Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 3 - June 2012]

[Persia (DoB)]

Kikku-Siwe-Temti, rightful ruler of Persia, hereby apologizes for any insult to our Islamic brothers caused by my predecessors. We wish to express our appreciation to Justinian, our Islamic brother, whose private counsel opened our eyes to how much we can trust our allies.

Our Arab brothers were able to quell the doubts of our Byzantium allies, who were the first to privately convey to the Persians that our Arab brother's actions were suspicious, so of course Persia no longer holds any doubts about our ally either.

As Justinian wisely told Kikku-Siwe-Temti, "We should put our trust in Allah and no one else."

[Byzantium (DoB)]

Praise be to Allah who brings us together and helps us grow stronger.

[France (DoB)]

A nervous French messenger arrives at the River Village to relay a message from France.

"Greetings Master Hanz of the Dutchland Slavers, I bear a message from Pud the Apprentice Mystic of Stonehenge. Your messenger was well received in Paris. I trust he enjoyed his stay with the feasting, wine and dare I say the French women! Life in Paris is glorious and we wish to make certain that all who come to visit in peace leave with only fond memories.

I understand from your messenger that the Dutch have not mass murdered their slaves, like the English, while that is a small blessing, slavery is still considered evil by French morals. I have even heard that some Dutch even say that they do not possess any slaves for they do not consider their slaves to even be human beings! The Dutch practice of Slavery is of course evident to all tribes that have even met the Dutch however hopefully some day you will return to your Tribalism roots.

I also understand from your messenger that some of the ruling faction in Dutchland is worried that the slaves in Dutchland resenting their slavery and yearning for the freedom of France may try to revolt and join France. I can understand how that would be a concern to slave owners. The obvious start would be to end Slavery of course but I suppose that is out of the question since it might start a revolution on its own.

The French people of course would encourage the Dutch to build great wonders or if the Dutch are not industrious or creative enough for that then perhaps you could start on a smaller scale like a monument to your dead, which of course would have the added benefit of preventing the spirits of dead Dutch from being imprisoned for eternity in Jahannam. Building a joyous prosperous city with plenty of entertainment for all should be the goal of all tribes. Joie de vivre is the French motto and we hope that all our neighbors will join us in making our corner of the world the best place in which to live!"

The French messenger continues with a second message.

"This message is for Master Hanz of the Dutchland Slavers from the Elder Mystic Council of France. Your espionage threats are of no concern to France. If you spy on us then we know your intentions are as hostile as your outrageous demands and we will prepare for your future declaration of war against us. The reality is that the Dutch are Slavers and as such we know that we can never let our guard down and must always be militarily ready to defend ourselves anyway.

Our most inexperienced mystic can see that your plan is to develop copper based weapons, recruit as many of our neighbors as you can to jointly attack France, probably in alternating periods to keep France constantly at war. France is preparing contingencies for this likely eventuality."

[England (DoB)]

The French claim to love freedom but it is a fool who embraces the mind obliterating “freedom” being spread to English lands by French mystics. Their spells do not even offer the freedom of the dead, whose souls may at least journey on into the hereafter. Instead nothing but the horror of living emptiness and oblivion which is no substitute for real freedom built on a free, open, welcoming, and active mind. French efforts to dominate and control their neighbors are the true proof of French views on liberty, and their actions only redoubles English resolve to stamp out those who fall under the accursed shadow of French mystics. We weep for those whose minds are lost to French spells knowing that their only escape will be final release of death. All efforts are being directed to seek out counter spells to turn the tide.

The French are also mistaken about the universal truths that rule human behavior. The English have long known it is right that makes might. Although Elizabeth understands the short lived French rulers do not have her greater sense of perspective, let it be known that if the French continue in their ways they shall come to know that true power and might is held by those who are righteous in their actions.

