Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 9 - December 2012]

[Netherlands (DoB)]

"All these letters unanswered?!" Christofoor asks the messenger, sword in hand.

Messenger quivered with fear "Yes not a single one"

Christofoor growls, and starts telling the messenger what is to be said in alll the letters, Rome, Japan, Ottomans, And others. He orders the payment slave-workers to be turned over as tribute to France as required in the Open Borders treaty. Then he turn his gaze to the Nether Chiefs who are just waking up.

"Pick up your Axes! Prepare to taste the swift justice of reason!" He calls out.

Augustaaf pleas for their lives "No, please. You are just letting anger get the best of you Christofoor! You want revenge for disturbing your treaty with France! Don't kill us, forgive us! We will fix these things! Show Mercy!"

But Christofoor scoff at this. " Rational Thinkers are guided by reason, not emotion. Always seek prosperity, not revenge." He says. "Your use is at end, so it is only rational that your lives are forfeit. It is ancient slave law that useless men give up the rights to live.

As the poor fools stumble to get their weapons Christofoor dispatch them one by one, sending heads rolling down thd riverbank.



When they are all dead, Christofoor proclaims that there are no more Factions. Now he is in charge. He declares himself First King of Nether, Uniter of the Factions, Ruler of River Village, Fire Mountain, and Ice Island.

There is much confusion and uproar on this news. No work is being done, and Ocean faction, led by Greita refuses to acknowledge Christofoor as King. Johannes remains on Ice Island. Some say Greita is his new favored pupil, some say he just waits for transport to take him to Portugal.

[Japan (DoB)]

The priests were singing their way through a valley filled with the trees that promised wine with their heavily laden branches. Since he was taken out from the tent every minute had been spent walking with no rest. Scarface walked in front with the sure steps of an experienced leader with the priests at his side, while Takanami walked with the guards behind him. The dark clouds above did nothing to soothe his thoughts as the light began to fade into the gloom of night. They were nearing the end of the valley and the wineranks and he wondered when they would stop for the night.

As he thought this, the priests ahead reached under their robes and brought forth torches that they passed along to the guards. Now the way was lit, and tired feet continued on the road to Paris and the King on his Golden Throne. With the singing of the priests and the torches burning, the night did not appear so dangerous. Any wild animals would surely be chased away by the torches, and if any barbarians were here they would surely be running for their homes after hearing the priests chanting as they did.

Somewhere to the left a bird called. Strange, that was no bird he had ever heard before. Then he heard the same bird on his right and in an instant he was on the ground. As the guards halted, one of them hefted his axe and opened his mouth to say something. Whatever words he was about to say were never heard, as an arrow suddenly stood out of his mouth.

[France (DoB)]

As France struggles to recover under the twin betrayals of japan's surprise attack during open border negotiations and the factions peace accord deception to facilitate the smuggling of the prophet Moses to the english. King Louis XXVII decides first to send messengers to the various rulers to counter the extremely biased lies of the Sommerswerd agents.

For millenia the mysterious Sommerswerd agents have secretly pursued their racist agenda to portray the French as some sort of "Superpower" seeking to take over the world while portraying the english and their numerous allies as some sort of underdog. This twisted hate-filled propaganda seeks to turn reality upside-down. There is only one Superpower in the world and that is the warmongering english who continue to bully everyone into submission using their overwhelming naval superiority. The english have long been at the center of a powerful alliance that specializes in using treachery and deceit to augment their overwhelming military advantage, as they attempt to crush the tiny Kingdom of France, which despite all the Sommerswerd hyperbole is still the 5th SMALLEST territory in the world!

The english and their allies seek to conquer France because the French have the gall to live happily and freely near their cruel miserable lands. They have launched numerous wars seeking to take what little land France has however against all odds France has managed to survive and marginally prosper. Despite all the attempts to discredit and destroy France by our enemies, we maintain FRANCE'S RIGHT TO EXIST!

A rational examination of the facts will show who the true Superpower is despite the Sommerswerd lies.

Sommerswerd claim: France dwarfs "the militaries and cultures of all her neighbours including her only remaining rival, England".

Fact: France has only the 5th most powerful military in the world and as anyone with a small amount of espionage effort can discover the english have a more powerful military than France.

