History of the World, the 8th Wonder of the World

[Pinchak]

The Zulu people are currently electing a new ruler, so in the meantime, the royal Zulu counsel will address this counter offer.

The royal counsel finds your offer unacceptable. Although we wish for peace, we cannot drive our people from sacred Zulu land.

Your initial offer to the Zulu was peace, and we settle no further north, you settle no further south. Now, after you have convinced the world that the English are the "victim" here, you request we destroy one of our cities for English benefit? Is this request really coming from the same civilization that considers destruction of neutral roads an act of war?

We would hardly consider the placement of Bulawayo as an "aggressive move" to stifle the English. This is no doubt another sympathy tactic by your government to play victim for imperialistic gain. We seriously question the intelligence and/or objectivity of any nation that agrees with your line of thinking.

Make no mistake, the new Zulu leader will not compromise his peoples rights over a perceived injustice by another nation. The Zulu were there first, and there the Zulu shall remain.

If an end to this war is truly what the English seek, they should be willing to do so without compensation. We as a people apologize for Levi's interference with your roads, but will not sell ourselves short over what is now primarily a boarder dispute... not a bid for genocide as in the days of Levi.

Our counter offer is as follows...

1. No war 300 turns.

2. No restrictions on crosses. This should give you a little more elbow room.

As before, if you are willing to deal with Nottingham in exchange for land further west we may be willing to work with that. We will not however, hand over all land north of our capital.

Time is running out King Ozzy. We suggest you agree to a fair agreement, as opposed to trying to wheel and deal a little extra land out of this situation.

- Royal Counsel of the Zulu Tribes

[Pinchak]

If we do not come to an agreement by gametime, we will offer a simple ingame peace agreement, with no strings.

[Toni]

A letter from Germany

Hanz The Patient One pleads to both sides to find a peaceful coexistence

[deity]

Konya hears tales of troubles in the far away East. Our Northern neighbour, The Carthaginians, are apparently just to the West of the disputed lands.

It struck him that the English were trying to take advantage of the leadership change in Zululand. A new peaceful leader appeared to be emerging there and surely this with peace offerings is enough for now?

Instead of war the English have a peaceful southern neighbour who they can grow with and work closely with for mutual benefit.

The English are way over-playing their cards here.

It seems that land between the English, Carthaginians, Zulus, Indians and ourselves is at a premium - particularly as we and the Carthaginians can not expand West at all.

Sometimes we must learn to grow smaller yet strong civilisations.

[deity]

Re: A letter from Germany

Originally posted by Toni
Hanz The Patient One pleads to both sides to find a peaceful coexistence

My dear Hanz,

Is this all that Germany has to say?

Surely a Foreign Affairs position needs to be reached based on international fairness and an understanding of the geo-political circumstances of the matter.

I urge you to consider our deliberations.

A peaceful coexistence may only be found by appropriate international pressure.

We can not all be everyone's friend.

Your great southern 'friend'

Konya

[Toni]

Dear Konya,

This conflict in the Far East is a delicate matter, Hanz has called on upon the great council to sit down and investigate this matter further, plus there is new evidence at hand which will help Germany state a more clear position.

Please look for our reply soon!

[deity]

Originally posted by Toni
Dear Konya,

This conflict in the Far East is a delicate matter, Hanz has called on upon the great council to sit down and investigate this matter further, plus there is new evidence at hand which will help Germany state a more clear position.

Please look for our reply soon!

Thankyou Hanz for such a prompt reply!

We look forward to seeing your riders of diplomacy in action

[OzzyKP]

England is increasingly dismayed over the mixed messages we are receiving from the Zulu. Terms of peace were delivered to English diplomatic personnel and then not long after a second list of terms were delivered reflecting a change of heart of the Zulu. The second proposal looked compelling and we were just about to send a response when a third Zulu envoy arrived seeking to negate the two previous peace offers and offering a third offer that fails to address several points raised by English leadership.

This lack of clarity and organization within the Zulu government worries many in England. Is there a stable unified government that will honor any agreement we sign?

[Pinchak]

The Zulu nation is currently under control of the Royal Counsel of the Zulu Tribes. The English scoffed at our first offer, and disagreed with later offers.

Tomarrow at 12 noon the results of the tribal election will be tallied, and a new leader will take control. The counsel will advise him of the terms of any peace agreements, and we will STRONGLY recommend he govern in accordance with any agreements between the English and Zulu.

