Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 5 - August 2012]

[Sommerswerd]

Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 5 - August 2012]

This is the Story and Diplomacy Thread for the Diplo Game "Domination of Barbarians" (DoB)




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.

Domination of Barbarians 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.

[Sommerswerd]

Many tribes have created new settlements both nearby their ancestral lands and on distant shores. Several of these distant settlments have become large in their own right, bustling with activity and commerce and trade.

Another Great Wonder, the Oracle, is built in Paris, France, defeating other tribes who were competing to produce their own version of the Oracle. Rome joins the exclusive fraternite of elite tribes by building a Great Wonder of their own, The Great Wall, defeating China and Byzantium who were also building their own Great Wall. And at long last, after centuries of work and countless loss of life in the process, England puts the finishing touches on their own Great Wonder, The Great Lighthouse of York.



Further expanding on their knowledge of Hunting and Farming, some tribes are learning to capture animals in pens called pastures and domesticate them for food and other uses. Even more tribes are taking to the waves and making even more settlements on distant shores. More nations master the arts of weaponmaking and Axemen begin to appear in the ranks of multiple nations.

The Wars in Europe subside only to be replaced by a new conflict in the Middle East, near the Black sea. Christianity spreads like wildfire, and several tribes declare it as their official religion. Islam also begins to spread with some tribes like Greece switching their loyalty from Islam to Christianity and then to neutrality. France is the first to adopt a new kind of Government called a Monarchy, and Louis I is annointed as the first Christian Monarch of France.

The barbarian hordes gain in strength and number. No longer are the hordes limited to simple Warriors. Now they have developed advanced weapomaking techniques and Spearmen appear in their ranks. Still, frontier nations like China, Persia and Russia are able to keep them at bay with Archers. It would seem that the Barbarians are, at least for now... under control, but undoubtedly more epic battles are to come...




Headship / Royal Lineages of the World

Barbarians
The Children of Barbarous the Expelled - Warriors & Spearmen sighted

France
King Louis IV, son of King Louis III the Gullible, son of King Louis II the Zealous, son of King Louis I the Stalwart, first Monarch of France, successor to the Torino Workers, survivors of the Stonehenge Defenders, Successors of the Elder Mystics, Keepers of Benoit the Immortal, appointed successor of Tribal Chief Andre, traverser of the Alps, appointed successor of Pierre, First Despot of France, slayer of Jean-Guy, former co-ruler w/ his wife Patrica & brother Jean-Paul, son of Jean

Spain
Himilce, Princess of Spain, Mother of Astor

Portugal
Porto & Portu, husband and wife

Netherlands
The three factions, slayers of Hanz the Dutchman, named successor of Trotseer the Brave, named successor to Chieftain Aantaleen the Primersteleider and his wife Angeline

Ottomans
Head Chieftain Bedri Ayhan

Byzantium
Justinian II, successor to the Tribal Chieftains, successors to Leader Justinian I, son of Leader Constantine

China
Qin Shi Huang, successor of the Mother of Qin Shi Huang, successor to the Father of Qin Shi Huang

Norsemen
Chief Ragnar

England
Leader Elizabeth

Celtia
King Ire, successor of Lord Chieftain Brennus & Aithe

Japan
Family Elders of Kyoto, along with Ainu of Nishikyo & Jiraya of Osaka following the death of Tokugawa, defender of Kyoto, Leader of Japan

Russia
The Czar, successor of Ivan Grozni, successor of Ivan Dragonoff, succesor of Leader Peter

Arabia
The Tribal Leaders, successors to The Prophet & his wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Rome
Titus Bruti of the Bruti family, successors of Marcus, leader of the Slave rebellion, beheader of Baron Von the tyrant

Persia
Helu of Awan, rightful ruler of Persia, successor of Kikku-Siwe-Temti, ruler of Persia, usurper of Napi-Ilhush, usurper of Shushun-Tarana, usurper of Hishutash, usurper of Ukku-Tanhish, usurper of Tata I, successor to Peli of Awan, Rightful Chief of the Persian Tribes

Germany
Herman

Greece - ???
Holy Rome - ???

[Japan (DoB)]

After many months of silence - sitting before a fire, tended to by children - the spirit guide opens the eyes upon a people caught in a web like flies, waiting for a spider to consume it. Strange thoughts come with the dreams gathered in the spirit realm. Looking at the fire, the guide suddenly knows how to form it in a new fashion - wreathing it around the body - making direct contact with other guides throughout Japan. Gathering strenght and calling for a boy to bring Ainu, the fire begins to coil around the guide, connecting to guides in Japan and the one living with the Chasers of Sunset.



