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

[Robert]

History has been made, the Future is ours

Thomas Jefferson sat behind his desk.
Who am I? What are we? What binds us together?
Thomas brains worked on high speed.
We do belong together, though our villages are seperated.

What, besides distance, seperates us from the Germans?
Why are they Germans and why are we not?
Why the dispute with the Germans over the village we founded? Why is that village evil and not German in their eyes? Or why are they not American?

Jefferson was a known thinker. A philosophe, some said.
He was the charismatic leader of Washington, though the villages of New York and Boston didn't reckognize his leadership too eagerly.

In the past decades young people from Washington had left the village and settled miles away. These new cities weren't under his direct control, despite the fact that the leaders of the villages came to Washington now and then to speak about matters that concerned all.

"Germans came to us" John Phillips, the chief of Boston, said. "They weren't happy that we settled at the location of Boston. What do we do?"
"Why did you settle there?" Jefferson asked?
"We did because of the stone. We are workers with stone. We are great building huge achievements with stone."
"Why did you steal their stone?" Jefferson asked.
"We didn't steal their stone. The village of Boston has been founded as far from Washington as from Berlin" Phillips replied. Not to mention that the Germans have their own stone!"

"You pull us in a war!" Thomas Willett, the chief of New York screamed.
"Quiet, quiet." Jefferson said.
"We must face this problem together. No matter if the villages of Washington and New York are involved, or not."

"We are NOT involved!" Willett stated.
"Maybe not, but maybe the Germans will knock on your door anyway!"
"Why would they do that? Boston's business aren't ours"
"Aren't your children living in Boston as well?"
"Some have left New York to settle in Boston indeed, but when they left our village, they declared independance to us."

"And we must declare independance to the Germans!" Jefferson replied.
"We are an independant nation. We should bind ourselves together. Help each other in days of trouble. Not fight among each other."

"Did you found Boston at that location to provoce the Germans?" Jefferson asked?
"No sir, we did not. There were no Germans in the surrounding areas of Boston. The lands were uninhabited. Nobody was there. We settled there with the best intentions. Only to feed our children and grow a city. Work the stone, and live in peace and harmony with nature and neighbours. To us it doesn't matter if our neighbours speak American, as in New York, or German, as in Germany."

"Do you speak German?" Jefferson asked.
"Yes, we do speak both American and German in Boston."
"Then send a letter to the chief of Germany in his native tongue, and explain the situation to him. That may settle the issue.
Do further nothing to harm our relations anymore!
Don't allow any settlers to approach germany."

Willet said: "Why am I bound to Boston"
"Because you are an American, you speak American like them. We share the same roots! And together we can grow an independant nation!" Jefferson replied.

"I agree!" Phillips said.
I can't agree before I know what it means to be an American.
"I'll write something down", Jefferson promised.
Then they parted.

[Robert]

The unanimous Declaration of the the united Villages of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator, whomever that may be, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, leaders are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the ruled, --That whenever any Form of leadership becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new leadership, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that leaderships long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long road of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such leader, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these villages; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present Leader of Germany is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united Villages of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Villages, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent Villages; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the German rule, and that all political connection between them and the State of Germany, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent Villages, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Signed:
Thomas Jefferson, Chief of Washington, Leader of the United Villages of America
Thomas Willett, Chief of New York
John Phillips, Chief of Boston

[Robert]

Sehr Geerte Konig of Deutschland,

Ich schreibe ihr diese brief zu ertahl zu ihn das wir, ihne freunden von Boston, hoffen das wir konnen lieben in freiheit und freundschif. Es espatz uns gansch das wir ihn haben geergert! Es ist unsere tor zu mach all zu mache es gut mit ihm! Bitte beendig ihne bosheit und akkeptier unsere vorstiel for freundschap und bruderschap!

Ein sehr freundliche gruz von Boston,

Thomas Willett*

*Die menschen von Boston sprechen ein sehr bijsondere dialect of Deutch. Ich hoffe das ihn unsere sprache erstehen kant! Aber angesind Sie eine sehr geerthe und schlimme konig sind habe ich kein zweiffel das Sie uns erstehen kunt!

[Robert]

Can't wait till I have to deal with the Dutch btw.....

[Frank Johnson]

It was only after a great deal of trouble was the Bostonian dilect of German finally translated into a form that could be presented to the King of Germans in the Great Hall. The message showed that the Americans clearly misunderstood the German power structure.

All Germans paid heedance to the King of Berlin, also known as the King of Germans, due to its production and military might. Only by having connections through Berlin could the ambitous among the German people secure the rights to the equipment, warriors, and other resources that could be provided in the capital. As the current system stood, the Germans knew of no other people capable of providing as much material support for their people. Arrows used to repel invaders in Munich may very well have copper arrow heads from one of the many mines outside Berlin, and fine shafts crafted from the forests of Hamburg. Berlin also provides the majority of troops in the German outlands, although Hamburg rivals Berlin in this area, both are major areas where troops are trained.