So no fear, anything we agree upon prior to session tomarrow WILL be adhered to on our end.

We should come to an agreement soon.

If you are not willing to trade Nottingham for Bulawayo, then we must keep Bulawayo where it is. If you have any alternate ideas, we are all ears.

We also urge an extended peace agreement as discussed before. This will allow both of our nations to recover without having to enter a cold war.

We await your responce.

- The Royal Counsel of the Zulu Tribes

[dacole]

*As I have no contact with the english and only very very limited contact with the zulu I am going to play it off as I am not hearing any of the above exchange since I think in the real world I wouldn't be rumors of war will however reach my ears.*

The birth of buddhism

Roosevelt sat in his hut listening to his adviser tell him of the Incan creation beliefs. "Do they not see the contradictions in their own stories? How can people believe such things?" "I do not know great Roosevelt" replied his adviser. "They have also came up with other stories they call Hinduism" Long into the night Roosevelt and his Adviser talked given Roosevelt much to think about that night and the next day. Then he did something he had never done before, calling for his chair he rode out into his city unannounced dressed as a begger late at night when no one was on the street. Over the advice of his advisors he spent the night and most of the next day alone in the city. "Rebirth, Karma these seem right and like what I remember from the time of night in day but the rest it does not. The Gods may exist or they may not but does it really matter?" Long did Roosevelt ponder such matters until around him the city began to awaken and people began to start going about their daily activities. Much to Roosevelt's surprise many more beggers joined him all much worse off than he. Some obviously blind others with no arms or feet. Even those who seemed happy when they first came by upon returning were distraught more often than not. "Suffering this is the nature of existance" thought Roosevelt "all life is suffering" "But who am I?" He thought as he watched a fire dance in a citizens cooking hearth. "Like that fire soon I will be gone, even now am I the same person I was a day ago a second no. Nothing is permanent like the fire or a river I exist only as a process of constant change" As soon as this became clear to Roosevelt a great tiredness came over him a tiredness like he had never before experienced. Soon he was asleep and as he slept he dreamed he was visited by an elephant spirit who taught him many things, who taught him right action, right thought, and right meditation. Once it had finished teaching him the spirit entered his body and Roosevelt awoke. As he awoke a calmness entered his body and with no more thought than he gave to breathing he stood and began to walk back toward the palace. When he arrived he announced himself at the gate but the guards only laughed. Everyone knew Roosevelt could not walk and would never leave the palace dressed as a begger. "Get Teddy" Roosevelt said "He will no me". This surprised the guards as very few people knew Roosevelt's older brother's nickname. Teddy was brought and Roosevelt asked him "Teddy do you know me?" Teddy looked at the "begger" long and hard walking around him several times before he spoke. "You are and you are not my younger brother" he said "besides the fact you are walking something else is different still, you are he"
"Yes I am your brother" replied Roosevelt "but I am also not, I am the Buddha"

Word of Roosevelt's miraculous healing spread like wildfire throughout America. Some said that once he had acheived enlightenment a third leg had grown from his armpit only to fall off later. No others said he now had a third eye in the middle of his forehead that would open when he meditated. No matter the stories that were told people from all over the country came to hear him speak and Buddhism was born.

Rumors of war in the south east
Rumors of war in the south east began to filter into America the English, Americas foe in time of legend, not only still existed but considered America their rightful slaves. Rumor stated they had come into conflict with a tribe known as the Zulu a warlike race the most distant American explorers had mentioned seeing cities of in the distance. "The inca have called for peace between the Zulu and the English who it seems they have foisted their religion on." Speaking softly as he meditated Roosevelt replied "As sad as it makes me to see any still roped to this burden we call existence enlightenment can not be forced upon others, this is not right action. Still send word to the Zulu we also wish peace but that we do not expect them to accept our religion unless they choose to. Do be sure though to send a missionary with the reply" "Of course Roosevelt" replied the aid.

[OzzyKP]

Originally posted by Pinchak
Our counter offer is as follows...

1. No war 300 turns.

2. No restrictions on crosses. This should give you a little more elbow room.

We are again discouraged by the fact the Zulu made one offer we were more than ready to accept only to retract it before our response was crafted.

