Destruction of Foes (DoF) - Diplo Light [Story Thread 1]

[France (DoF)]

In the Gallic war camp outside the Spanish outpost


A messenger from Spain my Warchief!

Begone with your foul talk ! You are the agressor here and your so called offer of a settler in exchange for my outpost is out of the question. Although you probably take over the city know that this first victory will be your last one, for the proud people of Spain have one soul purpose in life from now on: to be the Nemesis of the French ! My warriors will attack you until their last breath and France has to put all energy to my forces, hindering them to grow further. Words from your untolerable aggression will spread to other countries and soon your pathetic civilization will shrink to waste !
For my answer; look at the bones of you slaughtered archer, the first in the line of many to come.
It's your last chance to turn around and go home, otherwise I stop wasting time to listen to your ramblings and instead talk the word of swords and axes from now on....
[[[[[

War Chief Coulliore blinked once. Then twice. Then burst out laughing so loudly that his voice could be heard all the way to the enemy camp. After finishing his merriment he told the Spanish messenger to relay the following words:

Dear Spaniards/Fools.
It seems that you are as foolish as you are superstitious. If you truly think for a second that you can frighten a Gaul with threats then you need to be educated at axepoint. We have been gracious to the point of stupidity, but it seems you are hellbent on your own destruction. If you are so determined to be our enemy then you have made yourself an enemy and we will ensure that your nation can never be a threat to us. We will send Gauls to Spain itself and destroy your farms, make merriment with your women, burn your cottages, pillage your mines and destroy any man of fighting age. We can do all this without hurting ourself, for we are Gaul and war is what we do best. Every Gallic man loves a fight and there will be no shortage of volunteers to turn Spain/Fool-land into a terrified people hiding in cities behind their walls.

We will quote to you as our last communication the words of wise Chief Lugud: Those who fight well do not lose, those who lose well do not perish.

It seems you do neither...

[France (DoF)]

Modern metal band in France popularizes an ancient Gallic warchant.

[France (DoF)]

At times Gaul feels it is the only voice in the world. As a result we will make all the more noise!

The Spanish outpost has been removed as the warchief of the Gauls had declared it would, unfortunately the settlement was too small to be captured and now only ruins remain. Yet Spanish axes continue to cross the Pyrenee mountains as the leaders of Fool-land seek revenge. Even now we will offer a hand of mercy to the stubborn, superstitious fools of Fool-Spain. We have smacked you down, but we do not seek your destruction. Let us work together to help your nation settle away from our borders. We can support you with soldiers to claim lands that do not border our own. This is an offer of gracious kindness to a vanquished foe, we have no need to do this, but many in Gaul believe in Taoist ideals of balance and in our ancient goddess, Fehr Pley.

And hear now this. If you do not desire peace and reconciliation and reconstruction then we must ensure that Spain can never threaten us. Our armies will invade your lands and kill every male of fighting age. Your cities will be continously sieged and kept at a 1 unit garrison as we will kill any who take arms. When your leaders finally see sense and surrender we will demand Spain never build military units or develop military technology lest they suffer the wrath of Gaul, instead we will defend your realm but you will compensate our expenses from your coffers. We will allow you to develop in peaceful and religious ways, but you shall never have any weapons. This will be the price of your continued intransigence and stubborn stupidity.

We are merciful and strong, choose which of those qualities you wish to experience.

[Carthage (DoF)]

CTC Trade Update

Carthaginian women are starting to get accustomed to a life of luxury.
Therefore furs, gold and gems are in demand in Carthage city.

[Carthage (DoF)]

"Hasdrubal, have you any news from the war in Hispania?"

"No sire, no news so far.."

[Carthage (DoF)]

"Did our envoy to Rome return already?"

"I am sure he will return soon.."

[Portugal (DoF)]

I Viriathus, chosen by God, have become this day the protector of the Lusiantian people, and all who dwell on the shores of the raging sea. I, my sons and their sons after them will lead the people according to God's law, seeking peace and prosperity with our neighbours, defending our people with iron and the ram. Today our nation is reborn, our cities find new names, our fields and pastures burst with new life, our mines ring to the sound of iron on iron and our villages to the noise of children. Slowly but surely under my leaderships civilisation will begin in the lands of the setting sun.

[Hungary (DoF)]

The people of Rome have invaded Hungary and are assaulted a small village far away from the Italien border.
The reason for this provocation is unknown. The main cities of Hungary are very well protected and will easily stand against the Roman armies. Geza of Hungary considers the small village to be lost and is organizing a large army to seek revenge for this lost city.

[France (DoF)]

Gaul celebrates the glory of war!
We look forward to hearing of great battles and glorious deaths between the people of Rome and the Huns.


Meanwhile the former scout leader Sekouterix writes of the war between the Gallic Tribes and the Spanish Kingdom.

