History of the World XI - 11 o'clock, one hour before doomsday! [Story Thread]

[Frank Johnson]

The German people gradually came to become the dominate people in a coastal region of land surrounded by forests and jungles. Domestication of crops and more organized ultiization of native species promoted a more sedentary life style and created a self-reinforcing loop of population growth and food production.

This period of time allowed Germany to organize 3 parties of warriors tol explore the world around then. The warriors gathered a great deal of knowledge from the surrounding peoples who for the most part were in awe of the superior numbers and leadership displayed by the far flung Germans. These adverturers returned to Germany with knowledge futher knowledge of agriculture and crop domestication that speed the process of Germany's population growth. In addition skills such as animal husbandry, masonry, and mystic arts difussed into the German cultural zone from tribal peoples.

The German people themselves focused on improving their fishing and seamanship, as well as mining and metal working skills. Fishing fleets and central organized work crews improving the infastrucure of the growing German city state.

Upon their return to Germany the bands of warriors began patroling the outskirts of the city. Their tireless devotion to protect the city from wild animals and hostile outlanders as convinced many in the city that expanding into other regions would be benefitial. These bands of warriors have already claimed serveral regions as their own lands, and more Germans flock to the new regions with every passing year.

The German warriors also encountered serveral organized tribes of people on their journey. Each time they were turned away by the threat of hostile action by the local inhabitants. Generally while in the region the bands were approached by messangers of the various tribes. The responces to their presence ranged from shock and disbelief of having arrived from such distances, to messages of peace and cooperation. Rather than become embroiled in such areas for long, the warriors tended to favor moving on to new areas before finally returning to Germany.

[Toni]

The Beginning

My advisors tell me to record my thoughts, my questions, my feelings. I would think this a waste of time, but so far they have been right. Their suggestion for my first act as leader (a new deer pasture) has eased the famine considerably, so I will trust their judgement. For now.

My first act - I did nothing. It was not even my idea!

But not to dwell on self pity. I will begin with what little I know of my people.

According to the remaining scriptures, we have lived here since time began. We are the keepers of planet Earth. While some have talked of people from the stars and lands far away, we all know these are just stories, myths, to give comfort in times of loneliness. There has always been the one leader to rule the people of Earth, and there will always be the one leader. For now, that leader is me.

I sit here peacefully and ponder the futility. If we are alone in this world, why are we here? Why was I chosen to lead these people? Where am I to lead them? Did past leaders have these questions?

Of course - now I know why my advisors ask me to keep my thoughts. What I would give to read the thoughts of my father!

But alas they were lost forever. The writings were destroyed years ago. What a mixed blessing. Fire is the most powerful force on Earth, and we have now learned to tame it. But it cost us our history.

Oh for a sign. For a light to lead the way. I do not know what direction to take and will rely entirely on my advisors - but is that the action of a leader?

[LzPrst]

deleted for inappropriate sillyness

[deity]

Desert to the West.

Desert to the East.

A weakness and a strength for the Portuguese.

Having settled a band of stone age misfits on the banks of a decrepit river the new concept of living in one place did take hold; and the concept of a city was established, where all members of the tribe did dwell together in one permanent cluster - Lisbon was this place.

The Portuguese tribe were prolific procreators.

With the learning of Bronze a sub-tribe was set forth in a southerly direction to found a second city on a hill next to a rare deposit of copper.

Many workers toiled the mines and very soon with the discovery of wheeled transport the production of axes and roads did follow.

During the eons of establishing the Portuguese civilisation several other primitive tribes were discovered.

Firstly the English to our East did discuss issues with great respect and a desert border was established.

Secondly the Germans quietly slipped around our capital city and future communiques with them will be essential for it appears that possibly a great jungle to our SW may be the focus of future negotiations. Further exploration is necessary and jungle resources are already claimed by our second city of Oporto.

With great diligence the Portuguese will be maximizing their natural advantage of mass reproduction and settling far and wide very quickly.

