The History of the World VII . . . .

[Robert]

Second tale: Manu and the god-fish

Manu was ordered to come to the chief, Varanu, his father.
"Manu, my son, one day you'll be the leader of the Indians. If you want to be a good leader you must know all about the people you lead, therefor I send you to go fishing with the fishers"

Manu went to the beach and approached the fishers. "Varanu has sent me, I have to learn fishing so I can lead the fishers one day". "So, you think you can lead us one day, young man, the fishers said. We'll see if you're good enough to do that." The fishers errupted in laughter. "If you can catch a god-fish, then you may lead us!". Laughter again.

Manu was insulted and walked to one of the boats and made it ready to leave the shores to hunt for a god-fish. "Don't go all by yourself lad!" one of the fishers said. But it was too late. Unprepared, without any knowledge about fishing Manu left, hunting for one of the terrible god-fishes, all by himself.

The god-fishes were terrible creatures of the size of a full grown man. They were known for attacking the small boats of the Indians. Only with great skills the fishers were able to keep their boats straight. Manu didn't have any of these skills. Two hundred miles from the coast he trowed his nets into the water.

Manu didn't catch any fishes. The son was shining and it wasn't as cold as it used to be that close to the ice sea. Suddenly a dark shadow was seen below the water. Something got stuck in the nets of the boat. The boat moved into all sides and Manu feared it would capsize, but it didn't. With a high speed the boat suddenly moved to the beach. Manu grabbed the boat to avoid being trowed into the water. The boat kept moving very fast and Manu feared it would crash into the shore. Suddenly the direction changed parallel to the coast.

Manu grabbed a spear and trowed it at the dark shadow. Nothing. He picked his 2nd spear and trowed it again. When the spear touched the water it immediately changed direction and went out of sight. Manu sweared that he wouldn't lose his final spear that simple. He moved to the front of the boat and tried to hit the shadow while holding the spear. He missed. The distance was to large.

The boat was moving towards the rocks. Manu started to fear that this would be his end. When he looked at the shores there was nothing he recognized. He feared that his body would be found by the barbarians in the wood and if even if he would live when they found him they would most certainly eat him.

Fear took Manu. He tried to stand tall in the front of the boat. Grabbed his spear strongly and jumped out of the boat towards the dark shadow of the god-fish below him.

His body touched the water, which shocked him. The water was cold. The spear hitted something, he pushed the spear forwards with all the strength he had. He felt the big creature struggling below him. His feet found ground and he tried to stand on it. The boat floated away from him, turned around and suddenly moved fastly towards him again. Manu raised his spear and moved it as fast as possible blindly somewhere before the boat. The freezing water was slowly bringing him into a state of shock.

Apparantly he had hitted the fish again. Many almost lost the spear while the fish tried to escape with it. Manu pushed the spear stronger into the body of the fish. The struggle seemed to take hours. Coldness took Manu. Then the fish slowly stopped resisting.

Manu tried to lift the fish into the boat but it was too heavy. Then he wired the broken nets around the fish, climbed into the boat himself and used his last powers to row to the shores. When he reached the beach there were hardly any powers left in him. He tried to bring both the boat and the fish on land but he lost the boat while pulling the fish. He tried all he could to regain it but had to see his boat and his last change to return to Rho-Delhi floating away from him, far to the dept of the ocean.

He tried to pull the fish on the beach again but he lost conciousness and fell half in the water, half on the beach. Coldness took him. "So this is where I die." Manu thought. "Far from my father, the leader of the Indians. My destiny won't be fullfilled for I searched for honor rather then for wisdom. I wanted to teach those I have to lead in the future a lesson while I was sent by my father to be learned many lessons. And here I am, about to die, will my father any know what happened to me?" He closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

When he opened his eyes there was a fire. There was a beared hairy man looking at him. The fish was next to the fire. When the man saw he had opened his eyes he started to talk to him in a strange language. He pointed at the fish and then pointed to himself. "This man has saved me and now he want my fish in exchange." Manu concluded.

"Nono" shaked Manu. Then the man stood up, clearly angered. He pointed at Manu again, then at the fish, then at him, talking in this strange language. "How could this man have carried this fish so far from the water? He doesn't appear to be much stronger then I am. Are there more around me?" Manu looked around, he appeared to be alone. The man catched his attention again. Now the man grabbed something that looked like a sharp stone and draw a line halfway through the fish. "He wants half of it", Manu understood. "They'll make fun of me when they find me with half a fish", "If they'll ever find me."

