Destiny of Empires [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 5 - February 2011]

[Robert]

This is the Story and Diplomacy Thread for the Diplo Game "Destiny of Empires" (DoE)

The purpose of this thread is to post in-character story posts and diplomacy for this game. Please discuss all organizational aspects of this game the Organization Thread.
Use your Anonymous Apolyton Game Account to put posts in this thread.

The Dance of Civilizations is a diplomacy game.
The players try to rule their empires like they are real. Role playing and story telling is an important way to achieve this.
Fore more information visit the Diplogame FAQ by OzzyKP



For more information visit the Organization Thread.

[America (DoE)]

Viceroy Charles Cornwallis had come down to Miami, after hearing about the arrival of an envoy from the South, from the Inca. Upon arrival, he was brought to one of the local longhouses, where the man was brought before him. He looked at the man, and asked him: "Pray tell me sir, what can I do for you?"

The Incan man spoke, but it was in one of these awful native grunting languages. Cornwallis called for one of the American natives, thinking perhaps he might be able to decipher these grunts. However, no real progress was made. Cornwallis leaned over to one of his native slaves and said: "I find this immensely tedious. Please, when, or should I say, if, you find out what this man wants, then send an envoy and let me know what it is. When you are done with him, give him some furs and assorted trinkets and whatnot, and send him on his way."

He got up, saluted the Incan man, and walked out of the longhouse.

[Inca (DoE)]

A MESSAGE CONCERNING ALL EUROPEAN AND NEAR-ASIAN POWERS

[A letter, written in English, is posted in various places of note in Europe:]

The Inca proudly announce the opening of the Inca intercontinental trade auction. For the next [5 days], we will be accepting offers for the trade of Inca corn, Inca crab, Inca gold, and Inca dyes. For the dyes, we also require a minimum down payment of [50 gold], as we must first still clear and farm such resources.

We seek wheat, wine, cow, and clam.

At the end of this period, the highest bids for each resource will be granted a [50 turn] license to trade that resource with the Inca, through the English.

As the Inca have no intercontinental abilities of their own, and as no other power appears to, save the English, there is no alternative to trade but through the English. We recognize that this may be inconvenient for some, and we apologize.

So, all goods must go through English hands, and the English will impose a [1GPT] tax on each resource traded.

Please make all bids private with your local Inca envoy.

By decree of the Sapa Talchu Piytu, the Sapa Piytu, the Cachaz Y'npazhak, and the great Sapa Chitcopi Incacona."

[Inca (DoE)]

The Inca envoy was clearly taken aback by the rude handling from such primitive peoples as the Americans. How often does a great emperor meet a local native group and receive such ill treatment? They still make their houses from thatch and mud! The Inca have been making proper stone houses from machined brick for countless centuries. Why, they haven't even a codified set of laws that we can see...

Still, being well practiced in the art of diplomacy, the man made no show of such sentiments and walked out. Perhaps, he thought, we shall one day have closer borders with these people, and then perhaps we will understand one another. For now, it appears, the Americans do not desire our friendship.

He left on a small boat to return to the IES Tupaca which was still sailing in the Leftsea.

[Germany (DoE)]

Tales from Europe

It is a strange thing that the skull of Franzen should reside on an Incan fishing boat moored in Grunzen City. Father and son bonded by place. The fishermen, as the chosen keepers of the skull, did not fully appreciate its true value yet but sensed it had a destiny. But was this in Europe or in the homelands of the Inca?

The Neandor people, particularly in the South, missed Franzen but many could see that the more pragmatic and balanced kingship of the Snarg Line was yielding better results for them.

And speaking of the Inca it has been made known to them that the Neandor will never deal through the Damnanglais as a third party in any negotiations; nor will the Neandor be developing Galleon type ships - the type described from prophecies afar. Neandor believes that this world has evolved with fortuitous means for Galley trade to exist world wide - the Inca themselves have proved this.



Although Snarg II was totally disinterested in religion and Wonders he allowed the various projects of Franzen to be completed. Just like religion, the Neandor Wat and the Snarg Matal served a purpose in making his kingdom the most productive ever. He used these devices to his own ends and never truely appreciated architecture or culture. The Snarg line lusted neanderthal military action but he found a place in international diplomacy where some success was accruing, whilst the opportunities for war expansion were diminishing fast.



Unlike the fine lines of architectural wonders he did appreciate the fine lines of women folk. The handsome Snarg cavorted for long in the Eastern forest, hunting deer with Queen Catherine of Russia; although she was unassailable as a conquest by a mere neanderthal. However, both were successful in the process of easing the cold war tensions between their kingdoms.

