Diplogame HOTW XII Ragnarok - Story Thread

[Diplo Holland]

Originally posted by Diplo Ottoman
We responded to urgent pleas from the Holland Empire for advice on developing a government infratructure providing trainees in Civil Service management and engineers from the dutch lands taught us much about Machines.

I would like to remind the Ottomans that it is THEY who desperately approached us in the first place for Machinery. And without any dilomatic message. We responded by summarising their request in a diplomatic message which subsequently rather appealled to us.

It never occurred to us that you would waste away your strategic advantage by trading Civil Service to the two most powerful civilizations on Terra!

[Diplo Mali]

Shuttle Diplomacy

It was a nervous wait for King Sosso I as he waited for more news from the Lord of Carpathia. However, after many days of pacing & brooding, his messenger finally arrived back at the Capital with what Sosso hoped would be good news.

"Sire, I bring greetings to you from the Lord of Carpathia, Vlad Tepes II."

"Yes," snapped the king impatiently "but did he have anything else to say for himself?"

"Yes, your Majesty." With this the messenger unfurled an official looking document & began to read:

"'Let it be known that, even as this message arrives at Timbuktu, Carpathian soldiers are beginning to round up the criminals & slaves who sought to escape Carpathian justice. We thank the King of the Mali for his offers of assistance in these matters, but this is strictly an internal affair.'

'That said,' the messenger continued 'we are prepared to cede the settled lands to the Malinese Empire in return for certain.....concessions. We are prepared to negotiate these terms at a later date, but you may henceforth consider the lands in and around Bacau as sovereign Malinese Territory.'"

"Concessions?" demanded the King, what possible concessions could he be referring to?"

"Well," suggested the messenger, the Lord of Carpathia was hoping to learn from you the means by which you established our current system of rulership."

"Well, that is not much to ask, I would be happy indeed to send him some pointers. What else?"

"Well, he hinted that Malinese scholarship is well known in this part of Terra, & said that he would like first consideration regarding the fruits of future knowledge."

"Hmmm, I am not entirely sure that I like the idea of sharing Malinese knowledge with these 'Paleskins'-especially not ones who impale their citizens-however, that city & its surrounding lands would be most useful to our empire."

The king stopped in his pacing & turned on the messenger. "Messenger, take down the following 'Most Generous Lord of Carpathia. We have considered your offer, & deign it as being most acceptable. Accompanying my messenger are a team of specialists in the areas of Heraldry, genealogy & etiquette. We hope they will be useful to your aims of establishing a Royal Bloodline.'"

The messenger finished taking down the Kings missive, then immediately began the dangerous trek back to Carpathian land. Meanwhile, the King ordered an armed party to escort a team of citizens to settle the lands recently departed by Carpathia. In honor of the generosity of the Carpathians, King Mansa Sosso chose to name the new city Bacau-in hopes of strengthening the links between their two Empires.



Bit by bit, piece by piece, thought the King, the Malinese Empire got closer to its ideal strength. If only they could settle the Holy Desert to the South, his grand expansion plan would be nearly complete. Little did he know at this point that the duplicitous & fork-tongued Americans were about to thwart his plans....

[OzzyKP]

[Diplo Ottoman]

It never occurred to us that you would waste away your strategic advantage by trading Civil Service to the two most powerful civilizations on Terra!

King Constantine, knowing that a valuable strategic advantage can only last so long, and in this case it was held for a session and a half, decided to use the sought after knowledge to leverage his land forces to the very strongest available, the mighty macemen. Therefore a govermental advantage has been transformed into a military advantage on land, while our scientist have spent many decades labouring away to design ocean going vessels capable of transporting these new powerful land forces to exotic lands which we hope to find and conquer. Our new pacifist nature which we learnt from the Incas will be used to pacify these new lands to our control. Thus the next level of strategic advantage will propel our hemmed in Land of the Great Rivers through to the next level. King Contantine is a very forward looking monarch who will never rest on the achievements of the past unlike other leaders.