[France (DoB)]

Word has spread in French campfires, that The Great Valley Seekers have miraculously survived an ambush by Barbarian Warrior with 2 packs of wolves! The Great Valley Seekers are rumored to be at the farthest eastern edge of the Great Northern Forest and there is much debate in France whether they should risk moving into the unforested tundra hills where all their specialized training will be useless or whether they should turn back to explore more of the great Northern Forest.

Meanwhile the Elder Mystic Council are taking the English Slaver's attempt to create a spell that would dominate the minds of mass numbers of people at once very seriously and are directing a major portion of their mystical activities to stopping this endeavor.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

We have seen on the hill being beaten and forced to work by the Garcons Warriors of Paris the Roman slaves captured by the French. Some of these slaves are no older than children They were beaten them with clubs forcing the slaves to build a road towards Dutchlands, of course for the invasion of Dutch as anticipated. We have discovered that this road is meant to allow France new terrible secret weapon to attack Dutchlands.

Our Fire Mystics have dreamed of a fearsome new weapon being created by France. They describe it as a Horse pulling a fishing boat cut in half, with a warrior in the boat, much better armed than any we seen before. Calls are being made to prepare the defenses of River Village for another battle with France. But louder are the Dutch voices that wish to continue diplomacy with France. Most still believe that France can be convinced not to build another great monument and to stop enslaving the Roman workers.

Hanz

[China (DoB)]

Great hordes ! Barbarians are flooding our land and Qin fears for the survival of his people. All China is engaged in building defences. The people go to the tree and rock gods and pray for life.

[France (DoB)]

The Torino road workers are so happy to finally be well fed, safe and free that they have taken it upon themselves to build roads in the most mountainous areas of France to help secure the areas from enemy tribes. With Dutch slavers on the French border looking for more French slaves to add to their numbers, the Elder Mystic Council has sent the Garcons de Paris to guard the Torino workers.

With typical French joie de vivre, the entire atmosphere is festive but productive as the French are known for their Industriousness and Creativity. Feeling secure, despite the ominous Dutch slavers, due to the French guards the Torino workers bring their entire families including their children to work, learn and play.

Many of the children imitate their parents by helping build the road however a number of the children wish to be like the Great Valley Seekers and beg the Garcons de Paris to teach them to use a club. The brightest of the would be children warriors, with the thickest skulls, are even taught the art of French debate!

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Civil War!

Following Hanz refusal to act against France, turmoil grips River Village. The five factions taken sides. The Nether demand espionage against France and have renouced Hanz for failure to protect River Village. They declare independence and are attacking any Dutch loyal to Hanz. All French in River Village have fled to the darkwoods. The Dutch faction remain mostly loyal to Hanz but some are fleeing to France, some are staying to fight and some few are join the Nether. The Ocean Mother faction joined the Nether and are capturing Dutch and forcing them to help build a large watercraft possibly the largest ever. Some are saying that after they finish they will be forced to crew the craft for Ocean Factions purposes. Some even claim that Ocean Mother Faction has no interest in the conflict and are just using it as excuse to enslave Dutch and force them to build this ship. Very few Dutch remain who have not either joined a side, or been taken prisoner by Ocean faction.



Earth Mother faction has openly declared loyaty to Hanz and they fight fierce in the hills and forest near River village. Fire Mystics have declared open war on all loyal to Hanz and started a battle to capture River Village and Hanz. Last night, there was an attempt to kill Hanz the appointed ruler of Dutchlands. The Nether faction and Fire Mystics accuses the French and demand spying is resumed against France. The Ocean faction, Dutch faction, and Earth Mother faction accuse the Fire Mystic but Ocean faction fights on the side of Nether and Fire Mystic. Some say for their own purposes, some say because they want Hanz dead because he would not follow their wishes.