Someone else was represented in the hunting parties and it was Ann Marie of France. She is the one who took his fancy and she him. Even Catherine admitted they made a fine couple! Just then Catherine suddenly departed the deer hunts in the forests, causing Snarg II to consider a trip to France with Ann Marie. He is shocked to hear of the near death experience of Genevieve, his 'Dear Gen' from the many letters he had written. Geneveive would never have been interested in the likes of Snarg II but maybe she needed him in her hour of utter desperation and fight for life. He asks advise from Ann Marie before they travel from the forest, noting that Queen Catherine of Russia was already in the French city of Lubeck offering support.

-

Such complexity exists in the relationships of the European royal houses that other nations are urged to take note. A Europe smouldering in wars was one thing but a Europe bonded by various royal ties and mutually beneficial deals was another.

Perhaps it was the huge growth of Chinese culture, as three Chinese cities grow exponentially in this regard, that Europe took stock of the global picture.

Perhaps it was the rapid colonization by the Damnanglais who were not regarded as part of Europe.

Many things were changing in the world now.

[Inca (DoE)]

Victory and peace at last! Inca axemen return to give a victory performance to noblemen.


The great Sapa Chutcopa

After the War of Resistance ended, the Inca enjoyed a few decades of relative peace, growth, and propserity under their famed wartime leader, Sapa Paycupat Chutcopa. Having reached military superiority over the English (on the Inca continent at least) yet lacking the numbers to mount any form of actual assault on the English colonies protected by advanced, medieval defensive troops, the Inca settled into an anxious peace with their new neighbors. There were no major celebrations after the war's official end, although a general sense of ease was felt for some time. Besides, many Inca, both of low and high birth, felt the English would remain enemies for centuries to come. Little faith in the future was built by the signatures at the Tamazono Peace Accords, in that simple wood building on the banks of the Great River.

But, military matters and border expansion were no longer high priorities for most Inca. Save the wild south (which only the local Tupaca and similar family-tribes were concerned with), the continent was finally safe, the previously invasive barbarians wiped out or "pacified", and lasting border arrangements had been forced upon the English, formally solidifying the shape of Incacona. As such, the people turned to building and, coarsely said, tacchitco. At the same time, the wild south was beginning to produce the first true specialists of Inca history.

In the aftermath of the brutal cultural shock of meeting Europeans, the Inca had begun to (relative to their past) radically adjust their own sense of self, communal self, and expectations. Although for many in the older parts of the empire, this simply meant a more "refined" and "European" flair to traditional life, the newer communities in direct contact with the English (the Guacana and Tupaca) saw their societies grow yet further apart from the west coast. For the Guacana, centuries of economic development and business innovations fed the intellectual and professional lives of a growing population of entrepreneurs and artisans.

For the Tupaca and their fellow men, European intellectual and social attitudes were eagerly devoured by a very rapidly growing community of specialists and self-proclaimed "rationalists". The "Newcoasters", as they were called by the "Oldcoasters" (the Mancha, Talcha, and Capaca), were showing the beginning of a truly new approach to all affairs of human life. They embraced the far more liberal and rational ideologies than those of their Capaca and Mancha roots, for which a central argument was "because we say so" (the "we" typically being the landowners and high merchants).

Indeed, not only was most of the empire's intellectual growth contained in the Newcoast and "Dark Territories", but most of its physical and economic growth was also centered there. The Guacana population grew slowly due to the infectious mud-stricken jungle terrain, but their economic growth was spectacular. The Newcoasters saw the inverse, with their economic growth stifled by less of an interest in economic advancement, but their population growth was astounding and unprecedented perhaps anywhere on the planet. It is no surprise that such a fast growing, geographically aloof, and very young society such as theirs would prove the intellectual engine for the empire, especially given their historic roots as spiritualists and lost wanderers in search of the Limits. Now settled, they searched no longer for the well-established physical limits of their world, but for the limits of reason and of their identities.



Despite this extraordinary period of accelerating change, the empire fell into a short dark period after the death of its famed emperor, Chutcopa. The regime fell into disarray, and centralized governance all but broke down in the intervening years before the reestablishment of the throne. Trade broke down between the Hazcos, and between the empire and foreign empires as well.

Fortunately, this did not cause permanent harm to the empire, and indeed it emerged on the other side much stronger. The central government returned with far increased centralization and efficiency in Capaco, and, unfortunately, during the dark period the loss of central authority only entrenched the class system more fully. This proved beneficial in a way, as the act of patronage was started among the nobles in lieu of government input in the arts and sciences. This would carry over into the Third Period of the Inca, producing many artistic, scientific, and religious communities across the land.



Out of the darkness, the Inca Empire began its Third Period. For centuries after, the Empire would experience previously unknown rates of growth and technological advancement. Intercontinental trade would finally begin, and the Inca would develop into a nascient global player, finally freed from their dark, wet, unknown and largely ignored cage on the hidden side of a distant continent. Now, they would be a part of the great struggles and triumphs of the whole, no more a distant soloist plucking silently in some unseen corner.