August 4th
Four days ago the scouting group I led into the Andorra mountain pass was attacked by Spanish axes, all of my men were slaughtered, I survived only by the will of the gods as I was hit on the head with the blunt side of an axe. Two days later I was healthy enough to be questioned and it should be noted that the Spanish, though stubborn as mules treat their prisoners with honor or perhaps even kindness. My captor, a Spanish nobleman named Velasquez seems to believe in some Tao ideals that I have yet to understand, but he explained that his adherence to them has allowed me to keep my life. After several days of questioning I have been given food and my request for a quill and leather to write on was granted. I intend to keep a record of the war from the enemy side as best I can. Now the sun is setting and my tent is becoming too dark for writing, I will begin tomorrow.


August 15th
It seems that the Spanish, like the Gauls, favor axes as their primary weapon. So far I have been able to surmise that at least eight Spanish nobles have led loyal axewielding war groups across the Andorran mountain pass, though there are some rumours abounding of soldiers called "Ocean Warriors" who may not be Spaniards. These warriors carry large shields in addition to their axes providing them with protection from arrows. Their origins have thus far been a mystery as I am not allowed to roam outside Velasquez' encampment. I will continue my inquiries.

When I left the Gallic city of Collioure the Spanish army was gathering outside the city, but it seems the defenders have discouraged a direct attack. The city lies on a hill surrounded by high walls, a direct attack would be exceedingly difficult and it seems the Spanish commander believes so as well as several noblemen have left the main camp and headed west or southeast. I doubt they are deserting, likely they participate in some feint intended to flank our forces.


August 27th
So far this war has been quite uneventful with only minor skirmishes occurring rather than the grand clashes desired by the more impatient axewielders. According to the best information available, one Gallic spearman was destroyed by a raiding warrior group who were then in turn destroyed by the archer garrison of Allervi. In the early days of the war a Gallic archer perished and finally, now my scout group was destroyed. Yet these losses are a pittance compared to the real armies that stand on opposide sides of the Collioure river. Both sides command at least eighty thousand axemen on the front lines, and undoubtfully more are being called from their respective homelands.

I continue my occasional meetings with Velasquez. He asks me questions about military matters and I have answered truthfully, yet my information is now several months outdated. So far the uneventfulness of this war provides little excitement to record so I will continue my writing when a matter of interest occurs.

[France (DoF)]

The writings of Sekouterix

30th of August
There has been much liveliness in the camp since the rumours were confirmed. Spain now has chariots crossing the Pyrenees. My axewielding tribefellows will likely find them troublesome, at least on the flat ground. The origin of these weapons is of course a mystery as during my extensive scouting of the Iberian peninsula, no Horses were found in Spanish lands. A suspicion exists in my heart that the horses are in fact from Portugal. I must admit that the arrival of these new weapons bring great concern regarding my fellow Gauls. Will they be able to meet this challenge with weapons of their own?

2nd of September
Rumours from the northwest, apparently Vercingetorix's men defeated a chariot attack in the western forests despite being in a difficult position. Using the rugged terrain much to his advantage, the famous war chief succeeded despite dismal odds. The defeat apparently has made the Spanish furious and a Spanish nobleman lost patience and advanced across the river only to be met on the other bank by sharp Gallic axes. Two minor victories to Gaul, but nothing decisivie still. The tension and anger is tangible, yet I fear this war may carry on for decades still if Spain will not relent, and now with Portugese aid they will likely press on until they are either victorious or firmly defeated.

One final note worth mentioning, a sailor said today that Gaul no longer has the greatest number of warriors in the world. At first I suspected that Portugal had added their entire strength to that of Spain, but told me he had seen Roman armies of vast numbers. Their war in the east will certainly be one of great interest as well, I will do my utmost to gather information of that war as well.

[Portugal (DoF)]

Viriathus King of the Lusitanians interupted his work with the elders of the tribes (trying to unify a single law for his people) to receive his agent watching the sad war north of the mountains between his friends the Gauls and Spaniards.

"Is Gallic power triumphing on the battle field?"

"No Sire. They have succeeded in some minor skirmeshes but nothing more. The Spaniards have now established a new fortified city north of the mountains, and the Gauls seem powerless."

"A new city?"

"Yes Sire. In empty land - once again it is hard to see how the Spaniards can be criticised - but you know how the Gauls claim all land they set eyes on as their own, and seem to vow destruction against any who will not cower before them."

"Hold your tongue. The Gauls are a noble race. But you are right they will not appreciate the founding of this city. After all it was the Spanish founding a city in free open land north of the mountains which led to the Gallic invasion. But what of the Gallic power and military might - what are they playing at?"

"Sire, it seems that perhaps the Gallic nobles over-exaggerated their strength. They didn't actually have all the power they said they did. All that 'destroy the spaniards at will' stuff was farts from their Gallic backsides"

"Hold your tongue! "So this is not the story of David and Goliath beloved of our priests?"

"It seems not, sire."

"Interesting I will have to ponder the implications of this with my council. It certainly changes many things."

"There is something else Sire. The Gaul's are accusing us of supplying chariot horses to the Spaniards, and even talk of our whole army fighting secretly against them. "

"But that is rubbish. What sort of Gallic fart is that? Our army, small as it is, remains defending our city walls. And horses! Is it possible that the horses we are selling to our friends overseas are being shipped back to Spain?"

"Sire, I don't think horses could survive that two way trade. But perhaps that is it. We are certainly not the only nation capable of shipping horses across the quiet sea."