There was a bloody battle for control of Nether Village, but in the end Nether faction, Fire Mystics and Ocean faction win the day. Ocean faction takes prisoner all the Dutch loyals right away for their ship building project, and Fire Mystics declare themselves in charge of the Village. After the battle, The Leader of the Fire Mystics issues a proclamation:

The French Du-Cha puppet known as Hanz, refer to as "The Slavemaster" by France has been overthrow. He has fled after the French assasination attempt. He is now a fugitive from the Nether as well as from the French. We the Fire Mystics of Nation of Fire have taken control of the River Village and we fight all those loyal to Hanz and his French puppets. We offer this choice simple to all who live in River village. You must renounce the French puppet and all loyal to him. If you stand with him then you are against the Fire Mystics, agaist the Nether and against Nation of Fire.

The time for dreaming is over. The time for action is here. We the chidren of Mountain Father will bathe those who oppose him in fire just as our Hero Trotseer was. Many lives will be sacrificed in his name to restore dignity and independence to Nation of Fire. We are French puppets no more. Any Dutch or French living in Nation of Fire who do not join us will be taken prisoner or slain. They will be put to use to serve Nation of Fire. Join, Submit or Flee. This will be the last warning.

[France (DoB)]

Due to the threat of sabotage or outright attack by jealous neighbors, the Priests of Stonehenge have raised a private militia of loyal volunteers to defend Stonehenge, called the Stonehenge Sentries.

Meanwhile, the Dutch refugees who are lucky enough to make it to the French border are greeted by patrols of the Garcon de Paris and quickly escorted to sympathetic French relatives. The refugees bear stories of loved ones left behind who are either dead or enslaved by the various factions.

Many of the Elder Mystics, especially those associated with the Dutch Defenders, call for France to once again intervene to stabilize the Dutch. Over a hundred years of peace between the tribes are being put at risk by the Nether extremists.

The Priests of Stonehenge, backed by their loyal Stonehenge Sentires, control the streets of Paris however and they are arguing that the Elder Mystic Council has been relatively accurate in predicting threats such as the rise of Islam, Barbarian Uprising and the threat of the Slavers however the Council proactive interventionist policies to actually prevent these events from occurring have been totally unsuccessful. The Priests of Stonehenge are therefore demanding that France follow the Celtic and Central Allies policy of non-intervention.

The Elder Mystics associated with the Garcons de Paris have surprisingly sided with the Priests of Stonehenge. Rumor around French campfires is that these Elder Mystics are more concerned by the show of power by the Priests of Stonehenge by forming the Stonehenge Sentries and controlling the streets of Paris then with the fate of other tribes. There is tension amongst the French factions and many fear the Dutch civil war may spill over into France and cause a French civil war.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

For months and months hiding in darkwoods, with his supporters preparing to retake the River Village, Hanz is in deep thought ove his fate.



Why did France betray him? Why have so many Nether turn against him? How can he free the Dutch who have been captured? Can he turns it around?

Hanz thinks then finally understand why France betrays him and calls him the "Slavemaster"

"I see now." He tells one Dutchman "When the first uprising happen after Trotseer's death we made new rules and customs for River Village. We decided that from now on any who betray the leader are no longer free men but can have their freedom taken away. We make this the custom because some did not want to accept me as the new leader. So we said any who don't accept me can't be free men anymore. We said the same for any defeated in battle, their lives belong to us. We made this the new custom because Trotseer gave up his life to France when France defeated him. He lost in battle to France, so he gave up his life to France, and that is the new rule. Last we say those who can't take care of themself are a burden and cant be left free to burden others. They must be made to serve the ones who care for their needs. We call all these slavery rules. But we never needed to use them before, everyone was loyal, everyone was strong enough to take care of himselfs and there was peace. We made these rules because of France, now they condemn me for the very rules they creates! They decieve me! They betray me! Then they blame me?! I will get back at them somehow, marks well my words, once I get back into power those French will pay for these deceptions!"



That next night Hanz forces gather in the forest to prepare to retake River Village

[France (DoB)]

OOC: Since espionage against France is so prevalent, I have created a French Detailed Demographics by Faction (Ranked by Influence) for those who are able to see French demographics along with a description of each faction. If you are a purist who does not want to know things that your tribe would not know then do not read the spoiler below unless you can see French demographics in game.

