Diplogame HOTW XII Ragnarok - Story Thread

[Diplo Mongolia]

i have an old 19" monster, so there is an issue for me. not everyone has a widescreen. though I am fully intent on acquiring one

[Diplo America]

The End of One War, The Beginning of Another

The College of Electors (Senate) met to decide who would be the new Commander of the Americans with Arnold gone. Benedict II, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, William Manning and George Washington were all nominated. It was a long and contested process. The supporters of each candidate were very vocal. While Washington didn't have as much strong support as Adams or Jefferson, he also didn't have any strong opposition. In the end he was the only candidate they could all agree on.

Washington prayed to Lord Ozzy for strength during his coronation. This was a grave responsibility he took upon himself and he knew it. He prayed that he'd have the resolve and skill to lead his nation through good times and bad.

Washington was keen to unite the various factions of Americans and so named John Adams his Vice-Commander and Thomas Jefferson his Secretary of State. Manning, already an old man at this point, finally was able to retire and leave public service after a long and distinguished career. Confident that he had left the nation in competent hands.

Washington's first act in office was to meet the final terms of the Cuzco Peace Accord with the Mali. He gathered many of the refugees and survivors from Goa (OOC: an American settler and worker) and sent them south toward the Mali capitol of Timbuktu. At last it was time for peace he thought.

But there would be no peace.

The Mali refugees were stopped as they crossed the Rocky Mountains by Carpathian troops. Reports of what transpired are sketchy, but the Carpathians killed and captured all the civilians. The Carpathians claimed the units strayed too close to the former site of Goa which they now claimed for themselves.

In reality the units were far south of the Goa ruins.

Regardless, the attack was made. Carpathia and America, former allies, were now at war.

The worst fears of many Americans had been realized. The aggressive expansion from Carpathia in recent years and the unprovoked attack on the Mali made many Americans nervous Carpathia had a hostile intent. No doubt they hoped America would be disorganized in the days following the transition of power from Arnold to Washington, but the attack could not have happened at a better time. Arnold always favored Carpathia and never accepted the possibility that they would attack. Now they had, and Washington was ready.

Washington was a brilliant military strategist. He was adept at out-thinking superior forces and more advanced enemies. The Americans could have asked for no one better to lead them during this time of peril.

Just before the attack American engineers had at last perfected their first line of modern weaponry - the crossbow. Despite the fact the rest of the world has had this weapon for decades, the crossbow made a huge difference for America. The pride of Carpathia, their Landsknecht had few weaknesses, but the American crossbow rendered them impotent.

Washington immediately sent Jefferson to Cuzco and Adams to Timbuktu to seek help. The Inca were greatly sympathetic with the American plight of an unprovoked attack by a larger, more advanced, and increasingly aggressive power. They agreed to send troops to help the American war effort.

The Mali, hungry to get back their lost territory, readily agreed to join in the war.

Beginning of War and Washington's War Plan

Carpathian troops invaded the lands around New York and Baltimore. With just a few units near Baltimore, Carpathia was able to tie up the bulk of American forces returning from the siege of Atlanta and the growing number of Incan reinforcements.

Washington wasn't concerned. He needed time to build up his crossbow forces in the north, so he had no problem giving the enemy the impression that all American forces were contained in the south. Meanwhile the small invasion around New York was repelled and forces were quickly produced in the north.

Washington knew that a prolonged war would be difficult for America. A bold strike to demoralize the enemy would have long term benefits for the war effort. Knowing the enemy was key. The enemy was so used to keeping their people in line with fear, that a dramatic defeat would make the Carpathian government impotent and powerless and send a strong message to the Carpathian people.

At the same time, many American soldiers were afraid of facing the Carpathians. Rumors circulated that Carpathians drank the blood of their enemies and could turn into bats. Some said they were immortal and couldn't be killed. Washington knew he needed a bold victory to raise the morale of his own troops as well.

He also knew that the enemy greatly underestimated the American resolve and power. The bulk of their forces were heading south to attack the Mali. (though Washington was fearful they intended to cross the Rockies and assault Baltimore from the south). The Carpathians, were prideful and arrogant, and would not expect a counter attack in the north.

That is exactly what Washington was planning.