Fact: It is true that the peaceful French builders have more culture than our neighbours because we have built three world wonders however the english have also built three world wonders and a look at the rate of cultural growth shows that english are gaining culture at a faster rate than France. The english rate of cultural growth will only increase as they use their overwhelming technology lead to build even more wonders. France's cultural borders have not grown in centuries and many of our borders are currently being eroded due to increased culture from our neighbours, including the english.

Fact: Despite France's best efforts to make peace with those who hate us for merely existing, we have been betrayed and deceived many times and still have many enemies who are secretly planning our destruction. The recent japanese invasion facilitated by the portuguese and the factions breaking of the peace accord to facilitate the portuguese great prophet trade to england are but two of many indicators that the racist hatred against France continues as strong as ever.

Fact: The english have a very strong technology lead over the rest of the world having mastered the technologies of Iron Working, Metal Casting, Monotheism, Monarchy, Writing. There is no one else even close to mastering so many technologies and the english technological lead is going to continue to grow exponentially as their research rate far exceeds their nearest rival.

Fact: Instead of being shattered the Tao alliance has merely feigned death to try to keep their allegiances secret so as to better spread lies and deceit. The recent invasions and great prophet trades show that the factions, portuguese, and japanese are all obviously still part of an alliance led by the english with the germans, celts, northern tribe and the arabs also being likely members.

Fact: England continues to expand with 5 cities compared to France stagnantly remaining at 3 cities, with nowhere left for France to settle.

The facts are clear the english are the only true superpower in the world and they lead a powerful alliance against France. Tiny France continues to bravely stand against the hostile forces of the english alliance despite the overwhelming odds.

[England (DoB)]

……The vision had been with Moses since childhood, an old wise man standing on the coast pointing west…..its meaning obscured, until now.

………

Not content with the stifling cloistered life of his devoutly religious family, Moses--at a young age-- smuggled himself onto a English trading ship plying the waters between other small Portuguese island fishing villages. Hiding from the crew near starving as he survived off scraps of food he could steal without notice, the wise man in Moses’ vision for the first time spoke, “collect my teachings, reveal that which has been hidden and now must be revealed.”

………

When found by the crew in his trance they tried to wake him but he seemed dead to the world, lost in his visions. Put in the captains quarters he awoke some 5 days later, somehow still alive. The captain, taken by the powerful presence of the young child, reset his course for the European mainland at the request of Moses. Moses then took up the life of a traveling holy man. Driven by the power of his visions he walked thousands of miles, eventually chartering a Nether ship to England.

…….

Moses had long been drawn to the teaching of the great Lao Tzu and now, in his homeland he began to finally see the solution to the riddles that had long been a part of his visions. He set to collecting all the long dispersed writings of the great master and compiling them at a single shrine, the Dai Miao.

……

And in doing so revelation!

[Japan (DoB)]

The night passed swiftly as they moved beyond range of city patrols, passing by pastures where pigs snuffled in their sleep and the herdsmen that slept with them. As the light smoothly made the landscape plain they found a hidden place to rest during the day.



Takanami was grateful that many kinsmen of old still prevailed in French territory. He was happy to hear all they knew about the French, and even smiled and longed for home as he heard them recite the old tales as though they were the holy writ of the Christians. As he listened to them, it became clear that change was coming in the French Lands, new warriors from far away were seen in the cities. Strange men on horseback with fearsome masks known only as Immortals. For many years workers from neighbouring countries had given aid to the French, rebuilding everything that had been destroyed during the wars long past.

The most astonishing news however, was that they had taken the life of the French King. They were silent as to how they were able to get close enough to the King, but the way the women spat at the ground as it was spoken of made it plain to him.

The old King had been a lecher and violent abuser of any women among the servants. It was said that he had many illegitimate heirs. They were known by their firstname always starting with 'Fitz' meaning 'Bastard'. It was not a happy life. King Louis never gave them any thought after they grew old enough to fend for themselves, this often meant being kicked out of their homes at the tender age of five and left begging in the streets. Sometimes word would spread that one of them had grown sufficiently to challenge the King, and it was always hushed up with bodies found in strange places with their heads chopped off. The new king appeared to be without mercy.