Ainu comes swiftly, followed by the Elders. They marvel at the new gifts granted by the spirits. Then the guide starts speaking, voice changing as one after another tales of sadness and strength in their respective villages, following the loss of their great leader. Good news comes when the presence of Tokyo, north in Japan, is revealed. Chasers of Sunset makes the Elders and Ainu thoughtful with tales of barbarians, strange animals, new tribes and good places to found new villages.

Then a new voice is heard like a rainstorm speaking through fire:

"Build monuments to remember every story from the past, search all of earth for stones and sparkling sand -
be proud of yourself and what form you are cast - Sons and Daughters, recognize Heianshi Ainu, You Are Japan!"

Gasps come from behind Ainu. "The spirits just named him leader of Japan." he hears from the left. "This is a sign we must follow!" comes from the right. Ainu turns around, finding the Elders all on one knee, swearing on the name of their family to follow his guidance. He tells them to rise, and turns again, his heart beating fast and head spinning with the implication of leading so many. Sitting down before the guide, the heat of the pulsing fire brings new heat to his face as he asks if this is what the other villages want as well.

Silence stretches for a long time, with the crackle of the continuing fire around the guide as the only sound.

Sweat is pouring down the face of both Ainu and spirit guide when answer comes from the newest village - Tokyo - They will follow Ainu. Soon after, Osaka brings news: Jiraya is dead. Entering his house to get advice on the matter, only to find him dead, the Elders have decided to follow Ainu. After a longer time, Kyoto finally answers that they, too, will follow Ainu now that the two greatest family leaders are dead after a final confrontation.

The guide moves a hand to the chest of Ainu -through the flames!- in a touch both tender and shocking Ainu suddenly sees through the eyes of the other guides, knowing that they can hear his words, he speaks:

"I will lead, to continue the growth of Japan. I saw the final journey of Tokugawa through the spirit guide, I heard him speak, his words are branded in me. I will do everything possible to make truth of his claim: It Will Be Worth It!"

[Russia (DoB)]

After centuries of invasion and migration of barbarians from the steppes of the east and south, a kingdom was created from the less mobile of the lot. At first it was a small tribe of men crippled by constant warfare and raids, unable to continue on in migration, forced instead to the belittling task of cutting the grasses for sustenance.

This made them angry.

Another tribe came from the south, calling themselves "Slavs". They wished to claim the lands that this first tribe had already taken for themselves.

This made them angrier.

The Slavs nearly won their battle, but in the end a single hero named "Volg" defeated the Slav 'king' in the fray, and in the aftermath of this crucial loss, the Slavs broke while the tribe of Volg rallied, chased, and crushed the Slavs underfoot. They knew more Slavs still lived to the south, though.

This made them angrier.

They swore to put these Slavs all to the club -or arrow, whichever was more convenient at the time- and to conquer their lands of the southern lake. Then some strange men calling themselves "Byzantines" showed up on the spot and claimed the conquest for themselves.

This made them angrier.

Yet these Byzantines had no army, just a few straggling herds of men with sticks and the like. They invaded the lands of the tribe of Volg, reaching the very heart river of Mother Volga, yet turned back as they saw the impenetrable defenses of the capital city, or perhaps their knees grew weak seeing the barbarians prancing about - they were unused to such men. Either way, they ran back crying for peace.

This made them angrier.

The Volgs were not ones to be made angry.

[Byzantium (DoB)]

Justin II listened to the grim news from the messengers from his field armies. The initial campaign had started well. The Russian settlers had been turned back from Byzantine lands and had settled somewhere in the north. The first Holy Roman invader army had been destroyed by the elite Byzantine Hammers and the 1st Border Guards had cut off the Holy Roman pass to prevent further incursions. Everything had went according to plan...

Then the Holy Romans launched what should have been a suicidal attack on the 1st Border Guards and the spirits favored the Holy Romans. The Holy Romans pressed their advantage by moving a second army through the pass and striking down the wounded Byzantine Hammers. Then the Persians had decided they did not want to fight two enemies at once and chose to move back to hunt down the elite Russian Witchdoctor army that was lurking near Persian and Byzantine borders instead of helping fend off the Holy Romans.