[Diplo France]

Marc the third's coat of arms

During the late 4th century AD, Marc the III became an influential royal advisor and statesman. His family was always a powerful and influential one, being descended from King Remi the II and since the marriage of Isabella the II, also related to the ruling royal house. Isabella was responsible for restoring the family's its hereditary right to the Duchy of Orleans. Marc upon inheriting the title proved to be a capable administrator, negating the traditional need for the crown to dispatch a governor to the city. He was also rumored to be a member of a mysterious group know as the Liberal Builders. His influence grew when he was awarded the title of the Lord High Treasurer. At the end of her reign he received a second position, that of Foreign Minister.



Holding two such important titles, he was the first Noble to be unofficial knowns as the Chief Minister. The Queens and Kings that followed, would often consult the advice of their of the Chief Ministers and would grant them considerable power.

[Diplo Inca]

Demographics

During the last couple of centuries the Inca have witnessed a major increase in cities settled by all civilizations on Terra. That is why it was decided to keep an accurate record of this Terra development. From the information gathered the Carpathians were considered to have the largest empire on Terra closely followed by the mighty Mongols and Russians.

[Diplo Carpathia]

101 Tales of Terra, Exerpt from Chapter 5, Land of the Inca

Waving farewell to my Mali friends was quite sad. As they faded into the horizon, I suddenly felt the urge to turn back. The southern Mali desert spread out before me like an ocean of sand. No trees, no evidence of people, and no water.

Mile after mile, day after day, we walked the desert using the sun as a guide to keep us on course. There was no path to Cuzco, let alone a road. At times the desert became so baren and devoid of landmarks that every direction looked the same, and several in my guide party went mad, believing that we would never make it out.

Our water and food was getting low. We walked on.

The sun screamed down upon us. We walked on.

The vultures began to circle. Two members of our party dropped from the heat. We walked on.

Just as I myself was about to lose hope, we came upon the most lovely sight my eyes have ever beared wittness to. At first I thought I was dreaming, or delerious from the heat and lack of water, but as we got closer our hope for survival was restored.

Fields of "incense" spread upon the terra as far as the eye could see. The smell was intoxicating. The three remaining members of my guide party ran into the field with their arms raised, yelling and rejoycing, half mad from exposure. I sat down, breathed in the soothing scent of the flowers, and pondered the fact that where there are flowers there is water, and where there is water their are people.

My assumption was realized to be correct when shortly after our arrival we were greeted by the Sina tribe.

The Sinas had the skin of the Mali people, but the facial features of Inca. They spoke neither Malinese, nor Inca, but instead had a language of their own.

Unlike other barbarian tribes which would have no doubt captured us or killed us outright, the Sina offered us water and bread. They were quite curious of us infact. Our pale skin was unlike anything they had seen before in this sun baked part of Terra.

The tribe worshiped the flowers, and explained to us that the mood of the flowers affected the weather. If the flowers were bright and lively they would bring rain. If the flowers were dull and sagging, no rain. I resisted the urge to inform them that they had their cause/effect backwards, not knowing how they would react to such a revelation.

Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Bliss was something the Sina knew very well. Apart from smelling good, the incense had very strong medicinal applications. Smoking the flowers brought on euphoria and relaxation. This comfort came at a price however, as the user craved more and would become sick if denied.

The potential for this plant to become a valuable commodity was clear, and I felt bad for the Sina since they would no doubt be exploited by the larger civilizations of Terra when the propertys of this plant became known to them.

We spent a week with the Sina, sharing stories by means of sharades, eating campfire cooked wild game, and most importantly regaining our strength. Their hospitality was a blessing to us. Their leader, Soonica also provided us with more provisions and a map of the journey ahead.

I never thought I would say this, but not all barbarians are bad.


Visiting Cuzco

The remainder of our trip to Cuzco was shorter and much easier then the first leg.

For one, water became more plentyful. We also ran across several Incan villages along the way. When upon learning of our purpose, they lavished us with creature comforts.

The first major city we visited was Machu Picchu in the western end of the Inca empire. Although there was nothing breathtaking about the city, the local cusine was excellent. We continued east the following day to the fabled Inca capital.

Nothing can really prepare one for the the Cuzco experience. Prior to visiting, I had read accounts of the Incan capital, it's wealth, it's culture, it's wonders, and it's people. Nothing written compared to seeing it for oneself.

The city sits on a hill next to the coast, which serves as a well deserved pedistal. Upon entering Cuzco, you get the feeling you have been transported elsewere... another time perhaps.

