Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 8 - November 2012]

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XXV The Seeker is dead. Long live King Louis XXVI.

With the portuguese leadership breaking the ancient espionage agreement with France, allowing the english to invade from their territory, lying about closing their borders with england after the invasion and even their centuries long delay in implementing the Shankara agreement religious edict against slavery (and even then only declaring the edict along with an edict against war to hamstring the French counter-offensive against england), King Louis XXV became convinced that the portuguese christian leadership were engaged in duplicitous diplomacy, attempting to string along both the French and the english.

With no trust in the portuguese christian leadership, King Louis XXV closed his borders with the portuguese and ended all trade. Furthermore he began to seek for alternatives to the christian faith that had dominated French culture for centuries. King Louis XXV eventually turned towards the old forgotten gods and fell under the influence of the Oracle.

While trying to respond to the Colossus scare tactics of the english, King Louis XXV chopped down most of the French forests under the Oracle's cryptic advice. In so doing the King uncovered an ancient sect of female hunters who worshipped a little known Greek goddess of forests called Artemis. The sect had moved out of Greece into Holy Roman lands, where Artemis was called Diana, when the Greeks had cut down their forests. When the Holy Roman's cut down their forests, the sect had moved to the pristine forests of France where they remained hidden for centuries. With the forests of France being cut down the sect had nowhere left to go and Artemis cursed the French with a plague as a result!

With his subjects dying from the divine plague, King Louis XXV sought out the high priestess of the Artemis cult to find out what could be done to lift the plague. The Artemis high priestess agreed to come to Paris, where she oversaw the construction of the Temple of Artemis to appease the goddess. With typical French creativity and industriousness, the Temple was built very quickly and with such beauty that it was a wonder to behold. In response to hearing the tale of Hope butchered by the english butchers, the Artemis sect became the defenders of young girls who were taken into the Temple to be trained. The virgin girls crushed grapes for wine with their feet and the resulting wine was believed to be blessed with exceptional purity and became the sacrificial wine of choice for several religions and rituals bringing in substantial commerce to the Temple.

Some of the Artemis huntresses were not suited to the sedentary lifestyle of the Temple and instead chose to form an all women military unit, called the Amazons. King Louis XXV armed and trained the Amazons bringing them into his army. The Amazons constructed a defensive wall in Free Valley before moving on to Freedom Point where they sought to avenge Hope by slaying english invaders.

After clearing the western forests, King Louis XXV ordered the land cleared for more wineries. There were many great rocks in forests that needed to be cleared. A group of French sculptors had the great rocks moved to Freedom Point where they created Monuments of Attempted Invasions (or Moai Statues for short). Each statue represented one of the twelve attempted invasions of France and collectively showed the will of the French people to overcome any hardship! The statues have become a motivational symbol to the people of Freedom Point and inspire them to greater efforts of productivity in their ancient vendetta against the english. Of particular motivation is the statue of the slave mistress Elizabeth, wearing a slave collar and manacles, even though the statue has been repeatedly tipped over face first in the mud so often that it has been finally left in such a state.

King Louis XXV's unorthodox policies brought about an alliance with the Romans and also laid out a framework for peace with the Three Factions, which he left for future French King's to implement.

Meanwhile, the Christian priests of Paris have not been idle as they felt their influence slipping away and they have built a Christian monastery in Paris to help spread their influence amongst the French populace.

King Louis XXV's reign was an era of great change and cultural diversity that has assuredly changed France forever. Unfortunately, upon hearing of King Louis XXV's death, the english once again launched an invasion of France hoping that the new King Louis XXVI would be unprepared.

King Louis XXVI ordered the DMW ritual to begin in 290 BC (turn 321).

[Greece (DoB)]

Wa aleikum ah salam Mohammed V, great leader of the Arabs. We thank you for your assuring words. Greek fishermen will return tomorrow morning to work their fisheries.