"What are the Gauls doing with these accuasations?"

"Sire, perhaps they are just frustrated at their lack of dominance on the battle field, and are needing to provide excuses to their people. So they are trying to pretend that they were right to say that they would have won easily against Spain, but they are now fighting Spain and Lusiantia. Hence the stalemate."

"Ah yes I can see that. Domestic and foreign propaganda - trying to change the picture from Gallic warriors attacking their neighbour and finding it hard, to Gallic warriors defending against many enemies. A good tactic. And perhaps they are right that Spain is receiving support from somewhere."

"But Sire they are blackening our name. And we are their friends."

"Well, yes, but it we can serve their propaganda in this way, what harm to us, and its a service we as friends can provide them. And the other alternative?"

"Well Sire it could be that they are deliberately provoking us. Wishing us to join Spain in this war?"

"Why? That's stupid. And surely they know we would never attack them!"

The agent wrung his hands and shrugged, an expression he learn from his Gallic mother, and set off back to the front.

[Hungary (DoF)]

How the Romans were fooled by their greed.

Suddenly many Roman Praetorians invaded Hungary.
Unwarned they appeared out of the blue. Seven in number at least.
With weak excuses about Hungarian cities being built without consulting Rome.
Never did Geza of Hungary receive complaints.
Not to mention that the Roman city of Cumae was built way too close to the natural border between Hungary and Rome itself.

Without warning a warrior razed the new found Hungarian city, killing 10,000 civilians without mercy.
Then the Praetorians headed towards the western main city of Hungary with the sole purpose to take it and occupy it forever.

In the meanwhile many Hungarian armies marched towards the west.
After the short Bulgarian war and the fear for war with the Greek, Hungary was now facing a 3rd war on yet another border of it's empire.

The Roman army outnumbered the 2 axemen of Hungary.
But the Axemen were well fortified, behind walls and on a hill.

Now Geza of Hungary couldn't win this war by the art of weaponry, he had to use his tongue.
Peace offers were sent, acceptable peace offers. Rome would get the city unspoiled, including buildings. But Rome would compensate Hungary with 2 settlers.
An offer made with the sole purpose of buying time. Time needed to bring in another 2 axemen and to build a 3rd one. Five axemen would be sufficient to stand against an army of 14 praetorians.

Unfortunatley the Romans accepted the offer without negotiation.
This caused a small headache to Geza. How could he buy time by extending negotiation if all demands were already met?
But then the Romans made this utter mistake, 6 praetorians were moved across the river!
Now suddenly the Roman armies face a 25% river attack penalty.

Geza felt strong and bluffed the Romans into believing that a library would be finished within 5 turns.
And greed took power over the heart of the Romans.
Not only did they accept to wait another 5 turns, they also accepted the cease fire that was offered.

Now the Hungarian city (which is rigriously Hungarian) is solidly defended by 5 axemen (and more are coming).
Axemen behind walls, fully fortified, on a hill. Some say that the strength of these axemen is close to 12.5 power against praetorians.
A lot more then the puny 8 a praetorian can create.

Hungary is save against the greedy expansionists from the west.
Now Geza hopes that the Romans will see their failure and that normal peaceful relations can be built.

For all greedy nations in the east, Hungary is well defended on all borders now.
You are free to try your luck. Please come with something better then Praetorians though.

[France (DoF)]

11th of September
Rumours keep flooding in from the east of the new great war, the Romans attacking the Huns and the Huns yielding only to betray their word. Personally I am at a loss of how to react to such a feint, on one hand it is clearly a very clever ploy, but on the other, a man should keep his word, lest he be called a liar. I must meditate on this with my captor Velasquez. Our meetings have become weekly routine and we have discussed the war, our peoples and religion. I suspect he believes that insight into the Gallic mindset can provide him with some tactical or strategical advantage against our troops. I have learned many things from him as well, about the Tao, the teachings of Confucieaux and other Spanish concepts. Their culture is very advanced, but they are fewer in number than the Gauls and in general a less virile people.


15th of September
According to a recently arrived runner, Gallic axes were escorting a catapult crew with siege weapons when Spanish chariots attacked them. Outmanouvered the axes were unable to stop the chariots from bearing down on the catapult crew who each and every one sought glory by counter-attacking. The catapults were lost and the crew perished. However the chariots were destroyed shortly after as the axemen engaged in a fierce pursuit of the damaged wagons. 1 - 1 again it seems. I suspect this war may go on for generations if things continue at this pace, though the Spanish continue to attempt to flank our positions using the forests to their advantage. Our people sit safely behind walls while theirs hide safely in the forests. Pointless warfare all of it.

[Rome (DoF)]

AVE,
Great Romulus, their agents knew that fraudulent Hungarians openly boast of the lies that you saved (for now) skins. Romans honored the most frequent and the truth about them, a promise is something sacred, but apparently among the barbarians Hungarians fraud is something you are proud. Roman legions will not stop their march while the Hungarian leader did not come to beg for mercy over Hungarians we come to you

[Egypt (DoF)]

Meanwhile in Egypt...