Takanami hoped that he would reach the Chasers in the North, not least to give Ushiwakamaru what he deserved for abandoning his leader.

[Celtia (DoB)]

"The only source of knowledge is experience"



These words are written in stone above the entrance to the Aryabhata Academy in Bibracte.

[England (DoB)]

King Louis XXVII,

I understand you have come to recognize the weakness of the French position. Will you now agree to our earlier terms--peace and open borders on the condition of no Wonders/Nat Wonder construction unless total French cultural levels remain below total English cultural level and tribute of fish/clam/wine/pigs once available--or do you again bring war and suffering upon your people? A flotilla of English ships shall soon be ready to sail south and will be passing through your waters by force if such terms are not agreed to.

-Queen Elizabeth I

[France (DoB)]

King Louis XXVII sends a messenger to Queen Elizabeth I in response,

Though your ships are as numerous as the waves on the sea, your military shall also break apart like waves on the shores of France. The Kings of France have always understood that the english and their allies were more powerful than France as they have been in all the wars past. Nothing has changed other than the fact that all Kingdoms can now see that you readily admit your Superpower status.

France has Truth and Righteousness on our side and as such we shall never be defeated. We are well aware that with the end of the DMW that another invasion of english ships is imminent however France's resolve to withstand english tyranny has in no way been diminished. As previously declared by the French Kings of old, France shall never accept your extortion demands nor shall there be lasting peace until such time as england pays reparations for the damages which have been done due to your constant warmongering.

[France (DoB)]

In response to the outrageous lies being spread by the japanese as part of their war effort, King Louis XXVII orders that all japanese agents within France be eliminated. The people of France are more than happy to assist in locating the japanese agents as the slander against King Louis XXVI The Beloved, whose subjects had thrown 2 We Love The Monarch Days in his honour, is so intolerable that anyone even hearing such slander spits upon the ground, if not on the liar themselves.

The japanese tale is so inconsistent that even the simplest person can see it is false. The story being told is that the japanese assassin Takanami arranges a meeting with King Louis XXVI in which Takanami is told that the Oracle has spoken with the spirit of Tokugawa, Blood Brother of France, who indicates where the ancient French/japanese agreement can be found. Instead of honouring the wishes of the Honourable Ancestor Tokugawa, Takanami sends word to his fleet to use the disruption of the spirit of Tokugawa as an excuse to invade France.

Then the japanese story becomes very inconsistent as they attempt to claim that even though King Louis XXVII's body was found after his meeting with Takanami that Takanami could not have been the killer because no such meeting ever happened. Of course the fact that the japanese had aleady publicly used the King Louis XXVI and Takanami discussion about Tokugawa as an excuse for war made their entire tale seem foolish. In a feeble attempt to cover up the glaring error in their plot, the japanese futilely attempt to slander the name of one of the most beloved rulers in French history and probably the most beloved ruler in the whole world.

The japanese agents are not very clever unfortunately they are numerous so it will like take centuries to root them all out.

[Japan (DoB)]

A change of belief is in progress. Trade has been extensive with all but three of the eighteen tribes and with strange goods come strange ideas. Both Tao and Christian faiths have gained followers in Japan. Mainly from the re-telling of stories of the Chasers, but also from the traders themselves, some of which have become advisors to Ainu.

In the China-Japan army a great cheer has gone up as they have pushed back the barbarians. With the support of one brave Nether Captain, responsible for training the army in the way of the Axe. Rebuilding has now progressed in many ways and peace is now a term used for a span of time meaning 'longer than a year'. In Stone Hill the Tao followers have established the Tea Ceremony, a transformative practice of preparing tea to serve an honored guest.
It is said "In the boiling water - observe your own limitation."



Ainu has heard of Ushiwakamaru's aggressive move through French fishing grounds. After the insult of the French upon the spirit of Tokugawa, the Sailmaster's completion of Tokugawa's task was met with great celebration throughout Japan. All eighteen tribes are now known to Japan. The third nation to succeed at this task.

Increased spottings of Frenchmen hanging around with honorable traders coming to Japan, gives rise to a general sentiment among villagers that rumours of Louis the Beloved were indeed true. If they were false it would have been ignored. After the King's angry response a new game has become popular - Name The King's Secret - being very popular among children on the cusp of adulthood.