The America army was still small, but with the element of surprise on its side, Washington felt he could pull off a stunning victory. To truly make an impression on the Carpathians, Washington began planning the conquest of the Carpathian capitol itself – Transylvania.

[Diplo Holland]

900 AD The entire new world is explored by the Dutch.

Another Golden Age blessed Hollande.

It was the Year 900 AD and a period of relative peace existed for Hollande but in the West there was furious politicing going on and Inca supplying troops, it is believed, to Mali and America for the genocide of Carpathia.

Now, Carpathia is a nation that has close ties with Hollande and Huygens Ginkel & Clovis are most distressed by the American advances and butchery of the Carpathian peoples.

It appears that Carpathia stands alone whilst the might of most other Western nations is pitted against them.
Hollande will not stand for this.

But it appears that the Inca and Mongolia are building huge armies and now surpasses that of Hollande.

This also will not be tolerated, so the first Dutch priorty is to maintain miitary supremacy in the East and ensure the security of the Confucionist nations, save Mongolia who now have knights and musketeers it is believed.

It is also evident from various intelligence that a mini tech bloc exists between Mongolia and the Inca and is a threat to the technological supremacy of the Dutch.

However the Dutch have 7 tech trades they are in receipt of despite the fact that they have offered 4 tech trades. Note that Monglia, despite its policy of isolationism, maintaned Open Borders with the Inca. This is a most hypocritical and most conevenient situation for them that represents an economic and miltary threat to all other nations. Such abuse of international trading regimes indeed.

The Confucionist bloc must stand firm against this threat and use its trading carefully to secure an advantage.
Firstly, the Ottomans are desired to be secuered as a Confucioinist nation. If this plays out the status of France and Hollande is assured with a solid Confucionist bloc in the North East of Terra.

The Dutch are the only nation to have fully explored the new world and all nations are asked to acknowledge the fact that the new northern landmass of the new world be known as Nwe Hollanbde. Is this acceptable to all nations? A reply would be most couteously received as the Dutch are most proud of their international exploring achievements.

Herewith is a map, that only the Dutch can publish, although it is shared with a few select nations. It must be noted that although the map is dated 900AD that by 800AD most of the new world was explored by the intrepid Dutch explorers.

Note the Confucionist nations territorial claims. Any attempt to settle inside these claims will be regarded as an act of war and will be dealt with accordingly. There is much good land outside of these claims so tread carefully nations of the world. Hollande is both magnaminoius and powerfull.

Any nations desiring to know the awefull secret of the new world as handed down by the demi-god ozzy, please send private requests for information as a basis for dealing.

[ updated map ]

[Diplo Holland]

Hollande asks terra

To: All Nations of Terra
From: Huygens, Ginkel & Clovis
Re: Confucionism
Date: 15th Dec 900AD

In this era of probable peace I, Huygens the great merchant and leader of the Dutch tri-umvirate, do declare an offer to the people of Terra.

If any nation converts an agreed number of its cities to Confucionism we shall provide you with a map of New Hollande, displaying resources, so that you can peaceably settle in the unclaimed territories.

Alternatively, our maps may be exchanged for a Great Prophet. By map exchange we mean a diplomatic message with an attached map.

Any nation that actually converts to Confucionism will be able to negotiate Open Borders with Hollande as an automatic right.

One missionary will be provided as a minimum to any nation agreeing to this offer. As a sweetener the awefull secret of the new world as handed down by the demi-god ozzy will automatically known to you.

Note that Hollande refrained from entering tribal villages and huts in the new world for obvious reasons but note that France and the Ottomans were offered these rights long ago.

Turning to Confucionism will yield many benefits.

Please consider this generous offer.

Yours truly,

Huygens of Huygens, Ginkel & Clovis - Trading Inc 660AD

[Diplo Holland]

Addendum 900AD

Note that the French and the Ottomans may also negotiate their territorial borders with you and it is requested as a courtesy that you inform the printers at "Prestigious Maps Inc" of the finally agreed borders.

The Dutch take great pride in their map constructions and are keen to cooperate with all nations in settling New Hollande.

[Diplo France]

TO: To all nations on Terra
FROM: King Charles

After some discussion, France and Holland have come to a new agreement. We have swapped our claims.

We also name the southern new world continent New France.

