Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 12 - March 2013]

[Byzantium (DoB)]

The continued slaughter of innocent Byzantine muslims by Holy Rome can no longer be tolerated! First the incitement of violent riots in a village outside Fort Sorrow, where hundreds of innocent people was killed - and now the poisoning of the water supply of Constantinople itself where thousands upon thousands of innocents are dead, many women and children among them.



Children of Allah, hear the unanimous voice of the Ayatollahs of Byzantium! Jihad bil Saif is called against Holy Rome!

[France (DoB)]

Good News Everyone!

The people rejoice as the middle finger of Louis enter their city, and they spontaneously decide to change their city name from Prague to King's Finger and join the Kingdom of Louis!

[Greece (DoB)]

Interesting developments in the north, it seems it was just yesterday when HRE was marching its armies to the east, now Byzantium with Persia have declared war and have taken the fight into HRE lands. At the same time France, has invaded from the west into HRE and has claimed it first city.

[Russia (DoB)]

Stepan sends this letter in the hands of a devout Muslim to Caroli Magni of Holy Rome:

Caroli Magni of Holy Rome,

With great sadness I follow my Muslim brothers against you and hereby declare war and Jihad bil Saif. I wish there was some other way to make you see the light of truth, but you force our collective hands against you with the actions against the people of Byzantium.

Your attempt to make me join your cause with the lure of gold does not improve our relations. I ask that you step down from your position as leader, taking the whole responsibility of the past actions of HRE with you. With a new leader, perhaps some peaceful resolution can still be reached.

Signed,
Czar Stepan Yakovnic of the Rus Empire.

Copies of this letter is sent to every tribe.

[England (DoB)]

Elizabeth shook her head as she drafted the following letter:

Centuries, no millenia ago I warned the Holy Roman leadership about the aggressive intentions of the French people. It was the same with Rome. Both had accepted French masters in exchange for peace, but as we warned, it was a false peace whose sole purpose was for the French Kings to bide their time and wait for the proper moment to strike. Much strife could have been avoided if you had listened to us then. Now Rome has been forced to abandon its once grand capitol and Holy Rome has seen Prague sacked.

To the leaders of Holy Rome, in this time of need, we can offer you swift English steeds to aid you in turning back the French invader.

To the Muslim states who have declared jihad on Holy Rome - we have no quarrel with any of you. Our interest is solely in preventing French territorial expansion. We have close trade relations with many of your cities and Islam is the second most practiced faith in our lands. We also would like to offer our good services to help mediate whatever is the root conflict between Byzantium and Holy Rome. However, we must warn that should France continue its advance into Holy Rome we may be forced to more directly intervene. Such an action would only be targeted at France, for their continued expansion in the heart of Europe threatens a longstanding balance of power.

[Portugal (DoB)]

- What is this noise? - the old man which was already the once energetic Pedro Machuka of Portugal looked trough the window. - Where all those man are running? Why are the whistles of the ship captains at the harbor so loud? What is going on for Christ sake?

- Good that you mention Christ, your highness. As it is time of hardship and trial for the Christians. Coalition of Muslims are attacking the Christian kingdom of HRE. But what is worst, brothers Christians have raised hand against fellow Christians.

- Oh, so bad, so bad - said Pedro - I am going to pray a bit and then take a nap. - His slippers scrape away as he was walking away.

- Maybe it is time for you to go enjoy your elderly and let more energetic people run the state? - the officer from the Crossbow regiment said to himself with his eyes narrowed.

[France (DoB)]

Interesting times

In the court of Louisiana, the crowd was tense with anticipation. Many of the noble houses were absent while strangers with skewed eyes and firm muscles stood close to the throne. Gossip spoke of far away travelers from China, bringing with them mounds of dirt from the land of Qin. Was the whispers true? Did he really need to sleep in his homeland soil to retain power? Where was Qin then, if not present at the royal court? Some spoke of the many sudden 'transfers' of guards, and servants -strangers- wandering the hall being gone the next day. Those who knew better stayed away from these talks, making small talk of the great power of Louis instead, knowing that he heard much through walls with eyes and ears in strange places.