[France (DoB)]

Having learned a lesson during the last english invasion, all of the French sailors are forcibly confined to port while the english triremes freely patrol the shores of France. Food is a little tight and commerce is down in the city of Freedom Point as a result however thus far no French subjects have died in this english invasion. King Louis XXVI seems content to just sit out the war unless the english wish to land an invasion force on French soil.

Meanwhile, the Parisian monks have sent a number of missionaries to Freedom Point to convert the populace there to Christ's message of peace. Surprisingly nearly half of the population of Freedom Point are converted to Christianity. The remaining Tao adherents are the most extreme militant fanatics dedicated to reclaiming the Tao holy city, freeing the english slaves and enslaving the english slavers!

[China (DoB)]

Qin finally settles down to write his journal. He has been busy-out on the field to lead the fight against the barbs who have finally been eradicated from Chinese soil. Qin orders all his troops to the North to protect the new settlement of his brother-in-law Ainu ... Japan's Stone Hill. Several thousand barbarian hordes have attempted attack but his axe and archers have slain all at the loss of only one archer triad. Life in China has been better of late. Aiko is recovering but looks blank when he speaks to her. He has taken solace in the rice wine and the pleasure of his servant girls. Tibet to the far west has been settled showing massive stone resources to the north of the mountain ranges dubbed the Hyms and Layas. Dairus has removed the threat from his south and seems intent on settling peacefully. There is troubling news however. News arrives from spies in the far west ... a country unknown to him called England has intent on his southern lands that he considers a protectorate of China. Qin hopes it is not so. He orders the creation of a fleet to sail to the south and claim those lands formally.

[Greece (DoB)]

We thank the Holy Romans for their latest diplomatic letter.

[Russia (DoB)]

The Counsel is in uproar over the latest influx of wise men from the three great faiths, it appears that when it rains, it pours down like a waterfall that never ends.

In Baltia the Christians had become numerous and they had daily sermons exalting Christ before going to work. Many of these gatherings were conducted without clothes to be as true to God as they were at birth, bathing in mud after a story of how man was made from clay began to spread. It was said that all who did this walked away with a strange look in their eyes, as if they were in touch with God. The only thing sure about these gatherings was that the women now spent more than three times as much time to clean the men's clothes.



In Volga a Tao gathering had given way to a new outlook on life in the Russian Capitol. Now every man, woman and child was revered as parts of a whole, as the saying went: "The Way begot one, And the one, two; Then the two begot three. And three, all else."



In Volgaria a stranger clad in flowing robes had gone into the fields among the farmers and shouted into the clouded sky, and it began to rain shortly thereafter. The man went down on his knees and bent forward to submit his being to Allah, giving praise to the fruits of his blessing upon the hardworking people of Russia. Many farmers then followed suit, and began to follow the way of Islam as the man did. Every morning, midday and evening, a great gathering took place where the followers went down on their knees to praise Allah and the blessings of Islam.



Foma and Simon returned to give their account -in Simons case a rather explicit one- that put the Baltian Christians in a rather dim view from the Counsel. Food had become scarce and the people had become thinner and weaker, not working as hard as they used to. "They came first to our people, and so they would be the best choice. First bite gives first right." said Borya as he stroked the head of his favourite axe. "Remember the cooperation between the Tao and Christ follower that ended Stanimir?" Karp stated without enthusiasm. Kolzak thumped a fist on the table. "It does not really matter who or what we follow, as long as our leader is true to our people. It is they who suffer, it is they who work, it is they who follow our words." "Praise be to the people, for they will always work for Mother." Yevgeny intoned. As one man, the others repeated: "For Mother."