Simply put the path to power in Germany is through land. Obtain warriors, secure land, petition for support from Berlin or Hamburg. This was the process by which all German settlements had been constructed.

In Germany land was power. Germans had extensive knowledge of geography from their early expeditions, including of lands surrounding American tribes. The issues certainly was not about stone, as the Americans had noted, Germany had access to stone. Ask any aspiring warrior cheif and they would not list stone as a vital resource. Arrable land, livestock, precious metals, gems, but above all land itself was what they sought.

When the Americans placed the settlement of Boston on the outskirts of the German town of Hamburg, as mentioned a thriving gathering place for would be adventurers and warriors, the eyes of many warriors turned on the American encampment. What were they doing so far away from home on such marginal lands? Rumors swirled that the encampment was solely military in nature, ment to be a staging area to deny eastward German cultural expansion. After accessing the area the catographer's hall of Berlin called the remaining western lands unsuitable for colonization, which barred them from equipment support from Berlin. This outraged the warriors of Hamburg, and while the Berliners were busy managing Munich, and their highlands and jungle programs, they were certainly not happy to see ALL the western lands cut off to potential settlement. The case was made that the sight was not ideal for food production or growth. As a fortress however it made the perfect barrier to the Hamburg warlords. The cartographers estimated as many as 5 cities could be reasonably established west of Hamburg and South of the American lands, however now the location closest to the German homeland was already settled, making any fair division of land between the two powers unlikely.

The German Warlords would be forced to find some other path than growth to achieve power. There was much debate as to what that course should be, but there were many ambitous men throughout Germany.

[Robert]

To: The King of Germany
From: Thomas Jefferson, Leader of the United Villages of America

Dear ruler of Germany,

I take over from the chief of Boston.
I have heard about your troubles with the placement of the city of Boston.
I do understand your anger. The young settlers of Boston have brought difficulties between our two great nations.
I can mourn that this event has happened, but I cannot undo it.

You speak about the German expansion which has been limited because of the city of Boston.
I am very willing to speak about this issue, and I'm not willing to limit the German expansion in anyway.
I suggest you create a proposal to spread the territory of our part of the continent between Germany and the UVA. (United Villages of America).

I am not willing to discuss the city of Boston, the stone quary of Boston is of vital importance to our nation.
I am very well willing to discuss possible locations for German cities west of Boston.
I am even willing to support Germany with a settler to settle west of Boston.
If you want to make use of one of our trained settlers, I ask you one thing in return though.
Barbarians have settled near the bronze resources of Washington. We are unable to thrive them away.
If the Germans have the possession of Bronze I want to ask you to supply us with this bronze for a limited time so we can battle the Barbarians.

I hope my offerings can close the gap between Germany and America and bring forth a healthy friendly relation.

I do nevertheless apology for the inconvinient action as been performed by the young settlers of Boston.
Please forgive them.

Greetings,

Thomas Jefferson,
United Villages of America

[Frank Johnson]

To the new leader of the American Villages:

The German Hall of Cartography has identified 8 alternative locations for the resettlement of the village of Boston, many of which are ideal for growth and clearly lay within the reaches of the American people.

They have drawn up a plan which allows for a settlement plan which grants a majority of lands to Americans to settle. Should access to stone be an issue, it can easily be provided by trade IF the combined efforts of German and American workers establish a TRADE ROUTE.

GERMANY seeks a UNIFIED homeland for itself and its neighbors. As you will note from the features described from the anicent tales BOSTON is closest in proximity to GERMANY compared to ALL OTHER POTENTAL SETTLEMENT LOCATIONS. The KING OF GERMANY will consider any plan that provides for a FAIR and UNIFIED state for both AMERICA and GERMANY. However it seems the REGION OF BOSTON and/or the area you now claim to be inhabitated by BARBARIANS are likely the only two regions which immediately border GERMANY. We await your responce.

[LzPrst]

People of the Plains. Warriors of the Waste. Moskva.


Say what? You have a copy of the tablet drawn up by German landmeasurers? Details of German AND American lands? Incredible... They let you copy it? As a professional courtesy!!? I can hardly believe it. And you let them copy yours as well???

The mood of Boris Bearslayer sullens as he hears the uncertain explanations from his wayplotters. Cartography in its infancy has developed independently in many lands, but the joys of finding kindred spirits in far places has made many of the land-drawers giddy with excitement. They consider not the possible outcomes of their friendships, wildly lost in their own narrow professions.

I see, said Boris Bearslayer at last to the worried mapmaker. I understand your enthusiasm wayplotter, but from now on, no windroute or any other form of details about our lands shall be shared with ANYONE, unless the specific permission from the local Defender is given. We cant risk revealing important information that may be used against us. We are still uncertain of our northern neighbours, they seem honorable, but there is a certain darkness, a tendency towards use of violence that I have glimpsed in their eyes and attitudes. We must be prudent.



