Destiny of Empires [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 4 - January 2011]

[Mongolia (DoE)]

The Mongols armies had no real leader but bravely they attacked the invaders. Chinese armies are now staying outside the border, they seem to have lost their will to fight, they had lost every battle. However the Russians were eager invaders sending stacks against both the capital and 2nd city built. Their attack against the capital has been weakened with 80% killed for no losses. However less troops are defending the 2nd city and there is a real possibility it will fall to the invaders soon. But the Mongol armies are determined to regroup and battle the invaders to the last man.

[America (DoE)]

It was night, and The Man had his servants light torches all over his house. A great wooden structure, the first of its kind, and it had served for many years as his throne room. The Brit Ish would soon come, to talk. A second expedition from their country had arrived. Over the past few months, the group of British that had stayed after the first visit had taught them some of their language. The Man could speak but a few words, but he got the general gist of what they meant. Some of his servants had turned out to be very good at language, and they would sit by his side tonight.

Pleasant enough as these past few months had been with the 20 or so Brit Ish that had stayed, today would be different. The new expedition had brought along many armed men. Something was about to happen. He had had dreams about this, about a new era. He knew that the beginning of a new era would mean the end of the era before. He felt sad, but prepared.

The Man sat cross-legged on a large elaborate cloth, surrounded by many of his servants. The British entered, and one of them, a large man wearing a khaki uniform, adorned with all sorts of trinkets, walked straight up to him. He sat down in front of The Man.

"Right, bloody awful mess you have going here old chap. Rather dark and musty, I dare say. But let's get to business, shall we? We would like to escort you to our vessel for an audience with our captain. So, please, follow me."

The man in red stood up, and The Man stood up as well, motioning three of his most trusted servants to walk with him. As they got out of the longhouse, The Man saw many Brit Ish soldiers walking around town, taking notes and pointing at things. One man in a khaki uniform was being carried around by some of his men, a custom normally reserved just for rulers such as The Man. This did not bode well.



They kept on walking towards the ship, and as they got closer, he could see the Brit Ish were building a camp just off the beach. They had not asked permission to do this, and The Man felt himself getting annoyed. But he knew he was powerless against them; he had no means to stop them.



The Man and his servants were escorted on board, onto the main deck. A door opened and ten soldiers poured out, followed by a man with long dark hair, and an elaborate and colorful outfit. The soldiers took up position behind and to the side of The Man and his servants. The long-haired man approached The Man.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Columbus. As of now, you are my, shall we say, guest. You are not to leave this ship. If you try to leave this ship, I will kill ten of your subjects for every escape attempt."

The Man understood most of what Columbus had said. He stood up straight, and looked Columbus in the eye. He motioned to his servant who could speak Brit Ish quite well, and asked him to translate:
"Whiteskin. I know what you do. I cannot resist. You have more power. But, know this. A long time from now, the fruit of your loins will pay for your wrongs. You will suffer greatly. One day, there will come an end to your era too. The world maintains a balance. The land will not forget."

Columbus laughed. "Jolly good, wonderful sermon, who knows, we might make you into a missionary yet! Haha! Now, shackle them and put them below decks. We will talk more later."

The Man did not resist. He knew it would only make things worse.

[England (DoE)]

Pilgrims Leave England in Search of Religious Freedom

The earliest group of settlers to seek out a new life in the new world were a community of religious Muslims from York. York was still a stronghold of Islam in England, but its influence was dwindling. Restrictions placed on the faith by the government and local leaders were becoming a burden, as the populace became more Christianized the Muslim community felt more and more isolated. Most sought to stick it out and seek reforms and acceptance within England, but a small community of separatists led by William Muhammad Brewster decided they could stay in England no longer. Initially they moved to Paris where their religion was more tolerated. However Brewster and his followers became worried about their people losing their language, their culture and their identity. Further more, Paris was a very urbanized city and, as farmers, they were out of place and out of work.

Instead they returned to Plymouth where they boarded a ship, the Mayflower, destined for the new world. Brewster and other leaders of the congregation knew this was their best hope for religious freedom and a new life. With mutual embraces and many tears, they took their leaves of one another, which proved to be the last leave to many of them...but they knew they were pilgrims and looked not much on those things, but lifted their eyes to heaven, their dearest country and quited their spirits. The ship, loaded with 102 passengers, half of them separatist Muslims, and captained by Miles Standish, reached the northern coast of South America on November 9, 460 AD after a voyage of 64 days.

