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

[dacole]

History between the Inca and the Americans continues

Soon after the discovery of the middle way Roosevelt looked across his city and did not like what he saw. Children were sleeping in the street while their parents begged for scraps. Some leaders given this state of affairs would declare a wasteful and unnecessary war but this was not the way of the Buddha. Better to found a second city. And so it was full of hope and dreams that settlers left Roosevelt and went to found another city. It was then the Inca appeared. In an effort to spread Buddhism and save the untouchable caste from the horrors of their life, horrors the Americans new only to well from their time with the English, the Buddha had pointed out the many flaws within the philosophy of Hinduism. Now it seemed the Hindus, true to the more violent parts of their pantheon, would kill undefended and innocent settlers. Tempers in the Buddha's chambers ran high.

"You must declare war on them now" Said War Minister MacArthur they enslave a segment of their population simply because of who their parents were and now they threaten us with violence.

"I agree" said Teddy Roosevelt the Buddha's older brother "To do anything less would be a sign of weakness and lead to more problems later"

"I will not start a war" replied the Buddha "Inform the inca I will make the statements they require"

And so the statements were made, peace continued and the second city was founded. As time continued and the Buddha aged the American empire prospered soon all the prime city sites along the northern coastline were settled. About this time barbarians, less developed tribes criminals from the more developed civilizations, began to attack. The Inca lost two cities to them, the Buddha knew this was Karma working its magic but against the advice of his military adviser and his older brother he remained silent even offering to help though his help was refused. Soon though actions along the southern border precipitated another tense meeting between the military adviser and the Buddha.

"The Inca have placed a city directly within a days march of American territory. Directly in territory that we were soon going to be working. You CAN NOT let this stand. You must demand that the city be destroyed on pain of war!" said MacArthur. "The barbarians have shown how weak they are NOW is the time"

"I will not start a war" replied the Buddha "Karma will take care of them" and so peace was maintained.

Exploring the lands south a perfect city site was found horses and other resources were abundant. Rejoicing at the gift the universe had given them settlers set out to take advantage of this area.

Once again however the Inca interfered. Cries of border infringement went up throughout the land, despite the fact that an Incan city had been founded much closer to American lands only a few years before, and talk of city sites along the coast being left unused, despite the fact no city sites worth the name were left along the coast. Now was the time, the advisor's said the Inca MUST be taught a lesson. Already swarms of refugees were entering American towns with stories of the harsh treatment of the lower castes the lowest even being sold from birth into slavery sometimes in other lands. The English were a large purchaser or so it was said. Still the Buddha not only did not declare war on the Inca but gifted them the city. Riots broke out in several American towns after this move especially when at first the Inca refused to give American citizens right of passage through what once had been there land. Still the Buddha did nothing.


Internal problems within America
"The refuges from the Incan lands are causing disruptions" said James Blaine the American secretary of state. They daily call for war against the Inca and some knowing nothing else resort to crime to survive. As well the Inca are demanding the return of what they view as their escaped slaves.

For a time the Buddha said nothing then he replied "Have the mayors begin construction of walls around our cities to keep out those that would cause us harm. Also let it be known that any Inca who wants citizenship in the American empire will have it and none will be forcibly returned to Incan lands. However any American Citizen found guilty of crimes will become a slave until his debt to American society is repaid. As a slave they will work for the state as the state sees fit. Any children they have at the time of their enslavement will become the children of the Buddha, live in the palace and be trained at our schools until they reach 15 when they will become free American Citizens. Though they will work long hours the slaves will not be mistreated anyone found to be mistreating the slaves will become a slave them self for the rest of their life. There are no casts in American society everyone is equal in the land of the Buddha."

As the words of the Buddha spread many wondered at his wisdom. Construction of the walls began, the population of the American empire swelled, and those that could not or would not live in peace with their fellow citizens became slaves and contributed to an increase in productivity within the American Empire. As the Buddha meditated on what he had acheived Blaine returned obviously in some distress.

"Speak" said the Buddha "what distresses you?"

"I have been with the refugees from Incan lands and they speak of wonders I can not understand. It seems the Inca have some sort of alliance with one if not more civilizations. It is said through this alliance they have developed ways to record speech among other wonders"

Slowly the Buddha nodded "It seems they have isolated us, but do not fear I have sent messages to the Zulu and the Egyptians though they have yet to reply" as the Buddha paused a look of concern briefly washed over his face only to be replaced quickly by his usual look of placid control. "Our karmic actions will protect us"

[Toni]

Achievement


Germany continues to amaze the world with its building abilities, the latest achievement is the Pantheon. This great temple becomes the greatest spiritual buildings of the ancient world. Its monumental porch faces a rectangular colonnaded temple courtyard. Through great bronze doors, one enters one great circular room. The interior volume is a cylinder above which rises the hemispherical dome. Opposite the door is a recessed semicircular apse, and on each side are three additional recesses, alternately rectangular and semicircular, separated from the space under the dome by paired monolithic columns. The only natural light enters through an unglazed oculus at the center of the dome and through the bronze doors to the portico. As the sun moves, striking patterns of light illuminate the walls and floors of porphyry, granite and yellow marbles.