The people in the Kingdom of Louis had never before been so absent in court. Always the King's judgement would satisfy their small inconvenience, and swift mercy was as readily handed out as long punishment to those who sought satisfaction from the King. But now another voice brought the tales of blood being spilled in the court itself. No reliable witness had been found, and every story was third-hand. Especially from the servants bound to clean the floors and washing the clothes of the King. Red-brown stains, they said. Many of them. Always around the neck, and sometimes his bed was drenched, with new servants brought in every few days. A fear gripped the Kingdom, a fear that stories were true. A fear that the King had taken upon himself the mantle of an Immortal, through the blood of others. He had retained his visage for more than a century now, with little visible aging in face or body since his 50th summer. Qin was blamed in this. Those stories self-propagated by him and his kin, as they wandered out from China and through Persia, were eerie and defied the natural order of God's work. He was spoken of in the Palace, everyone knew, and nobody would tell, but he was there. In the dark. In the shadows.

~**********~

On the hillside, the swordsmen known as Louis' Middle Finger watched as the Holy Roman chariots entered the city of King's Finger, formerly Prague. Scouts reported that scores of Axemen were seen on the eastern hills, numbering somewhere between four and five thousand. General Pierre looked upon his camp and that of the Rus Empire's archer and warrior company that had joined them. Less than a thousand men all told. A lost cause, should the Holy Romans choose to attack. Knowing how the King would react, he dispatched a messenger to Louis:

Glorious Louis XXXV, King of Kings,

The city of King's Finger has been released. They have listened to us and chosen to think upon the matter. As per your orders we have given control of the city back to the Holy Romans, as our way is that of mercy and not of bloodshed. The screams of the populace as their chariots entered were terrible.



We move to the western hills and await their answer. Messengers will be sent to you when their response is clear.

-General Pierre of Louis' Middle Finger.

~**********~

The court of Louisiana is settled as the King comes in with his Hand surrounding him. He goes to sit on the throne and begins the daily session with the arrival of messengers from the other tribes first. Appearing in good health, no voice is heard about the fact that his sessions now always begin after sundown. This time, he seems in a good mood, and the messengers are listened to in full, the Roman taking very long to finish his tale. King Louis orders his personal librarian to search the Royal archives for confirmation of this unusual display of interpersonal correspondance between leaders. He then has the resident Nether and Roman intermediaries step forward to confirm that this is in fact something that troubles their leadership. They appear uncomfortable standing side-by-side, barely attesting to this matter being of concern to their superiors. They are ordered to wait upon the arrival of the librarian, and wine is served as small-talk is allowed for everyone apart from the two standing in front of the King. The King's Dance is performed in the meantime. The King looks around with a measured eye, gold staff in hand, at ease on his throne.

He then whispers something to his son beside him, recieving a reply that make them both laugh. An hour passes, the dancers excused, when the librarian returns with a number of letters. Louis reads these in turn, stating questions to the librarian as he finishes each letter. After some time, he finishes, bidding the librarian to return them to the archives. He then makes a statement to the Roman and Nether intermediaries:

"What deals the Kingdom of Louis have with other tribes, is not the business of Rome, nor anyone else. In this matter, as it is long past, I shall be helpful and hereby confirm; that Rome knew nothing of this agreement with Greece."

They are told to send this reply to their leaders, and the next messenger is given leave to speak. Byzantine and Russian messengers deliver their words, and then an English messenger approach the throne. The Hand are subtle in their movements, but the tense moment is noted by many. Louis listens, and waits until it is done. Then he has the messengers stand side by side, replying as follows:

Leopold of Byzantium,

Your loss is dear to me, and had I but known of your loss and anger, I would have made accusations against Holy Rome myself to know for sure what their leader Caroli Magni was doing and why. Know that the people of Prague appear scared of their master, and have sought refuge with my people, renaming their city the King's Finger, wishing to hold on to my tribe with all their strength. A strength I more than welcome, for I am after all a man of greatness and kindness, none of which can be said about Caroli Magni.

I would have you know that the people of King's Finger were trampled by their own military forces, chariots broke through their peaceful resistance and much blood was shed as they forced their hand against their own people. I am at a loss, for they appear to wish a great hurt upon my people and me, simply for allowing them refuge and protection against their brutal masters. I pray to God above that they are treated well, but reality is harsh, and so I wish you good fortune and pray for your campaign against the Holy Romans to go well. For I know that you will treat their people with kindness, feeding them and healing them as their former leader never could. In this I believe you have the capacity of that great leader of Rus, Czar Konstantin Simonovich, as his men treated the people of the city now known as Konstantinople in their time of trouble with care and mercy, a testament to the greatness of Islam.

