Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 11 - February 2013]

[Sommerswerd]

Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 11 - February 2013]

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



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.

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.

[Sommerswerd]

It is an age of Discovery. Led by the powerful English, the nations of the world have begun to make landfall on a brand new continent. The first ones Following the English to the New World are the Celtians, and the Viking Norsemen. Are the French and Catalunians far behind? Meanwhile, the Arabians have estalished a new home in Australia. Isolated, with this rich new land to themselves, they are poised to re-establish themselves as a new political world power.



In the Old World France has constructed yet another Great Wonder of the World. The Shwedagon Paya. The culture of the French capital is now far beyond that of any other city in the known World and this latest testament to the industrious spirit of the French people assures that Paris will be a city of legends for all time.

The Ottomans continue their march across the Asian wilds, crushing the barbarians under their boots, chariot wheels, and axe blades. Soon their strength will rival even that of mighty Persia. At the same time the ruthless Russian Czars, finding themselves cut off to the east by the Ottomans and Persia, elect to trample the weak and fledgeling German tribe, stamping out their meager attempts at expansion with an overwhelming attack. Given the choice to gain temporary respite by invoking the rituals of Measured War to save their cities, or capitulating to mighty Russia in an attempt to secure a more lasting peace, the Germans chose the latter, increasing the power of Russia and making the German situation even more desperate.



Across the sea, England lands wave after wave of intrepid exploring and settling parties, each one met with relentless attacks from the native barbarian savages. Only time will tell if the landing parties have sufficient size or force to withstand the relentless onslaught of the New World Barbarians.



Not to be outdone, the Vikings use powerful magics to break the English monopoly on passage to the New World. Riding the waves and winds of their Gods, the Viking Norsemen have discovered an alternate passage to the great Northwest, beyond Greenland and across the sea. Are they too late to prevent English hegemony in the New World?

Then there is the increasingly reclusive Eternal Emperor of China. As his lovely wife seemingly now shares his immortality and eternal youth, but remains childless, rumors begin to surface. Is she barren? Does she now share the immortal curse of her husband, bestowed upon her to revive and save her from her imminent death all those centuries ago?



And what of the Immortal Queen of England? Does she share the curse of the Chinese Emperor? She has seemingly bourne a daughter to claim new hunting grounds in the New World, where she can feed her bloodlust away from suspicious eyes. But who is the father of this child? Is it Brennus of Celtia, one of the last three remaining immortals? Only time will tell...

Headship / Royal Lineages of the World

Barbarians
The Children of Barbarous the Expelled - Warriors, Spearmen, Axemen, Archers and Galleys sighted

France
King Louis XXXIII the Omniscient, son of King Louis XXXII the Benevolent, successor to King Louis XXXI the Quaker, successor to King Louis XXX the Isolationist, successor to King Louis XXIX the Unfortunate, successor to King Louis XXVIII the Traveller, successor to King Louis XXVII the Arbiter, successor following the assasination of King Louis XXVI the Beloved, descendant of King Louis XXV the Seeker, descendant of King Louis XXIV the Last Hope, descendant of King Louis XXIII the Festive, descendant of King Louis XXII the Spendthrift, son of King Louis XXI Defender of the Faith, descendant of King Louis XX the Grim, descendant of King Louis XIX the Golden, son of King Louis XVIII the Bored Boar, son of King Louis XVII the Beast Tamer, son of King Louis XVI the Sea King, son of King Louis XV the Wine Trader, successor to King Louis XIV the Christian Abolitionist, successor to King Louis XIII The Martyr, successor to The Silent Kings, Louis V- Louis XII, successors to 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
Duchess Himilce, Princess of Spain, Aunt of Astor

Portugal
Pedro Machuka, son of Porto & Portu, husband and wife

Netherlands
King Christiaan and Queen Kirsten, joint rulers of Netherlands and twin son and daughter of King Christofoor, first King of Netherlands, unifyer of 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 of France

Ottomans
Head Chieftain Durukan Hamdi emerging from the Age of Silence following the rule of Head Chieftain Bedri Ayhan