[Beta]

The Carthaginians – Part Three

(a third city is founded – technology trading flourishes – Queen Toxinia’s blunder)

Peace had always been kind to the Carthaginians. And the next centuries were no different. Life was almost so uneventful that historians struggled with things to write. Judaism took hold of the people. It provided them with comfort and contentment. The population grew in both Carthage and Utica. Some folks grew restless; these cities were large and established. They yearned for the challenges of a ‘tougher’ existence. It was with explicit government approval, and the best wishes of their friends and families that the ‘restless ones’ headed out to settle a new town in the hills. The new city had resources to draw on. Named Hadretum, it would no doubt do well for itself, and the Carthaginian Empire. But time would be the true test of that.

The reign of ToxoXXIX is recognized by most scholars as the First Age of Carthaginian Enlightenment. Although Carthage was a religious state by custom, as well as law, Carthaginian Judaism was not dogmatic to the extent that it blinded the scientific community, and more importantly, the leadership, of the nation from embracing technological research, and the trading of same. The many and diverse nations of the world provided a rich ground for trading the knowledge Carthaginians had developed. Although that was primarily faith-based in nature, it was still knowledge that was much sought after in the world. ToxoXXIX appointed a young emissary, and scientist, Carullus Meridianus, to lead the contact with other civilizations and to arrange trades that would benefit the Carthaginians. Toxo’s faith in Meridianus was well placed, and over the 70 plus years of his lifespan, Meridianus was able to acquire considerable needed technology through the trading of Carthage’s knowledge.

Technology was also used by King Toxo as an extension of diplomacy – and knowledge was passed to the Zulu people as a symbol of goodwill towards the Mandelan government, and to smooth over the rough spots in a troubled past. In the same manner, but provided for different reasons given the peace that has existed between the two nations, Carthage was extremely grateful for the gift of knowledge from the advanced Germans. History will note that ToxoXXIX and Carullus Meridianus died within five days of each other, in June, the lightest month of the year. The two had accomplished much for Carthage and went to their graves much loved and respected by the people. Had they known what the future portended, they would not have rested as easily at all.

The next period of Carthaginian History is dark and confused, to say the least. ToxoXXX, the late Toxo’s son, claimed the throne peacefully in natural progression. He was well educated, and of similar calm temperament to his father. He would likely have made as great a king as his father, had he not fallen down the stone stairs of the palace main entry way, and concussed himself severely, and died within two days. With no brothers, his older sister Katerina took the throne as Toxinia XXI. The polar opposite of her brother, the next few years were chaotic and disorganized. Trusted and long serving royal assistants and planners were released from the Queen’s employ, and in two suspected cases, murdered. However, this was never proven, and no one was comfortable raising the issue with either the Queen, or her current advisors. Rumours did abound, and can most certainly be taken as fact, of nightly parties and debauchery in the palaces’ back rooms. Katerina, and her two younger sisters, with unlimited access to the government coffers, had taken a capitol of competence and contemplation, and made it a place of chaos, suspicion, and waste.

It was with little surprise, and almost no expression of public disappointment then, that two years into her reign, Katerina, Queen Toxinia XXI was found stabbed to death in her bed, a captain of the 5th Carthaginian Archers dead on the floor. With little fanfare (at least they had the common sense not to try and excite the population over their antics), Matrina, the Queen’s younger sister assumed the throne. She was poured from a similar mold as her sister, but with even less maturity. The nation fell further into the abyss the leadership vacuum had created. The people did their best to keep life as normal; but with chaos in the palace, uncertainty in the military, and crime and violence on the increase in the street, one did not take a public stand against the Queen or the situation. Carthage could well have regressed back to a barbaric state under such leadership, but in an ironic twist of fate, Matrina’s own boldness and stupidity would put Carthage in such a dangerous position, that her own fate would be sealed.

With long-time advisors gone from the palace, Matrina and her current team of ‘helpers’ planned for a new city site for the settlement group that was now ready to head out to expand Carthage. This group had been in the planning stages during her father’s reign, but the plans for their settlement were long gone, and Matrina really didn’t care. She wanted a forest city, and she wanted it to the west, close to Germany, where it is said the Charioteers really knew how to handle a horse, and a woman. Matrina envisioned a resort city, one that would not grow too large, and where large tracts of the town would be reserved for special ‘royal’ palaces and projects.

With much enthusiasm, wine, and partying, and incredibly faulty planning, the city of Dark Wood was settled close to the German border, without prior consultation with them.