Manu suddenly understood his situation and nodded. "Take your half of the fish" he said. "You apparantly deserved it, I don't even know how I can get my half fish to my place anyway."
The man cutted the fish in half, picked up his half and walked away into the forrests. "Wait" Manu screamed, "I need help" but the man did not return.

"There he is"
Manu waked up. "There he is! The son of Varanu!"
Fishers ran to him and bowed over him. "Are you alright mr. Manu?" they asked him. "We are so sorry for letting you go all by yourself." "It was my fault" Manu replied. "There is your fish" he pointed at the fish. "Well, there's half of it." The fishers looked at the god-fish in awe. "Where's the other half of it?" they asked him. "A man who helped me took it with him, he saved me." "There are no Indians living here!". "There was a man, a beared, hairy one, he was strong enough to carrie his half of the fish all by himself" Manu replied. "Are the barbarians that strong?" the fishers wondered. "And smart enough to make a deal with me as well" Manu replied. "Anyway" one of the fishers said, "You have catched half a god-fish and therefor earned half our respect. Now come with us and earn the other half so you may lead us one day. But Please, stay close to us and earn the other half of our respect in a normal way." The fishers laughed again. Manu laughed with them. Manu, son of Varanu, of the half god-fish.

[deity]

The birth of a Kingdom

The Choson were exploring far and wide in their disparate groups – firstly as warriors and scouts - throughout the 3rd millennium BC. This was a very important era for the Choson and contact was made with several other tribal towns. The notion of civilisation gradually crept back to the Choson living in 'Seoul', far away.

In 2333 BC a great event occurred. The legendary King Tan-gun was born as the son of the union of Heaven and a woman from a bear-totem tribe. This was the beginning of Choson history and the first kingdom was conceived when clan communities joined to form the first real small towns or states. It was of course called Ko Choson - Land of the Morning Calm.

Indeed it was a calm morning as the Tong-i went about their meagre fishing of crabs and Tan-gun did begin his rule in 2333 BC. He was cunning and strategic and feared the harassment from Celtic scouts in the region of Ko Choson. No other tribe had wandered so close to the birth place of his kingdom and the Choson peninsula was claimed for the three kingdoms to come.

The Choson peninsula and the Celts

P’yongyang was quickly settled at the neck of the peninsula after allowing the fleeing Celtic scout to leave the Choson realms. The Celts seemed friendly but they did establish a town very close to P’yongyang which could prove problematic one day but clearly the Celts desired the horse pastures nearby and Tan-gun would not deny them that. For the Choson were quickly developing their bowmen skills, using the new skills of archery. The Tong-i WERE the Eastern bowmen and no horse master nor axe master would survive a battle with them.

“Tan-gun does formally request that the Celts do not share their knowledge of the Choson lands with any other tribes. This would be highly appreciated and a mutually beneficial dialog is requested with the leader OmnipotenTrout. Riches and favours may be on offer…”

The Kushrena

Soon after, the Kushrena peoples discovered P’yongyang and presented themselves very peaceably. They desired a concept of ‘open borders’ whereby each tribe could explore each others terrain and increase trade but none of this made sense to Tan-gun, who personally decreed that the Choson peninsula would remain secret. He had all the materials and trade ever needed within his own kingdom and the offer was politely refused.

Other matters

Arabians, Romans, Egyptians and Bulgarians were all discovered by the far wandering scout called Bear Slayer I. Indeed news of many rich poorly defended lands did filter back to Tan-gun who set about developing a future-proof strategy in response. Protective military concepts were formulating in his mind. It was the poorer peoples from ice lands and humble beginnings that he did identify with.

[Toni]

A Bulgarian Beginning

The Bulgarians found themselves in the cold corners of the world surrounded my huge icy mountains. This cold land full with snow-covered crags and so much tundra as the eye can see was no deterrent for the Bulgarian tribe. The Bulgarians headed by their Khan Asparuh, crossed the cold mountains and migrated to the more fertile lands along the lower valley of the river they discovered, where the settlement of Sofia was founded. Some of tribe remained in this newly founded settlement, whereas others moved on towards the warmer north and eventually made their home in the plains and forest of this newly founded richer land. The Bulgarians living in the plains between the cold tundra, the cold sea and the northern plains preserved intact and even increased their human, economic and military potential. Despite the coldness and the icy sea, the Bulgarians were predestined to found the Bulgarian empire in this land.