[Japan (DoB)]

In the night a flicker of light played across the countryside, illuminating momentary shadows that danced back and forth. Hiding out of sight, taking care to not move as the light flickered, Takanami felt his heart pound faster. It was close now. So close. He counted as the light flickered...one....two...three....and moved as fast as he could across the grass towards the hedge.

Upon reaching it he threw himself down and shut his eyes as the next flickering began. Now the voices were more audible as well. What had been a soft whisper far away had gathered in strength, the rhythm of it making him want to move with it. Powerful it was, and not without reason given its name. For all the danger involved, he had to see it with his own eyes, hear it with his own ears. This was why he was alone now. None of the others dared approach this place.

The others were making sure they were seen doing their ordinary work, acting as if all was well and joining in the We Love The Monarch parade that was taking place in the city. The Immortals had increased patrols of late and festivities were somewhat lessened by their diligent and random searches. Warriors on horseback with dreadful masks meant to inspire terror in their enemies were not the most subtle way to search for enemies among the people of France.

Already the talk had turned against them, and even with the percieved threat of Japan being shouted out every morning; "Beware of the Japanese threat! They may be among you! Keep an eye on your neighbour!" the average worker had enough with the daily toil and labour to bring food to the family. Caring less for searching and suspecting everyone around them. The King and his Guardsmen were not so lenient however. Every day they found someone suspect, sometimes taking entire families with women and children that disappeared, never to be heard from again. It was far from the King's table of luxurious feasts to the humble meals eaten by his workers.

But friends of Japan had been taken away sometimes, by bad luck or sheer coincidence mattered not. They were gone and sometimes they talked. The sons of Zoroaster were not known for their tact and good nature. They made everyone talk sooner or later. After that, they were taken to this place..



The Death Oracle.

Takanami watched a procession walking towards the flickering light, chanting as they walked. Looking across the silent water he decided to get closer and shut his eyes. Waiting for the flicker to finish...one...two...three...he jumped over the hedge and ran along it towards a road that led directly towards the great Oracle building itself. Diving for cover as the light resumed it's flickering, he came to another hedge and jumped over it landing on grass. Moving slowly along the hedge towards the main building he realized it was built in a fashion that he could climb up, and soon he had a view of the Oracle itself.



The chanting was stronger here, building up to a grand noise that moved through muscle and bone, bringing goosebumps to his arms and shivers up his back. The oracle itself was a young woman in white robes that sat on a chair with a mist that rose up through the floor. Her eyes wandered everywhere and she shifted between shivering uncertainty and rigid postures. Suddenly she looked straight at him! For a moment he was sure that an outcry would mean his certain death, but she appeared to see straight through him and cast her eyes away. She began speaking in a soft voice while one of the priests listened close, and the chanting resumed like a whisper of leaves in the autumn wind. He could hear nothing of what she said, and it was not possible to come closer without making everyone aware of his presence.

Deciding that he had seen enough, Takanami moved slowly away. The flickering lights were gone and he had to be careful of his steps. The moon aided his sight and soon he had passed beyond the watchful eyes of the Oracle guards. It would be a strange story to tell, if he made it through France in one piece. Now he had to return to Paris and his friends there.

[England (DoB)]

Even with war again declared against France Elizabeth had her attention elsewhere. It was Victoria who had returned from meeting with Moses at the Dai Miao in Hastings with news on his revelation. And it was now Victoria who had set sail on a mission of both great risk and secrecy. Moses had reveled a truly great prophecy in the mysterious teachings of Lao Tzu. And one that, if Victoria could prove, true would change the very course of history. But now Elizabeth must wait, wait and worry as she pursued another halfhearted war against France.

[England (DoB)]

An attack in the north! Byzantine ships thought to have been peaceably exploring Nether and Nordic waters have shown they were in fact acting as French agents. Rich fishing grounds of York and Nottingham are destroyed. We should have known and suspected such an attack, long have the French painted and repainted their ships to hide among tribes the English have been at peace with. Also lost, a chariot exporting Russian lands - a loss however avenged by an axe also in Russian territory.