Hanz was not amused……

[deity]

Originally posted by Beta
The Carthaginians – Part Three

(a third city is founded – technology trading flourishes – Queen Toxinia’s blunder)

With much enthusiasm, wine, and partying, and incredibly faulty planning, the city of Dark Wood was settled close to the German border, without prior consultation with them.

Hanz was not amused……

Konya mused.

It seemed that the expansion of the Carthaginians was being done in a non consultative way on all fronts!

"Quickly, where is my Foreign Affairs Advisor! I need a quick overview of our diplomatic situation... ah, you are late, now speak quickly..."


"Sire, for eons the Carthaginians have promised to spread a new religion to us but have as yet failed. This may be a deliberate effort as other intelligence suggest a close liason between them and the Germans despite their border disputes.

Secondly, the spread of Confucionism in the whole of the Western hemisphere also gives cause for alarm - even our friendly neighbours to the West are under the sway of this most sinister religion.

The hope for a Jewish bloc is fading and it is our view that only the worlds smaller religions should be adopted by the Hittites. Overtures and salesmanship by the Americans suggests that Buddhism may be a preferable religion to adopt and they are keen for its spread. Much of the Eastern hemisphere is falling under the Buddhist spell but unlike Confucionism it may offer a more enlightened form of spiritual escape for our peoples.

Having said that I'm against the Hittites adopting ANY religion but sire..."


"Yes, I find this so de-energising. We have built great things in this land and built a wonderfull empire, the envy of all with the Hanging Gardens beckoning good will from all peoples. Our roads, our cities, our resourcefulness. I'm finding the foreign affairs scene most tiresome. It may be time to build an army."


"Sire, you will achieve MUCH more by deft dilomacy than wars will. Through diplomacy we may be able to put restraints on large empires like Germany. For example I could draft a proclamation for all nations to sign up to that limits the most successful empires in their wonder construction. As it stands few of the smaller nations can compete in this area and I know you are more interested in exploration and expansion than wonder construction. Germany would have built all of the worlds wonders if it had not been for the Hittites, save the Great Wall bult by the Indians. But this competition by us and the Germans is going to have diplomatic repercussions throughout the Terra if we don't take the initative here." Bayu Mehm was starting to sound like the real world diplomat.

Konya was not threatened, his military leanings obvious. But Bayu's summations interested him now. Konya had other uses for his resources. "Hmm, let's think on this. Start drafting a proclamation. It may earn us much cuedos. But relations with Germany will of course falter, possibly. But they too may see the same agenda and also earn cuedos."

[Robert]

Session 1: 98 turns
Session 2: 81 turns
Session 3: 60 turns
Session 4: 51 turns

[OzzyKP]

FOURTH SESSION 130 BC

India(Gandhi) - kbarrett
Egypt(Ramses II) - condor223
Korea(Wang Kong) - KunojiLym
Inca(Huayna Capac) - CyberShy
England(Elizabeth) - OzzyKP
Mali(Mansa Munsa) - Glohithia
America(Roosevelt) - dacole
Carthaginians(Hannibal) - Beta
Ottomans(Mehmed II) - Deity
Germany(Bismarck) - Toni
Zulu(Shaka) - Pinchak


Session 4 Number of Cities

Ottomans - 7 (+1)
Inca - 7 (+1)
Carthaginians - 6 (+2)
Germany - 6 (+1)
Korea - 6
Egypt - 5 (+1)
America - 5 (+1)
Zulu- 5
India - 4 (+2)
Mali - 4
England - 4

[condor223]

A time of peace has decended upon Egypt. At last, our settlers could travel un-molested! Our cities have prepared theatres and are building temples for the enjoyment of the religion crazy citizens of Egypt.

They wish to explore more religions and to build great monuments in every city. Soon there will be a grand temple for the beautification of Egyptian cities and the happiness of the Egyptian people.

[LzPrst]

Standing in the everstretching expanse of a desert so vast that it can have no ends, a man stares into the rocky dry horizon.

Where is the land that was promised us, he croaks in a dusty cracked voice.
we who should be a great people, our prophets claimed, numbers and cities like the vastness of the grains of sand in this accursed desert that has been our end. the oasis has dried up and now the last of us have perished in the heat and fire of the sun in this merciless dryness in quest for our promised sanctuary. our once-proud people are now destitute, thirsting hopelessness is all that remain of what once was a people of powerful men and honorable women. Never will we reach that which the cursed seer saw, the land of milk and honey. instead we perish here. in the death of the sandy wastes. curse the gods and spirits for leading us astray into destruction, and may my spear burrow deep into the soul of the whitch that hexed my people so, when I see her in the land of dead. for now I shall enter the afterlife and ever seek my people's undoer until the end of time. my spear will lie here always, until vengeance is mine Saladin the desertwalker will return!!

