The History of the World VII . . . .

[OzzyKP]

Caliph Harun al-Rashid approaches the bride and groom at the reception with some genuine words of support.

"It was a lovely ceremony, you both make a wonderful couple and do your countries proud. The union of former enemies Bulgaria and India in blood is an important step toward world peace and reconciliation."

"Thank you, Caliph."

The Caliph continued, "And perhaps I am simply ignorant of foreign customs and culture, but it is most intriguing to me that you both have the same name. Were you both given the name Insert Name Later at birth, or did you take it on upon marriage? What is your first name and what is your surname? Do your friends call you "Insert?" This is all very puzzling to us Arabs. Either way I wish you both a long prosperous future together. And..."

Harun al-Rashid stands up and raises his glass. In a booming voice he declares to the entire assembled hall, "I propose a toast to Mr. and Mrs. Later, may they have a long and loving marriage, and may their house fill with many Later children!!"

[Robert]

Greetings, Great Caliph,

The Vicker was fairly new, his "How to wed a young couple" for dummies book contained all the proper ceremonies and words, and instead of inserting all the right names on the right spots he read the instruction [insert name] instead of say "Magdalena" or "Abhijit". We have executed him for this stupidity.

There's a good change that we'll be "Insert Name Here" from now on though.

Abhijit, Prince of India

[Toni]

Bulgarian wedding customs

Bulgaria is a land steeped in tradition. Many of its ancient traditions, including its wedding traditions, are still practiced today, little has changed from 500 years ago.

The pre-engagement and full-engagement rites:

Even today many couples still observe the ancient engagement rites just as they have been handed down for generations. Even in ancient times a wedding required the agreement of the bride, something not true in many cultures. Traditionally the prospective groom would send his closest friend to his intended’s home to ask her father for his blessing. If the father agreed to the marriage he would then ask his daughter three times if she wished to marry. If she answered “Yes” all three times then she was considered pre-engaged and the prospective groom was invited to the house.

The actual engagement takes place on a holiday or on a Sunday. Relatives and neighbors are invited and a small feast is held. It is during this meeting that details of the marriage are agreed upon. An agreement made during this engagement feast is considered legal and binding. The engagement lasts from one day to a year or even longer depending on local customs.

The marriage ceremony rituals:

It is considered good luck for the bride and the groom to each step into the church with their right foot first. The wedding ceremony itself is often rather short, but interspersed with folk songs. At the conclusion of the ceremony the bride and groom exchange rings and the traditional wedding kiss. Once the official wedding papers are signed another wedding custom is the “stepping.” Whoever steps on the other’s foot first will be dominate and provide for the new family.

[Robert]

official Indian announcement

The King of India, Ajatashatru, son of Ila, son of Lala Lajpat Rai and the brother of Ghandi, has died.
His son, Abhijit, is King in his place now.

May he and his wife, Queen Magdalena, lead our nation in wisdom and peace. Long live the king!

[condor223]

Twelve Days in Egypt

On the first day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
A tomb full of treasure for me!

On the second day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Two double crowns
And a tomb full of treasure for me!

On the third day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Three pyramids
Two double crowns
And a tomb full of treasure for me!

On the fourth day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Four canopic jars
Three pyramids
Two double crowns
And a tomb full of treasure for me!

On the fifth day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
FIVE GOLD COFFINS!
Four canopic jars
Three pyramids
Two double crowns
And a tomb full of treasure for me!

On the sixth day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Six slaves a-slaving
FIVE GOLD COFFINS!
Four canopic jars
Three pyramids
Two double crowns
And a tomb full of treasure for me!

On the seventh day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Seven sistrum shakers…

On the eighth day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Eight scribes a-scribbling…

On the ninth day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Nine priests a-praying…

On the tenth day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Ten tomb-robbers robbing…

On the eleventh day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Eleven mourners moaning...

On the twelfth day in Egypt my pharaoh gave to me…
Twelve mouldy mummies
Eleven mourners moaning
Ten tomb-robbers robbing
Nine priests a-praying
Eight scribes a-scribbling
Seven sistrum shakers
Six slaves a-slaving
FIVE GOLD COFFINS!
Four canopic jars
Three pyramids
Two double crowns
And a tomb full of treasure for me!