Arabia - We have had most peaceful relations with your tribe and are greatly troubled that your coreligionists the Byzantines have, of all our cites, primarily sought to attack England's only Muslim majority city, Nottingham (two fisheries lost and the city is blockaded). We ask that you close your borders with this obvious thrall of France.

Nether - Your lands have been used as a staging ground for a devastating surprise attack in contravention of the regular laws of war. Please close your borders to these ships so that they may be hunted down and destroyed. We also ask that you close your borders to HRE and Roman ships who have also indicated they are thralls to the French King and almost certainly intend to conduct similar attacks in the future.

Russia - We ask that you close your borders with the Byzantines who attacked and killed English soldier that had aided you in the capture of Yaoyi and in driving Barbarians from your lands. We ask for continued free passage for our armies that remain in Russia to move south to exact vengeance on Byzantine lands.

Ottomans - We find ourselves at war with your long enemy the Byzantines. Please relay any information that may be of assistance in the coming conflict.

Portugal - Our ties have grown ever closer since your people have thrown off the yoke of French dominion. We ask now that you close borders with the like of Byzantine, Rome, and HRE to ensure that the ships of these French thralls remain confined to the waters of the Mediterranean. Any aid you need in securing your waterways will be provided should you but ask.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Greita and her Ocean Faction refused to yield after the Ice Island council meeting. Yet Christofoor knew that he was strong and had control of the army, such that it was in Europe, weak and small. On her island Greita knew she was isolated and outnumbered, her army even smaller and her Navy was loyal, but they few and away on exploring mission.

Still when Christofoor declares himself King of all Nether and there no more factions, dissolving Fire Faction into Nether, Greita can not bear this insults any longer. She had been against this alliance with France always and wanted no part of it now. She had to act!

Greita declares that Ocean Faction will no longer follow the lead of River Village and will act as an independent sub-tribe, part of the Factions tribe but making their own decision. Christofoor is outraged! He demands Greita to bow to him as the King. She refuses. The revolution has begun with Civil War. What is worse, Greita declares that she holds Johannes prisoner. Johannes mange to send one secret letter to his pupil before they take him away in chains.

Dearest Christofoor,

I fear that soon the Chieftess may take me prisoner. Day and night she forces me to make plans for her Grand Academy. I work day and night and I am in poor health from always being outside in the cold overseeing the preparations. Everyday she curses you and blames me for her defeat at the council meeting. If she does not lock me away, I may soon leave this world and pass to spirit from my fatigue and sickness. No matter what happens to me, always remember Christofoor that Rational Thinkers are guided by reason, not emotion. Always seek prosperity, not revenge. Let this be your guide in deciding how to make your next moves with the Chieftess Greita.

Your friend always,

Johannes

Greita knows nothing of the letter from Johannes to Christofoor. She sends her demands to River Village:

We the proud people of Ice Island will never bow to any King whether he from France or from Nether or Fire Faction or any other tribe. Never will my people bow generation to generation at the feet of a Christofoor the fourth, fifth, twenty fifth, Never. Release Ocean Faction publicly from you so called "King" authority and leave us in peace while you bow in fear to France. Do this and I will send back your mentor to you unharmed.

Greita of Ice Island, Leader and Chieftess of Ocean Faction

Greita then waits for Christofoor to send his response

Meanwhile, hidden in the Galley that carry the Great Prophet Moses goes men disguised as simple Galley crew. Then after Moses is dropped off, they sneak off the ship staying hidden until the right time. Then when Greita is alone tending to her daughter playing in the yard and watching deermeat venison loads on trade ships bound for France. Then the men creep up slowly from behind with daggers drawn.

The little girl shrieks as she see them burst from the trees.

"Run!" the child hears Greita's last words to her as she dives into a cave, hidden by a snow bank. She hears the screams of the men looking for her

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Born in Fire Mountain village, the old Seat of Fire Faction is today born twin blessings. A baby boy and girl, twins are born to King Christofoor by his wife, the newly titled Duchess of Nether. Christofoor has already started making titles based on the new system of Hereditary Rule copied from the ages old French practice.




By imitation of the French allies system of Hereditary rule, Christofoor has made himself the King and given bloodrights titles to his offspring. He names them Christiaan and Kirsten, Prince and Princess of the Nether. They will have the rights to rule when Christofoor reign is ended.