With a final shout into the barren skies the great leader falls upon his own spear and wets it with the last blood of his kind, a mark of magic so strong that even when the sands of time have ground his bones into even more sand, the hardened wood inscribed with these words will ever lie in wait, with it's bloodcovered speartip pointing homewards from whence his people once came in their pursuit of bounty and wealth. The Spear of the Lost Destiny, buried under a thousand grains of sand are all that remains of the Arabian tribe. May one day this artifact be recovered and lift the curse of damnation upon this broken people.

(in other words, hey what's up. thought I'd check up on you guys, but cant do it without a little drama. a lost tribe I figure would be a good excuse )

[Pinchak]

A Meeting with the English

When Martin Luther King returned to Zululand and told Mandela of what he learned concerning the Inca, English and Zulu common heritage, he expected the great Zulu leader to be shocked.

He was not.

"I have known this for many years, as did Mad King Levi. The secret was kept at the highest levels of Zulu Chiefdom, and was guarded closely. When I threatened to let the secret out to prevent the war between the English and Zulu, that was when Levi had me imprisoned. Perhaps it is time to reunite with our brothers."

Mandela traveled north to England and spoke with King Efred. Over a fantastic royal feast they discussed the history of the three nations.

That night, Mandela had a dream.

In his dream, a god with many arms showed him the past, and the future. The future was displayed as two opposing options, one with fire and warfare, the other with beauty and peace. The next day Mandela confided in Efred and described his dream

"Vishnu was the one showing you those images", remarked Efred, "the Hindu god of destruction and rebirth".

Mandela was deeply affected by the dream, and upon returning to Zululand, declared Hinduism as the official religion of the Zulu. Other religions would be tolerated and welcome, but Hinduism would be the spread with government backing.


The Carthagens

As nations stretched their arms and founded new cities, the Zulu remained content with five. Life was good. The tech advancements brought on by years of peace caused the Zulu to flourish, and although they were not by any means the most advanced nation on Terra, they were no longer regarded as the most backwards either.

The Zulu respected the boundaries of their neighbors, and only asked that the courtesy be returned. For many years the tension between the Zulu and surrounding nations was minimal due to adherence to this unspoken law. Minimal, until the Carthagens hunger for more land got the best of them.

Within a short time, two Carthagen cities were founded directly west of the Zulu. Surprisingly close infact to established Zulu cities. Fields that were once worked by Zulu hands were now being invaded by Carthagens.

"Chief Mandela, you must put a stop to this", was the cry Mandela heard day in and day out. Being a pacifist, Mandela shyed away from the possibility of war over boundaries. "There must be another way", he thought.

Mandela sent a runner to the Carthagen Queen, requesting that the cities be moved further away from Zulu cities, and away in particular from a incents field that the Zulu had become very fond of. The runner returned to Mandela, bringing news of the responsible Queen Toxo's death, and her replacement with an incompetent, reckless, and according to the runner, drunk younger sister.

"No wonder these cities were founded with complete disregard to friendly boundaries", thought Mandela. I will have to go in person and speak with this younger queen. I am sure an agreement can be reached, despite her poor judgment.

Mandela, satisfied with the outlook of this situation, sat down to a hearty bowl of stew, then drifted off to sleep.


A Dark Plan


In the city of Ichibi Elinci lived a medicine man by the name of Incho Undalma. Medicine man was a polite term, as most considered him a witch doctor. It was rumored that he could transform into a panther, and had the ability to steal souls.

After the death of mad king Levi, Incho assisted in the burial preparation of Levi and the rest of the men. Unknown to anyone, Incho's motives were darker than simply putting the dead to rest. A pact was formed between the former king and Incho. Protection from those who wanted to see Incho burned at the stake, in exchange for everlasting life.

During the time of Levi and Inchos friendship, the witch doctor became a regular at royal functions, and keeping his dark arts under wraps, he was eventually accepted among the royal council. This was to be a mistake that would once again plunge the Zulu into war.

Living in the city by the small lake, Incho saw first hand the Carthagen intrusion. Many of the most powerful medicines came from the incents field just west of the lake. These fields, once exclusively used by the Zulu, were now under threat of being confiscated by the Carthagens.

Incho knew what he must do. Now was the time.

Using blood from King Levi, Incho went to work preparing the resurrection potion. Shaka was to be the target, since this would put Levi in position to wage war and take back what was rightfully Zulu land. Mandela would be a problem however, as he hated war and surely would not allow it.

One night, while the stew for the council was being prepared, Incho slipped in and added his own special ingredients. The theft of body for Shaka, and the destruction of body for Mandela.

The following day, Shaka opened his eyes to the rising sun. They were not his eyes however. They were crazy, possessed eyes. Levi's eyes.

Mandela never opened his eyes. Chief Carver was called and upon examining Mandela announced he had been poisoned. Although not yet dead, it would take a very long time for him to recover, if he survived at all.