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

China
Qin Shi Huang the Eternal Emperor and his wife Aiko of Japan, successor of the Mother of Qin Shi Huang, successor to the Father of Qin Shi Huang

Norsemen
Harald Hardrada, son of Chief Ragnar

England
Queen Elizabeth the Immortal

Celtia
King Brennus, returning conqueror of King Ire, imprisoner of Lord Chieftain Brennus & Aithe

Japan
Empress Aiko (wife of Qin Shi Huang the Eternal of China), proclaimed Empress following the death of her brother, Heianshi Ainu, appointed to succeed the Family Elders of Kyoto, along with Ainu of Nishikyo & Jiraya of Osaka following the death of Tokugawa, defender of Kyoto, Leader of Japan

Russia
Czar Yakov Antonovich, son of Czar Anton Konstantinovich, son of Katarina Konstantinskaia First interim Czarina of the Rus Empire, successor to Czar Konstantin Simonovich, brother of Czar Leonid Simonovich, successor to Czar Simon the Lover, Undisputer Leader of Russia, successor to The Counsel, interim succesors following the slaying of Stanimir defeater of Rostislav, successor to Volg, defeater of the Slav King, usurper of The Czar, successor of Ivan Grozni, successor of Ivan Dragonoff, succesor of Leader Peter

Arabia
His Emminence Mohammed V, following the Arabian exodous and subsequent exile of Grand Ayatollah Kulayni, ending the joint rule of Mohammed V and Ayatollah Kulayni, leaders of the The two Factions, emerging from conflict between the The Tribal Leaders, successors to The Prophet & his wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Rome
The Council of Rome, ruling following the abdication of Imperatrix Minerva Julii, wife of Aulus Brutus, son of Titus Brutus of the Bruti family, successors of Marcus, leader of the Slave rebellion, beheader of Baron Von the tyrant

Persia
Arsaces XLV, successor of 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
Alemanni the 1st Successor, to Herman

Greece
The Citizens of Greece, successors to The Workers of Greece, successors to the Jungle Fighters of Greece

Holy Rome
Caroli Magni

[Netherlands (DoB)]

"Any word from the new Russian Czar?"

"No Highness, he has not responded. There is no way to judge if he will be friend or foe to us."

"Well we have fulfilled our part. Let it never be said that Netherlands does not repay obligations."

[Persian (DoB)]

Couriers arrive bearing the following message from Persia.

Greetings Foreign Dignitaries,





Persia has a new, stronger ruler: me, Princess Boran. Don't let the title fool you. I have secured absolute power within Persia. “Princess” just suits me better than Empress or Queen.


Please just imagine that I started off this conversation with all the proper salutations and politically correct chit-chat. I really don't have time for that. There are places to go and princelings to exploit.


Word may not have reached you yet that my predecessor has croaked. He ate something that apparently didn't agree with him. He was old and had lost his edge. It takes a ballsy leader to propel such a sprawling nation to its next stage of development. If you want something from Persia you can speak to me from now on.



I was taking a bath the other day, looking out the window at my shiny new empire, when I realized that Persia could be so much more than it was already. Sure, the Persian people have a proclivity for proliferation. They make babies well. And Persian mounted troops drive back the barbarians. Despite Persia's size, it has been small-minded and lacked vision until now. With the change in leadership a lot of this will change. I am bringing vision, good looks, and a gritty determination to destroy those who cross me. All deals foreign nations have made with my Persia will have be renegotiated. Any deals that are good and profitable for the Persian people will happily be kept as is. Any deals that are not in the best interest of Persia will need to be renegotiated.


Persia will be taking a larger role in global politics and the rest of the world will have to deal with Persia. But Persia has a lot to offer. Don't all fall over yourselves trying to gain an audience with me.


The Medes have been rebellious and I will probably have to crush them militarily. Persia apologizes if any of our rebellious subjects have caused distress to foreign nations. I just want you to know that on my watch things will be run a lot more tightly.