Asparuh being the leader of this great people decided to invest his energy into cleaning up and securing this land from the savage beast which were roaming it at present. Freeing the land would allow us to settle and build our cities, without worrying when walking into the dark forest and plains he said to his people. Later that cold spring due to the huge labor demanded for the task of farming and enriching the lands around our new city a decision was made that instead of annihilating the wild animals who were trying to disturb our new way of life it will best to domesticate them to help us in our great task of improving our lands and growing our tribe. Also reports came in from our scouts that a great civilization which called itself the Arabs was located somewhere in the far north. The great leader Asparuh decided to send emissaries to make contact in the hope of establishing trade and good relations with this strange and very different people. The news weren’t so good from the west in fact there were very disturbing a tribe calling itself the Romans was settling into the promised land which the Bulgarians had been planning to expand into in order to connect their western outpost into the far west to their main settlement. Emissaries were send as well to this unbelievers in the far western north lands to demand an immediate withdraw. Meanwhile Asparuh feeling that negotiations may not work with this so called Romans, ordered the people to arm themselves and be ready for the worst.

The Bulgarians have a well established warrior reputation in the lands of the deep frozen south. We already posses the archery trait and are not afraid to use it to protect our interests. Some of our people were trying to calm down and seek a different solution to this fright which was growing with every passing hour; scouts were bringing more terrible news even as the debate of peace or war was going on around the great fire in the great palace. The scouts found that this aggressive northern tribe was building a mine which would allow them to mine an metal so strong and tough that it would allow them to build those great axe warriors for which we have learned from past legends and heard frightening stories about their superior straight. With this dreadful find, Asparuh was more them ever convinced that actions should be takes as soon as possible to get rid of this hostile settlement on the Bulgarian borders. For this quest the greatest warrior was chosen to lead the brave Bulgarian man, his name was Levski and he was famous for his skills in our lands. Due to lacking the essential metals for now for building weapons, the warriors who were to join Levski were lightly-armed archers but famed for their courage and their marksmanship.

During all this confusion and preparation the emissaries which were send to make contact with this northern Arab tribe returned with great news. The mission was a great success, Asparuh was informed immediately of what was done and said on this expedition, the things which got him excited the most was the newly established trade and open friendliness with this northern neighbor. After hearing and being delighted of this Asparuh order a sacrifice to be made in the name of this newly founded friendship. Also the emissaries shared that the same Roman fright has spread to the Arabian borders as well. In an instant Asparuh ordered the emissaries back to the Arabians lands with offer of a military treaty.

[condor223]

The Vizier, bored from the inaction at court and world affairs, became light headed from the honey wine. He scribed the following:

NOTICE
========================
I have started my own consulting firm, Viziers "R" Us, and will be offering correspondence courses as Famous Despots Academy. You may be interested in some classes we will be offering; here is a just a small sample:

Imperious Shouting 101 (Beginner's/Remedial)
Here you learn facial expressions and voice management; practice yelling the essential "Guards! Guards!" and the always popular "Take them away!" As you advance, you will learn to deliver such lines as: "Of course I trust you - now taste my food!" "Now you will die like a dog!" in a convincingly royal manner, while retaining your own individual sense of style and charm.

Booby Trapping the Throne Room (Advanced Students only)
Are unwanted emissaries cluttering up your throne room? Power-mad generals plotting against you? Simply sick of simpering sycophants? This class promises hours of hilarious fun for you and your courtiers. Prerequisite course: Stocking and Maintaining Your Crocodile Pit and Zoo training 102.

You Can Best the Oracle (candidates for the Priesthood)
On those dark days when the auguries don’t auger and the liver spots look bleak, when people start giving you that look, as they mutter royal sacrifice to themselves - Stop those High Priests in their tracks with Popeel's Pocket Prophecies ("They make great stocking stuffers!") - yes, you can best the oracle! Alternate interpretations to keep 'em guessing, substitute offerings more pleasing than yourself, inside tips! This class is a must for a desperate despot! Prerequisite course recommended but not necessary: Keeping Those High Priests Happy."

Rhetoric for Philosophical discourse
Emphasis on bowing low to senior members of the court and learning to mutter inaudibly, "When I am Vizier, I will post you to Kush and double the Imperial requests."

In preparation for the post of Trade Advisor, Advanced mathematics with emphasis on double ledgers.

Register Early - Avoid Last Minute Closed Classes
============

Fees dependent on personal income. You may bribe registrar for advanced placement.

New position: experienced bear hunter.. we can't seem to keep our instructor for that class. Vexing, because we all have SO much to learn!

New positions: Crocodile feeder and Ostrich handler, no experience necessary. Just a willing hand. Continuing applications accepted. apply within.

Presently needed: Experienced Military Analyst. Must have demonstrated ability to keep the troops in line, advanced work in bear hunting, troop transports, military maneuvers.
Our last instructor did not return with his infantry. Help is urgently needed to continue the class.