Incho met with Levi, and explained the Zulu situation. Within a matter of days, Levi had taken control of the counsel under the guise of Shaka. Seeing the army he had under his control, he quickly called for war against the Carthagens, and much of the population agreed, particularly those in the southern cities.

The royal council begged for an alternative solution, knowing full well that a war could jeopardize everything they had worked for. Shaka (Levi) would not hear of it. Although several members of the royal council suspected something was amiss with Shaka, they could not prove it.

Levi had a suit of black armor built for him, the likes of which had never been seen before. He had his army prepare for battle. The Great Dawn was clearly over, what was to come next was still a mystery.

[Robert]

Official letter from Sinchi Roca, Sapa Inca, to The 2nd Buddha, Leader of the Americans

Most Honored The Buddha,

Since ancient days the Inca and the Americans have lived next to each other. Since the ancient days of Rho'd Berth and long before Hinduism and Buddhism were founded in Rho-Cuzco and Washington the Americans and the Inca people traveled through each others countries. And for all those years our relation has been poor. To our grief, I must say.

Now I feel that our relation is about break and every connection between the nations of the two oldest faiths on Terra may be disrupted by the war that seems to rise at the horizon. Therefor I send you this letter.

Honored The Buddha, we, the Inca, do not desire war. We have done everything since the dawn of mankind to establish friendship with the Americans. But we failed. When we tried to do good, we did evil. And when we spoke words of friendship they arrived as words of enemies. But I hope that these days of old can be ended and we can restart our relations in honor and in mutual respect.

Therefor I want to explain you once again the problems of the past between our two nations.

1. The most ancient conflict conserns the hostilities between the Inca and the settlers of New York. This conflict was a result of the founding of Hinduism and Buddhism in both our nations. Some buddhists had made insults to the Hindu gods, and therefor the Inca demanded an apologization, which we received, which settled the case for us. Remember that the Inca have never insulted The Buddha or the Buddha religion, eventhough we consider it to be a false religion. We do disagree with you, but we do respect you. The settlers of New York were never in real danger and they could settle New York without further problems. Even when Carthagian warriors tried to ambush the Settlers a few months later the Inca settlers negotiated peace for the settlers and offered protection! We didn't seek for the death of the settlers! All we seeked was respect for the Hindu faith.

2. The gap of land between New York and Washington.
North of Rho-Cuzco, not so far from the capital of the Inca, laid the fields of Amerinca. these lands didn't belong to either the Americans or the Inca, but laid between the cities of New York and Washington.
Manco Capac, my father, contacted the Americans and asked if America still had the intention to settle those lands. When the Americans answered positively, we ignored the lands and didn't settle there! Even when it took ages, millenia, before the Americans settled there, we didn't. While we had the legal right to settle Inca cities so close to our capital, we didn't!

3. While we didn't settle north of Rho-Cuzco on the AmerInca fields, the Americans did settle Boston, far from the American cities and very close to Cuzco, in Incan territories. The city was unprotected and could be token by force by the Inca, but we didn't. We started negotiations which we finished in peace. Boston was given to the Inca and the Inca would deliver a settler to the Americans, and if needed an additional settler would be delivered later.

Boston was given to the Inca and the settler was given to the Americans. We felt that this was a fair deal, and we were under the impression that America thought this to be a fair deal as well. We were happy with the constrictive bargaining done by America and hoped it would strengthen our friendship.

4. In the North-West of our landmass there were the empty fields of whine and iron. We could have settled up to three cities there, but we didn't. We restrained ourselves from settling in lands that we offered to the Americans. Eventhough it took many centuries, if not millenia, for the Americans to settle there, and many Inca citizen looked with hopefull eyes at these lands, we didn't settle our cities there. I hope that the Americans will not forget that!

5. The isle of the fishing city
In the early days of our relations we felt sorry for your poor position on Terra. We understood that your land wasn't large, and therefor we didn't settle in the lands of the north. We even tried to find good spots for your cities, and discovered the famous island of the 'fishing city'. The inca people are fishers! And we expected that the Americans would be happy to have such a city as well! Fishing the seas brings in a lot of commerce!

We never had the intention to give you the assumption that special resources could be found in the waters surrounding this isle. You unfortunately understood it to be that we nevertheless. We now understand that we may have worded our words better, but we never spoke to you to mislead you. We told you about the isle only to bring a good message to you! We wanted to be friends, we didn't want to lie to you.
In our opinion this isle is worth to be settled, and if you don't consider the position to be fruitful, then I ask you if we can settle there instead?

6. The case of the Buddhistic and Hinduistic faiths
Since the Americans didn't share any border with any nation but the Inca, we offered you to open our borders, since we didn't want to lock you up. We offered you to send your missionaries through Inca territory. We asked you to not bring Buddhism into pagan cities, but offered you to spread your faith into our cities where Hinduism was spread already.