Let it be known that any city overlaps with our cities will be viewed dimly. Please negotiate first and explore BEFORE establishing future cities that may overlap our own...

AND a warning to the world at large that Portuguese Axemen will be produced in great numbers very soon.

[Toni]

We heard back today from one of our scouts who ran into another nation out scouting around. They mentioned that we were getting close to their lands, but still think we have a way to go till we hit their border.

They claim peace and to which we will accept until hostile actions are taken.

Scouts: Proceed farther down to the south to verify the closeness of their borders and report back..

[Beta]

The Founding of Rome

And in 4000bc, the settlement of Rome was founded. The five founding nomadic tribes had translated the recent decades of peace between them into an agreement to settle a town, and to co-exist in what was to be hopefully a better life.

The name Rome stems from the legendary God of Creation, Romania Tempest, who, as legend has it, created the world and its people from a fierce storm; the storm being the result of an epic battle with his nemesis, Boltar Aquas. Boltar was washed into the ocean, where he still lives to this day. Romania watches over the land, and the people who settle it. Or so goes the legend.

The actual settlement was much less dramatic. Land agreements were drawn up, a street plan devised, and Rome began to grow. A ruler was chosen from among the tribes. Optimus Betamus was chosen, first because of his age and supposed wisdom, and secondly because he was the only ruler the five tribes could agree on.

Optimus Betamus:

[Beta]

Continued ...

A modest palace was built to accomodate the new ruler and his entourage, and then the city started to grow.

One of the first acts of the new ruler was to establish the Roman Army. As there had been no contact with others in this new world, many in Rome suspected this was the start of a despotic and authoritorian regime. But Optimus' was not ambitious in this regard, and his foresight was applauded when a new poples were met. They were called the Inca, and although there was little in the way of communication, and despite the fiercely warlike appearance of the Incans, they were not hostile in any way.

Roman Warrior units and scouts explored the continent and the discovered the location of the Incan homeland. In honour of these friendly yet strange people, and as a sign of respect, Optimus Betarius declared the name of the continent as Incarium, and sent a scout to the Incan homeland to see if the name was acceptable to them. The scout was also to see if further dialogue with the Incans could be achieved in some way.

Meanwhile, Rome's growth was unprecedented in Roman tribal history. The land that had been settled and the crops that had been planted on them were more than sufficient to feed the small city. It grew quickly, and soon there was talk of the need for a second settlement.

The original, and modest palace in Rome:

[Frank Johnson]

As relations soured between the Germans and Americans, this ballad became quite popular.

As the people gather from far and near,
To make ready and orders to hear,
The king was longing the American flag to plant,
For him no land is too far away that he can't.

The King stood quite proudly and gave his speech,
Follow my words and the land of my choosing you shall reach.

Stop not at sheeps meadows nor the corn fields grown high,
Stop not at the river that flows with the tide.
Go over the lands of silk and find you a hill,
and gather there some stones for it is my will.

The people were confused and looked rather meek,
Should not a better land might they seek?
One man was brave enough to question the king,
Even though easily his wrath it might bring.

My lord would it not be better to not tire our feet,
And merely seek out a place with something to eat?
There are rumors of metals in east,
A better place to arm our men that is at least.

My good subject you do not know the plan,
There is a specific reason I have chosen this land.
For you shall see we shall build a great wall,
As a barrier to barbarians and an insult to all.

Things went as planned and the people were sent,
But the German people knew what this meant.
For they knew what the goal was to be,
Cut off the Germans from here to the sea.

Now you have heard it all as it is told,
The legend of the Backfiller King who was so bold.
I doubt any hope there can be,
When our neighbors act so aggressively.

[arvcran]

The Incas are happy to have signed an agreement to draw a border between the Roman peoples and the Incan peoples. We will honour the sharing of a rock resource. We feel we have done the Romans a great service in granting them the land they needed. We felt it was reasonable as well to offer sharing a resource when we are not needing it to our Friends - the Roman Peoples. We have done this in the spirit of not warring between our peoples and so that we may have a happy and friendly relationship. A toast to the great Roman and Incan peoples! May they prosper!