"But if we were to follow Tao, Mother would be equal to Father." said Simon. "For Mother. For Father. Two halves of one whole, yet still One. With none the wiser, none the stronger." The others became thoughtful after hearing this, repeating the phrase. "To follow Christ would make us likely to become as inward and erratic as the Portugal people, and as proud and arrogant in behaviour as France. Is this truly what we wish to be?" Hearing this, the other counsel members looked at eachother as Simon continued:

"Remember who first answered our apology: Arabia, birthplace of Islam. Remember what faith that first became the ruling power in Rome, the first tribe to embrace all three faiths: Islam. Remember what faith produced the first miracle re-told by a great number of our farmers: Islam. I say we issue a statement that we intend to follow our brothers in Rome, Arabia, Persia and Byzantium, that we proclaim Islam to be the Official Faith in Russia."

The others gaped at these words from Simon, a man known for his love of pleasure and nudity more than his love of coherent thought. Looking at eachother, they found no words to counter his argument and made his words public in all the villages of Russia, along with the proclamation that he was now to be known as Czar Simon - Undisputed Leader of Russia.

This caused an uproar in every village for a long time afterwards.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Send out the offer to all tribes far and wide.

The wise Johannes Kepler Great Scientist of Fire Faction is offering his service to all tribes. After his wisdom saves Three Factions from annihilation at the hands of the French he believes he can do the same good for other tribes. He proposes a Great Person exchange program to any tribe interested in getting the services of a wise Great Scientist like himself.

After the betrayal of Rome, the Factions leaders reach out and smooth the hard feelings between the tribes. It was decided to break with the English friends to save the friendship with Roman ones and to make a new alliance to join with France. This decision was met with much conflict and some hostility both from Englands Queen but also from within three Faction themself. Greita of Ocean Faction is opposed to treaty with France because close borders will cut off Ocean Faction island from the rest of three factions.

Fire factions Rational Thinkers movement led by Christofoor and Johannes has take control in Fire faction village and they support the treaty with France as it is best path forward for the people. They have already made the preparations to deliver to France the agreed terms. Fire faction has control of army and sends them on far away mission east to reduce the border tension with France.

Nether faction in River village is divided. Some are opposed as they want back the lands and fishing grounds taken by France, while some see treaty and alliance with France as only way to settle new lands and keep France from taking more lands away. Many see Rome as traitors, treaty brekers and don't want to abandon England, while others don't want to abandon Rome because they are closest friend. Nether faction is right on border with France and this is topic that causes fights and unrest in River Village on a daily basis, however the recent shipments of French wine have given some pleasant diversion that soothes the minds of some of the rabble rouser. The Chiefs in Nether Faction are supporting the treaty, especially now that the delicious French wine is flowing in.

[England (DoB)]

Captain's Log

Having gained passage through Greek lands we sail onward into Arab waters. Much land that needs be explored, and further onwards the Persians - should they give us passage?

[Russia (DoB)]

Simon stood at the gates of the new settlement, gazing at the letters scored into the wood.

"SIMONSBURG"

He smiled, motioning for the servants to come with the wine that he had brought with him from Spain. A farewell gift from that girl.. what was her name again? She made the most delicate statements to the gathering, and the most delicate touch in -and on- private. Ah, Agnés. What a little minx. No doubt she was all regal again now, wherever she was.

The people toiled on about their business, building homes, tending farmland, and chopping down some of the neverending forest. The sounds of all these busy little bees was a good background to the crimson drink that passed his lips with a hint of spices lingering in his mouth. Nearby, his guards kept a watchful eye on the forest and everyone else. No barbarian had been seen for years, apart from the village under siege in the north. It would only be a matter of time before they surrendered, or died of hunger. Life was good, oh yes..

[England (DoB)]

Blood and Ice was being sung by all the bards in London. An epic tale extolling the exploits of English troops capturing a strongly defended barbarian city at the edge of the world with the aid of the fearless Russian people.