Then we wanted to offer you even more, we wanted to allow you to spread Buddhism in al Hindu cities on the world! That would enlarge the potention for Buddhism by much! We also offered to accept Buddhism as an official branch of Hinduism. An atheist form of Hinduism. In return we asked you to become a part of the Hindu alliance by accepting Hinduism as your state religion. We may see that this is not acceptable for you, but we only offered it, we didn't force it upon to you. you were free to deny. But in our opinion it was a reasonable offer, to bring buddhism to all hindu cities, which would effectively make those cities joined Hindu-Buddhistic cities, showing respect to the bounds between Hinduism and Buddhism.

Now I have seen the statistics of your growing army and I fear that you want to march to the battlefields. You want to march against your only neighbour. Why? To gain another city? Which city do you want to take? Cuzco or Boston? those are the two only cities that will connect you with the other lands. But both cities are close to each other. Not to mention that Boston was a part of a deal, and we respected the deal, do you want to break it?

You may go to war with your only neighbour, and you may even win that war. But what will you win in the end? A new city? Is that worth millenia of hate between you and your only neighbour? Closed borders so that your missionaries can't leave your nation? No protection from your neighbours when far away nations try to invade America?

Why do you seek war against your neighbour? Why would you not try to live in peace between the only nation that can offer you real friendship? You seek a far away friend above a good neighbour?

And what will a war bring you? Do you really think that you may win this war? The Inca empire is large with many cities. Within no time we can erect a large army, strong enough to encounter the American troops. And as soon as we close our borders your economy will drop. The war will most probably be long and hurt both our nations. We will be trown back into the past and none of us will gain anything. To whom do you put your trust? Far away nations that may march with you? The Carthagians have their own troubles, with the Zulu. The Germans have a solid friendship with the Inca that goes back for ages! The English appear to be neutral!

Why do you look so far for friends when there is a friend straight next to you? We do not seek war, we seek friendship! I beg you to open your eyes and see the Inca, we are ready to be friends with you! Let us not sacrifice our sons in a battle that will gain nothing to us and only serve our enemies.

If it is war that you seek, nevertheless, be prepared for a huge Inca defense. Our citizen our ready to slave themselves into a huge war production. And since we have by far more cities then you we will be able to erect an army big enough to take the lands that we gave to you. We don't want to take what we gave to you, but apparantly you want to take from us what you give to us.

If you have terms for peace, let them know. We are willing to look into many terms, but cannot hand over our cities. Neither do we ask you to hand over any city. Let's respect to be American what is American and Inca what is Inca.

I reach with my hand for you,
I reach out to hold your hand as friends!
Please take it,

Sinchi Roca

[dacole]

Death and War

The Death of Buddha

The Buddha was happy peace had been maintained between the Americans and their neighbors, buddhism was spreading even if the Inca stayed stuck in the past, and the American scientists were continuing to make incredible discoveries. It was therefore with a happy heart that he set out on spirt the horse given to him by his scientists one of the first they had been able to tame but that would only allow the Buddha to ride him, everyone else he threw off. Waving good bye to his advisor's promising to return soon he rode off south into Incan lands.

Years passed and nothing was heard from the Buddha the populace grew restless as did the council the Buddha had left behind. "Now is the time" thought MacArther "I can take control of the council and finally give the Inca what they deserve" but he knew things were not to go the way he wanted when he saw Teddy's face as he walked into his office. "What is it" he said?

"James has declared the Buddha deceased and himself leader of the Americans. "He has what?" declared MacArther "the people would never stand for this!"

Teddy "shook his head, the people have long considered the buddha dead some say he rode off to nirvana others" and here Teddy's mouth curled up into a smirk "that the inca killed him" "James will be announcing it publicly in ten minutes in the main square"

"This is terrible news is that all?" Looking down he saw a spear of unfamillar design. A spear that as soon as he looked upon he knew it must be his and strangly he wanted to pick it up and run teddy through with it. Looking up he thought to himself odd why would I want to kill teddy it is James who I must kill...."what is this spear" he said "I have not seen its like before."

"Our scouts returning from the far south found it and brought it to me thinking I might recognize it and I thought I would show it to you. I have not seen its like either"

"I think it has writing on it, has anyone been able to translate it?" asked "MacArther?

"no one has been able to no"

"send it to our scholars but tell them to report directly to me what they find. Oh and when they are done I want the spear there is something about it."

"yes I felt it to" said "Teddy I am to old for such things though hopefully you can find some good use for it?"

They left together for James speech as expected he declared the Buddha dead and said in his will he had made James the absolute ruler and he rejected the idea that the Inca had killed him. There was some mistrust in the populace but like the sheep they were no one seemed about to question James, and though he knew all the other advisor's knew that no such will had been left they too made no comments. "Sheep MacAruther thought but I am not a sheep I am a wolf and I will act accordingly."