After this there was a massive barbarian archer uprising - but due to the quick Incan Quecha training the Incas have survived the attack.

We note to the Peoples of Inca that the Romans were sending help though it was slow to arrive, as they are far. We feel that the relationship between are peoples is a good one. Should the Romans be in need the Incas will think on this time.

The Romans have already settled where we agreed. They may grow North from there. So that the Romans and the Incas can have an equal percentage of workable land.

[LzPrst]

edited a little for grammar and eloquence



Mother Russia. Great Moscow. Home of the Rus.

Settled on the shores of a lake of fresh water the Rus found their surroundings to be rich and bountiful. Yet as their numbers grew the people sought new lands, yet the lands east of Moscow were barren and dusty. No place nearby was fertile or good, the plains stretched onwards changing into deserts so dead that only a smelly inedible weed would grow there. West of Moscow the sea engulfed all sides, but there was founded the city of Pitr, the Rock of Rus. Then the Rus marched far north and east, past the dusty drylands and the city of Novgorod was founded on a green grassy flatland. Yet all was not well in the north. Only few miles north Portugal had settled and there was much dispute between the cities of Novgorod and Coimbra.

Tensions were rising, and as Portugese Axemen sharpened their deadly blades in preparation for the inevitable conflict, at the last moment as the Axewielders were to step onto Russian lands, compromise was reached. Through clefty negotiations the Russian leader of the Novgorod expedition, Boris Bearslayer suggested a relocation of the settlement, freeing space for Coimbra and allowing the people of Novgorod to resettle. After studying the maps for many hours the Portugese returned to the messenger, the offer accepted.

Novgorod would be relocated to the western coast. Now only one obstacle remained. German Archers had positioned themselves on the riverbank close to the new settlement. An agreement would have to be made with them also. Upon hearing of the camp and preparations of the Germans the Portugese were much dismayed as it would conflict with Coimbra as badly as Novgorod had.

So now the Russians and the Portugese would have to negotiate with Germany for a compromise or tensions would once again rise in the dark jungles.

Suggestion for Compromise



Mother Russia. Great Moscow. The Rus.

What would the future hold in store? Would the Rus have the lands they needed or would the future bring naught but conflict and death? Boris Bearslayer sat in deep thought. A messenger on the way to the German expedition with his proposal. What say the Germans?

[Frank Johnson]

The German King was troubled greatly at the news coming from the jungle. At first the king thought it outrageous that anyone would setup a settlement so close to the German capital, particularly in such dense a jungle, which stood no practical purpose to anyone. German metalworkers were at the forefront of crafting metalic objects to confront the dense jungle, and even their results to the day were not enough to make headways. Then the American incident occurred, and the whole of the western frontier was in one fel swoop denied to the German people by American bricks and arrogance. The Germans had to station troops to make their claims, even in the currently useless jungles.

The "compromise" wasn't much of a compromise. The Germans were to be backpeddled onto the holdings of Munich, and on a clear day on a high hill on the edge of Berlin you could see the fires made by the Russians in the distance. Nothing was offered to the Germans for finishing some concern brought up by foreigners over lands just outside the German capital. While setting up this camp, the Russians seem to be competing for the title of the Backfiller King, as the cattle roaming the plains of their land go unherded while they seek to steal the lands of others.

But still they had one thing going for them, they actually sent a messanger, and tried something. The Americans didn't even bother. Clearly Germany was being wronged here, sacrificing land just outside her glorious capital, but with this the Germans could make a few friends, even if it was at the cost of Portugese adventurism and Russian arrogance at the cost of German land. The land it cost her could be made up elsewhere by the Portugese.

The King ordered a messanger to come forth and carry word to the Russians and Portugese.

"We accept your compromise, but be forewarned make no assumption that the German people shall check their cultural hertiage for jungle encampments. The high seas, and the land it's self may fall to German rule merely due to its proximity to the glorious capital of Berlin. Do not take such signs as future aggression, because you were forewarned of it on this day."