The Persians have celebrated the rapid rise to stardom of one of our holy men. Other nations have already contacted us to allow our Prophet to bring his teachings to their people. I have invited this man to stay with me in my summer palace. He will not be leaving Persia unless sufficient donations are made the Persian treasury. I am accepting offers for a limited time only as Persia would be benefited by his inspiring preaching.


So long. I look forward to interesting and profitable relations in the future.




Princess Boran

[Netherlands (DoB)]

"The Russian Czar has responded and favorably, Highness"

"Good, summon the scribes. We have much history to impart"

"What of the new Persian Princess?"

"She sounds arrogant and unworthy, but we shall see what time unfolds"

[England (DoB)]

Princess Boran,

Your message of greeting is most welcome. For centuries the great Persian civilization has remained in isolation and we look forward to a new era of open and mutually profitable relations. As such, I propose the formal opening of our borders so that our traders may exchange their wares and enrich both of our peoples.

-Queen Elizabeth I

[England (DoB)]

Victoria soaked up the warm sun. After her long winter in Cold Harbor, the tropical heat was a welcome change. Her voyage south along the coast of the New World had brought her here after several short stops at the few English and Norse settlements that clung to the eastern edge of the New World’s seemingly endless and barbarian infested forests.

She was greeted at the beach by one of her lieutenants, “after so many years fighting to find a passage through the bitter cold ice flows of Greenland, we welcome you to this earthly paradise that was foretold. We have named this place Victoria Island in recognition of your drive to fulfill the great prophecies which bring us to this place.”

Victoria beamed with pride at all she and her men had accomplished. Her men were right, this island would make a good southern outpost. From a hilltop vantage point she had a commanding view of the surrounding warm waters dotted with small islands. Yes, this settlement’s location was an ideal vantage point: not only to provide early warning of barbarian raiders sailing north, but also perfectly situated to direct future settlement into the great gulf to the west and to whatever lands lie to the south.

[Persia (DoB)]

A persian messenger appears striding confidently with an air of detached indifference and delivers to you the following message.

Greetings.



I prefer addressing many nations at once and sending the message to all. It fosters open communication and perhaps friendly competition among my fellow nations. I'm sure you all are anxious to find out whether you will be specifically mentioned in my next letter. Well wait no longer. Don't feel bad if you are not specifically mentioned. While I prefer interesting interaction and favor those who show an interest in Persia, being uninteresting in itself is not a crime. For those of you who do not feel the need to respond personally to this letter, may the picture I included above inspire you to seek Persia's favor.

The messenger service that my predecessor used for diplomatic correspondence tried to resist my control. They were finally subdued and examples were made to show the cost of defiance. I have merged the messenger service of my predecessor with the one I had created since coming to power. The messenger routes are the same as before, although hopefully the routes will carry interesting and salacious letters in addition to traditionally normal diplomatic entreaties.

The leniency and complacency of my dead predecessor has caused me some amount of trouble upon taking the reigns of the mighty Persian empire. The populace had grown accustomed to not working hard. I have implemented a slavery system throughout Persia. It has proven a reliable way to silence doubters and should lead to a more efficient workforce. Because they were so set in their ways it may be years before all of the revolts are squashed, but the result will be a stronger, more flexible Persia.

My people report sightings of a Japanese sailing vessel off of our Eastern shores. Please feel free to enter Persian waters. All I ask is that as you make your way through our shoreline that you stop in at the villages you will pass on the way and share your stories with our people. Feel free allow your sailors to mingle with our women. It is rumored that the Japanese are a strong and fierce people. Persia would benefit from closer relations with Japan.

The Byzantines have recently changed leaders and it seems a great deal of records of past diplomatic agreements have been lost. We have decided to treat Byzantine-Persian diplomacy as a blank slate. Persia hopes that the Byzantines will make the smart decision and become friends not enemies with the Persian people.

The English Queen has asked for open borders and increased trade between our nations and I have officially sent a request to get started on such an arrangement. It has reached Persia's attention that England has found new land to settle. I am intrigued and hope to one day see this strange land for myself.

