Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 6 - September 2012]

[Netherlands (DoB)]

A change of Faith

After the mysterious Man left after teaching to the people of Nether Faction the foundation of Daoism, many more "Disciples of the Dao" as they called begin to spring up. Soon the Dao is the main belief in River Village as all of Nether Faction seem to embrace it. Fire and Ocean Faction hear only the rumors, and no DoD's (Disciple of Dao) have visit there settlements, but the truth of Dao reaches many ears. There are reports from Ocean faction that Dao is already the faith in the Celt village of Vienne as well as others.

As always, the French have already began to spread lies and misinformations about the Dao and the DoD or "Tao" as it is being call in France. France so-call Mystics have been saying,

The significance of the Taoist symbol, of two fish perpetually feeding upon each other while encased in a slaver's manacle, had been explained, along with the Taoist rationalization that there needed to be "balance" of good and evil in the world which they used to justify the "necessary" evils of slavery!

Of course the scholarly minds of Nether faction know these are untruth by ignorant French. Nether Faction being the first in the World to discover the secret of Writing, first in the World to become Literate, and first to build Libraries of knowledge. Since Nether Faction are keepers of knowledge for the Three Factions they have began recording the statements of messengers from generations past, so that the historical recor of the world can be know by all. A scholar "Scientist" as they are called, who is study in the Library of Fire Faction has review the record and forund ancient statement made by Arabian Mystics during the First France cruscade against Islam following when Christianity first comes into existence.

Our Mystics have worked for years to track the movements of the stars, as this is the very foundation of Mysticism, the tracking of the movement of the stars as they move across the night sky.

It is the knowledge of Mysticism, the knowledge of the constellations and celestial bodies that kept children of Islam free from the heathen beliefs in Earth, Water, Wind and Fire spirits. Through our knowledge of the stars, we have learned that the stars form groups called constellations, that never change. These groups of stars move together through the skies, very slowly. Each in turn moving to the point of the rising sun, and staying there for approximately 2000 years. We call these periods the "Ages" and each "Age" is named after the constellation which marks it.

Although our thinkers have confirmed that in approximately 2000 years we will enter the Age of the fish, called Pisces, when the morning sun will align with the constellation of the fish, all thinkers and star-watchers know that the current Age is that of the Bull, as the morning sun aligns with the Bull constellation, called Taurus. The next Age will be that of the Ram, called Aries. If man wishes to worship the stars, then surely the appropriate constellation to worship is the Bull as this is the current astrological Age, or the Ram, as that is the next Age.

Our Scientist then discover that when Chritianity was discover it involve the Worship of a symbol of a Fish, that this symbol was used by the Portugese to announce when the Religion was founded.



Our scientist conclude that this is the cause of France confusion. The images for Pisces Constellation that Arabian Mystics is discover is basis for Christianity looks like this



At the same time, our stonecrafters and writers have already started to create images of the famous Dao symbol in stone tablet



and Deerskin parchment



But Many thinkers and writes have already started to show the famouse Dao symbol in more creative ways as it is so popular. Some show the symbol as dragons, some as birds, people and one very popular is to show as fish, which looks like this, two fish as the Yin-Yan, one dark, one light, swimming in a circle symbolizing the constant cycle of the One Greatness.



This is why French Mystic are confused. With the Christian Pisces religion being the official faith in France, it is only natural that the DoD in France would use the Fish-Dao image as their favorite trademark. But this can be expected as Daoism has become so popular, so quickly, that already is is part of the culture of many nations though having been discovered very short time ago. It shows a testament to the power of Truth.

As a reaction to the appalling ignorance of France attempts to slander and misrepresent the truth of Dao, the Nether Faction people and Scientist have decided that a strong measure must happen to show the World the power of the truth of Dao. Therefore Nether Faction hereby declares that we will be the first tribe to declare Daoism our official faith, and we encourage other tribe to show their belief in the truth of Dao by doing same.