Registrar, Peppi

[OzzyKP]

Nolan

[Rykoffe]

Stories by the Firelight

“My children, beyond the ocean, if you but look across the glimmers at the right time at night, you can make out the magnificent township of Carthage. Did you know that we once lived there? No, no, you probably did not. Then, let me speak of but a little of the journey that was made for this land.

A ragged mob had looked out in the distance to see a gathering of Norsemen scouting out an incline overlooking the sprawling city of Carthage.

Worried whispers chorused through the Carthaginian folk as they looked onward; was the alliance only an illusion? Could this have been an ambush which would end the lives of the men and women of Carthage?

A handful of the Vikings marched down to meet them, and a golden-bearded man grinned widely. ‘Brothers! I see heavy baggage on your backs.’

The friendly welcome set the people of Carthage at ease, the relief rippling through the crowd. ‘We head to the southeast along the coast, where the elder city of Utica rests nearby,’ admitted one of the travellers. ‘We wish to see the home of our great grandparents', and their parents before them.’

The Vikings looked to each other, their grins fading, only to be replaced by solemn look on their faces. ‘We have travelled much of this land, and never seen this wonderous place. Be it truly real?’

This oddly phrased question only brought confusion. But it is said that an old woman unhesitantly crept forward to answer the warriors. ‘Eight generations past, my family brought with them a keepsake from Utica. That is proof enough for me.’ She smiled a toothless smile. ‘I may not live to see it, but for the honor of my family, we will return.’

A man by the name of Eszkel shook his head. ‘I think I have seen this place on the maps in our home. You will find what you seek if you stay true to your path... but it will not set your hearts at ease.’

He signalled his nearby guardsmen to return to the hill -- eager to avoid an unpleasant subject -- where others were already setting down the framework for what would later be the hamlet of Oesthavn.

A hundred years would pass before Queen Ellisar's people would find Utica. Along the way, only half of the descendants of the emmigrants of Carthage would survive, hounded constantly by marauding wildcats pouncing their way through the trees with superior strength and fang.

...and the survivors were not prepared for what they beheld. The stories the families would tell their children as the emmigrants grew older and passed on grew only a little with each embellishment to the wide-eyed little ones. The rubble that lay before the travellers looked nothing like a city. Most would shed tears of salt and blood that day as the sun peeked through the jagged mountains.

A young woman, whose name was never recorded onto stone or bark -- only but for her desire for humility -- thrust out a strange possession before her. Some said it was a triangle with arms on it's narrow neck and a globe for a head. ‘Let not the flames die out from this once grand city. Do not defile Utica by extinguishing it with your weepings. We have sacrificed much to come this far, and we may stand where our forebearers sought to go, but our journey is NOT over!’ she bellowed, her voice ringing clear through the valley and true in the hearts of our still-living ancestors. ‘We must honor them by rebuilding Utica and rearing our progeny within it's walls!’”

[LzPrst]

The Vikings stood upon the parched and dead hill of the narrow canal. They looked across and saw the sprawling numbers of Carthagians making their way slowly towards them. Eskil the Archer looked at them with distrust. Yet he would give the Carthagians one more chance to befriend the Vikings. He walked down the hill in a friendly manner and spoke to its leaders. Carthage was once more stable and a friend of the Vikings.

Letting the Carthagians pass, Eskil settled upon the dead hill and named the farmtown Oesthavn. East-Haven, port of the Eastern Ocean. His people began farming the rich corn and were happy there for many years. But the greatness of Carthage grew and the richest farmland was taken over by the increasing number of Carthagian peasants moving to settle further and further out from their city. Worried that the Carthagians would become angered if they felt locked in, Eskil approached them with a suggestion. The Vikings would sign a pact with Carthage. All those under the rule of Carthage would be allowed to pass freely in Viking lands and the same would be true for Vikings who wished to visit Carthage.

The result was staggering. Viking sailors immediately began travelling to Carthage and a most profitable trade began. Greatly encouraged by the wealth that grew from this trade the Vikings desired more trade rights and shortly after another agreement was signed with the Incan empire to the south. Wealth flowed into the coffers of Oluf.

Oluf had by now grown old and grey, rich and wise. He knew that his time was short, but he trusted in Oden to grant him the time he needed to fulfill his work. The Vikings would settle the lands of the south. The Coast would be dotted with the small farms and homesteads of his people. Across the great Vik new settlements were planned and Oluf even wished to scout the great uncharted vastness of the sea.

Greatness would come with patience and work, but the Vikings needed leadership once Oluf was gone. Seeking the advice of Oden Oluf choose his successor, the fiercest of red hair, in great lengths, green eyes that could pierce a stone and of a tall and strong build she was. Her name was Ingunnir Sjofararenke. Widow of a great tradesman lost at sea, she had run his farm and affairs for a decade. She had great wealth and was acknowledged by all to be clever and carried much respect.