Two days later, before beginning to leave the ship, the pilgrims formed a compact, later known as the Mayflower Compact which was the first creation of civil government in the English colonies. This compact, signed by all free men on board and read as follows:

In the name of Allah, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King Richard, by the Grace of Allah of England, Scotland, Iceland and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc.

Having undertaken, for the Glory of Allah and advancement of the Muslim Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Columbia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of Allah and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King Richard I, of England, Scotland, Iceland and Ireland.

After finding the best place to settle, the pilgrims began to tame the rugged but beautiful land and established their first settlement: Plymouth Colony. In this lush land, far removed from the power of the King or monarchs and royalty of old, the Muslim pilgrims established the first democratic government, electing William Bradford governor of their small colony. Here they would live, here they would thrive and grow in peace, freedom and faith.

[France (DoE)]

The land will not forget."

Damn anglais.

[Arabia (DoE)]

Out With the Old

At the palace in Mecca Abdullah al-Mahdi lays in bed taking his last gasps of air. He motioned closer his closest advisor to him and whispers, “Don't let the kingdom fall to ruin. I name Al Mualim my successor. Him and his own shall take the throne.” With that the old king died.

Months later on the steps of the palace...

“Good Morn to you, people of Arabia! I Al Mualim have been appointed as monarch of our kingdom. Abdullah al-Mahdi the wisest of leaders has sadly left this world to join Allah in heaven. I would like to take this opportunity to mourn his death and officially change my name from, Al Mualim to Al Mualim ibn Abdullah to honor his greatness.

"I, Al Mualim ibn Abdullah , promise you, my subjects, that I will pull Arabia out of it's isolation and slumber. Let us rise up to the heavens. Let us rise so we may shed the light of Allah to the many peoples of the world. Let us be mighty, wonderful, and wise. Let us put aside old differences and quarrels. For this is a new age. An age of prosperity for Arabia and her people.

"Arabs the time us upon us to assume our duty. We cannot just sit and watch the world go by. Go! Be all that you can be. If you pledge yourself to this than Arabia can and will rise up to match and exceed any other great nation in this world. May Allah bless us all. Let us rise to be the envy of lesser peoples everywhere!” Amid cheers, chaos and celebration Al Mualim smiled, and knew that a brighter age was coming to his beloved country.

To the beautiful Catherine the Great of Russia,

I am not sure if you are aware of the recent change in regime, but now I, Al Mualim, am the monarch of the humble nation Arabia. Though not much correspondence between your mighty nation that reaches across 2 continents from the noble palaces of Europe to the the oriental pavilions of Asia and my modest country, we would like to extend a hand in friendship to our stately northern neighbor. And I speak for all the Arabian people that we hope to be of any assistance we can to our prestigious colleague. In honor of a hopeful new benevolent relation between our people we would like to bestow up yours a sum of 10 gold from our emptied coffers to symbolize this new era.

Sincerely,
Al Mualim ibn Abdullah of Arabia

To the esteemed Sulimen of the Mighty Ottomans,

It grieves me to inform you that Abdullah al-Mahdi has perished and I, in his stead, have taken control of our gentle nation. In the past it seems some unfortunate events have caused undesirable tensions between your paramount people, and the lowly people of Arabia. I, on behalf of my nation and my predecessor, would like to apologize for any past wrongdoings done. Why should we waist time and resources fortifying cities that should be like brothers (Sinope, Damascus). Let us usher in a new era between our peoples that will allow our nations to flourish and grow. We extend to your grand civilization and olive branch to promote the good will between us. I also offer a sum of 10 gold from our exhausted coffers as a symbol of hope for a friendlier future. I to show my desire for a easier peace between us will withdraw my troops back to my capital until my garrisons are left with but two units. I hope this gesture would show my commitment to our friendship and encourage you to redeploy yours as well.
Sincerely,
Al Mualim ibn Abdullah of Arabia