-King Louis XXXV.

Stepan Yakovnic of the Rus Empire,

Your sadness is noted and understood. I have recieved word that your people have sided with Byzantium and even joined the ranks of men I have on the hillside border of Holy Rome. This is welcome, but dangerous if the Holy Romans attack. Your testament to the attempts of bribery on the part of Caroli Magni raises concern. I will tell other tribes to beware the bribery of Holy Rome and their leader, for he is most vile in this manner of being. Also, I bid your units join mine in a defensive move to hills further west, so that the Holy Romans may have some time to consider their next move.

-King Louis XXXV.

Elizabeth of England,

As always you misunderstand the facts of the matter, and my corrections will no doubt be cast away, but I wish to settle this and have you see my side of this unfortunate matter with the Holy Romans.

They came to me in secret, wishing to join my kingdom after many decades of abuse by their leader. If I had not intervened, they would likely have suffered much, much more. With my intervention, many have been fed and nurtured that otherwise would have been left for dead and dying. My troops brought back tales of woe beyond the measure of tears, and I will not have you suffer as I have with the descriptions of their desolation.

You talk of sacking Prague, and Roman being forced out of their capitol. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rome welcomed my people, as did the Holy Romans. I am a man of kindness, a man of great humility, and a man that understands more than any of my predecessors the power inherent in the ruling of a Kingdom. I must be gentle, but firm. I must judge, and live with the consequences of my judgement. If you have a heart, you will know as I do that ruling takes a heavy toll. But this is the lot in our lives, that we must bear the hardship of our people and release them of this burden so that they may know happiness. I bear no ill will towards you or your people, but I would have you know that we will defend ourself if you choose to attack. As to the balance you mention, does your hold in the new world measure in any way in this balance of yours? If so, you should consider abandoning London to me, so the balance of the world may be properly considered fair to all that can see these matters.

-King Louis XXXV.

[Russia (DoB)]

Stepan Yakovnic was laid to rest today. He died peaceful, in his sleep.

The Rus Empire momentarily halted their efforts in the Jihad to pay their respects towards this great leader.

The Czar is dead.
The Czar is dead.
The Czar is dead.

Now, his son continues the Jihad together with Byzantium as Czar Kir Stepanovich of the Rus Empire!



Long live the Czar!
Long live the Czar!
Long live the Czar!

[England (DoB)]

"So France has heeded our warning then?"

"Yes your Majesty. News came this morning that the French sued for peace and Holy Rome accepted. Their King has made some statements to the effect that Prague spontaneously revolted to join the French kingdom and that their forces then peacefully withdrew and turned the city back over. But it is all the usual French propaganda and lies of course. France clearly declared war and captured Prague with military force. And it appears Holy Rome regained control of the city after having destroyed a major French military force. In fact the Holy Romans brag of a great general equal to our very own Armenius."

"Ha! French armies are gaining a reputation for bringing great glory to their enemies. King Louis needs to read his history and learn the lesson of not overextending his forces. Granted, if the rumors are true and King Louis truely does rely on Chinese military advisers we should not be surprised. Fighting trained soldiers in war is very different than killing the barbarian rabble. Anyhow is their also news regarding, Holy Rome's conflict with Byzantium and Russia? Is their any hope for peace?

"As of yet no. Both sides may be open to our offer to mediate but neither has made any real move in that direction. Both sides appear to be in a stalemate for the time being so we shall have to wait and see if the continued cost of war will be sufficient motivation for peace in the future."

"Well, I will continue to reach out to all parties privately then. Lastly, on an unrelated note, what is the most recent news on this rumored fanatic by the name of Siddhartha in the New World?"

"Yes, I doubted the rumors at first myself, but after the debacle with Christopher Columbus we must assume they are true. If the tales are to be believed, he preaches against the very foundational tenants of Taoism. Viewing death and not life as the gateway to salvation, it sounds utter madness."