Everyone is very clean and well dressed, not to mention educated. The city itself is quite clean compaired to others I have visited. Cuzco has a large population of specialists, or citizens who specialize in one specific job. Engineers, scientists, artists, and merchents walked the streets of Cuzco at a quick pace, as if the next breakthrough, masterpeice, or business deal might elude them if they were to take a rest.

Cuzco indeed has a "buzz" about it that I had only experienced to a lesser degree in Richmond. Everyone is in a hurry, and everyone knows their place.

On our third day in the capital, we visited the Parthanon. An impressive marble structure, the Parthanon served as a meeting house for the sharpest minds in the Inca empire. Here they exchanged ideas, and debated philosophy for hours on end.

Later in the week we were shown the Statue of Zeus, and the Sheshwan Pagoda. Any one of these wonders alone would make a city shine, but all together in one city made it almost overwhelming.

The following week, after taking in the sights, we met with an Incan representative to discuss worldly matters.

"Cuzco is regarded as the most advanced city on Terra, and I must say it is awe inspireing. What does the Inca think of their place in Terra?" I asked the representative.

"Thank you for your kind words. Yes the Inca have steady become an advance tribe. We are proud of our captal Cuzco. The city currently host four amazing wonders. We belive this will allow us to produce many great minds in the coming future." He responded.

"Wonderful," I said, "Let me ask you, where does relations stand with the Mongols? It has been said that the Inca have increased the size of their army considerably in the last 100 years."

"Yes there is peace now with the Mongols - and we agree that is only a matter of time before they return. That is why we have decided to build a stronger military and protect ourselves if the need arise. We are curious to know why has Carpathia decided to make peace with them? After all they very agressively attacked your unarmed scout party." he replied.

"I cannot make an offical comment," I said, "but many feel one thousand years was long enough. The Mongols never sent troops to Carpathia, and neither did the Carpathians send troops to their lands. Count Tepes was quite agitated by the agressive acts of the Mongol on unarmed Carpathians, however one can stay angry only so long I suppose." I retorted.

"Yes, one thousand years is quite awhile. Speaking of time however, I must be going. I have to meet with a French ambassador soon. Have you met the French? A wonderful and facinating people they are. Their capital city of Paris is second only to Cuzco in my opinon." he mentioned as he gathered his books and papers.

"Sounds like a place I must visit to ensure my book is complete," I replied. "It is east of the Mongols isn't it? I could visit Paris after going to see the Mongols."

The representitive turned back toward me, "You are going to visit the Mongols? Just remember what happened to the last Carpathian party to travel those lands."

"Yes, of course," I replied, "the Mongols are a much more civilized tribe now. I have no reservations about visiting them."

[OzzyKP]

Good work on the chart.

[Diplo Carpathia]

OOC: Yes, nice chart. I have to wonder however, how does the Inca have access to this information?

[Diplo Inca]

how does the Inca have access to this information

Easy I open my civ and click on all the rest and then I count, at the end I add 1 for the cap and i get the total.

[Diplo Carpathia]

OOC: Clever. Now why didn't I think of that.

[Diplo Carpathia]

101 Tales of Terra, Exerpt from Chapter 6, Mighty Mongolia

Harrod left the Inca and headed east, toward mighty mongolia. I was welcomed by the mongol in the border area that I now call Karakorum Minoris. from the east of the river Mongolian's were to be seen everywhere living in small nomadic communities riding back and forth on horseback. masters with sword, bow and spear, these riders lived a non-sedentary lifestyle. They all shared a common centre to which they returned several times a year to trade, discuss politics and solve matters of law. This great settlement that was communally owned and periodically used by different members of the same family and was the only permanent settlement on the plains. Here great works of art and smithing were made, to be transported out back onto the plains to be sold or traded for. The mongols are not a very hospitable people, but any who had stories to tell was given respect and attention. As such, I was much appreciated and welcomed.

Ogodei the Lustful met with me and spoke at lenght about Mongolain achivements such as music and metal working. As well as mongolian government.