Spoiler:

Garcons de Paris
Core: 2000 warriors
Public Support: 26400 Frenchmen
Foreign Blood Bonds: None
Objectives: To defend France by whatever means necessary.
Description: Like young men everwhere, the boys of Paris are full of hormones and testosterone that can make them quite aggressive. The French elders have since time immemorial focussed that aggression outward into activities like exploration and hunting mainly so that they do not have to battle younger rivals internally.

Those young men who prove exceptionally strong, tough and smart eventually rise to become Elder Mystics who are the commanders of the Garcons de Paris. The Garcons de Paris Elder Mystics form the Elder Mystic Council. The Elder Mystic Council act as the advisors to Benoit, and are the only ones allowed to meet the reclusive leader, which means the Council have become the defacto rulers of France.

The Elder Mystic Council believes stongly in Might Makes Right and as such pursue strength in all fields such as military, espionage and magic. They believe in negotiating from a position of strength which can make them very aggressive. They are violently opposed to Islam and Slavery but currently their main concern is the rapid rise of the Priests of Stonehenge who are challenging the Elder Mystic Council for control of France. The Council and their followers are all worshippers of the Earth Mother.

Stonehenge Sentries
Core: 2000 warriors
Public Support: 16080 Frenchmen
Foreign Blood Bonds: None
Objectives: To turn Paris into the best city in the world. To protect the monuments, bodies and spirits of everyone in France.
Description: The Stonehenge Sentries are the private militia of the Priests of Stonehenge and are fanatically loyal to their Priests. The Sentries have a highly concentrated following within the city of Paris itself with almost no followers in the lands surrounding Paris. As a result the Priests of Stonehenge control the Paris streets even though they have fewer supporters than the conservative Elder Mystic Council who has near universal support with the farmers of the surrounding lands.

The Priests of Stonehenge are a splinter group from the Elder Mystics Council that focussed on magic to save the spirits of the deceased from Jahannam. The Priests have recently begun practicing large elaborate fertility rituals that involve mass orgies which have dramatically increased their popularity with the young adults of Paris. They would like to end the wars (after freeing all French spirits trapped in Jahannam) and stop all interference in foreign tribes so that France can concentrate on building up Paris in peace.

The Sentries are opposed to Islam and slavery however they do not believe war is the answer instead they believe France should lead by example by becoming the epitome of an advanced civilization. The Sentries worship all four elemental spirits, although with a special emphasis on the Earth Mother.

Dutch Defenders
Core: 2000 warriors
Public Support: 2000 Dutchmen
Foreign Blood Bonds: Nether-Dutch
Objectives: To create a Dutch-French alliance by installing a regime in Dutchland that is friendly with the French .
Description: Originally composed of Dutch refugees from Dutchland who were armed and trained by the Elder Mystic Council so that they could overthrow Trotseer and put in a despot more friendly towards France. The Dutch Rebels were successful in overthrowing Trotseer however instead of a Dutch Rebel becoming the next ruler, the Elder Mystic Council allowed Trotseer to pick his successor Hanz who, while Dutch, was still a continuation of the Trotseer regime. Trotseer's slavery plans continued under Hanz and nothing really changed.

The Dutch rebels returned to France instead of living under Hanz's rule. They are building their forces and waiting for a second opportunity so that this time there will be real regime change in Dutchland. The Dutch Defenders have several experienced Dutch mystics in their number adept at war magic. The Dutch Defenders predominantly worship the Fire Father and have a conservative war-like attitude although a small minority of the supporters worship the Water Mother.

The Elder Mystic Council has stationed the Dutch Defenders on the Roman border, far away from the Dutch border, so that the unit does not have any opportunity to instigate a war with the Dutch. They are violently opposed to slavery.

