain, near the kingdom of Russia. Little is known of El Cid, other than his familiarity with Andalusian customs, which is how he developed the name (it is derived from Andalusian, Al-Sayyd, or "the leader") due to his amazing battle skills. There is no word on whether or not the rebels are headed this way, but the closest settlement is the newly established Seville. The Royal army urges anyone to report any activities that seem suspicious or subversive.

King Bainor's Expansion Policy Seeing Results.
Madrid - Since the peace between the Kingdoms of Spain years ago, King Bainor of Castille has tripled the size of Spanish holdings creating more fiefdoms and a larger aristocracy expanding southward from the cold forests of Madrid and the Ebro River to more moderate climates to the south. "Great land has been discovered and settled under King Bainor's rule" said settler Lorenzo Duarte "I have built a farm here near these fields, hopefully we can begin to yield crops and I can bring my family here with me." Not everybody is so optimistic, including the house of Diaz in Aragon, which has been accused by leaders in Castille and Leon of aiding rebellious Celtic and Andalusian factions to the east. Prince Carlos Dodabella of Aragon, known critic of Bainor remarked that "The expansionist policy is being used to create a pro-Castillian nobility solely for the purpose of destroying Aragon, Celtiberia, and Andalusia." The Celts and Andalusians of course are non-aligned with the Kingdoms of Spain.

____________________
FOREIGN REPORT
____________________

Chinese Empire Searches for Foreign Princess.
Beijing, China - The Chinese empire has expressed interest in a wife for the son of the Emperor. Spanish foreign minister, Juan Luis Olivares stated earlier that the "Kingdom of Spain would be interested in some form of alliance with the Empire of China," which is located directly south of Spain "in order to achieve peace in our region. However we have no princess of marrying age at this point, but will be more than happy to discuss a marriage proposal in the near future." The oldest un-married Spanish princess is Elena de Aragon, but she is still a very young girl. Other nations that have shown interest have been Russia and Mongolia.

Russia and Spain Agree on Open Borders.
Moscow, Russia - After years of closed borders the Russians and Spanish decided on a treaty that would enable Spanish exploratory units to pass through Russian territory to explore lands to the North and East of Russia. King Bainor said that it was a "relief that the Russians had finally agreed to open borders" and that "this treaty was years overdue." Fortunately this agreement came right before Mongolian and English tensions reached a fevered pitch, allowing Spanish soldiers a quicker route to that region.

Incan, Spanish Troops Offered to England.
Cuzco, Incan Empire - Following the request of troops by English Queen Elizabeth I, the Incan Empire and Spanish Kingdom have already offered direct military assistance to the English should Genghis Khan decide upon a military invasion. General Cadrez would head up a Spanish expeditionary force that will be sent shorty, however there are already Spanish troops in the region as well as en route at this point in time. One English proposal would see the Mongolian settlement of Trufan come under Spanish control, a plan that was seconded by the Chinese and Indians, but questioned by the Russians.

Oracle Built in Delhi
Delhi, India - A grand Hindu temple called the Oracle was finally constructed in the grand Indian capital of Delhi to much fanfare and celebration. "The city is one of the most beautiful and ornate city the world has ever seen" remarked foreign minister Juan Luis Olivares "this wonder in architecture is just another shining expample of Delhi's greatness. But this victory of culture comes with a backdrop of a caste system, which establishes strong seperation between the different classes in India based on the writings of Hindu clerics."

[condor223]

I have sent representatives to look for marriage alliances, and to gain power in this increasingly smaller world. Russia invited us to ally so beloved son has taken a long trip to report the conditions of Russia. He will be seeking a lady of quality who might make a good addition to our country. In the end, it shall be the fathers who make the arrangement.

Spain, our northern neighbor, has settled closer to us and has become interested in an alliance. This time we shall require an exchange of gifts… Our view of others is peaceful, but wary. Russia has much internal turmoil.

When the council of elder statesmen decides what to do with the Mongols, we might begin to deal with more relaxed neighbors. I have not found Mongolia, but it must be near to make the eastern nations so edgy. My son reports that they are arming for trouble. It is good for them, that we are peaceful and would prefer to stay within our own area.

Our people are making progress. The roads connect our cities and speed merchants on their way. Pottery is used everywhere. Our land is good. The wild animals have been tamed or killed, for we do not see them any longer. There is an occasional renegade warrior, but such disappear or are killed when they enter our lands.

We are a very powerful clan. We make a great nation! Every city now has its recording system and is building archives.

I have several daughters who might make marriage alliances, but the Imperial house, which is I, will not permit them to marry unless they are to be queens.

[deity]

To: Spanish King, Bainor of Castille

My dear King Bainor,

Thank you for your support of late. Your secret messages arrived safely and unintercepted, however, I fear that some of our correspondence may be revealed so I will be careful here.

Let me summarise our situation.

It all started with the crabs.

Well, it really started before that. Genghis, without any consultation or negotiation built cities precisely where the English intended. So did the Inca but they have since become close friends and we need to make pragmatic anmd political allowances for the Inca and my other dear King Nicoda.

With no where to go our first built settler group did settle a second city right next to the Mongols. This was needed for economic reasons for we need to develop a production base at least.

But the Mongols would not be pleased with this and their perspective would be that we built on top of them. They only have room enough for their three cities but being an AIen nation I urge you to consider the plan.

The Mongols first aggressive act was to demand our crabs!! Not being permitted to communicate with their diplomats we declined, as is the custom in our world when dealing with AIens. This would have mad them mad, not to get a crab. How sad I say.

My sense tells me that they will attack us. Thus, our plan, encapsulated in the map we published far and wide. So if and ONLY if they attack...