[England (DoB)]

Elizabeth smiled as the crowd shouted out, "Tao save the Queen," again and again. Standing besides her was her daughter Victoria resplendent and fearsome in her light red leather armor. The young, yet also ageless, eldest child had just returned from hunting down the last of the French spys who had attempted to escape the city after their latest assassination attempt. Interrogations of those taken alive revealed that the French had hoped to subdue the English by killing Elizabeth and throwing English leadership into disarray. For years now the country had been in chaos with constant plots and attempted assassinations upending life throughout all of England. And so Elizabeth declared that she was Queen and should she be killed rule would pass by hereditary rule to her firstborn, Victoria. In doing so, peace was restored by removing the French hope that the English people could be subdued should their leader be killed. To further secure the peace, city garrisons were ordered increased to assure the people of their safety and assuage any uncertainty that more lands may be lost to the French.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Greita of Ocean Faction welcomes a new female leader.

Welcome Victoria, maybe we two can talk sense to the world.

V I C T O R Y ! ! ! Fire Faction hears word from Captain that he has completed at last the quest of 18 tribes and met the Arabians, founders of Islam. We beg on behalf of Fire Faction to spread the knowledge of Islam to our lands

[Japan (DoB)]

Takanami watched as the funeral pyre burned all night long, recalling the good times with his father and saddened that his last wish remained ungranted by the French. There was no news from France and the only response during the Summit, was something about old deals made by Tokugawa -May he rest in peace- about a settlement of old. No such word had ever passed from Tokugawa, and Takanami was resolved to go and seek out the French King and ask him, in person, for a way forward that would keep the peace and mend the old wounds of war.



The last embers died out as he made ready to go alone to the King. A pilgrimage to the Christian King in solitude, would perhaps prove that he had no harmful intent, and that his very life was in the hands of the French should they choose to capture him. He considered the last known words of Tokugawa; "It will be worth it." and wondered if it would be worth it, after all.

Ushiwakamaru was left in charge, and messengers sent out to different tribes:
To Nether congratulating them on the completed quest of 18 tribes.
To the English and Russian congratulating them on the victory against the barbarians.
To the Romans asking for an emissary to assist the Japanese in their talks with the French.

[Spain (DoB)]

"Himilce, you called for my assistance ? "

"Yes", she says while looking up from her book..




"Please write princess Victoria of England a warm letter in which you congratulate her with her rightfull position.
And invite her to a friendly swordfighting duel. It may be very well the case she is a worthy adversary.

In the painting I saw from her, she sure looks like one tough cookie. I wonder if she ever smiles..", she says trailing off..

"And please send me a glass of that sweet French wine, which just arrived.
Being neutral sure has it's benefits.

By the way, make sure in your letter, that you make clear that our position of neutrality will not change."

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XXVI The Beloved, agreed to proceed to the western Pyrenees shores to meet with Takanami. No Japanese were allowed within the Kingdom of France since the Japanese had hundreds of espionage agents along French borders spying on France. King Louis XXVI listened to Takanami's request and replied,
　

The Oracle has spoken with the ancient spirit of Tokugawa, who says that if the Japanese rulers search their Apolyton library they will find several scrolls bearing the subject A Way Out which mention the "great gift of Tokugawa: a french village near our main land village".

Given that Japan already has so many hundreds of espionage agents dedicated to learning French secrets, if France were to allow any Japanese vistors to our cities then those cities would be monitored by the Japanese for centuries until France could spare sufficient espionage agents to counter the Japanese spies. French espionage agents are focussed on countering the english spies while monitoring the progress of the increasing northern spy network therefore we have no agents to spare at the moment to acheive parity with Japan. Under these circumstances it is very difficult to see a way forward on opening our borders to Japan, without the fulfillment of Tokugawa's great gift.

If Japan's objective is merely to meet the celts to complete the quest of 18 tribes then an alternative solution might be to use intermediaries to convince the celts to pay the reparations of 1 chariot unit to France to replace the chariot unit that died defending France from the celt invasion of our lands. France had already offered to open our borders to the celts before their ill-considered invasion since their espionage against France has been sufficiently restrained. With open borders the celts could meet the Japanese and other tribes in portuguese territory.