Pharaoh put down his Amun newsgroup paper and turned to his minister. Indeed, we are fortunate to have discovered the new land.

Hatshepsut, although a woman, kept me from killing her by sending me to the new land with our settlers and explorers. I Thutmose have enlarged the lands of Egypt. We have cooperated with China about our settling plans. At last we can survive! Bring out the dancing girls! Prepare a feast! Make way for the celebration!

[deity]

1304AD

Circa 1300AD

As the millennium drew to a close so did the 500 year peace agreement between the Arabs and the Choson. The Arabs however did prematurely fill Medina with a vast array of troops, obviously not trusting the Choson and fearing a Choson attack. This was 3 decades before the peace treaty was ended.

Never mind that, Wang Yung immediately filled all the border forts with new troops but did not seek war mode. The Arabs immediately converted to Vassalage and Theocracy so their intentions were clear. He had no choice but to at least stay in touch with the Arab power statistics but without changing the Choson’s highly organised religion or bureaucracy.

Soon after the turn of the century the Islams installed a fool of a puppet head of state in Celtia. This was Daniel Cole, a good Celtic sounding name but do not be fooled. He answered to the Caliph and no other. All attempts at reasonable dialog by the Choson was dealt with by Mr Cole in a totally disrespectful manner, taking no account of the historic traditions between our two great nations; nor the huge amount of support offered by the Choson to the Celts. All now ancient history, but as a final gesture of good faith the Choson gifted yet another technology to the Celts, Astronomy, yet the manner and tone of Mr Cole still did not change. Oh for the days of yesteryear when the trout did flourish in the northern rivers. None of this nonsense would have occurred then.

But this is now and Wang Yung is not Tan-gun and Mr Cole is not OT.

[deity]

1334AD

But it came to pass that Mr Cole was deposed in 1334AD and more stable times followed, although due to diplomatic circumstance no envoy was permitted between our nations up until 1395AD (the present).

It was a different matter in Arabia; although now friendlier the same diplomatic circumstance did not allow an envoy between our nations. It was noted that in this time a maniacal growth in Arabian military power did occur although friendlier forms of governance were adopted.

During this time the Choson were truly isolated, save for the new friendly neighbour in the New World, where Egypt did settle East of our island settlements. The Choson request a dialog with Egypt regarding the most sensible placement of cities. So far common sense has prevailed but Egyptian culture is immensely strong, causing new forms of government to be considered by Wang Yung.

One dark secret of the Cjhoson success is the continuing use of slavery, although not much used in hundreds of years it is still a form of governance that may be used occasionally to rush the construction of certain buildings, particularly in the New World of “Tan” (as named by a pre-eminent Indian leader long ago).

New laws were being drafted in Ko Choson:

1) Slavery to be abolished completely in the Old World immediately
2) Slavery to be abolished in “Tan” within 80 years
3) Liberalism to be introduced progressively from 1395AD to strengthen cultural borders
4) The Monarchy to be enshrined in tradition but a more representative government to be trialled.

Yung turned to his son and stared long and hard at him. Wang Yung had prided himself over the internationally renowned success of his economy but looked to his son for continuance. The three foundations of our society must be:
1) Buddhist tradition
2) Economy
3) Diplomacy

He sees a time may come when many nations remember the Choson fondly and hold them in high regard. Yung asked his son to set about compiling a book of Choson deeds. He liked to see his son as a bit of a philospher but now firmly entrenched in the capital.

[OzzyKP]

Under the long rule of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, Arabia prospered. Civil strife was at its lowest levels in centuries despite the uneasy relationship between the Abbisad dynasty under Harun ruling in mainland Arabia, and the lingering line of Umayyad Caliphs in Al-Andalus. Their relationship was uneasy, but not hostile. If an external power threatened, both sides knew they would support their Arab brothers.

Under Harun, Arabia was enjoying the longest period of peace in its short, warlike history. Since the Great Western War and the conquest of Al-Andalus Arabia's guns and bows have been silent. Arabia is ever vigilant however. The winds of change were blowing, and it was a cold wind.