The Death of James Blaine and the start of the first Inca American War

Several months later James was walking back from a performance of "The untouchable American" a comedy about an Incan untouchable that had escaped to America and was trying to adjust when he was grabbed from behind and drug into the ally. His eyes grew wide when he saw MacArthurs face "Yes James many would hire someone else to do what must be done but I am not a sheep I will kill you myself" He then pushed the spear easily into James chest. MacArther was no stranger to using a spear but this spear was unlike any he had ever used before. It easily went all the way through Jame's chest spilling almost no blood in the process. It was almost like the spear itself gladly drank the blood. Perhaps there was some truth to the scholars claim that the spear was magic "Saladin who were you" he wondered "and who did you want vengeance against? If only the scholors had been able to translate the rest of your words but no matter you shell help bring me vengeance against the Inca." MacArther watched James die with a smile on his face and after his death he executed the final part of his plan, as many others were doing around the empire as they killed those who had helped James, he dropped a spear of obviously Incan design beside the body.

It was a shaken populace that MacArther spoke to several days later.
"As you know several days ago some of our nations brightest leaders were killed including James himself. It is with a heavy heart that I heard of his death and an even heavier one when I read his will making me supreme leader of the American empire (one good lie deserves another doesn't it Mr. Blaine he thought to himself). As many of you have also heard Incan spears were found near ALL the bodies. Now I know many of you reacted with surprise and disbelief when this was announced but let us think back to the history between the American Empire and that of the Inca. Back in the beginnings of our civilization they threatened to kill settlers far from their lands, then when they were attacked by barbarians and help was offered they rebuffed our offers and when their cites were lost they founded one right next to our civilization still nothing was said or done." What had started out as mummers from the citizenry grew steadily louder at this point and several shouts of Death to the Inca were heard. MacArthur let them shout for a few moments before lifting the Spear above his head and shouting in a voice that surprised even him "Citizens of America hear me" instantly the crowd grew quiet and MacArther could see their eyes were drawn to the spear. "The treachery of the Inca did not end here when we founded Boston farther away from their civilization than any of their cites were to ours they complained and the city was turned over to them. Still they continue to enslave their populace, keep the incorrect faith of Hinduism, and I was just told this morning that they have spread the lie to the Zulu that the Americans were once slaves to the English and should be again and now they have slain our leaders." At this point an Incan delegation entered the far end of the square MacArthur did not let the surprise or anger show on his face but he quietly thanked the Buddha for this gift. "Do you want to live your lives as slaves to the Americans and the Inca? Do you want to let your brothers to the south die in slavery tied to an immoral religion?" Shouts of anger could be heard from the populace but still the Incan delegation approached "they must be stupid or deaf" MacArthur thought. "Then I say let it be know that from this day forward we are at WAR with the Inca." Here he raised his eyes and looked at the approaching delegation and allowed his face to show surprise. "Citizens to your arms they have come the INCA HAVE COME FREE YOURSELVES AND YOUR BROTHERS TO YOUR ARMS." Like a tidal wave the citizens rose up as one and attacked the Incan delegation. At first the delegation was like a rock in a storm. Arms were cut off, blood drenched the cobble stones, and the cries of the wounded were only barley drowned out by the cries of anger from the populace. When the army seemed like they were going to intervene MacArthur stoped them ordering them to remove and quiet the wounded only. Soon the few guards the delegation brought with them grew tired and were overwhelmed the first went down when a scythe, usually used for harvesting grain, ripped open his side spilling blood, intestines, and organs onto the pavement. As soon as he fell the populace swarmed over him ripping him to pieces someone took his sword and hacked off his head. A game of catch then ensued as his head was thrown around like a ball and held up as a trophy. Soon his chest was opened and the same was done to his heart and his other organs. At this point the delegation tried to escape but they do were soon surrounded and overwhelmed. As soon as the first guard was downed MacArther had entered the fray, recognizing the mob let him through and he walked right up to the Incan delegate. And as the populace kept his final guard busy MacArthur shouted so those around him could hear "You are braver but stupider than I thought to kill our leaders one night and then show up in our capitol the next day" and then before the delegate could respond he thrust the spear through his chest and ripped it out the other side. Blood flowed like water but MacArhter was not yet done bending down he ripped out the delegates eye and held it up to him so the last thing he saw as he died was his own eye staring back at him. Looking up MacArther saw the
"battle" was done one of the delegates aides was running out of the square and several citizens were making as if to follow him. "Citizens" shouted MacArther "let him return to the Incan lands in fact any who harm him I will kill with my own hand. We have won a great victory today let him spread the story of it to his people so they will know that the Americans will be their SLAVES NO LONGER!" As he finished a yell went up around him that soon spread throughout the crowd. Reaching down MacArther ripped out the delegates other eye held them both up in his hand so those around him could see and with a mighty squeeze of his hand crushed them to a bloody pulp. Another citizen had hitched what was left of the delegates body to a horse and was dragging it around the square. MacArther didn't notice as he picked it up and walked proudly from the square but the area where he had left the spear which had been filled with the blood of the delegate was clean but the spear had taken on an evil red color.