[Diplo Ottoman]

It has been a very busy time for King Constantine with the negotiations and the planning for New World colonies, the map by the Dutch of New Holland is generally correct, but we do not intend to settle right across to the West coast of our claim as shown on the Dutch map, therefore claims can be negotiated in that cnr, also we will extend a little further to the north than shown in that claim, those who intend to settle the eaastern coast should check with us as to where our claim ends. There is still much land left available for other claims, but those who wish to claim should move to acquiring galleons soon, as potential claimants should settle their areas without too much delay.
It should be noted that our claims are a little larger than some other claims, however considering we have the smallest land mass on the original continent and are the first to build galleons, this is a reasonable claim.

[Diplo Holland]

Originally posted by Diplo Ottoman
It should be noted that our claims are a little larger than some other claims, however considering we have the smallest land mass on the original continent and are the first to build galleons, this is a reasonable claim.

That sounds more than reasonable Constantine. I don't think anyone else has galleons yet but I may be wrong...

Ginkel

[Diplo Holland]

Originally posted by Diplo France


TO: To all nations on Terra
FROM: King Charles

After some discussion, France and Holland have come to a new agreement. We have swapped our claims.

We also name the southern new world continent New France.

So it be known that the northern landmass is New Hollande and the southern landmass is New France; unless there are any international objections?

Congratulations King Charles!

[Diplo Mongolia]

Mongolian foreign policy during the time of isolation.


As part of the time of isolation, Mongolia closed borders with most foreign nations. A strict policy of Mercantilism was enacted, and Mongolia would import no resources from other lands, though they would be willing to export Iron, Silk and Spices in exchange for cash. During this time Carpathian refugees from the wars sought haven in the port city of Harboria and brought with them Islam and Carpathian Engineering, which benefitted Mongolia greatly. The refugees occasional contact with their Fatherland facilitated the spread of Feudalistic ideals in Carpathia.

A temporary exception to the no-open borders policy was made with Inca in return for certain concessions. Note that this was purely a one way deal to allow the access of the Knight Rider Lord Togarai who travelled to Inca to share certain skills and ideas, namely the organization of Guilds, for which he received great wealth and knowledge which he took with him home and used to build the Mongolian Education system.

Lord Togarai then wished to use his access through Inca to go on a grand expedition, offering his military services to Russia, whom it was told suffered barbarian incursion. Mongolia had long experience in defeating such foes and according to sources, Lord Togarai was "bored" with the current peace in the east. The Russians seemed reluctant to have Mongolian hordes stamping through their lands, and as a result did not reply to the Mongol offer.

[Diplo France]

Originally posted by Diplo Ottoman
It has been a very busy time for King Constantine with the negotiations and the planning for New World colonies, the map by the Dutch of New Holland is generally correct, but we do not intend to settle right across to the West coast of our claim as shown on the Dutch map, therefore claims can be negotiated in that cnr, also we will extend a little further to the north than shown in that claim, those who intend to settle the eaastern coast should check with us as to where our claim ends. There is still much land left available for other claims, but those who wish to claim should move to acquiring galleons soon, as potential claimants should settle their areas without too much delay.
It should be noted that our claims are a little larger than some other claims, however considering we have the smallest land mass on the original continent and are the first to build galleons, this is a reasonable claim.

This is reasonable, we recognise Ottoman claims in Soutern New Holland.

[Diplo Mongolia]

Mongolian diplomatic response.


Take as much of this land as you care too, for he who is bold can claim more than he who is timid. Ottoman seems to us to have a great advantage, a great ability, that they are afraid to make use of. This is to us very confusing, but we can only assume that there must be some reason for providing their rivals with the ability to compete where they are dominant.

We care nothing for this new world.



(remember to vote before session!!!)

[OzzyKP]

Be sure to vote!!

[Diplo America]

Conquest of the Vampires

The southern army, at last, broke free of the choke maneuver Carpathia used to block the troops in Baltimore. It required the sacrifice of many brave men, but America prevailed and sent the army north to threaten Craiova and Timisoara.

This was the diversion Washington needed. With General George Patton leading the large southern army into Carpathia’s southern territory, Washington hoped the enemy would leave their capitol exposed. With only a small force, Washington personally marched out from New York to the Carpathian capitol of Transylvania. He marched through the night and reached the capitol outskirts an hour past dawn.