The Great Valley Seekers
Core: 2000 warriors
Camp Followers: 3720
Foreign Blood Bonds: Persian, Chinese, Japanese
Objectives: To seize control of a barbarian village in the far east near Japan.
Description: The Great Valley Seekers were the first group to splinter off from the Garcon de Paris. They are the legendary heroes of France and are held in high regard by all factions even though they have not returned to France in over a thousand years. Every French child knows the legends of Gabriel and The Great Valley Seekers. They made first contact with the Greeks, Byzantium, Arabia, Persia, China and Japan. They discovered the Great Valley and the Secret of Immortality that has kept Benoit and Gabriel alive for centuries. They have slain many beasts and barbarians against seemingly impossible odds. They are expert foresters.
Gabriel is known to have a particular fondness for the Japanese and is rumored to be trying to establish a French city in the far east near Japan to facilitate trade and cooperation between the tribes. Gabriel's plan is rumored to be to conquer a sizable barbarian town.

While recovering from an ambush by Persian Water Mother Cultists, many of the Great Valley Seekers took Persian wives from the family of the Persian Mystic Zoroaster, the Golden Camel, thus forming a bond of blood between the two tribes. While recovering from a lion attack, a group of Chinese scouts befriended by Gabriel joined the Great Valley Seekers and have been intermarrying thus forming a bond of blood with the Chinese as well.

The Great Valley Seekers have also married into the Japanese family of
Jõmon, who are travelling with the Great Valley Seekers. The Great Valley Seekers hold their blood bonds to their foreign kinsfolk very seriously however they do not necessarily agree with or like the rulers of the foreign tribes with which they hold blood bonds.

There are many mystics in the Great Valley Seekers and they practice a magic that combines the traditions from nearly every tribe. They have a very open attitude towards foreign beliefs and tend to incorporate whatever magic works into their own system since they value usefulness over religious dogma. They are opposed to slavery.

Le Gaulois
Core: 2000 warriors
Camp Followers: 2480
Foreign Blood Bonds: Russian, Ottomans
Objectives: To return to France.
Description: While pursuing the Quest of 18 Tribes, a portion of the Garcon de Paris warriors became cut-off from France when Holy Roman tribesmen settled between them and France. This band of warriors became known as Le Gaulois. Le Gaulois made first contact with the Russians, Norse and Ottomans. They have slain many wild beasts and barbarians. They are expert foresters. Le Gaulois were also responsible for completing the Chasse aux Barbares quest by being the first to find a barbarian warrior.

While recovering from various beast attacks, Le Gaulois has had two influxes of foreigners, one Russian woodsmen and the other a group of Ottomans. As a result of these integrations, Le Gaulois warriors have become strong with a silent serious demeanor. The faction will come to the aid of their blood brothers especially against barbarians however their goal is to find a way home to France (which requires open border agreements).

Le Gaulois have very few mystics in their numbers, with those few mystics mainly serving the purpose to perform burial rites to prevent their spirits from becoming trapped in Jahannam. Le Gaulois are focused on straight-forward combat and survival. They do not care one way or another about slavery and do not hold any strong religious beliefs.

Torino Road Builders
Core: 1000 workers
Public Support: 1240 Romans
Foreign Blood Bonds: Romans
Objectives: To lead a safe, prosperous and happy life.
Description: Like most non-militants, the Torino families are mainly concerned with raising their families in the best way they can with minimum risks. The Torino workers bear neither Rome or France any ill will and would like to see both tribes get along. They are content to live in France however if the Torino hills, where their extended families live, were to rejoin Rome then these workers would want to return to Rome. Of course they would only return if it could be done peacefully which would require an Open Borders agreement.

The Torino Road Builders ostensibly worship the Earth Mother however they have no mystics in their number and their worship mainly consists of celebrating festivals as often as they can. They are opposed to slavery.