Oluf the Greychief spoke to the council in the great Longhouse and announced that he suggested his successor. Due to much quarrelling among the men who all wanted to rule after Oluf's death, Ingunnir's nomination was met by acceptance as a clever compromise. Not only was she respected for her skills in trade, she was also older than most of the men claiming right to rule. Thus a new leader would be choosen within few decades, allowing the young tradesmen to mature and claim their place within their lifespan.

Having his nominee accepted Oluf prepared his departure. He clad himself in the finest leather, he donned a great flinted axe, wielded by both hands, a spear and shield on his back. He then set out, marching south and west. Into the wild lands of the bearpeople. Here he disappeared. Only Oden saw his last battle.

[LzPrst]

Oluf's last battle. As told by Huginn the Raven.

My master Oden, your servant Oluf has fallen in battle against the wild men in the southwest. He wandered alone into these lands, Lord, carrying his weapons in hand and on his back. Every day he travelled further and every day he would shout challenges to the wild men before he lit a campfire. After the 5th day five savages came to his campfire and attacked him. Their leader was a monster, barely a man. He had two heads and three arms and carried clubs in each of them. His companions were short and foul to behold, uglier than any Jotun seen with my eyes, Quoth the Raven.

The two-headed monster charged Oluf, but with the strength of the Vikings Oluf thrust his spear into the savage and lifted him high into the air. He was thrown over Oluf down in the mud. The other wildmen charged, with Oluf's spear locked in the dying husk of the giant. Drawing his axe he swung it around with such force that he cleaved the nearest barbarian and half of the next. Then one of the wild struck him with a club and a great wound in his side was made. Enraged with the pain Oluf turned upon him and smashed his skull with a single strike of his fist. The last savage fled.

Oluf then rested the evening, tended his wound and the following day he travelled on. 7 days later he had done as he had before. Shouted a challenge into the forest and then made a campfire where he would burn his meat and wait. This time seven savages came out of the woods to fight him. They were even fouler than the first. The leader was a bentover beast, like a great ape. He had four arms and a sharp flint stone larger than a great dagger in each. He roared like a beast and his followers, apemen of differing sizes and colors all charged Oluf.

The first apeman that reached Oluf slammed into his shield with enough speed and force to break a great wall. The shield chipped on its left side but held. As did Oluf. The ape-creature broke its neck from the impact. The others swarmed over the valorous Viking and he fought them with his spear and shield. Three more did he kill until one of them set its teeth in his shoulder. Oluf thrust his spear behind him and skewered the monster's eye and brain. A flowing gashing wound spewed from his shoulder, but Oluf stood undiminished. An apeman came leaping at him, but with the speed of the Wolf Oluf stepped aside and swung his axe, it broke the ape's back in midair. The leader and another stood eyeing their foe, never had they seen such ferocity or courage. But apemen are dumber than beasts and they charged Oluf. Taking his spear from the ground Oluf threw it into the heart of the lesser ape, but did not have time to prepare for the sudden charge of the fourarmed leader. Slashing and striking like a den of serpents Oluf took wounds on his head, his arm and his body, but in the end he bested the beast and stood victorious, his axe embedded in its enormous chest.

Just as the battle ended Oluf heard another scream. Out of the forest came 12 bearmen, covered in brown and black fur they stormed the wounded Viking. Oluf fought with more courage than I have ever seen with my immortal eyes or heard of with my everliving ears. 7 of the beasts he killed in the battle. 3 of them were too weak to leave the carnage when it was finished and the remaining 2 died of their wounds the following days. Not once did Oluf flinch. Not once did his wounds bend his knee. His last stroke was as strong as his first. His courage burned as strong when he took the final wound as it had when he had dealt the first. So was Oluf's fate.

Oden stared at his Raven. Then with joy he called out loudly.

Hugin, fly to the Valkyries! Tell them to fetch my son Oluf and bring him here to Valhalla. Here he will fight in the day and feast in the night. I will slaughter my pig for him every night and bring it back to life every morning. I will gather all the greatest warriors of the world to be his company and here, in Valhalla will those who earn their right in battle come. Now send forth my Valkyries to fetch this slain hero! Begone Raven!

And so Hugin the Raven flew to the Valkyries and told them the fall of Oluf and the command of Oden. And so they climbed on top of their magnificent horses and rode through the sky down to the earth and took Oluf with them to the Halls of Oden where he would fight and feast until the end of the world.