He explained, "our representative form of government is also unique. it works in summary like this, all mongols are divided by family, clan and tribe. the family choose a Head to speak for them at the Clan assembly, the Clan assembly chooses a number of these to go to the Great Tribal Moot in Runan'Gee, where the different inter-tribal (each city is a tribe) issues are discussed and sorted out. these decide anything from inter-tribal marriages to war declarations. note that if a tribe opts out, it does not have to follow the majority. so the different tribes are in effect different nations that cooperate loosely. it is theoretically possible to make different agreements with different tribes."

[Diplo Holland]

350 BC

It was the year 350BC.

Extraordinarily Willem de Hollande had passed away.
Some say it was heart break and the loss of King Remi II. Some say it was American poison.

In any event his daughter and heir Juliana hastily returned to Amsterdam. She had spent a wonderful time in Paris but regretted not being able to venture into Mongolia and had to pass on her apologies to the great Mongolian nation.

She had matured in her years now and was destined to be the last monarch of Hollande, for she would become the maker of the Dutch Republic. But for now...

She realised her father had lapsed in his Foreign Affairs since the banquishing of Verkerk (who was now in the Arctic colonies) and thus she began her own efforts at diplomacy, just as soon as her father was buried in the tomb of the great Mausoleum of Amsterdam.



Dutch culture thrived she mused. Such quantities of Marble and Stone. A new Town Hall was immediately commissioned for Amsterdam to utilise the excess marble.

In matters official:

Firstly all non Confucion nations would NOT be entitled to an Open Borders agreement with Hollande. Her father, riden with sorrow, had forgotten to cancel such agreements with the Carpathians and this will be her first act.

Secondly, Mongolia would be entitled to request an Open Borders agreement with Hollande as they were a strong Confucionist nation (if a little primitive) and deserved access to the holy city of De Hague.

Thirdly, and this is where the astuteness of Juliana lay, the Ottomans were the only non Confucionist nation allowed an Open Borders agreement with Hollande because she desired to influence the kings of Ottomans in a way to entice them to see the benefits of Confucionism over Christianity. If this failed they too would be banned from Open Borders but in the mean time more missinaries will spread their way to offer incentive.

She began the drafting of her thoughts regarding a Dutch Republic and continued the writing of her fathers diaries - such interesting reading indeed!

Hollande was maturing as a great commercial nation under her queenship.

[Diplo Holland]

Towards the end of the millenium Juliana's dream of a new Dutch Republic gradually took shape as her funeral carriage progressed through Amsterdam.


The Dutch, with their voluminous trading and sheer wealth developed a strong self confidence as the age of the Spirit of Enlightenment took hold.

Hollande was a rational, orderly and creative society with little land to utilise. Various Arctic colonies were being established even before Juliana's time but something more was needed than these lucrative yet barren lands.

The economic survival of the republic depended upon the ability to construct, man and operate fleets of commercial sailing vessels. Long sea voyages were to become the lifeblood of the republic. With the advent of Optics new ships were built and a fleet of caravels and explorers were prepared for the Easterly venture.



The brief: To find new lands to settle and acquire rare commodities abroad and resell at a profit.

All this was happening in Hollande at the commencement of the AD millenium whilst other civilisations wrestled with the end of the Iron Age OR even the start of it!

Hollande was firmly in the Middle Ages and propelling towards a grand future.

[Diplo Holland]

By the second century the fleet was ready and the first leg of the journey was from Amsterdam to the most Easterley peninsula of Hollande NE of Utrecht where an Explorer party boarded the ships.

Navigational charts were being developed based on the early maps of the ancient Dutch galleys and triremes.
The Dutch prided navigational charts and the maps were classified as state secrets as new oceans were entered where no sailing ship had gone before.

No other nation it seemed had develped the skills required to venture into such deep waters; save the Ottomans. The first caravel of the Ottomans was sited West of Rotterdam in The Dutch Channel (another good reason for Juliana to have maintained good relations with the Ottomans, who are cut off from the oceans)

The thirst for adventure by the Dutch reached fever pitch. With the first fleet heading East the old Dutch trireme protecting the fishing waters East of America was re-fitted as a caravel and (without an explorer party) headed West for it was believed by the Dutch that the world was in fact round. If they were correct the two caravels would meet somewhere in mid ocean in perhaps several years or maybe more... The secrecy of the exact routes taken by the Dutch was profound...