The troops were demoralized. Fortunately, the southern border was secure thanks to the Islamic Alliance and our Greek allies who were fending off the African barbarian hordes which had allowed the repositioning of southern troops to reinforce the northern front. Unfortunately though it was going to take a few more decades to get the armies into position to reinforce the northern front.

With the immediate Russian settlement threat averted and the Persians intent on hunting down the Russian Witchdoctor, Justin II had dispatched an emmissary to Russia to arrange a ceasefire and ordered his armies to withdraw from Russian territory. The Russian had spurned the peace offer but Justin II decided to pull back his armies into a defensive line and wait until the southern reinforcements arrived. It was going to be a long and difficult war.

[China (DoB)]

Qin has been declared emperor for life by his counsel. The citizens of Beijing cheer in celebration. Workers are able to go into the fields which are finally cleared of barbarians. The fields are overgrown and filled with the bones of the dead barbarians who were slaughtered by 10's of thousands of arrows. Qin and several escorting experienced archer armies march past the sentries on guard at the newly constructed wall to meet Ainu and Aiko in the north. The alliance between our two nations will go far to protect both nations against the hordes. Qin is also sending scouts to find the source of the barbarian hordes. He fears a new barb nation has risen in the forests of the north.

[England (DoB)]

The Great Lighthouse of York stands as a resplendent beacon of hope for the English peoples. Though all know it will be generations before the cursed French black magic is driven from English shores, the fearsome shadows pouring out of Paris are no longer so dark nor so terrifying.

[England (DoB)]

Elizabeth is greeted at the gates of London with resounding cheers from her people as she returns from the celebrations in York. All feel an age of great achievement is close at hand thanks to Elizabeth's wise rule. Already the many workers who had helped build the Great House of Light were at work improving the rich land around London. Elizabeth on her journey has seen not only abundant stone in need of quarrying but also great herds of wild horses and cattle in need of pasturing.

Most impressive though has been the increase of trade throughout English lands. Situated as it is at the narrow istmus connecting the English lowlands with the Scottish highlands, York is a natural crossroads of trade. Guided by the powerful beacon of York's House of Light, merchants travel in great confidence up and down both the eastern and western coasts. With trade having increased by some 100% the English people yearn to explore markets further afield and many dream of the great profit to be had should trade with neighboring tribes become feasible. Elizabeth has directed her scholars to study some mechanism by which more formal agreements can be made with England's many friendly neighbors to encourage trade and codify longstanding spoken bonds of trust.

[Japan (DoB)]

Ainu has ignited the efforts of his people, and great feats of craftsmanship has been accomplished all over Japan. The ability to talk directly to all the villages has greatly increased all methods of planning. All thanks to the new Fire Mystics, who now share a great reverence by all villagers throughout Japan. Each village now has a circle of ever-burning fire just outside the village, maintained by Fire Mystics and guarded by warriors.



Young men and women are flocking to the new-built barracks in Kyoto, the first of its kind. Having a seperate building with dedicated trainers have improved the ability of new warriors and archers. Where they used to train with their father or family at their convenience, now whole days go into their training, with special training being conducted from the wise words of Guga, brought forth in tales from teacher to student.

Preparations are underway to celebrate the coming union of Ainu's sister Aiko and Qin, Eternal Emperor of China - this will help create a lasting bond of mutual friendship between Japan and China. Ainu looks forward to meeting Qin in person, and to see more of the Main Land under the protection of his newly trained Archers.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Ocean Faction please to report that our brothers in Nether Faction finally learn the way to write. We use stone tablet and simple tools to make marks to record our words and treaties for future generations can read what was agreed. Already Ocean Faction has use this skill to make treaties of peace and friendship with many neighbors. Even France was not left out of the offers for peaceful relations. We hope that this makes a new era of trade for Ocean faction. Already the ports and towns of Holly Roamers are trading with Ocean, Fire and Nether factions. Aachen sends their goods all the way to Ocean Faction by trade boat and Warrior from Holly Roamer is visiting Nether Faction. We hope he comes to make an embassy here where we can write even more new treaties.

Nether Faction also report new discovery. By taking the soft earthen clay near the river we can make into small jars and pots. Then it is cook in a fire and it turns hard as stone. Then you can carry things in it long distance. You can put things and with a top the rats and flies cant get it. With this knowledge we tried to store fish all winter to eat, but even in the pots too long it made many sick and died. We needed even better ways to store things. So while amidst the death from the rotten fish we build a salting house that can store salted fish and salted food for long times without going rotten. This method is much better and we call it a Granary.