[Japan (DoB)]

New Friends

Kikiru walks among his men, giving praise to their courage. The moans of the wounded a sad background to the quiet forest and the chirping birds. He walks to the edge of camp, past the last few wounded and to the returning scout.

"What can we expect?" he says, knowing the answer from the look of his face.

"They are too many. A full company of axemen against us...and only a third of our company able to fight."

Closing his eyes, Kikiru recalls the day when he set out from Nishikyo with his men. Two full companies of archers marching out from the village, Ainu and his Spirit Guide watching them go. They made their way for many days, sneaking past barbarian scouting camps, ambushing barbarian scouting parties. When they found the barbarian village, everything was still going well. It was as expected, a mere five day journey from the village to their advance camp. It explained how the barbarians were able to field so many of their men against Nishikyo.

After a messenger had been sent to update Ainu of the camp, they moved on past a great river. Another company of archers had been met as they were crossing the river. The Spirits had been on their side that day, but casualties were heavy, being half-submerged in water was one of the worst ways to start a fight, especially against archers.

After this, the way had become more difficult, uphill and close to mountains reaching high to the sky. The wind became colder and more biting. They surprised a company of barbarian archers in a valley between the mountains. After a short fight, the fur from the barbs were divided among the men. Barbs had taken to changing the way they fought. Some of them feigning death only to attack when the company had passed them by, many dying of sudden stabs from behind. It was very frustrating.

Three days ago disaster struck. As the men were moving uphill, a massive attack of axemen poured out of the hillside from hidden caves. The first company had been completely decimated in a matter of minutes, it was all his men could do to run back down the hill and escape. Even so, more than half his company had been wounded and it would have gone hard on his men, had the sky not opened up as they ran to their previous campsite. The rain made his men stumble and fall, hurting themselves even more running away from the enemy. But the enemy had stopped. Evidently they were not eager to fight when it rained. Spirits of both water and wind were praised that day.

Now.. it did not look good. Opening his eyes, he looked at the scout.

"How long do we have?"

He heard them then, a soft roar at the edge of hearing. The final hour had come. With a gesture to the scout, he walked back to camp, preparing them for the fight that would come.

He stood in the center of camp, giving thanks to the spirits for all their aid. The tip of an arrow drew blood from his palm, and watching as drops of blood fell to the ground, he sent a final prayer to the four spirits.



"By this token of my life, I ask for your aid in our final hour. Grant my men the strength to fight with full hearts and strong arms. Give me one more chance to complete my mission, and if not, grant me strength to kill as many of the enemy as possible."

As he said this, he could hear them roaring, running, rampaging through the forest straight towards the camp. "Everyone! Stand and Fight!" he shouted, and they obeyed. Some of them swaying, unable to walk a single step. They all stood ready with bow and arrow, knife and club. A shout was heard from the side then: "They are flanking us!" Cursing, Kikiru ran towards the side, and he was surprised. A man in well-cut skins was running towards him, but he looked nothing like any barbarian he had ever seen. His clothes had a pattern of orange on them, never seen on any barb. His axe was well-made and a sheen ran along the edge as he moved swiftly toward them. One of the men nearby took aim, but on a gut feeling, Kikiru told him to not shoot this man.

Already the cries of his men and the sound of fighting made plain that the camp was overrun, but he stood still. As the stranger ran towards him, not stopping, he shouted "Praat na het gevecht! Eerste doden de barbaren!" and ran on past Kikiru, towards the front of the camp, chopping the head off a barbarian axeman without missing a step! With a quick look to the sky, Kikiru followed, wonder filling him as the camp suddenly became flooded with these new orange axemen fighting alongside his men.

As quickly as it had begun, it was over. With the aid of the Orange Axemen the enemy had been wiped out. Only a few of his men were dead, and for some, the wounds had become even worse. But they were alive.

That day, friendship was made between Japan and Nether.