"I agree we spent too long ignoring the rumors of the great smuggler Columbus. They seemed too fantastical to believe at the time, but how wrong we were. It was dumb luck that we even discovered his illicit stockpile of New World goods waiting to be smuggled out of the country. While its confiscation certainly was a boon to our treasury, who knows what other illegal activity he may be up to today. So, yes, I agree - we need more information on these rumors out of the New World before we are caught by surprise again."

[France (DoB)]

"Ahahahaha! Oh the English are so FUN at times. They think themselves as higher beings when they have a difficult time avoiding killing one another whenever someone draws a weapon. So much for their self-proclaimed ignorance. They are like refined barbarians, equally dumb and ferocious, only with a marginal training regimen. Do you know what the pinnacle of English training sounds like?"

"No, your Majesty."

"The pointy end. Use the POINTY end!""

The royal court was filled with nervous laughter.

"Apparently the English are both crude and easily diverted by nonsense. There was after all no attack on the city formerly known as Prague, now delightfully renamed King's Finger. They attempted to rebel against the HRE, and unfortunately the HRE created a slaughterhouse when they came in force to remove those domestic friends of Louis in their city. Since all reports are so filled with horror and blood in the name of Caroli Magni, I very much doubt that the people of HRE will stand for their leader misbehaving for very long. That said, I can not simply proclaim myself their master, going into their land and simply wave a sword around to create peace. That is behaviour more suited for barbarians and their cousins the English. I will of course assist if they choose to revolt and wish to join the glorious Kingdom of Louis."

"Majesty, there are some reports here for you to read."

"What? Oh, bring them over then. Arpin? Come here."

With shaking hands, the servant brings the reports to the King, trying his best not to look upon the sword of Arpin, faithful defender of Louis. As the King reads, his eyes gradually widen, annoyance and irritation plain on his face, increasing the number of wrinkles visible and making a vein in his left temple throb visibly.

"ENOUGH!!"

Louis throws the reports away, and the servant stands perfectly still.

"ADVISORS! COME HERE! NOW!!!"

With a quick movement, Arpin takes hold of the servant and throws him to the side of the throne, where he lies gasping for breath, surprised and glad that he was not summarily decapitated. He looks upon the advisors that come running towards the throne, where Louis appears crimson with anger. A shadow suddenly eclipses the servant, and he looks up into the cold eyes of another King's Hand. A short nod towards the wall from the Hand, and he scrambles to his feet, nearly running to get to the wall where he stands by for his King's next command. Life or Death was now equally possible, and he did a quick prayer to God to save him from his King. As he finished, he realized that he did not hear much of what had been said, but now the King looked as if he had reached some conclusion. Standing erect at the wall, he listened..

"..every library and temple will be certified, every merchant and trader booked, every farmer listed. Then, every man, woman and child outside of proper marriage is to be tattooed and brought before a Justicar of Christ to be baptized as a slave. From now on, let there be a proper measure of value in the Kingdom of Louis."

"Majesty.."

"Yes?"

"Um, the people, um.."

"Yes?"

"Um, I do not think, um.."

"OUT WITH IT MAN!"

"Theywillnotlikeityourmajesty."

Utter silence filled the royal court.

...


...


...


"They will not like it, they will LOVE it. For I am their King and they will do as I command. Go now, and proclaim this everywhere in the Kingdom."

[Netherlands (DoB)]

The Kingdom of Netherlands extends heartfelt sorrow at the passing of Stepan Yakovnic. We ask that emmisaries of Czar Kir Stepanovich come to our court to declare their intentions towards the Christian Kingdom of Netherlands. They will be most welcome and treated with care and civility.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Public update on the lies of Rome

We have checked our historical records regarding the treachery of Rome and found further evidence. Now the King of France states that to his knowledge Roman Imperatrix was unaware of France deal with Greece. This may well be true but it is besides the point. France did not have to be aware that Rome was using Greece as a broker. Also, Greece did not have to be aware that Rome was using them as a broker. The only treacherous nation here is Rome. The Roman leadership seeks to confuse the issue by asking France to make a statement on their behalf.