To Siddharta our treasured friend of India,

Siddharta, it pains me to inform you, and the men of your elevated court, the tidings of our late king Abdullah al-Mahdi, may Allah bless him. I'm sure he would be happy to witness this most wonderful occasion. I, the new ruler of Arabia, would like to invite you and your peoples into an alliance with mine, a modest nation. Our alliance would benefit us both in that we will be able to work together to create a better world, and better nations. This alliance would allow us to also rest more easily in the thought that we have a friend to support us in our diplomatic, militaristic, and economic endeavors. The only immaterial matter that might put a hitch in our joyous friendship would be the unimportant circumstance of our differing religions. Though this shall not be allowed stop the unifying of our nations in a jubilant bond of alliance and friendship. As a token of my hope I send a gift of 10 gold to symbolize the lasting good will between our nations.
Sincerely,
Al Mualim ibn Abdullah of Arabia

[Russia (DoE)]

"Those godless people with eyes narrow must have some unbelievable luck or their pagan idols protects them well!" - Catherine mumbled to herself when reading the war communique. - "Our protected by Jesus Christ soldiers to lose the battle at the doorsteps of the Mongolian capitol? It seems we underestimated the Mongols. They even got so inspired by their great victory, that they called one of their officers a Great General! We did pursued him and captured Beshbalik, but how I shall persuade our generals to try and stop the soldiers from killing every Mongol they see in revenge for the death of their comrades?"

The smoke and the orange glow at the horizon long after the sun has set, made her think it is too late to try and save Beshbalik from the just anger of the Russian soldiers.

[France (DoE)]

The Apostolic Palace



The ruling family of France had yet to personally embrace Christianity, let alone any religion, despite the fact that the country had "officially" converted. Princess Joan had condoned the national conversion for political and social reasons. Genevieve remembered well what her mother had told her: "It keeps both the people and our neighbors happy." But her mother was also wise enough to know the political power that went along with both the religious 'belief' and the religious 'infrastructure'. Prior to her death, she had begun construction of a new palace in Calais, the Apostolic Palace.

It was not built in Paris, the strategic thinking being to distance it from the seat of French government. This would enable it to act somewhat independently; or at least give the appearance as such. It also kept Paris' development scaled back; trying to respect the age-old and unspoken understanding with the English regarding so-called 'cultural' control of the channel. Some insiders think the real reason is that the best builders and and the best resources were in Calais; and that Paris could not have built if it tried. Whatever the rationale, it was built in Calais. And like the other magnificent feats of architecture in the city, this was no different.

A large open area, centered by a column, looked upon a magnificent church. To the right, a more sedate and 'blockish' building was the actual palace.



The artists of Calais had again outdone themselves. French creativity had run rampant and the interior of the church was the result.



The Apostolic Palace would be the head of the Christian Church, and it was intended that matters of Christian theology, as well as matters of politics amongst Christian nations, be decided upon here. A well know artist, Rafael Cambrai, was retained to paint a wall which would reflect that intent. But artists are irrepressible souls, and Rafael's interpretation was of a classical artists' school, where both techniques and ideas would be passed down from masters to students. The work was so impressive, that despite its dramatic departure from the original request, it was retained and became the artistic center-piece of the palace. It was eventually 'rationalized' that Rafael's picture was an artistic abstract of the disciples teaching God's way.



This was the Apostolic Palace. It was here that the head of the Christian Church would reside, and from where Christian theology, and edicts, would be issued. Time would tell whether the Palace would truly 'center' the Christian world, or whether Christian nations would spurn the concept.

The call went out to other nations to send Christian scholars and officials to fulfill the Palace's mandate. But who would 'head' the palace, and hence the Christian world? That was still to be decided.

In the interim, the leading Cardinal of Paris, Phillipe Vaillancourt, was placed as the spiritual and administrative head of the Apostolic Palace. It was on a temporary basis until elections could be held.

[Germany (DoE)]

The Mongols armies had no real leader but bravely they attacked the invaders. Chinese armies are now staying outside the border, they seem to have lost their will to fight, they had lost every battle. However the Russians were eager invaders sending stacks against both the capital and 2nd city built. Their attack against the capital has been weakened with 80% killed for no losses. However less troops are defending the 2nd city and there is a real possibility it will fall to the invaders soon. But the Mongol armies are determined to regroup and battle the invaders to the last man.

KKK,

Do you want to handle this alone?

I have not heard from anyone regarding Neandor's diplomatic suggestion.

We are very concerned about the Russian involvement and the taking of Beshbalik.

Instead of all of you secretly fighting can you please put on the table your demands.

Or tell the Neandor to grunt off and shut up!

King Franzen

as he sits on the terraces of Grunzen city drinking the latest French sensation feeling his grip on diplomacy fading into the sunset along with Damnanglais statistics... ah, if only Queen Genevieve was sat beside me here...