Now also since we have clay pots some of our people want to trade with each other. Clay pot makes it possible because they can carry back and forth with their goods. So much trade is happening that a large trading house called a cottage was built in the countryside near a known boars hunting ground. This makes a natural good spot fro trade and trade cottage prospering.

Ocean faction has more news. To keep up with the higher trade demand because we can write, some more slaves must be sent off to sea to be fisherman to fill the needs. Some died because they starve st sea or coyld not swim, but we feel its best to have more fish for trade. Sacrifice must be made.

Fire Faction has discover original Mountain Father, the volcano that give life to us all. We live now at his feet and his mountain protects us and fuel our fire magic. We ask now that Nether learn deeper the ways to make powerful msgic do that Fire Mystic does not only have Du-Cha magic which is almost forgotten after all the Du-Chat are killed. We need our own new Fire Magic. Our village prospers and grows, soon we will need more foid to feed them. We hope Ocean faction sends soon to us the fisherman they promised.

[Spain (DoB)]

"How can these precious shiny things be used ?", she asks the rugged traveler from Fire Faction.


"Mountain Father has learned me to find these, but legend tells that only a fair queen from the south can teach us Nether people how these precious shiny things should be used..

So I travelled far and wide until I heard of you, fair Himilce", he says timidly..


"Aah", Himilce says with a radiant smile,
"tell your leader to send me all the shiny things you've got.

I will tell all my scholars, wise women and wise men alike,
to study what these exquisite trinkets are for.."

[Spain (DoB)]

After ample deliberation with her councillors and wise men called "Inventares", Himilce says:

"Let's make sure the sun can activate the magic in these stones,
and make it so that the energy of the stones is contained by metal.

Then I am sure these stones can work magic on men and women alike.."

[China (DoB)]

Emperor Qin settles into camp after travelling north to meet his future bride and the leader of the land of the rising sun to the east. He enjoys some tea as his guardsmen prepare the defences about him. Extra berms of soft earth are piled atop the hill he has chosen to be his camp. Tree branches are dug in to prevent newly seen horse with boxes being carried behind - called chariots - from overrunning them. His archers place logs in a row to stand on and be standing behind. He looks on with pride as years of experience are visible. His veteran archers breasts are heavy with decorated ribbons. He knows nearly all by name, having seen their fathers and their father's father service. So long ago ... so many lives gone and his persists. Immortality is both a blessing and a curse. This is the first time he has ventured outside the walls of Beijing. Life in the countryside is harsh compared to his home but his people love him. He realizes his advisors have chosen well, his camp is near running water, well protected and sweetened by the fresh incense of candles from his palace. His servants decorate the tent to please his bride. His thoughts are abuptly interrupted as reports of new barbarian spear are brought by runners from the distant forest. He fears for the arrival of his bride. Please bring enough troops to protect you Ainu and Aiko.

[Spain (DoB)]

"Oh my god", Himilce says.. "God be praised.."

"This is a true work of art. How did your people learn to make such delicate and extravagant things?

I feel more radiant and beautiful already. This is really magic.

You really make a woman, even a queen, blush.."

[Japan (DoB)]

Preparations for the Affirmation of Emperor Qin and Aiko continues, meanwhile, the circles of fire have a grand status in every village now, as each night bring more tales through the flames.

Most of all, the Chasers of Sunset, the legendary sea-warriors that sail ever on towards the setting sun, following the land as it changes with each day, facing the most unusual and strange in all the world. The latest tales are stories of the great monsters - Oni - that live in the sea. They vary greatly in size and shape, some are broad with wings almost like birds, others are enormous and rarely seen close to shore. The two most talked about however, is the one that has a sail on its back and a great long snout! With many tries, no-one has yet been able to catch one. It is a being of great power.

The other brings a darker tale, that scares the youngest among the listeners and bring the elders to think twice, the ****n'na!



This beast once swallowed a member of the crew in a single bite!

Such a large and dangerous fish had never before been seen - and now the warriors on board have taken to dare eachother to swim when one of them is spotted. The big mouth has the largest teeth ever seen on an animal - even bigger than the great Bears seen on the Main Land.

Somehow, the presence of another fish that seems to smile all the time makes it go away.
So any man swimming is told to smile to keep the ****n'na away.