[France (DoE)]

A baby cries. It reaches out to her. She tries to comfort it but she can never reach the child. It continues to cry.

Is this a dream? Is this death?

.....blackness ....

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Suleiman looked confused at the word from France, not recognising anything that they said about the great Oasis. The city had not been built using French roads - all the roads running from the Mediterrean into the desert oasis had been built by Turkish engineers. Yes the French labourers had been slaving away building a west-east road in the desert, but that was of no interest or use to the Turks.

And the tone - how confusing. Suleiman had openly asked the French what their plans were for the desert, why their soldiers and workers were there. What their intentions where. Only to be told that the French had no interest or plans there, that the workers were simply engaged in grand project to keep them occupied. How he admired the French energy.

Ah well, the Turks had had good relationships with the French for centuries. Indeed millenium. Never a single criticism or concern ever raised by the French. Perhaps the sun had affected everyone. Back to the certainties of friendship which had lasted for thousands of years unblemished.

[Russia (DoE)]

Catherine is in France with the whole her court and all her doctors trying to help the wounded Genevieve.

[Russia (DoE)]

When a word came from the Russian explorers who were in Africa - they sent stories about strange black men, fearing for their children who talks about a lot of white armed man.

[France (DoE)]

An eagle soars slowly above, circling. She draws her bow. The arrow flies true. The eagle falls to the ground, all grace gone from its motion. It lies on the ground, dead. Blood flows from the mortal wound in its chest.

She senses sadness. Why would she kill this magnificent creature?

Them .... ...blackness....

[England (DoE)]

Somewhere in London...

King Henry called the meeting to order. Not held in the royal receiving chamber where such audiences often are held, this meeting was held away from the pomp and formality of the royal court. In hushed voices the three men spoke of important matters. Important matters that could reshape Europe in the years to come.

Henry looked over to his right and first addressed the dour figure in black, Francis Walsingham, "So, what is the story? What is going on in France now?"

"It is worse than we feared, sire..."

Walsingham paused for what seemed like an eternity, the room hung with expectation.

"After rumors surfaced that England was responsible for the assassination attempt I instructed my best men to look into it."

"Was it the Ottomans? The Vikings?" asked the King.

"No, it was an inside job... after much investigation it seems the assassination was orchestrated by the military. The French military."

"The military? Oh dear..."

"Yes, sire. It seems this is a coup, not an assassination. Our sources indicate it goes straight to the top - to General Maray himself."

"But why?"

"Genevieve was not a martial woman like her mother. She was popular with the people, but decidedly less so among the army. The army had waited a very long time for their chance to take Carthage from us. They continue to harbor a great deal of insult from our settling there. Indeed there were once firm plans to invade us and take the city. When King Richard wisely pulled out and sold the territory to the Ottomans, Queen Genevieve called off the plans. The military resented her for that. They didn't care who owned the land, they wanted it for France regardless. Genevieve was an obstacle to these plans and... eventually.. she was taken out."

"Why does she yet live then? Why haven't they finished her off?"

"If they did that then the French rules of succession would set in. The crown would go to her sister, Anne-Marie. Our sources don't know what the military think of Anne-Marie, but obviously they'd rather keep Genevieve alive for now so they can retain direct control over the nation on an emergency basis. Whether or not Anne-Marie is supportive of their plans, she would present a wild card for them. Their plans require no uncertainty."

"What are their plans?"

"They want war."

"It is true sire," said the third man who hadn't yet spoken, "our ships off the coast of Africa indicate the French have a great army in Tangiers and a large fleet there as well. War is undoubtedly brewing."

"Admiral Columbus, you say the troop build up is in Africa? Then what of the accusations currently circulating that we were responsible for the assassination? It seemed that they were preparing the way for an invasion against us..."

"Those were our initial thoughts, sire," said Francis Walsingham, "which prompted our investigation. But with the confirmation from the Royal Navy, it seems Ottoman holdings in Africa are their target. It seems the anti-English rumors were a diversion to distract people from their true target."

"And because the French just really, really don't like us." added Admiral Columbus.

"Well that's good news then! I was worried the French would blame us and attack, but we're not the target at all! We sure dodged an arrow there."

"Not quite sire," said Walsingham, "not only would French control of Carthage jeopardize the remaining payments for our sale of the city to the Ottomans it would severely disrupt the balance of power in Europe. The French are already strong, and would grow stronger yet by adding an additional two or three cities in Africa. This still remains a threat to English interests. Furthermore, if the French general is emboldened by this war, it may be just a matter of time before they turn their attention to their hated enemy to the north... nothing would make France happier then an attack on the 'damnanglais'."