The Citizens of Greece has once again expressed interest in funding the Persian Holy Prophet's trip to Greece. However, unless more specificity in terms of funding expected, the Persian Holy Prophet will remain a guest at my summer palace. I will listen to all clear and specific offers.

I wish to invite the leaders of China to dine with my in my summer palace. I think we should get better acquainted with our neighbors in the East. Our people know little about the Chinese empire. Please see attached picture of my summer palace at Western Gate. Doesn't it look inviting?



I just wanted to thank you all for your acceptance of me into the international community. It really was the wisest and safest decision. So long.

Yours,
Princes Boran

[China (DoB)]

The Firing

Qin looked on the crowd with distaste. Everything about his civilization and people disgusted him. The scientists had been joined by the peasantry and called a STRIKE. 3 units had disbanded because of traitors slipping away in the night. Some to the Japanese, some to the barbarians and now a mine had joined Persia. Even a group of settlers had left for places unknown.

Ah the unknown he thought. He had received a invite finally after all these years to visit the new Persian Princess who has appeared on the throne. Persia worried him. His borders were being encroached to the south by Persians. While in the north thankfully with his wife on the throne of Japan, she had helped repel a contingent of barbarian archers that had crept past defenses and razed a newly built cottage. Now though e had little money to pay his troops and nor fund his scientists. The breaking point was when his workers building cottages and collecting taxes, joined the strike. He had to make an example.

He had arrested the leader of the strike movement a few days ago , with his wife and another elderly man who had spoken at a town meeting. That caused the strike that had spread from Nanking to 3 other cities. His most loyal Qin Emperor Guard quelled the riots and declared martial law. The looting had been stopped and the workers put back to work in the fields and building cottages under spear point. Now he would show his peoples, the wrath of an eternal emperor.

Qin had been studying the effect of fire on human flesh. It was something he had perfected while disposing of the partially drained bodies of the children that fed his blood lust. If the bodies were not burned they turned into hideous creatures. Qin had observed, that the application of fire and water could extend the life of a person days when applied in moderation. Just the right amount of deep heat with warmed stones would cause the subterraneous fat beneath the skin and about the organs to melt and the skin to eventually leak and blister. The pain was excruciating. At first it was a mild discomfort, followed by a tingling. And then it grew hot, incredibly hot as the nervous system went into overdrive sending signals to the brain to flee. But the restraints would not let them.

This was happening now to the 3 traitors. They were tired to 3 great poles of hardened ash. The fires had been lit beneath them in small batches, allowed to burn for a minute and then put out and removed from beneath them in large clay pots. The 3 were then doused in water. Steam rose in great clouds on the cold winters day, accenting the effect. The crowd of several thousand in Nanking looked on in horror. The legs of all 3 victims had turned brown and sizzled like bacon. The smell was a rich pungent sickly smell of burned skin, fat, and hair. As the 3 recipients had burned they had defecated themselves in their straining and seizures.

The crowd was silent as the 3 hung on the poles. Several cried and asked for mercy. “MERCY!”, Qin roared. “You expect mercy from me when you welcome and side with traitors.” The 3 were awakened from the their unconscious state with buckets of water. Except the elderly man had died. He hung on the pole like a sack of fermenting rice before pressed. His frail body had not been able to take the pain.

Qin nodded to the guardsman to place the pots again. And this time there were lengths of bamboo to carry the fire to their torso. That was the best part Qin thought. This is when the maximum pain came. When the fire consumed their head and hands. That was where the most nerves were with the exception of the genitals. The woman now was naked. Her clothes burned away like paper, exposing her breasts to the cold and water. Her nipples were slightly brown from the heat. I wish I could cut them off Qin thought. They would look good on his wall of remembrance.

The fire was consuming them now. The screaming was endless and then it wasn’t. The man and women had managed to hold hands in the end as the cords burned away. “How sweet to die in each other’s arms”, Qin relented. He would never know that pleasure - to die.

His people were standing without a word. The silence was deafening. Even the birds wind had ceased their protest. It was if time was standing still. Qin spoke again to the crowd. “To those that doubt I will not punish striking traitors, you now know that is false.” “Oppose me and DIE!” Qin stood and stared down his people as the dusk turned to night.