We are further discouraged that this new offer does nothing to address the hostile Zulu encroachment on English land.

However as time is running out and as peace is really our top concern, we accept the peace terms articulated above. Not without considerable reservations of course, but we accept the peace deal.

- King Ælfrēd of England

[Pinchak]

A New Leader Takes Power

The Zulu capital was alive with activity on the day of the election. Merchants brought their wears in from near and far. Entertainers danced throughout the streets doing back flips and juggling flaming torches. Men of stature came from all surrounding villages to witness this most historic event in Zulu history. Deep tribal base drums beat night and day, adding a sense of anticipation to the whole event.

When the sun reached directly overhead, the drums stopped, signaling that the new Zulu leader was to be announced. A crowd of thousands encircled the makeshift wooden podium on top of which the Royal Counsel of the Zulu sat.

All of the candidates for chief were already members of the counsel except two. George Washington Carver, a medicine man from Bulawayo, who was credited with such grand inventions such as farming, and pottery. The other, Nelson Mandela, a chief from a small village to the south who was a prisoner of King Levi's for many years. His crimes were speaking out against the war with the English. Upon taking the stage, the crowd cheered wildly.

Shaka, the chief of warfare, addressed the crowd. "My great people of the Zulu tribes, it is with great honor that I announce you have elected Nelson Mandela as your new Head Chief."

The crowd erupted into cheering, babies were tossed into the air, and long time enemies embraced in jubilation. Mandela approached the stage, shook the hand of Shaka, then spoke to the people... the crowd fell silent.

"Zulu people, I wholeheartedly accept the title of Head Chief. Under my direction, I promise a dawning of a new era for us as a nation. We shall grow and prosper as our neighbor nations have, while maintaining our cultural identity. Although we will maintain a strong military as we always have in the past, it's function will shift from that of aggressor, to that of protector. These changes will not come easy, and I personally ask each of you to contribute for the sake of us as a people."

"As a tangible sign of our transformation, and to help put the days of Levi behind us, our cities will be renamed.

The great capital Ulundi, in which we celebrate today, will be renamed Inhliziyo (heart).

Bulawayo will be renamed Ihlathi (jungle).

Nobamba will take the name of Ichibi Elinci (little lake).

uMgungundlovu will now be known as Ichibi Elikhulu (big lake)."

Once again the crowd cheered loudly. A few babies were tossed into the air in joy.

Mandela spoke again, "Although many of you place some blame on the Royal Counsel for the war with the English, you must realize they lived in fear of Levi. Because they know our nation better than anyone, I will be keeping them as the Royal Counsel, to advise me and help lead us to greatness.

Shaka will become the Chief of Protection.

Sharpton will become our Chief of Spirituality.

Carver will know be know as the Chief of Science.

Master is now appointed Chief of Finance.

King is given the honor of Chief of Foreign Affairs.

Douglass is appointed Chief of Infrastructure and Internal Affairs.

Again, the crowd cheered. Men who were first concerned their candidate did not win now carried full smiles. Babies were tossed, wine splashed around.

Just then, a Zulu runner made his way through the crowd, approached Mandela, and handed him a sealed scroll. Mandela, a very learned man, read the scroll to himself without need for translation. A wide toothy smile crept across his face.

"Zulu people, the English have accepted our offer of peace!"

The crowd went absolutely bonkers. Many a baby was tossed, enemies hugged each other, money was thrown around, women wept, children squealed with joy.

The tribal drums started again, rapidly but softly at first.

"Zulu people, this is truly a great day in our history. Enjoy the evening, and the royal feast that has been prepared. Enjoy tonight, as the days to come will be hard work, but it will all be worth it."

With Mandela's last word the drums hit full volume, changed beat, and fueled the wildest party in Zulu history.

While the populace celebrated late into the night, intoxicated with the promise of a bright future, Mandela and his counsel returned to the relative quietness of the royal hut.

"My trusted royal counsel, there is much important work ahead of us...."

[Beta]

So, how many babies ended up in hospital the next day???

(Great stuff Pinchak!! The Tarantino post was simply wonderful.)

[Pinchak]

It is a little known fact that Zulu babies are bred for durablity. Although they do not get injured during tossing, they sure do make a lot of noise!

[condor223]

We have learned Writing, keeping records for the education of our youth, now that has some meaning for Egypt!