[LzPrst]

Great Russia. Mother of the Rus. Muscowy.

Boris Bearslayer listened keenly to every syllable uttered by the messenger. The news was good. Negotiations proved valuable. The Germans were clearly pragmatic, the rumours spoken by America-sympathizers proven false. Boris Bearslayer immediately told his messenger to run back to the Germans with a message of appreciation of their great wisdom and spirit of cooperation.

Boris felt it was true as the German had spoken. There was land closer to Moscow, but New Novgorod would be as close to the Home of the Rus as it would to Grand Berlin. But the land in the east of Mother Muscowy was far too infertile to support the vast numbers of Novgorian settlers. The cattle would hardly feed half of Pitr's population. Having seen the northlands in his travels, Boris Bearslayer knew full well that the lands outside Moscow were mere dustplains compared to the vast opulence of the north. The great East had many resources, but so little food. Horrid sandstorms raged across the plains, men caught in the open in such weather would be lucky if even their bones were found. Perhaps in time this land could be controlled, but the Portugese had pressed so far south so quickly. And the English threatened so harshly when the Rus sought new lives in the east. The Rus saw no alternative but to walk far from home to the lands that could support them, lest they be encircled and starved.

No. This could not, would not be, the fate of the Rus. Destiny had called.

While other people's had civilization come easily, naturally, through wealth and prosperity, the Rus had no such ease. The harsh life of the barren wastes and the vicious climate hardened the Rus. Weathershorn and rugged they became, hard and sharp, independent and strong, hunters of the vast plains they were. The Rus got nothing without sacrifice. Every step of progress was made through pain and resistance. Their will became fierce. Their determination unrelenting. Their sight keen. Their legs fast. Arms strong. Builders they were. And Warriors. No man nor madness could against their sturdy prowess prevail.

The Harsh Russian Lands

[deity]

Official apology to Germany & Russia

To: Bismarck and Stalin

I, João I , the tribal leader of the despotic realm of Portugal, do most sincerely regret the dominoe result of our rapid expansion.

Our expansion resulted from earlier deals with England and Germany whereby Portrugal would develop North and South; allowing the English to our East room for expansion and the junlges to our SW for German expansion. It seems the Portuguese abilty to expand is far quicker than other kingdoms and we would like to ensure that good relations ensue with all our neighbours.

To this end the German agreement to the Russian proposal will be sweetened by our gifting of a settler and gold and spice resource to the Russians; AND Sugar and Dye (unless it is within their radii) to the Germans who have missed out on this resource owing to the re-building of Novgorad on the coast. Alternative resource options may be possible if options are required by either party.

The current remnants of the old Novgorad will be laid waste upon orders from Stalin.

Yours truly,

João I of Portugal

[condor223]

The Anatoian people worked steadily roading between settlements, working the land. A messenger heard that there was vast land to the west with many other peoples.

They are disagreeing with each other... will it be our lot to have to "disscuss" settling areas with them as well?

Of our southern neighbors the Dutch, we have only met over the fireside. We have come to an understanding of settling. Our Ethiopian neighbor has not yet met with us so we do not know what their intentions are thus far.

Our people have yet to chop away the jungle. This will take many centuries to master, and many workers to do it.

Our gods have been petitioned, but we are willing to have more. We have had every building in the capitol destroyed by a wild thunderstorm. Rebuilding will be very slow.

[LzPrst]

Ivan Easterner. Great Wanderer. Explorer.

So the Germans and the Portugese have halted Boris' expansion to the north... And water surrounds us in the west and south. There is only one choice then, we must head east.

-But sir, we have been warned by the English not to settle further east.

Sticks and stones man! The lands east of the desert are open and free. And our people are many and hungry, the lands belong to those who can settle it.

-Well, about that... There are rumours that the Ethiopians may be settling in that area, blocking any expansion for us...

This is concerning... Perhaps we should send an envoy to the dark-skins to find out what plans they have... Yes. Do that. Send Nikolay, he can negotiate with them.