As-See had stood back from the crowd with his sister and brother-in-law. His brother-in-law Yo-Me was a veteran archer with the Chinese 2^nd Contingent . The 2^nd had survived many a battle with barbarians . He had met As-See in Stone Hill while staying with his family. Many Chinese soldiers had been given home by the Japanese while they protected Stone Hill. His sister had been timid at first but after a few months of courting Yo-Me had asked for her hand. As-See’s father had been reluctant but had agreed to the marriage. They had gone to Nanking to live.

Yo-Me was on garrison duty in Nanking when the Emperors guard had arrived and declared martial law. As-See had travelled from Japan to see her for the first time. She had a good life or so he thought until he saw the firing of the scientists. As-See was a veteran archer with the Japanese army. He carried his bow with him at all times, as all archers do. He looked at Qin across the assembly court yard as the flames reached the top of the poles. How can a leader do this? How can anyone torture like this? The rumors were true. Qin was not human. It would be so easy to end this monstrous excuse for a leader. He reached for his best oak arrow….

[Arabia (DoB)]

A letter reaches the Islamic clergy in the Byzantine city of Mecca, the holy city, through back channels:

Dear Imam Kalawi,


I hope this letter reaches you with the good grace of Allah.


After being so unceremoniously exiled from Mecca, Grand Ayatollah Kulayni feared gravely for his life. Justinian seemed irrational and had not even bothered to approach the Ayatollah with his grievances towards him. The Grand Ayatollah was no puppet to Mohammed V, surely the year long war and besiegement of Medina had proven that?!? Justinian did not seem to be blessed with any wits, perhaps he had not known of the siege, the war, or even the declaration made by Allah himself that no one nation shall lay claim or fiefdom over the religion of Islam? Perhaps he did not understand the importance of the Nacitiv which separated the church and the state; which insulated the state and national interests from influencing Islamic affairs? Perhaps he was ungrateful for the blessed gift of Mecca in remembrance of these pillars of inspiration?


Upon the news of his exile, Kulayni had his closest confidant within the clergy stage his assassination in Mecca in order to sow confusion and create a cover for his flight to meet up with Mohammed V in the promised land.


For two long months at sea, Kulayni suffered greatly, the ship had been battered twice with day long storms that swept two of the Galley's crew out to sea. The Galley stayed as close to shore as possible without being spotted and this left her vulnerable to the ravages of the open sea. Food was scarce and rationed and illness swept through the crew.


Those were hard times, but now Kulayni rests in the Holy City of Shahada. A small modest city very unlike the ones in which he is accustomed to in the Arabian Peninsula. Mohammed V had done well over the years to govern the Qurayshi people in their newly named Qurayshi Arabian Dominion. The Dominion flourished after the initial hardships that have come with leaving ones home for new lands.


Kulayni has only recently arrived and has already been hosted by Mohammed V and myself thrice. Mohammed V and I had much to tell about the long voyage and hardships that the colony had to endure over these many years, but also of the blessings that friendship with the Japanese have brought. After treacherously being betrayed by a close ally and suffering terrible losses so close to the promised land Mohammed V had little less than half the Qurayshi people, troops, missionaries, and navy that he had set out with on this great quest.


In any case, time waits for no man, and certainly for no nation, and Mohammed V had deftly established the first three colonies only to have one destroyed within the first year by raging barbarians due to reinforcements that never came for reasons already mentioned and now in the past. Looking ahead always, and with careful planning the Qurayshi Arabian Dominion now stands on firm ground with four fledgling but prospering cities.


With treachery and betrayal holy Allah in his mercy also compelled divine wisdom, compassion, grace and honour personified within the good nature of the Japanese people. They have graciously helped in all which ways they can, helping to ease the pain of the treachery inflicted by our former ally. Word comes that a pilgrimage of Japanese Islamic Ummah, who have gathered near our borders in the Japanese city of Manila make their way to Shahada! The people of the Dominion are eager to receive these new guests, it has been many years since the Qurayshi have hosted a foreign delegation, Mohammed V has ordered all of the colonies to send their most treasured gems, and fruits that this new land provides so that we may feast with our new friends!