The city was large and imposing, but eerily deserted. It looked very much like Washington’s plan had worked, that they had caught the Carpathians with their “pants down” (as the American expression goes). But, as with most of Carpathian territory, there was something unsettling about the city. As if there were a trap of some kind. The soldiers couldn’t believe that their powerful northern enemy would leave the capitol so lightly defended. They whispered that the Carpathians were hiding, watching them in bat form, and would swoop down and suck their blood at any moment.

Despite its light defenses, the city was not empty. Skilled Carpathian archers rained death upon the advancing American troops. They were dug in well and caused many casualties. The battle was hard fought on both sides, but by late afternoon the Americans prevailed. A cheer went up among the American forces as they stormed the walls and overtook the city. The victory gave the soldiers confidence for the first time this war. For once, new, positive superstitions began circulating among the troops. The rumors said that the Carpathians were afraid of the sunlight and because Washington struck during daylight victory was theirs. While all the commanders dismissed the rumors and ignorant superstition, they made sure to always attack Carpathian cities in daylight to boost troop morale.

With the garrison dispatched, American soldiers searched the city for hold outs and government officials. No government officials were found, nor were they ever seen leaving the city. The soldiers did see unspeakable horrors in the city. Men, women and children impaled on spikes lined every major road and public square. All manner of brutal torture equipment were uncovered. Even after braving the horrors of war, the soldiers could barely stomach the sight. Washington ordered all the stakes taken down and the bodies given a proper burial.

Victory is Contagious

The victory was a public relations coup for Washington. Word spread across the nation and around the world and all were amazed. The Americans, the most backwards nation on terra defeated the mighty Carpathia. Striking at their heart like a wooden stake and capturing their capitol. From Philadelphia to Chicago, the American people celebrated. The news spread to far away corners of the continent and foreign governments reacted with shock. They could not believe the tiny Americans pulled off such an upset. For the first time in their long history, America was respected.

Washington’s plan worked better than he could have expected. American troops held their heads up high and no longer were afraid of the Carpathians. Instead of seeing their enemy as unkillable monsters, they began to see them as a depraved, brutal stain upon the planet. Their fear turned to anger. Based on earlier rumors that the Carpathians drank the blood of their enemies, Americans began referring to them by the slur, “vampire” named after the vampire bats of the southern jungles who sucked the blood of small rodents. The verb “to suck” became a word meaning something that is bad or lame, and became quite common among American every day speech.

At last confident enough to face the great Carpathian empire, American armies began pressing forward on multiple fronts. Washington raised a new army and went north to the eastern Carpathian city of Focsani. Meanwhile, reports from the Mali and Inca indicated the Carpathians had sent a large army south towards Timbuktu. General Patton divided his force and sent half south to intercept the Carpathian force and defend Timbuktu. General Patton himself however led the other half of the army to Timisoara (bypassing the less important Craiova).

Through coincidence Commander Washington and General Patton both struck their targets on the same day. The fighting was fierce and America had many casualties. In the end however, both cities fell. Once again, the American soldiers buried the ghastly remains of Carpathian brutality. Many had dismissed the American capture of Transylvania as a fluke or a lucky break, but after the battles of Timisoara and Focsani, no one could deny that America was an emerging world power and a force to be reckoned with.

[Diplo Holland]

For the first time in their long history, America was respected.

Washington’s plan worked better than he could have expected. American troops held their heads up high and no longer were afraid of the Carpathians. Instead of seeing their enemy as unkillable monsters, they began to see them as a depraved, brutal stain upon the planet. Their fear turned to anger.

Based on earlier rumors that the Carpathians drank the blood of their enemies, Americans began referring to them by the slur, “vampire” named after the vampire bats of the southern jungles who sucked the blood of small rodents. The verb “to suck” became a word meaning something that is bad or lame, and became quite common among American every day speech.

Clovis was smiling. He liked this


"Respect America?"

Clovis wondered about this. Were they all American troops, truly? Was it a case of three civilizations genocide attempt of Carpathia?

"Hmm, maybe I respect them on de battlefield one day. But for now that damned Huygens is determined to build that trade stuff and monunments like that absurd Tah Mahal monstrosity. Damnable peace times. Oh for a horse and the open plains. If I have to sail around in another ship I swear I'll.."