Many factors caused the Caliph to grow concerned for the safety of his people. The Vikings and Choson, two of the most advanced and powerful nations on earth had renewed their ancient alliance and were expanding aggressively in the new world. Emboldened by this alliance the Vikings began a war of words against the Arabians, Bulgarians and Indians - nations settling in the northern continent of the new world, threatening all with war if they didn't vacate.

The Caliph was concerned, but was not threatened by the Vikings. However General Salah ad-Din (Saladin to the unwashed heathens of the north) noticed dangerous signs from Arabia's eastern border. The Choson were rapidly rearming and with the 500 year peace treaty signed between the Choson & Arabs about to expire, the Arab government grew extremely concerned. A Choson attack from the east and a Viking/Carthaginian attack from the north would result in a long, costly war.

Caliph Harun began a campaign of modernization of the military. Bows and swords were traded for muskets and rifles. The eastern border was secured in fear of a Choson invasion. After years of recruitment and modernization Arabia once again boasted the world's largest most fearsome military.

Only time will tell if this will be a sufficient deterant to Choson-Viking aggression.

[deity]

Originally posted by OzzyKP
Only time will tell if this will be a sufficient deterant to Choson-Viking aggression.

To: Caliph Harun al-Rashid of Arabia
From: Wang Yung of the Choson
Date: 22 Dec 1395
Re: Perceived Choson 'aggression'

Welcome back Caliph Harun al-Rashid to the diplomatic arena!

Long have we craved contact with our neigbours but such contact has been denied us for nearly a century. You almost seem as a friend but your words are harsh indeed.

If we look at the facts:
* The Choson technically declared war on the Arabs when our allies the Celts were attacked by your forebears many years ago, but the Choson did not attack Arabia nor was any attack planned. No planned or actual aggression on our part here.
* The Choson did not attack Arabia when the Western nations attacked Bulgaria and your defences were down. No planned or actual aggression on our part here.
* Our 500 year peace treaty was fully honoured on our side. No planned or actual aggression on our part here.
* When a Choson Caravel was trapped many years ago at sea between Arab borders there was no help in allowing it to return home; but when two Arab Triremes were trapped in Choson borders we allowed a temporary OB treaty to permit the safe return of your ships - which have since been upgraded and protect Medina. No planned or actual aggression on our part here.
*When the Vikings spoke of war against Bulgaria and Arabia in the New World the Choson made every attempt to calm the situation which succeeded. No planned or actual aggression on our part here.

In fact there has never been a physical act of outright aggression against any nation by the Choson.

We fail to see why you fear us so much.

We appreciate that in all other respects the Arabs have upheld the terms of the 500 year treaty and restricted New World settlement to the Northern landmass. New leadership in the much enlarged and envigorated Viking nation, with its' huge influx of Cartaginian refugees, causes us to take somne credit for forging this birth of a new nation and appeal to you to speak with this new leadership to learn of their more diplomatically tastefull processes and manner.

A new Terra dawns. Old ways are for the history books. New methods of world conduct beckon us all to a new level of true 'civilis(z)ation, religious tolerance, economic cooperation and military balance.

I ask you this. Do we continue our arms race or is there another way forward?

[OzzyKP]

Arabia has no desire for war, but we will not tolerate threats against us and our allies. Strength is the only path to peace. Weakness only invites attack, as the Viking threats proved. Arabia has no intention to roll over and allow the Choson and her allies to bully us. If the Choson truly desire peace then Arabia demands she work with her northern ally to reach a mutually agreeable border agreement in the northern continent. Only formal recognition and acceptance of each other's borders and land claims can avoid war in the new world. War that would surely spill into the old world as well.

For centuries the Vikings and Carthaginians have been silent here in this forum of diplomacy. So if you, and they desire peace, I urge you to bring them here to the negotiating table.