[Robert]

The Temple of Rho-Delhi

The city of Rho-Delhi growed and many people inhabited the the holy city of the Hindus when Varanu passed away and was succeeded by Manu.
Manu reigned in the spirit of his father. He was respected by all people and had much wisdom. The first act of importance was the finishing of the Temple of Rho-Delhi, named "Katirkamam", dedicated to Varanu, the 2nd leader of the Indians.

The Temple dominated the city skyline and was able to be seen from a large distance. Together with the palace of Manu it was the most important place of Rho-Delhi.

The temple gave place to six wise men who meditated about questions of life. Three of them were religious priests, three of them were Indian philosophicals. The Temple Katirkamam united the two groups of India, the philosophicals and the religious. It was believed that one of these six wise men would reach enlightment one day and become the first Avatar of India, who would build a big holy place for all Hindus worldwide. There weren't any Hindus outside of Rho-Delhi though, not even in Marble City, but it was believed that the first Avatar would surely bring Hinduism to all people.



The Statue of Arjuna

The 2nd act of importance by Manu was the erection of a big statue for the great hero of the Indians, Arjuna the Archer! Arjuna was shon with a huge arrow in his right hand and a very small bow in his left hand. He had saved the Indians from a sure death when the barbarians invaded. His statue was placed in of Marble City and quickly attrackted many people from around who in awe were inspired by Arjuna. Many barbarians in the lands surrounding Marble City were that impressed that they wanted to become one with the Indian people. The borders of Marble City quickly began to grow and touched the Egyptian border in the north soon.

It was believed that the Statue of Arjuna would defend Marble City against all invaders. The people of Marble City dared to build the lands far from the city without fear, for Arjuna was guarding them. Soon Marble City became known as 'Seat of Arjuna' as well. Other names for the city are: 'Ville on the Hill', since it was being build on the hills near the Golden Mountain, and 'Goldspot', because much gold had been found near the city. Many people of Marble City out to build mines to gather the gold. Soon a road would be made to Rho-Delhi to trade the gold. Some tongues argued that Marble City would trade with he Egyptians soon enough as well.

A famous saying of the Indians was: "Rho-Delhi inspires our faith but Marble City gives us wealth through trade"

[Frank Johnson]

The Inca continued to live in the peace and isolation of the jungles. A sort of government was fashioned together between the three brothers and when desputes arose, they were brought before Taro and Chasca so that they might be settled fairly. In the hundreds of years Taro had spent with the ancient people they had gained many of the things he wanted to give them from his time, many times purely from their own efforts when the need arose, other times Taro’s handy work could be seen.

As Taro and Chasca advanced in years and finally started to slow down, Taro’s workshop had become something like a religious site to people. Incans made pilgrimages from outlying villages, and even from Bob the Bear Slayer’s village on the far side of the jungle to ask a question of Taro or to listen to him talk or study under one of the many scholars who had worked under him. The result was an unnatural progression of advanced technology. Taro was full of praise for his students. He couldn’t explain it to them but they had achieved what other tribes would not for hundreds, even thousands of years. Metal casting became a high art amongst Taro’s students and they fully mastered the technique.

When Taro and slightly later Chasca passed on the people came on a great pilgrimage to mourn their passing. The enshrinement of their home had become complete at this point. They themselves, their possessions, writings, and tools were set in an elaborate tomb made from marble and limestone, lined with wooden decking and filled with symbols and orinments of the Incan people.

After sometime, Taro, Chasca, Bob, Dent, Cecil and Locke, the story of the three brothers, and such all became the stuff of legend. After all, no one lives for hundreds of years and eight foot tall men don’t slay packs of wild bears with clubs.

Eventually a man by the name of Sapa Lain came to be the rulers of the Incan people. Sapa was a given name of upper class peoples who claim to be decended from the three brothers. Sapa Lain himself claimed to be a direct decendant of Taro, although such a claim is lost to history.

Sapa had to concern himself with the much more mundane tasks of empire. Meeting foreign dignitaries, setting up borders, raising armies to defend the people, colonizing the wilderness. The change in focus was obvious in this new Incan empire, whose size of set to double from the old times of Taro. Borders had been drawn with the Vikings, the Chinese, and the Romans. Warriors stood watch and immigrants drove their carts and carried heavy loads with them through the jungles to the new lands of the Inca. The peoples of the coast freely sailed the length of the continent from Carthage in the north to China in the south, with bright and vibrant capitals of peoples all along its path. Troubles had been heard of throughout the world, and the Incans were ready, but for now there was peace. It was time to grow, explore, and find glory.