They shared camp for a while, exchanging language and writ. Being positively surprised at the skill that they each employed. Gifts of weapons and bonds of blood were shared. A messenger was sent back to Nishikyo carrying deerskins with the Nether writ and an Axe for Ainu as a token of good will. Kikiru gave the Captain of Fire Company his own bow in return.

Then, they parted ways. The Captain's Fire Company headed south to seek out the lands of Japan, to visit and give aid against the barbarians. They were given directions to both China and Japan, and words of warning about the numerous barbarian raids and possible camps. Kikiru's Yon No Guga archer company continued north, seeking the barbarian main village.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

The Captain and his men defeat Barbarian warriors in the South but the casualty forces them back to take cover in the Noth woods. But then while tending to the wounded the worst happens, A group of barbarian armed with Axes, the strongest of all barbarians sighted.

"This is grim news" think Captain "We may not survive the next battle"

Just then forward scout returns with news,

"We have spotted barbarian civilians working in woods to the south. There must be a city of these to the south."

"If only we have the strength to survive, we can go back North and tell our new Japanese friend that we have found the barbarian camp they search for" Captain picks up his Axe and steel himself for what may be his last fight.

"These barbarians are strong and worthy foes" thinks Captain

[England (DoB)]

Elizabeth had grown used to the morning devotions of the fast growing Taoist following in London. She would have to seek out the storied Lao Tzu to learn more about their faith.

[Japan (DoB)]

His right leg cut off at the knee, Kikiru could only watch...he heard the cheers go up among the barbarians, triumphant at the slaughter of his men.. then -a sharp pain in his back- ..and his vision faded.

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XVIII is dead. Long live King Louis XIX. King Louis XVIII found the affairs of state to be very boring and often chose to ignore issues instead of dealing with them. His true passions were in boar hunting and chariot racing. He was occassionally called The Bored by his critics but he was commonly called The Boar by the people. King Louis XVIII, The Boar, was well loved by his people because his reign was peaceful and prosperous however his popularity was not as great as most of his predecessors as many subjects felt the King was not doing enough to keep the Kingdom safe. Most of this criticism was silenced with the founding of The Boar's Men, France's first company of charioteers.

King Louis XIX's advisors are hoping he will take a more active role in governing the Kingdom since several neighboring tribes have built up large military forces on France's borders and the advisors feel it is merely a matter of time before one of the enemies of France again seeks to test France's defenses.

[Celtia (DoB)]

After making sure that Vienne was well stocked with food for the winter, Brennus made his way towards Bibracte followed by thousands of warriors. Along the way, he was joined by a company of Charioteers that had come up on them from behind, having sailed from Bibracte to attack him. Instead, they swore to follow Brennus, being glad to have him back. They were a welcome addition to his forces, and soon, the Celtian Capital was in sight. They made camp outside the city, and sent a messenger in, asking Ire to stand down from the seat of power and surrender to the true Celtic King.

The answer was plain as the messenger's head returned...

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XIX listened to his numerous advisors drone on about their various concerns. His domestic advisors were worried about potential unrest, and preparations for possible famine or disease. His religious advisors were pushing the King to sponsor a Christian missionary expedition to Freedom Point to counter the growing Taoism movement there while his foreign and military advisors were warning of possible attacks from neighboring tribes!

Tired of all the doom and gloom scenarios, King Louis XIX was happy to welcome in the messenger from the Greek tribe.

The Greek messenger brought golden cups, plates and jewellery that glittered enticingly to display. The Kings of France had enjoyed bountiful feasts from time immemorial however their plates had always been simple wooden affairs likewise while their clothing was of the finest cloths and leathers, the Kings' had never taken to wearing jewellery or other ostentatious adornments.

King Louis XIX demanded of the Greek merchant,

I will have this Greek gold. What does the good Greek Chieftain seek in return?

The smiling Greek merchant replied,

The legends of the fine French wines have reached even Greece and the Greek tribe seeks but a taste.

King Louis XIX turned to his foreign advisor and said,

Send an equal weight of the finest French wines to Greece for as much gold as the Greeks can deliver.