The Eastern Oasis. The Refuge of Rus. Rostov

Ivan wandered the riverbank of the landpost in the small fertile valley between Deathwind Desert and the Barren Wastes of the East. His dustrunners had departed eastwards attempting to avoid the deadly winds of the Barrens. They should be arriving in the east soon, hopefully discovering Ethiopians that could take them to their leader for further discussion.


To Ethiopia

A simple message was addressed to the Ethiopians. What plans did Ethiopia have for settling near the Stormy Lake. Russian traders, fishermen and adventurers were eager to settle near the lake, but would it conflict with others in the area?

[deity]

[ OOC Can ozzy perhaps put together a map of the known world? ]

[OzzyKP]

Not without a save...

Send me one after tomorrow's session.

[Asmodeous]

Thousands of years have passed. Thousands of years of tribes fighting against tribes. Sitting Bull, nearing the end of his years, was sitting quietly by the fire outside his tent, brooding on the loss of the spirits of those who had left to settle elsewhere to the rebellious tribes when another approached.

"Chieftan, we must speak."

Sitting Bull did not lift his eyes, nor did he seem to acknowledge the one that spoke to him, though it was evident he was listening.

"Our people have fashioned new weapons from wood and bronze. We have learned better ways to fight. We must subdue to other Tribes. We must unite all people on our islands under one banner. We have met those who call themselves Dutch, they have been kind to us, they have taught us many things..."

Sitting Bull shook his head sadly a moment, "Many things indeed, Raging Wolf. Those are not our ways. There is much work to be done in uniting the tribes as you speak. They will not be willing to work with us, as has always been the case in the past, that is why the fighting continues."

The younger man frowned, "Then we will make them work for us. They will do as is necessary because there will be no choice. Now is the time, if we delay longer we will meet others, others who might not be as kind to us as these Dutch have been. We must be prepared, united."

Another shake of his head, "No, young one. Those are not our ways."

There was another rustle of movement behind the younger man, and more, and more yet until Sitting Bull's eyes finally lifted, and his heart was heavy. The warriors of the tribe were rallied around Raging Wolf, who frowned solemnly.

"I am sorry, Chief Sitting Bull, your ways are no longer our ways. This is how it has to be. It is time for a new age for our people."

[Toni]

The Dutch people are not alone after all it seems.

I send out my scouts to find some evidence of others in this land we call our own. Old tales tell of people like us living in far off lands and I wanted to find these people. We might be able to benefit from others, who might have developed in different ways that our selves.

In the west there is a tribe called Ethiopians, who lives in the woody and fertile lands across the great tundra east from our holy city. I don’t know yet how this has happened but the holy mother earth hasn’t been kind to us. We have been living in this cold and windy area for decades and it is impossible to live in. I don’t know yet how we will make a living here, but for now in order to fight the bitter cold nights I have given the order our people to be dressed with the warm hides and furs that the local animals are providing us with.

Tomorrow a new scouting party is to be send in the north and maybe just maybe we will be able to find a better route to migrate to in the coming spring……

[Robert]

Greetings, King of the Germans,

In response to your public demands for a peaceful relation in our part of the world, I write you this letter.

I am surely willing to consider giving up Boston to the German empire.
I have a few demands from my side and I'm eager to hear your opinion on these.

- We need stone.
- We need a city and some worker-time to improve it (like our workers improved Boston)

Regarding our borders:
- There is space for America to expand, but the lands are terrible. There's a huge desert south-east of Washington and north of Washington are large fields of Tundra. Any border agreement we make cannot push America to the north too much. We must also not build cities too close to each other near the border since I forsee troubles if we do.

I'll make it up to you to create a detailed suggestion for a border that can be respected by both of us and increase our friendship.

I suggest that such a border would contain of two lines, a south line above which you will not found any cities, and a north line below I will not found any villages.

I'm looking forwards to your responde,

Thomas Jefferson
Chief of the United Villages of America

[Frank Johnson]

The cartographers hall of Berlin suggests that the desert and tundra environments can easily be overcome due to the numerous food resources located in the American north. Should you follow the settlement suggestions of the catrographers hall you will find multiple available for many of the locations. It's free of charge, no need to thank us.

In exchange for the village of Boston and its surrounding lands, we will provide the Americans with a settler capable of developing one of the other numerous sights throughout America and a stone resource.

As to a permanent border we suggest that one additional city location west of Boston be reserved for German use, while all other lands north of Boston indicated by the Red line be reserved for American use.

While some overlap of cities is possible, we'd like to limit this to the region of Boston only.

[Robert]

This suggestion is acceptable, except that we ask to use a German worker for at least 40 turns to improve the lands around New Boston.