"Admiral, put the navy on full alert. Guard our shores and keep an eye on the situation in Africa. I will send an official communique to the powers of Europe warning them of the French coup and their plans. They cannot get away with this..."

"Very good, sire."

"One last thing Francis, how do you know so much? Who are your sources?"

"I cannot share my sources, even with you sire, you never know who may be listening to our conversation. Lets just say that a very good friend of France has been feeding us information. They are bound to support their friend on the surface, but are equally concerned about their growth in power so betray them in secret. This information comes from very trusted sources..."

"After a century of dealing with uncivilized natives on several continents, I often forget how barbaric and deceptive the so-called 'civilized' peoples of Europe can be... May God protect us through whatever travails soon await us all..."

[Ottoman Empire (DoE)]

Suleiman read the rumours of the French queen's dreams - rumours clearly spread by someone in France - after all whose dreams get broadcast to the world unless someone is making a point. An eagle being shot, dear me at least in the old days dream interpreters had to earn their keep. And the analysis and predictions from good king Henry.

But still Suleiman couldn't believe it. The betrayal and faithlessness that an attack by the French would represent would be unheard of in the history of the world. Never a concern raised by the French, never a question, never a hint of a problem in two millenia of good relations. It was unthinkable that any nation would about face in this way as if life were a mere game. Not just would no nation ever trust the French again throughout all time, but the gods themselves would revolt at such capricious meaningless war.

No, believed Suleiman, French armies are at liberty to be in French lands. Their good faith can be trusted.

[England (DoE)]

To: Neandor, Vikings, Russians, Ottomans, Arabs and Israelis
From: King Henry III, of England
Re: France

I wish I were writing you under happier circumstances. I bring foul news that concerns the security of all of us. Some of you we have relationships with, some of you we don't. All of you, we believe, are affected by the news we bring. As a friendly gesture, we intend to share the information we have gathered so that all nations may be warned.

After an intensive investigation, English intelligence agents have uncovered some startling news about the assassination attempt on Queen Genevieve of France. I have been personally distant from the Queen, but I understand that some of you have come to know her well during her years on the throne. I am certain that we all are concerned for her health and safety and shocked that a sitting monarch can be attacked so boldly. The finger of blame has, in whispers and rumors, been cast widely in recent days, which prompted our investigation. As stated earlier, I believe all civilized nations nearby deserve to hear our information.

Our investigation shows that the assassination attempt on Queen Genevieve was undertaken by the French military. As you all no doubt are aware, the military, under General Maray has moved swiftly to assume power during the Queens incapacitation. The military also has quickly moved troops into North Africa, we believe they intend to invade the Ottomans. Surely most of you will feel this is a local conflict that does not concern you, we feel there is great risk in this move to all of us. Unhinging the military from the God-given authority resting in a proper monarch is dangerous for us all. There is no reason to believe, after taking Ottoman land in North Africa, that they won't continue on to Bethlehem. Or lay siege to Grunzen City.

We do not propose any action, but wish merely to inform the community of what we have uncovered.

Finally, some (most strangely some monotheists) have suggested that "the gods themselves would revolt at such capricious meaningless war". We are a nation that have known much war of late, fighting off native terrorists in the foothills of our American protectorate, fighting the the mighty Incan Empire who dared to dispute God's will in giving South America to England and many scattered skirmishes with primitive peoples of South America who were trespassing on our land before we arrived to claim it. I do not feel God disapproves of these just and righteous wars to expand Christendom. I am certain that God would not disapprove of a French war against those who killed Christ. My interests in this war have nothing to do with universal concepts of right and wrong and of just war vs. unjust war. There will be nothing unusual or morally distinctive about this war as some would claim, our interest in this is purely pragmatic as a coup-imposed government in France beating the drums of war is a threat to us all.

Once again, I wish only to inform and warn the peaceful nations of the area,

King Henry III

[Germany (DoE)]

King Henry III, of England

The Neandor see no sign that the French mean any harm to any nation. Nor any evidence to suggest there is any element of truth in your assertions about General Maray.

Genevieve has said to me personally that most likely a Hindu minority were involved in her attack. All societies have such sub-cultures.

I believe General Maray to be a loyal servant of the French and would not act against the wishes of his Queen.

If he were to cause a war against the Turks then any theoretical window of opportunity is closing fast as Turk units pour into Africa. In other words the Turks have acted on the basis of vigilance as all kingdoms would.

Neandor has strong ties with the Franch, Turks and Vikings, as well as the Russians - it is the Damnanglais I do not trust nor do I give any credence in your letters which are attempts at muck raking. The more you talk the more the finger points at you for interfering in French affairs and you become the most likely candidate in Queen Genevieve's near death experience.

King Snarg II of the Neandor Line.