Mohammed and Kulayni are making preparations for the announcement of the establishment of the first Mosque and a sister Madrasa in Shahada with the intention of making her the centre of all religious affairs in the Dominion under Kulayni's tutelage.


Stay strong Imam Kalawi, for we prosper in our new lands, and with the holy divinity of Allah the people of Mecca will thrive once more!


Your devoted Ummah,
Abdullah.

[Byzantium (DoB)]

Emperor Leopold has issued a decree to rebuild the holy state of the Nacitav within the city of Mecca, to be governed by Islamic clergy without political ties to any nation.

Constructors are now hard at work in Mecca, rebuilding the Islamic holy structures around the Masjid Al Haram. Long have the buildings been neglected in the name of Justinian I, who in his folly desired to rule all of Islam by holding the Nacitav and its golden towers after the Qurayshin Arabians turned over control of the city to Byzantium.



From Mecca, envoys of the faith are sent out to all the nations where citizens hold Islam high as part of their daily life.

Children of Allah,

The Islamic Ummah brotherhood invites every Ayatollah and Imam who wish to attend the inauguration of the holy state of Nacitav. Emperor Leopold has in his wisdom declared that anyone who wishes to travel to the Nacitav are free to come and go as they please regardless of any possible tribal disputes that may exist.

The Nacitav will be the center of Islamic clergy and erudite scholars. A sacred place of contemplation and study. Here, the spiritual leaders of Islam may reside in peace, without fear of involvement in worldly affairs like petty wars between nations, Insha'Allah.

Grand Ayatollah Kulayni has called for the election of a new Grand Ayatollah who can lead the spiritual aspects of Islamic life from the Nacitav, and it is our hope that as many of the Ayatollahs of the Ummah brotherhood as possible will attend this most holy event. Everyone is welcome to attend, but only the representatives of the nations who follow the path of Islam will be given the privilege of vote.

Allah's grace and mercy upon you all,
Imam Kalawi

[France (DoB)]

France is no more! Henceforth it shall be known by it's true name! The Kingdom of Louis! The capitol shall for ever more be known as Louisiana! It's two tributaries are now named King's Harbour -the King's summer palace- and Valley of Kings - resting place for all true Louisian Kings. King Louis XXXIV gives this decree in the year 540 AD, and all of Louis is happy and bountiful about this!

[France (DoB)]

A smiling messenger with a soft yet wonderful and melodious voice is sent to every tribe to say these words:

In the Kingdom of Louis, there are no mistakes. There are no poor people. Everybody has a job. We are one big happy kingdom.

Any reference to Louis XIV in the last chronicle will of course be heard, but rest assured that the scribe that in his own time came to discover such a peaceful assertion of our leader's noble ancestry in the public chronicles, has chosen a life of contemplation and meditation upon the fullness of life and the many pleasures therein. He is proud to be known for his choice, and we salute his way of life as he has resolved to discover any other peaceful assertions that may have come to pass, but he is confident that this has never happened before and will never happen again.

Five years from now, our glorious and most humble King Louis XXXIV the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-hearing friend of the world will celebrate his 75th birthday. We welcome everyone apart from the Japanese to send representatives to dine with the King in his summer palace in King's Harbour. Yes, I did say everyone apart from the Japanese and that includes you Elizabeth, Queen of England. May the Peace of Louis grant you safe passage to our wonderful land of plenty and happiness.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Netherlands issues a proclamation:

We protest the renaming of France to Louisiana. This is yet another example of the Louisianan Kings going too far. We also must decline the invitation to dine with King Louis as our friends the Japanese and English were not invited.

[Arabia (DoB)]

Messengers arrive in the Louisianan Court:

Arabia respectfully declines the invitation to attend the birthday celebrations on the basis that our friends the Japanese have been so uncivilly excluded.

We offer our best birthday wishes to King Louis XXXIV the all-seeing, all-knowing, all-hearing friend of the world.

Salam Aleikum,
Mohammed V.