English Escaped Slave Smugglers
Public Support: 1120 English
Foreign Blood Bonds: England
Objectives: To smuggle French slaves and English rebels from England to France.
Description: There are a significant number of English fishermen who smuggle escaped slaves or English rebels across the French channel to France. While the French slaves have generally integrated with the rest of the French population, the English rebels have kept to themselves along the western coast. These rebels aid in the smuggling and provide logistical support (generally in the form of French wine and women) for the English fishermen. These English are fiercely opposed to Elizabeth's rule but they wish the best for their fellow tribesfolk.

The English Smugglers worship the Ocean Mother, mainly beseeching her to keep their loved ones safe at sea. There are no known mystics amongst them. They are violently opposed to slavery.

Holy Roman Frontiersmen
Public Support: 900 Holy Romans
Foreign Blood Bonds: Holy Rome
Objectives: To live with no rulers bossing them around.
Description: Living in the far eastern forests on the border near Holy Rome is a small band of Holy Roman frontiersmen. The land is only lightly held by France as it is rarely patrolled. The Frontiersmen like having the freedom to live their lives without rulers telling them what to do. They harbor no ill will toward Holy Rome or its rulers but just want to be left alone.

The Frontiersmen are heading further west though as more of their fellow tribesmen follow them into the French wildlands. The influx of Holy Romans is likely to lead to the lands eventually falling under Holy Roman control. None of the other French factions seem concerned about the loss of land and most of the other factions do not even know this faction even exists.

The Frontiersmen practice no known belief system beyond simple burial rites and have no known mystics amongst them. They are opposed to slavery.

[France (DoB)]

French campfires are ablaze with the news that the Dutch civil war and ruthless slavery has killed nearly everyone in River Village! Over 89,000 men, women and children have been killed in the Dutch savagery leaving only a thousand survivors.

The Priests of Stonehenge hold a massive memorial service for the victims of the Dutch genocide and vow to save the spirits of any of the victims who have become trapped in Jahannam since the Dutch do not practice proper burial rites. Some of the victims' relatives that live in France are donating food supplies to the Priests in the hopes of having their relatives' spirits saved first.

The Dutch Defenders are outraged and demanding that France go to war with the Dutch to save the surviving tribesfolk.

The Elder Mystic Council has refused the war demands however pointing out that River Village is little more than a war camp now full of warriors and a few non-militants. There are almost no innocents left to save and the warriors that remained in River Village would likely fight to the death. There is nothing to gain by declaring war on the Dutch and many French warriors would die in the war.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

The battle for River Village

Cries of men ring out in the hills and through River Village from the bloody battle being fought there. At last after rallying his force, Hanz leads an assault on River Village, charging with all his men. Thousands died in hand to hand combat, killed in their track as Hanz lead his Dutch and Earth Mother factions to reclaim River village. The Nether fight back and some few Fire Mystics with them armed with torches try to set the Dutch on fire. Soon there are small fires burning all over the place.

Hanz charges in front with a swiping of his club from side to side spitting open mens heads left and right with each mighty swipes of his club. Trotseer's Braves are loyal to the Fire Mystics and hold the Caw-Purr hill safe from Earth Mother faction, who tries to gain the high ground from behind. The fight on the hill is one sided as the Braves have more experienced fighters and have pices of Caw-Purr stud in they clubs, but they cant leave the hill to reinforce River Village or else they will lose the Caw Purr mines.

The Dutch faction attacks directly the River Village, and overwhelms the inexperience Nether faction Warriors, thousands die and the ground runs red with the blood of the slain. Just as they are ready to give up the fight, Ocean faction appears from the beach to rescue the trapped Nether faction. Bloody fighting resumes, and thousands more are killed, but even against two factions Hanz might is too great he beats back Ocean faction. Ocean faction retreats and runs to the beach where they are trapped. Hanz and Dutch faction pursue them to the beach.



Just as it seems Ocean faction have no choice but to give up, a gigantic fishing boat appears from behind the trees and hils. This is no mere fishing boat they realize. It is the most amazing water ship anyone ever seen. Some Dutch drop their clubs and stare in awe. With the Dutch distracted, Ocean faction all retreats into the water and climbs aboard the huge ship and sails away to escape, leaving the wounded behind with Nether faction to fend for himself. Dutch kill all the wounded enemies then rush back to the city to finish off Nether and reclaim River Village picking up torches and setting fires all along the way to keep Ocean faction from coming back behind them.