[condor223]

Twas Night Before Heb-Sed

Twas the night before heb-sed, the big jamboree
not a critter was stirring not even a plague flea.
The heretics were hung on the gallows with flair
In hopes that Amun would soon return there.
The slaves were hobbled with hemp to the tree,
Waiting for Moses to come part the Sea.
The Queen in her sheer gown and I in my kilt,
were done with a feast but feeling no guilt.
When at the boundary stele there was such a clatter,
I had the vizier go see what's the matter.

And then to my horror, what should appear,
But eight divine beings - a procession so queer!
Led by their master, so lively and quick,
I knew at that moment it was no trick.
More rapid than falcons his coursers they came,
And he chanted and sang, and called them by name;
"Now Ptah!, Now Maat! Now Sobek and Isis!
On Atum! On Hathor! On Seth and Osiris!
To Amarna! To Amarna! To that heretic's home!
To slash him and slash him and smash all his bones!"

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the porch
Their shuffling and murmurs and the smell of a torch!
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
In thru the door came Amun on a bound.
The slaves and the nobles all prostrate around,
Sickened me dearly, as I adjusted my crown.
A squint of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had something to dread;
"Stop with the repression, our names should remain!
That Aten's no god, just something inane!"

I stared and I gawked and felt quite a fright,
for here was Amun in the middle of the night!
"Restore our memory, return our glory,
or damned shall it be - your life story!"
My knees were knocking, my teeth were a'chatter,
I was so frightened, nothing else mattered.
Giving a nod, he departed the room,
But my heart was still heavy and filled with a gloom.

Next came Osiris with crook and with flail
The sight of him made Nefertiti grow pale.
"Heretic! Idolator!", boomed a voice with a lilt,
then fecal matter went forth in my kilt.
Now to my children asleep in their beds,
a very strange shape he put to their heads!
He turned and departed with such a wry smile,
Dust motes unmoved as he swept down the aisle.
They turned and they left with no further tussle,
It still scared my wife, that ancient Jane Russell.
Then I heard him exclaim in a voice filled with pluck,
"Let all praise Amun, since Aten just sucks!"

[OzzyKP]

Nolan, I just love your posts. Quality work.

[Robert]

Abhijit, King of the Colonies

During the reigh of Abhijit the Indian colonies grew rapidly. Spread among the vast lands and the islands of Tan the Indian territory and resources became an important source of income for India. The money made by the many Krishnian cities in the old world was enough to cover the expences of the far away cities on Tan.

During the reign of Abhijit many Great Scientists were born who were able to discover new technologies. Despite the fact that India is just a small nation on Terra it had a huge scientific output.

The Indian colonies were scattered over Tan. The next job for Abhijit would be to see if it would be possible to trade some cities and territories with foreign nations to create a connected territory of Indian lands on Tan.

Abhijit investigated the new world, seeing if it would be possible to make some deals.

[Rykoffe]

The Republic

((The following are separate stories, placed in different styles. They are pieced together in chronological order for the understanding of other players, but would otherwise be random excerpts from tales people spread; meaning that the young merchant of the first "Chapter" has nothing to do with the written scroll of the second "Chapter," nor would any tale-bringer know of the other.))



CHAPTER I. The Young Merchant's Recollections.

The bloodline of Sverre sat underneath a row of stone-settings. Small piles of rocks marked each of the gravesites: so many markers lie present, and yet there was an undying sense of loneliness lingering in the mist.

Without an apparent vessel for the people's hopes and ambitions, the Northlanders began to exercise their custom of selecting one anew. Such a choice, however, did not come easily to these men and women.

The belief structure of the Vikings required strong leadership. This belief was so important that it would never be seen as dishonorable to abandon a weak king in favor of one who could be the very hammer of the Gods.

Many men took this as an opportunity to boast of their right to rule, engaging in outlandish contests or shows of foolish valor. Indeed, it would be one such event which dictated who would emerge victorious, but not in the way one would immediately conclude.

For, you see, the head Priestess of Hippo (from the scattered cities of what might loosely be identified as the people of Carthage) was soon to return to her city after having rightly done her official duty of paying respect to the dead.