Later a letter was composed and sent to the Inca
"There now exists a state of war between our two civilizations. You know what you have done to bring us to this end so I shall not take the time to list your crimes. Let be known if you want this war to end these are my terms.

1. The city of Boston must be returned to the Americans
2. You must convert to Buddhism and free the untouchable
class of your society
3. The next two discoveries your scientists make that ours
have not made before yours must be shared exclusively
with the Americans.

Until these conditions are met the Inca will not be safe in their own lands.

Signed
MacArthur supreme ruler of the Americans

Later MacArthur was told that a letter was found among the remains of the Incan delegate. "burn it he said I have no interest in their pleadings" and so it was done.

[Robert]

Response to the American proposal:

1. We will give our next two technological discoveries to the Americans!
2. We allow the Buddhists to spread their faith in all our cities

We are sure that this compromis will ensure peace between our nations!

The Sapa Inca

[dacole]

MacArther laughed when he read the Inca proposal "already he said they try to sue for peace even after we destroyed their envoy" "Be sure this note is spread throughout the troops and the citizens the Inca are ripe for plucking"

[Robert]

Sinchi Roca stood on the public square of Rho-Cuzco,

People of the Inca, the Americans have declared war upon us. They have murdered in a horrific way our delegation that came to bargain for peace. We must be ready for a war that may cause the dead of many.

I do not ask you to do upon the Americans what they intend to do upon us, but I ask you to fight for freedom!To fight for a future without having to fear that MacArthur will come and rip the bodies of our children in apart! Fight for your lives!
We will win and bring civilization to the Americans.

The people cheered and started to arm themselves for war.

[Beta]

The Carthaginians – Part 4

(the military cleans house – reconciliation with Hanz – Hippo and Kerkouan built – border tensions once more)

While the antics of the Carthaginian Royalty were playing out on the international stage, the Marshall of Carthaginian Forces, Astorgus, carefully watched from the background. Biding his time, he chose his moment well. With an unconventional and direct letter to the Germans explaining the situation, and to hopefully avert a major German reaction, Astorgus set the stage for a decisive military coup. Trust-worthy military leaders and units – men who were as ashamed and angry about the state of affairs as the general public – quickly seized power under Astorgus’ guidance. The remaining daughters of the royal family disappeared into the Dark Woods; and no trace of them was ever found.

The unreliable elements of the bureaucracy – put into power recently by the “princesses”, were escorted from the palace – the worst offenders being escorted directly to the dungeon. Competent and experienced staff from previous administrations were quickly reassigned to their old jobs, and Carthage creaked back into life. Astorgus assumed the role of Temporary Prime Minister until some succession plan could be figured out.

Meanwhile, in the streets, one could hear Carthage sigh with relief. There was not so much jubilation; more a sense of shame that their civilization had fallen into such a state, and clear longing to get back to a ‘regular’ life. Astorgus and the administration did everything in their powers to accomplish that.

New settlement groups were formed and headed for the border regions. Production increased. The iron supply was connected. Things hummed along smoothly, and few called for any change in leadership. Astorgus had sufficient humility, and a good understanding of Carthaginian culture and history, that he managed himself, the government, and the army well during this period. Regarding the army, he had determined that Carthage had existed long enough without a good sense of security regarding its own defense. Although the issue with the Germans had come and gone, it clearly drove home the fact that Carthage would not be able to stand and fight for what it believed in – if it ever came to that. That changed quickly under Astorgus’ administration. With iron available, stronger, and indeed more numerous, military units were raised and trained. More were on the way. Astorgus, although not completely satisfied yet, was content with his progress.

And that military strength was timely – as the new settlements in the east – Hippo in 450bc and Kerkouan in 370BC - bordered the Zulu to the east and the Incans to the north. The Zulu in particularly were upset by the settlement site - even though Carthage agreed to move the proposed city site back closer to Carthage. It was then revealed that the Zulu had razed one of their own cities, and pushed a new city even closer to the Carthaginian capitol – laying claim to a resource that was merely 4 tiles from Carthage itself. This seemed astounding to all Carthaginians who were willing to recognize a first-come-first served philosophy on settling the world, within reason. This was beyond reason as far as Astorgus was concerned.

To the north, land which had previously been discussed with the Incans – albeit in no definite terms – was suddenly claimed by the Incans. Even when the site proposed by Carthage originally for a Carthaginian settlement was a mere 3 tiles from the capitol. Was this the result of pressure on the Incans from the Americans. It was not clear.

But things were indeed getting crowded. But warfare is not the natural way for Carthaginians. And negotiations commenced quickly with the Zulu leadership over how to reach a compromise – and how to avoid bloodshed.