[Robert]

Map of India

[OzzyKP]

The Conquest of the Romans

Failed Negotiations

King Yarob met with Asparuh of the Bulgarians, and Decimus of the Romans to discuss the Roman occupation of the promised land. Despite being far from home, and clearly in the wrong it was which much pride that the Romans did negotiate their departure from the promised land.

The arrogant Romans did demand many slaves for the removal of their settlements. After many hundreds of years as slaves in Egypt, the Israelites had no intention of selling any of their people into slavery in a foreign land. In the end no treaty could be reached and war was declared.

A messenger was sent to deliver the news to Yusha (Joshua) of the Israelites who was standing by in Mecca with a large army of warriors waiting of news from the three party talks in the west. Hearing the talks had broken down he began to march toward Cumae.

Bulgarian Victory in the South

After the negotiations broke down, the mighty Bulgarian army marched on the Roman colony. A fearsome host of archers and warriors panicked the simple farmers and miners of the village. The Roman warrior guard put up a spirited defence but were no match for the superior arms and skill of the Bulgarians. The battle lasted just a few hours, ending in total victory for the Bulgars.

Wishing to see no trace of the vile Romans on Bulgarian soil, the armies razed the city to the ground and destroyed its population. The army plundered what was valuable from the town and burned the rest.

The Lord's Glory at Cumae

Yusha took his army out from Mecca and marched on Cumae. News had not reached his camp of the great victory in the south, but they knew the Bulgarians would strike first. The Romans were a fearsome enemy, brave enough to provoke and face down two important world powers alone. Many of Yusha's men were afraid of what they woudl face in the siege, but Yusha was not afraid. Yusha put his faith in God.

As they marched through the Gilgal forest northwest of Mecca the Lord said to Yusha, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." So Yusha made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth.

Proving Yusha's devotion to God and obedience to his commandments, God again spoke to Yusha as they approached Cumae, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."

So Yusha ordered the army, "Advance! March around the city, with the armed guard going ahead of the ark of the Lord."

Yusha got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days.

On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!"

When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.

Then they burned the whole city and everything in it, but they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the Lord's house.

[OzzyKP]

The news of the miraculous siege of Cumae spread far and wide. Without losing a single man, the force under Yusha captured and razed the city of Cumae. It was the power of God that made it possible, and even pagans soon realized the power of the God of Abraham.

Following the example of Yusha's army before the Siege of Cumae, Colonel Treize of the northern lands had his men circumsized and the great people formally converted to Judaism - the new name for the ancient faith of Abraham, Ishmael & Musa.

Colonel Treize's people, masters of the new technology of writing, and enamored by the stories of Yusha's triumph in Cumae began to write down the story and pass it along to their neighbors and friends. Their close ally the English were the first to benefit, however it was quickly learned the language developed for Treize's people wouldn't work for the English language. Working with the wisemen in London, Treize was able to work out a new written language for the English and translated the great story of Yusha into written English so they could understand. In awe of the great power of the Jewish God, the English too converted to the one true faith.

Similarly Treize spread the story to the far south - to the Bulgarian people. And like before he worked out a unique written language for the Bulgarians so they could read and understand - in their own tounge - the great story of Yusha. While the nation hasn't formally converted yet, many Bulgarians are now being taught to read and are reading about the Siege of Cumae in their own tounge:

(А Ерихон беше заключен и затворен поради израилтяните; никой не излизаше и никой не влизаше.

И Господ рече на Исуса: Ето, предадох в ръката ти Ерихон, царя му и силните му и храбри мъже.

Ходете, прочее, около града, всички военни мъже, и обиколете града веднъж; така да правите шест дена.

И седем свещеника нека носят пред ковчега седем гръмливи тръби; и нека на седмия ден обиколете града седем пъти, и свещениците нека свирят с тръбите.

И когато засвирят продължително с гръмливата тръба, като чуете гласа на тръбата всички люде да извикат с гръмлив глас; и градската стена ще падне на мястото си, и людете нека вървят всеки право напред.

Тогава Исус Навиевия син повика свещениците и рече им: Дигнете ковчега на завета, и седем свещеника нека държат седем гръмливи тръби пред Господния ковчег.

Рече на людете: Минете та обиколете града; а въоръжените нека заминат пред Господния ковчег.

И тъй, след като говори Исус на людете, седемте свещеника, които държаха седемте гръмливи тръби пред Господа минаха, и свиреха с тръбите; и ковчегът на Господния завет вървеше подире им.

И въоръжените вървяха пред свещениците, които свиреха с тръбите, и задната стража следваше зад ковчега, докато свещениците свиреха с тръбите като вървяха.