For politic reasons we need to sacrifice Beshbalik to the Inca. We would dearly love this city but the Inca have no space either. We desire some lifelong friends like you and the Inca and are prepared to compromise.

As for Turfan, what I suggest is that if war comes and you are able would you empty Turfan of its armies so that the English may enter the city. Of course it may be destroyed in this process but at least the Mongols will be reduced as a threat and we may buld a new city there in your honour.

A city named Bainorville.

Please respond cautiously and beware intercepts.

Your dear Queen Elizabeth I

x

NB The Russians and their Ivan are also good friends but I fear they are trying to be too friendly to everyone, particularly the self-centred Indians.

---

Queen Elizabeth I (OOC - not Ian Adkins in the posts guys. ozzy can you change it in your pics too please.)

[OzzyKP]

Sarva Dishanaam, Suryaha, Suryaha, Suryaha


On the outskirts of Delhi---------



"...times the radius..."


*Knock Knock*


"...carry the 3..."


*Knock Knock*


"..which means the distance is..."


*KNOCK KNOCK*


"What in Shiva's name do you want?!?!"

"Sage Yajnavalkya, the King requests an audience."

"Damn it boy, I'm not that man's personal tutor, I'm busy. Come back later."

"But sir, I've been given explicit instructions to bring you with me and not accept no for an answer. You've sent away the last two couriers, and King Janaka told me if I return unaccompanied it'll be my head."

"Why do you think I'm so concerned about what happens to your head?"

"I don't sir, which is why the King sent a squad of soldiers to accompany me and escort you to the palace."

"Blast, have your men gather my things....."


The royal palace---------


"Glad you could join us, Yajnavalkya."

Bowing low, he replies, "You highness, to what do I owe the honor of this audience."

"Save the sarcasim and mockery, sage. You know why you're here. After considerable expenditure of manpower and resources of this kingdom I have built the great field of stones you requested. An impressive monument to be sure, and one that has earned us noteriety the world over, but there are more impressive structures I could have built were I so inclined. What have you learned about this world and the bodies that surround it? What greater understanding of Brahman have you attained?"

"That 'field of stones' has been critical to our understanding of Truth, and I do appreciate your efforts in this regard. However I resent the interuption of my work so I can vomit out that which I have learned here for you and your ministers to consume like unlearned birds."

"Your resentment duly noted old man, now vomit. The sooner these birds are satisfied the sooner you can return to your prayers and calculations."

"Very well, sire. I have been quite busy and have learned much. It is beyond question that my work puts us far ahead of all other civilized people in regards to understanding of the cosmos. While our primative neighbors fear the awesome power of our sun and cower before it, I have communicated openly with him and he has yielded his secrets. And through Lord Surya's light of guidance I know the secrets of our own Terra and Moon and much more."

Yajnavalkya motioned to one of the soldiers who had been setting up his materials, and continued his lecture, "For instance it is clear to me now that when one sun sinks below the horizon, a thousand suns take its place. The night sky is not a blanket with pinholes stuck through it, but indeed are distant suns like our own. Suns in all directions."

"Facinating" interupted King Janaka, "And what of our own world?"

"Our world is a perfect sphere, and large. Larger than any of us could have known before. We exist on its surface like mere gnats with no concept of its expanse stretching on for miles and miles and miles in all directions before doubling back and returning to our start. While our map makers and explorers have not seen much of this world, the tales from the Russians and Americans, and even the distant Chinese seem to leave off much. The greatest distances known to us, from Spain to France, from China to England are but half of this world."

Seeing the soldier finish setting up one of his models, the old sage points to it, "I apologize for the incompleteness of this map and model, but there is much of this land we have yet to accurately chart."



"Bravo, wise sage. This is truly revolutionary knowledge. The gods smile on you to share this great wisdom. I was right to trust in your mysticism and study rather than simply send of parties of men to wander the land from ocean to ocean as other kingdoms have done. Sitting in your temple you have discovered more truth of this land than all the scouts of the Americans Spanish or Russians. I am truly impressed. What then of practical uses for this new knowledge?"

"The passage of our world around the center sphere, the sun, is 365 days, 365.24675 days to be precise, and with this we can create the world's most accurate calendar, better schedule our growing and have a more bountiful and steady harvest. Finally, this greater appreciation for the bodies that encircle this world will help deepen our understanding of the gods and the enduring cycle of existance. Our philosophers and priests will be busy studying the ramifications of this for generations. I hope you understand the importance of this 'circle of rocks'"

"Excellent, excellent. You are truly a man without equal in India and indeed the world. Though I be a mere partridge, I am honored to peck at the vomit of a man as learned as you."

"I am humbled by your kind praise sire."



Epilogue---------

King Janaka was not to be disappointed by the practical uses of this new knowledge. In the decades that followed, and aided by the improved farming techniques from this accurate calendar Yajnavalkya discerned, food production and this population expanded throughout all of India. So within a few years, India was the most populous nation on Terra, with Delhi leading the way as the largest city the world had ever seen. Religious understanding and study has deepened, and Indian culture spreads far and wide throughout the known world.

OOC Epilogue---------

Everything from the above story was true in Earth history (except India didn't build Stonehenge of course) Indian science was amazingly developed in ancient times. Yajnavalkya (a real person (maybe)) truly did calculate the length of a year in the 9th century BC, and it was only 6 minutes longer than the modern value we accept today. He also knew the world was round and rotated around the sun and that the stars were suns like ours. He calculated the distance from the earth to the moon, and to the sun mostly accurately as well. Long before modern instruments, and heck long before even the Ancient Greeks. Go India!

[OzzyKP]

DP