A young domestic advisor unwisely interjected,

But my Lord, there will not be enough wine for the annual festivals and your subjects may become agitated.

King Louis XIX angrily arose from his chair and declared,

I am King Louis XIX. The only true King in all the tribes. For nineteen generations the bloodline of Louis, which has been tied to the land of France itself by no less then the Holy Spirit, has ruled over French subjects justly, compassionately and ensuring their very survival while other tribes are led by brutal tyrants that enslave and kill their very kinsfolk so that the tyrants can wear fancy jewellery and build larger buildings and armies! If any French subject wishes to leave France to become a slave outside of our borders then they are free to do so. France is the cultural center of the world and it is time that the Kingdom be adorned properly to reflect that status. We shall show our splendor to the world and my subjects will be happy in the pride of our accomplishments!

Thus began the rule of King Louis XIX the Golden.

[Greece (DoB)]

King Louis XIX the Golden we thank you for sending us your fine wine. We hope we do continue such mutual beneficial deals between our christian civilizations in the future as well.

[France (DoB)]

With all the wild animals in the Kingdom of France domesticated and pastured, King Louis XIX ordered the Disciples of Shankara and the Torino Road Crew to begin cutting down the forests as part of his beautification project to replace the traditional French mud and sod houses with wooden houses, starting with the Royal Palace.

There was some muted warnings by the King's domestic advisors about the adverse health effects of cutting down the forests but the domestic advisors were out of favor with the King and mostly ignored until one day when an advisor brought the matter of the Portuguese non-workers to the attention of the King.

A brave domestic advisor dared speak,

My Lord, your subjects grow agitated that the Portuguese workers have sat for 40 years doing nothing while they await new orders from their Portuguese chieftain. The Portuguese workers frequently wait for a decade or more after each road section is completed for new orders since the Portuguese chieftain only issues orders a single section at a time instead of queuing up a string of road section orders. Your subjects wonder aloud why they are asked to sacrifice the wine for their annual festivals to the Portuguese who are lazing around doing nothing but drinking French wine instead of performing the work which they are receiving the wine for!

The religious advisors who had felt cheated in the Shankara deal jumped in with their own counsel,

The Portuguese chieftains are known short-changers, my Lord. The Great Prophet Shankara agreed to imbue the Church of Nativity with his spiritual presence in exchange for the Portuguese church decreeing that slavery was a sin against Christ however instead the Portuguese merely issued a mild statement of regret for the lost lives of slaves. It is possible that they are deliberately delaying the road constructions so that they will receive French wine for longer.

A foreign advisor immediately interjected,

The Portuguese have long been peaceful neighbors and one of the oldest friends of France. They are also the Holy Land of Christendom and as such should be given the benefit of any doubt. France needs more friendly tribes instead of adding to our long list of enemies! I advise discretion and caution, my Lord.

King Louis XIX decisively decreed,

A friend who will not uphold their ends of bargains is no friend. Send word to the Portuguese chieftain that unless the Portuguese workers immediately return to work that the French wine shipments to Portugal shall cease until such time as the Portuguese workers have made up for the lost decades of work.

Also send word to the Holy Roman Republic Senators, who had requested an open border agreement with France, that perhaps a deal with them might be worked out. Ask if they would be willing to have their workers build roads in France in exchange for an open border agreement and French wine.

[China (DoB)]

As soon as they reach the wall a barbarian with a huge axe leaps over the side and runs to kill Qin. Aiku steps in his way ...

Before Qin can react Aiku blocks the crushing blow of barbarian’s giant axe with her decorative leather shield. The shield disintegrates under the onslaught and she falls to the ground stunned. Qin runs to cover her and thrusts his stone axe upwards as the axe man lifts his weapon to finish Aiku off. The barbarian’s jaw is shattered and blood sprays from his mouth in a scream. But still the barbarian manages to recover and before Qin can block it, he raises his axe and slams it’s blunt side into Aiku’s head as she rises, with an audible crack. Her skull is whole but her eyes roll back and she falls to the ground unconscious.