А Исус заповяда на людете, като каза: Да не викате, нито да се чуе глъсат ви, нито да излезе дума из устата ви, до деня, когато ще ви кажа да извикате; тогава извикайте.

И тъй, направи да обиколи Господният ковчег около града еднъж; и дойдоха в стана и пренощуваха в стана.

И на сутринта Исус стана рано, и свещениците дигнаха Господния ковчег,

И седемте, свещеника, които държаха седемте гръмливи тръби., вървяха пред Господния ковчег, като ходеха и свиреха с тръбите; и пред тях и свиреха с тръбите; и пред тях вървяха въоръжените, а задната стража следваше подир Господния ковчег, докато свещениците свиреха с тръбите като вървяха.

И тъй на втория ден обиколиха града еднъж и се върнаха в стана така правеха шест дена.

А на седмия ден станаха рано, при пукването на зората, и обиколиха града седем пъти по същия начин; само тоя ден обиколиха града седем пъти.

И на седмия път, като свиреха свещениците с тръбите, Исус рече на людете: Извикайте, защото Господ ви предаде града.

И градът и всичко що е в него ще бъдат обречени на Господа; само блудницата Раав, да остане жива, тя и всички, които са в къщата с нея, защото скри пратениците, които проводихме.

Но вие се пазете във всеки случай от всичко обречено, да не би, като го обречете, да вземете от обреченото, и така да нанесете проклетия върху стана на Израиля и да го смутите.

Всичкото сребро и злато, и медните и железните съдове, са посветени Господу; да се внесат в Господното съкровище.

И тъй, людете извикаха и свещениците свиреха с тръбите; и като чуха людете тръбния глас, и като издадоха людете гръмлив вик, стената падна на мястото си; и людете влязоха в града, всеки право напред, и превзеха града.

Тогава Исус каза на двамата мъже, които бяха съгледали земята: Влезте в къщата на блудницата и изведете от там жената и всичко коквото има, според както й се заклехте.

[OzzyKP]

THIRD SESSION 1525 BC

India(Gandhi) - CyberShy
Egypt(Ramses) - Nolan
Vikings(Ragnar Lodbrok) - LzPrst
China(Qin Shi Huang) - KunojiLym
Choson(Wang Kong) - Deity
Inca(Huayna Capac) - Dangime
Kushren(Napoleon Boneparte) - Colonel_Treize
England(Victoria) - MMC
Celts(Brennus) - Omnipotent Trout
Arabs(Saladin) - OzzyKP
Carthage(Hannibal) - Rykoffe
Rome(Julius Ceasar) - Glohithia
Bulgaria(Cyrus II) - Toni

The info sheet is a bit preliminary since I haven't met everyone yet. Next time perhaps we could wait for me to take some screen shots before everyone leaves the game.

[LzPrst]

Ingunnir sat upon the great hill of Bjorgyn and stared across the Great Vik (bay). There lay the holy mountain of Oden's birth. The Sun God's Rock. It could be seen raging high and cold to the north, its everlaying snow lighting up the sky from the last rays of Sun reflected and shining with great clarity.

Yet even at the foot of mountain did Sun's light reflect. Ingunnir turned to the small man sitting at her side. Tell me Fjalar of the Dwarven lands, what are those shimmering rocks below the mountain?

-That would be metals oh great one. The droppings of the giants, left before Oden chased them from Midgard to Jotunheim.

eh? Giant droppings? You're jesting dwarf! Ingunnir's green eyes pierced the dwarf with a look that seemed to have the effect of putting a speartip on his flabby belly.

-Eh... hehe. Of course mylady. They are not... ehem... droppings... nono, certainly not, they are.... precious stones! Yes, but not stones either. Metals. Like the Gold in Bjorgyn's mountains. Not as precious, nor as shiny, but much stronger, it can be made into tools and weapons.

Is that so. Tell me dwarf, you have travelled many lands where the Vikings and others live. Can these precious metals be found elsewhere in my lands or nearby?

-Nay, milady. Never in my travels have I seen such a rich supply of it. To be able to see it from here, so far away. It must be more than could ever be emptied. You could make a thousand, thousand axes from that. Sharper and stronger than any flint. It does not chip nor shatter like flint.

...thousand times thousand.... You mean a million axes!?

-Mylady knows such numbers!? The dwarf burst out in astonished tones.

Of course I do, I'm a merchant's widow and thus a merchant myself. A million axes...

Dwarf! Run down to my shipyard this instant! Tell them that their Chieftess wishes a great fleet of Longboats to be built. So great it can carry enough of our people to settle across the Vik and with enough warriors and archers to protect them from any enemy hiding there. We will take these metals for our glory! A million axes....

A smile spread across the Chieftess' face.