She had given one of her honor guard permission to participate in the 'festivities' which had overtaken the very energy and hearts of the Viking population. No, before you go leaping to any ill-assumed conclusions, this soldier of Carthage had no plans of winning said-hearts. Rather, he was an accomplished spear-hurler -- or at least, accomplished so far as having grown up in a small-sized outlier of Hippo, not even in it's very walls. He desired a chance to prove to himself and to the Priestess he was a capable warrior, and entered into something resembling a tournament.

The Viking chieftains in this contest of throwing distance and accuracy, at first, tried to deny this poor guard's entry. He wasn't of proper blood, and the such. He was about to return to the High Priestess's caravan when she delicately wove her way through the crowds, weaving amidst the people like a freshly born trickle of water sliding down a once-dry riverbed. I was not close enough to hear her words, but convince them she did; I can only guess she explained that all he wanted to do was play in a man's game, not try his hand for leadership.

Stout shafts with finely wrought metal-tips were hefted, examined, and exchanged by all sizes of men. Some were short in height but stocky in muscle, others were as tall as a giant with a beard to match. The Carthaginian soldier was but another face, no one important; and anyone looking in his direction was more likely to notice the out-of-place robed woman standing placidly to the side. When all of the contestants were pleased with their choice of instrument, the targets were presented. Picture, if you must, a line of archery targets but with no archers; rather, brutish men with thick spears capable of fully impaling a savage beast. The air smelled of sweat and dirt, and to all: this was glory.

A shout was given and spears were launched towards their respective markers. The man from Carthage was not valued too harshly; indeed, he was surpassed only by two others. Despite the long-standing recognition between the two peoples, however, one of the Vikings -- one of the ones who scored less admirably than the honor guard, I might add -- stormed up to the Priestess and her guard.

At first, he only indulged himself in insults. If he had not pressed further with such bile, what happened to the two peoples would never have emerged. The honor guard who placed third dared not respond, as he had civility to maintain: both for his professional position and in his role as a guest. Or perhaps because the Priestess seemed like such a gentle flower whose ears should never be blighted with the appropiate vulgarities for a response. Then you can wholly imagine the shock on everyone's faces when, in one swift rebuttal towards his open threat, it was the Priestess herself who scooped up a random spear from the weapons rack -- unwanted by all the marksmen, imagine that! -- and flung it dead center into the chest of the Viking. Truly, while it were not thrown so far a distance, this act had far-spread repercussions. Tremendous, I might say.

In any other culture, perhaps, one might expect some sort of riot at this. But for the Vikings! Never would they naysay this, for the Priestess had, in their eyes, stood up for honor and did not wilt before a stronger, meaner foe.

In a wild sense, she had bested all the other contestants then and there. After all, what manner of glory did planting a piece of wood in a bale of straw compare to that of slaying another in personal combat?



CHAPTER II. From the Pen of New Utica.

I, Judge Felicitas of the Hundred and Four, in my office of governing New Utica, have received a most monumental account from the sea captain of the latest delivery from Hippo, which has always lain far across the vast ocean. Were it not for similar whispers coursing through the city, I would discard such a preposterous story as mere rumor; but the sheer deluge of corresponding stories lends a solid weight to their veracity. Of equal give is the newfound pride, which no Carthage-born can simply ignore.

I hereby record the details of my listenings to parchment, so that future generations may recognize this as the period in which the beacon which is the life of Carthage has truly shined it's brightest in all of our archived history.

I shall first explain that the jewel of the Carthage cityscapes, each independent in it's own right, working separately from the other, is Hippo. Within Hippo's walls resides the clergy, of which there is a bloodtie of unmistakable wisdom. These descendants are always women, and are commonly referred by the people of Carthage as the Priestesses. The short of it: she now leads all of old Carthage (a feat never before achieved) as well as the primary Northland settlements. I am told that this Priestess may tie to herself a new name, not of her given birthright, of which none here yet know. The reason for this may very well be to win the Viking brethren under her banner. These news are years old, however, and she may already have the Vikings praising her name before such gospel ever reached my ears. On the other side, she may already have passed on, and her daughter has seized the mantle.