The Vizier had his children summoned, after he had understood the ways of man, their character having become clear to him. Then he said to them; "all that is written in this book do not go beyond what has been set down."

Then they placed themselves on their bellies. They recited it as it was written. It seems good to them beyond anything in the whole land. They stood and sat that accordingly.

"The respectful man prospers,
Praised is the modest one,
The tent is open to the silent,
The seat to the quiet is spacious,
Do not chatter!
Knives are sharp against the blunderer,
Without hurry except when he faults.

When you sit with company,
Shun the food you love;
Restraint is a brief moment,
Gluttony is based and is reproved,
A cup of water, quench his thirst,
A mouthfull of herbs, strengthens the heart;
One good thing stands for goodness,
A little something stands for much,
I was he who is belly covets.
When mealtime has passed,
He forgets those in whose house his belly roams.


When you sit with the glutton,
Eat when his greed has passed;
Wen you drink with the drunkard,
Take when his heart is content.
Don't fall upon meat by the side of a glutton, take when he gives you, don't refuse it,
Then it will soothe.
He who is blameless in matters of food,
No word can prevail against him;
He who is gentle, even timid,
The harsh is kinder to him than to his mother,
All people are his servants.

Let your name go forth .
While your mouth the silent.
When you are summoned, don't boast of strength .
Among those your age, lest you be opposed.
One does not know what may happen,
What God does when he punishes.

Don't be proud of your knowledge,
Consult the ignorant and the wise;
The limits of art are not reached,
No artists skills are perfect;
Good speech is more hidden then Greenstone,
Get may be found among maids at the grindstone's.

If you Meet a disputant in action,
A powerful man superior to you,
Fold your arms, bend your back,
To flout him will not make him agree with you.
Make a little of the evil speech.
By not opposing him while he's in action;
He will be called an ignoramus,
Your self-control will match his pile of words.

If you meet a disputant in action .
Who is your equal, on your level,
You will make your worth exceed his by silence,
While he is speaking evilly,
There will be much talk by the hearers,
Your name will be good in the mind of the magistrates.

If you need to disputant in action,
A poor man, not your equal,
Do not attack him because he is weak,
Let him alone, he will confute himself.
Do not answer him to relieve your heart,
Do not bend yourself against your opponent,
Wretched is he who injures a poor man,
One will wish to do what you desire,
You will beat him through the magistrates reproof.

If you are man who leads,
Who controls the affairs of the many,
Seek out every good deed,
That your conduct may be blameless.
Great is justice, lasting in effect,
Unchallenged since the time of Osiris.
One punishes the transgressor of laws,
Though the greedy, overlooks this;
Baseness may seize riches,
Yet crime never lands its wares;
In the end, it is justice that lasts,

Do not scheme against people,
God punishes accordingly:
If a man says "I shall live by it,"
He will like bread , for his mouth.
If a man says:" I shall be rich,"
He will have to say: "my cleverness has snared me."
If he says: " I will snared for myself,"
He will be unable to say, "I snared for my profit."
If a man says:" I will rob someone,"
He will in being given to a stranger.
People's schemes to not prevail,
Gods commands is what prevails;
Live then in the midst of peace,
What they give comes by itself.

If you are a man of trust,
Sent by one great man to another,
Adhere to the nature of him, who sent you.
Give this message as he said it.
Guard against reviling speech,
Which embroils one great with another;
Keep to the truth, don't exceed it,
Do not malign anyone,
Great for small, the ka abhors it.

If you are mighty, gain respect to knowledge .
And through gentleness of speech.
Don't command, except as is fitting.
He provokes gets into trouble.
Don't be haughty, lest you be humbled,
Don't be mute, lest you be chided.
When you answer one who is fuming,
Avert your face, control yourself.
The flame of the hot heart sweeps across,
He who steps gently, his path is paved.
He who frets all day has no happy moment,

If you are angered by a misdeed
Lean toward a man on account of his rightness;
Passed it over, don't recall that,
Since he was silent to you the first day.

Be generous as long as you live,
What leaves the storehouse does not return;
It is the food to be shared, which is coveted,
One whose belly is empty is an accuser;
One deprived becomes an opponent,
Kindness is a man's memorial .
For the years after the function."

Taken from ancient Egyptian Literature, the Old and the Middle Kingdoms; by Miriam Lichtheim