When Dutch return to River Village all the Nether seem gone. But they track them back to a group of huts near the corner of the River Village. By now the whole of River Village is ablaze and thousands are dying in the fires or run for their lives screaming. Here Hanz demands Nether surrender and become slaves of Dutchlands according to rules and custom. The leader of Nether hands over his club, and Hanz takes it and smashes it deep into his skull. He slump to the ground and Hanz lift his club high declares Dutch to be winner and master of River Village once again.

Just then Hanz chest burst open! He screams in pain and looks down and sees something strange. There is large piece of shaped Caw-Purr sticking out his chest. Growing feeble by the second and nearly blind with pain, Hanz reaches and pushes in vain to try to get it out. He reaches behind his back and feels what feel like the Caw-Purr is attach to a club! "What strange new weapon is this?" Hanz says, then he falls to his knees, blood spraying everywhere. Then he falls to his side and dies in a pool of blood.

Before any Dutch can inspect the strange weapon there is a loud scream of thousands. All the hidden Nether emerge from hiding armed with th new weapon. Some brave Dutch step up and swing their clubs but the new weapon splits through the wooden clubs as easy as the arm that hold them. No one ever see anything like this. A new weapon that can split your club and chop your arm off with it. With their backs now to the sea and fires they set it is Dutch who are now trapped. The sight of dozen of armless screaming men strikes fear to the Dutch and they drop their clubs and give up. After tens of thousands dead the battle is over. The Nether faction has won.



Fleeing the combat in River Village, most of Ocean Mother faction set out into the Westsea to test in their massive new vessel called a Galley. They name it "Ocean Mother" after their beloved, and it is a large impressive craft with broad sail and many long special clubs called "oars" sticking from sides. These oars dip into the water and the thousands of captured dutch aboard sit in the belly of the huge craft to work the oars. As they use the oars to push the ship it is called "rowing" the ship, because the men sit in long tightly packed rows. Thousands more Ocean faction and captured Dutch are on the top deck of the ship to operate the huge sails and also to defend the ship from sea monsters. The ship even have room for large cargo, even passengers by the thousands. Ocean Mother is now in the Northsea near River Village for sea monsters, as the Barbarians have been reported to be able to control beast with they mind. It is not known how the Nether and Fire Mystic faction will respond to Ocean faction deserting the battle. For now they seem content to have control of River Village to themself.

[France (DoB)]

The Priests of Stonehenge are fomenting unrest in the streets of Paris claiming that the Elder Mystic Council has failed in securing French borders. The Nethermen have risen back to power in Dutchland with the axemen, slavery and Dutch slaughter on an even worse scale then was prophesized despite the Council's best attempt to prevent the prophesy from coming true. Furthermore the Priests of Stonehenge are claiming that due to Elder Mystic Council's intervention the Nethermen have been able to convince the Germans and the Holy Romans to break the ancient espionage treaties. With two more tribes added to the Western Slavers alliance, France is now in an even worse defensive position.

The Elder Mystic Council's public rebuttal is that while the increased espionage is the first sign of deteriorating relations, the ancient peace between France and the Germans and the Holy Romans has been around so long that we should give those tribes an opportunity to publicly explain why they have suddenly become hostile against France as it may have nothing to do with the Nethermen. Furthermore with even more tribes allying against us, France must become even more militant to secure its borders, not less.

The Elder Mystic Council has ordered the Stonehenge Sentries to Marble Hill to secure the Torino Road Crew from a possible surprise attack by the Dutch Butchers, as the Nether axemen are being called in France. There is some initial reluctance as the Priests feel this is simply a maneuver by the Council to limit their control of the Paris streets however not going to the aid of the workers might cause a political backlash against the Priests so in the end they comply.