The Priestess took it upon herself to bring her martial hand to bear and strike down an infidel; one who dared to raise his hand against the Priestess. (I have asked where the honor guard were, but this mystery is one I've no solution to.) It would seem that in doing so, the Priestess unknowingly garnered immediate prestige. Accordingly, she had been invited to partake of a hunt near the Incan forests bordering the southern face of the Viking coastline.

During this hunt, one of the tracker-hounds went berserk and lunged for a Northlander of some renown. Caught by surprise as he was, even he was hard pressed to surmount the feral jaws of his now frenzied hound. As it should be, the Priestess's honor guard was nearby and ready to reply with lethal force, whereas their Viking companions were delayed in their reactions as they were focused on their intended, less fearsome quarry. This Viking chieftain the Priestess's men had rescued from the brink of expiration then and there pledged some manner of life-debt to the Priestess.

The accounts grow gray here, and less detailed, but the general idea of it remains true. A handful of the other Viking chieftains, mistaking this pledge for one of fealty, began to follow suit, pledging their loyalty to her. This is a bond similar only in sound, as one is ended when the debt of life is repaid, and the other is ended in treachery. The mistake was soon realized, but it would be unthinkable to besmirch one's own pledge, especially so soon after swearing to it. A few of the remaining Viking lords joined their brothers in announcing their service to the Priestess, though there were some who would not. Unfortunately, not a single sailor knew any names, and I can only hope the Priestess will watch out for these men.



CHAPTER III. Under the North Star.

Father, I hope this letter finds you recovering from your earlier bout with sickness. Living by the sea in Carthage must be doing more for your longevity than meting out existence in the harsh deserts around Hippo.

As you must have already heard by now, the Northlanders call me the Dragon's Head. They believe I will be their ward. It is not a formal title of any sort -- or rather, it was not until now -- as the Vikings have dragon heads on the masts of their ships to protect them for sea voyages.

I do not think they would be pleased if I continued to be known by so humble a title as the Priestess, but there is something more here that they do not yet recognize. There is more than the Viking people under my care, and it is surprising that they've yet to realize it. I will need a rank bearing a name which inspires both peoples, though I imagine I will always remain the Priestess to the minds of Carthage and the Dragon's Head to the spirits of the Vikings.

Each body of Carthage has always commanded herself alone, as communication between cities has been difficult and distant. Now, with the advent of a bond of the new cities in the faraway lands and the merging of both the Northlanders and the Carthaginian people, it is possible to have some manner of guidance for this nation.

Yes, one nation, that is no mistake. To this effect, we will be known as the New Republic of Free Municipalities, and I will adopt the title of Consul which should satisfy both peoples. Let it be heard that our banner will carry the North Star, which means different things to the Northlanders and Carthaginians separately, but with hope, their similarities will emerge and become a common symbol of unity.

As I know too much talk, even one of the new government, will bore you, I will refrain from speaking more about how the Republic will operate, aside from reassuring you that the word of a Northlander is stronger than the finest hammered metal.

Even with all of these titanic responsibilities and troubles, the true reason I write this letter to you is to hope you may find your peace with me before it is too late and time takes it's toll on our lives. You may have always been resentful that I now stand in mother's place after her demise, but such is the way of our family line. Know that she would have wanted me to do well by Carthage and follow in her footsteps, and her mother's before her. Please, dearest father, be proud of my achievements for once.

Signed,
Your wayward daughter.

[condor223]

Old Pharaoh Ay recieved his vizier, who entered the chamber joyfully.

"Great House, beloved of Amun! a great Prophet has been born in Thebes!! He has bashed the last of the Atenists!"

"We have had enough religion now that Amun has returned to Egypt."

"Sire, the Choson have been asking for audience and indicate a desire for our young prophet to build something in their land"

Good, good, if we can make a reasonable arrangement, perhaps this young prophet will use his energy elsewhere.. I am tired ... Let the Choson deal with the youthful prophet! But I command you... Get a good arrangement from them, or you shall pay for it yourself!"

"Yes Sire! There is a bit of good news from the Kushren... The prince has arrived with his sailors and will provide training for them. We will see where this diplomacy leads Egypt!"