From the same location 100’s of barbarians are vaulting the wall. Qin raises his war horn and blasts 3 short OHASS OHASS OHASSS . This is the signal for a breach - telling everyone not engaged to go to the sound of the horn. When his men realizes it’s Qin himself and his wife laying prone on the ground they run with renewed energy. Soon the sound of stone and copper axes striking each other resound within the city battlements. But the metal axes are lighter and can be used more effectively. Each of his men fall back, Aiku is left on the other side of the advancing barbarians. Qin fears they have lost the city and his wife – despite all he can do he can’t get to her lifeless figure on the ground. He then sees a small patch of blood has pooled around her head. This sight causes a rage he has never felt in 2000 years. He raises his stone axe and slate knife and slits and bludgeons his way forward, with strokes of lightening speed. The barbarians flaughter and for the first time his men rally and begin the advance. Qin’s captain of the guard arrives with a contingent of archers with short range arrows that can pierce hardened armour. He sounds his war horn the prearranged WOOHOO! That is the signal for Qin and his men to suddenly fall to the ground. The archers release and where there were 100s of barbarians one moment …. The next there is nothing but the sounds of death. The breach has been beaten back.

Qin runs to his wife lying motionless on the ground …

[Celtia (DoB)]

Outside the city of Bibracte the campfires numbered in the hundreds as they lay waiting for something to change. Brennus was not willing to simply charge in and take the city by force. The sheer number of women and children prevented this. After the messengers head was returned, no more men had been sent to attempt reasoning with Ire. It was stated that they were waiting for Ire to choose what he wanted to do.

In the evenings, focus had come to the items recieved from England. Fragments of bone and wood and stone with the writings of Tao on them. Sitting around a fire, he read aloud to his men:

"No-change is the background against which change is made possible.

For in regard to any change, there must be some fixed point to which the change can be referred;
otherwise there can be no definite order and everything is dissolved in chaotic movement.

This point of reference must be established, and this always requires a choice and a decision."

His men then asked, "What does this mean?" to which he replied:

I was tied to a stone, unable to move. I could not change my place in the world.

I had a choice, to exhale and die, or breathe and live. I held my breath... and found that I wanted to live! I decided to live, and use what I could from my meager surroundings. Only those able to hear me, could be persuaded to help. Speaking to the birds, to the rodents, to the crawling bugs and writhing worms, it was clear none of them could help me escape. They did however come to me with roots, berries, and droplets of water so I did not die from lack of food.

So I decided to listen, making my heart beat slow. After a time, I became so good that a whole day could pass between each heartbeat. It was like a dream that lasted forever, I could hear the trees grow and the stone stretch. Then one day, I was able to hear a boy walking past my place of entombment.

I then decided to speak to him, softly, gently, so as not to scare him. Behold! He came to the stones, standing outside in the light as I was in the darkness. He listened to my words, my plea for help, and he began to help me. As the years passed, he grew in strength and was able to remove more and more of the prison that held me. Until the day he released me from my place of no change.

The men were completely silent, eyes wide and listening completely as Brennus continued his story:

Until that day, I had not moved. The world had moved around me. I had been a background in the world of men, and only by my decision to listen, my decision to speak, had I been able to find a way to change the world. If you listen, you can change the world. Heed my words in this, to do so you must decide to listen, and listen truly. By listening and understanding what you hear, you can better make a decision to speak, and thus say things that may change our world!

One man spoke up, "Then why do we sit outside these walls? Why not make more attempts to speak with Ire? Why not go in there clubs ready?" Brennus looked at the man and with a grave face spoke:

I have given him my message. I have changed his world. Now the time has come for Ire to decide what he shall do. He may have the whole of Bibracte to play with as he sees fit, but from where I stand he is locked in the background. He is unable to move, and must make a choice: to listen, to speak, or to fight. The choice is now his alone, and if there is anything I have learned from my time underground, it is patience.