[Mongolia (DoE)]

The Russsians are demading the impossible. They insist on being given a route to the Pacific ocean. As we have 4 cities along that route, and now only the capital beside it, it is something we cannot give. They have razed Beshbalik to the ground committing genocide of the worst sort. SO it looks like things continue until the enemy is far more reasonable.

[Germany (DoE)]

University of Neandore

Oh my, King Franzen could not believe this. Where oh where is that bottle?!

[Israel (DoE)]

Israel has caught a Great Spy within our boundaries.
We are willing to trade him for any Great Prophet.
Any nation that can make such a trade with us, please contact us.

The spy speaks all known nations and will fully cooperate with any nation, as long as it's not Israel.
This is because it is an anti-semite.

Gideon

[France (DoE)]

She was alone in the desert. It was very hot. The sunshine was blinding. A man was walking away from her. Or was it towards? He walked slowly, leaving slight footprints in the sand. She yelled out to him. There was no acknowledgment. He kept walking.



Genevieve awoke with a start. She had been dreaming. Of the desert. She had never been there. Was it Africa or Arabia? It had to be Arabia. She recognized the man’s clothes from various books she had read. What did it mean?

She smiled to herself. It was just a dream.

She rolled over to go back to sleep, but she had this feeling, this intangible sense of reality, that ‘something’ had been lost. And that she would not be going back.

A sense of sadness lulled her to sleep.

[Russia (DoE)]

Catherine heard the angry voices in front of her tent and was curious who may dare to argue with her guards insisting at loud to get audience. She looked through the gap in the cloth of the tent and saw few Christian priests leaded by the Russian patriarch himself.




"Oh, no - it seems it is not enough the mongol keshiks, but now I have to deal with my own angry priesthood with their endless demands for monasteries and spreading the religion" - the Queen said to herself with boredom - "Let them in!" the guards heard her resounding voice and immediately made a way for the priests.

"It seems you dont care enough for the Church, your majesty!" - the patriarch said bold - "You allowed the French to build an Apostolic Palace before us! We were hopping to build it for the glory of our Church, to praise Jesus and to beautify the gray streets of Moscow!"

"You walked all this way from Moscow to Ural just to say me this?" Catherine said already with annoyance in her voice. "Is it so important for you? Isnt it the same when fellow Christians have built it? It will still praise Jesus, no matter it is in France or in Russia"

"No! It was me who was going to be the leader of the Christianity if we had built it! You dont know your majesty - your spotless mind cant imagine that the religion can be put to a political use - all the Christians will follow the decrees from the resident of the Apostolic Palace" the patriarch said.

"Hmmm.. thats interesting" Catherine said holding her elegant chin with her graceful fingers, rotating her beautiful head to one side. "I can use this to my advantage"

"Dont be sad, Russia is a big Christian nation and our people and priests are so pious, the power of our prays still may make you to be elected to advice and lead the Christian flock all over the world. I'll see what I can do about this" she replied with a smile that the more careful observer would call slyly.

[Mongolia (DoE)]

The 3 chiefs of Mongolia are disappointed that the Russians and Chinese are showing no interest in peace. The group (KKK) as they are known now request the assistance of fair minded people throughout the world. Although we are currently easily holding our own against 3 enemies, Russia, China and barbarians with 12 enemy units killed to our one, the gods may not continue to shower us with their favour and help from other forces will be appreciated. The Chinese are currently advancing towards 2 cities inculding the capital, but their current forces will be met with deadly force and therefore are of limited concern at this time. Russia is likwise moving towards a 3rd city which is lightly defended after all units were killed that approached our first two. They are unlikely to succeed in taking the city, and certainly with reinforcements on the way, they would not be able to hold it, making it likely they will again brutally raze a city and commit genocide, such is their brutal, cowardly nature, to kill and massacre woman and children.
Therefore we request help against a nation that has committed genocide and is lilkely to do so again.

[Russia (DoE)]

Russia never killed intentionally civilians. Their blood stains the hands of the indecisive and stubborn Mongolian leaders.
I have sent Mongolia one more offer for peace. I will restrain my soldiers from killing Mongolian soldiers or civilians till midnight. If till then I dont have answer from KKK, I can promise nothing.

And stop accusing Russia of being some kind of monster, our intentions are not to obliterate the Mongol tribe.