France did nothing wrong to Netherlands in trading with Greece for the spy and we bear no grudge to France for it. But King Louis only knew that Greece was getting the great spy because the Roman Imperatrix told them about it well in advance, knowing fully, and intending that France would be able to trade with Greece for it. At the same time, Rome hid this information from Netherlands until after France and Greece had already reached an agreement for the spy. Rome knew that France wanted the grate spy, and wanted to give it to them, but Rome promised Netherlands that they would not give it to France. So Imperatrix Minerva needed a way to hide her lies. And the way she did it, was to trade the spy to Greece and then tell France about it, but not tell Netherlands, knowing fully and intending, that France would then trade Greece for it.

This is proven because the same day Rome told us about the trade to Greece, we right away contacted Greece to offer a trade, and Greece confirmed to us the very next day, that France had already made a deal with them to trade the great spy for a great prophet. In fact, the deal was made many turns before and France had already transported the great prophet all the way to Greece and turned him over to them. That means that many turns before Rome told us that the spy was going to Greece, they already told France and France already had paid Greece for the spy before Rome even gave the spy to Greece.

For further proof, here is an excerpt of the letter where Imperatrix of Rome announces she is join France, and also that she is betraying Netherlands. I have only included the parts that matter as the letter is long

My Lords and Ladies,

I have lost my dearest husband, not to death, but to evil spirits ... Rome is closing it's borders with England until such a day as the English publicly admit their atrocities and repent for their sins towards humanity... Also, I am pleased to announce that Rome and France are now allies and friends... Any nation who wishes to take hostile action against France will also commit hostile action against Rome, and Rome will respond.

Any and all deals that have been made in the past by any of my predecessors with the intent of hurting France or any other nation are called off with immediate effect...Some nations will name Rome deal breakers over this decision, which may indeed be a valid claim...

(signed)
Imperatrix Minerva Julii of Rome

An excerpt from a letter from the Roman Imperatrix to my ancestors, sent the same day. Again the letter is very long so I am realeasing just this excerpt.

Honourable Chieftains of the Nether,

Thank you for your most gracious and generous letter. The millenia old friendship between our two nations...We thank you for your most gracious offer of lending us the help of your workers... we are in your debt if you choose to forgive us... If there is something we can do for your people in the future, as long as it does not directly harm either France or Greece, we will do our best to assist you in whatever way we can to atone for our shame.

I have underlined the key statement. At the time, our leaders did not think much of this, but now it is so clear that Rome was already in cooperation with France and Greece from the very first day of the betrayal. Any fool can see this to be true from their own words. In their satements and letters on and on Rome went about their new alliance with France, never mentioning Greece, but here in their letter to Netherlands, they let slip that Greece was also their secret ally. They never mention this publicly but now it is clear that Rome was plotting all along to use Greece as a broker to betray and cheat Netherlands out of what was promised.

Why all of a sudden does Imperatrix Minerva have such a special close relationship with Greece that they are elevated to the same as their supposed new best friends the French? Rome never mentions Greece as such a close ally before this. It is obvious that Rome was already in negotiations to trade the spy to Greece for their aid. That is why the close relationship. And then Rome tells France about the trade so France can go get the spy from Greece as Rome looks the other way pretending to be ignorant. The lies and sneaky conduct of the Roman is shocking.


Netherlands Royal Historian

[Netherlands (DoB)]

For further proof consider this. Greece confirmed to us that they convinced the prophet from France to start a golden age in Greece. But they couls use a spy for this as well just the same, could they not? So why would Greece go through the trouble of trading for a different great person to come to their country if its only for a golden age? The answer is because France was giving them the great prophet well in advance, so they could start their golden age sooner than if they waited for the spy from Rome.

How France knows so far in advance that Greece is getting the great spy? Because Rome told them so. That is the only way. To any who say that maybe Greece told France, think about this. Why would Greece do this? They have no need of the great prophet, any great person will do for a golden age. So why would they contact France to get a prophet when they were already getting a spy for their golden age from Rome? And why would they contact France to offer them a spy that they dont even have yet unless they already know for sure they are getting it? And how would Greece even know that they were getting the spy unless Rome told them? And even once they did know, how would Greece know that France wanted the spy unless Rome told them or France asked them for it? Which brings us back to the beginning. How could France know to ask Greece for the spy unless Rome told them Greece was getting it?

We call on the King of France to graciously release additional documents related to the Great spy transaction. We realize that sovereign France has no obligation to do this, but we request respectfully, as it is now a matter of public concern that the truth be shown to the world. Let the documents be shown publicly so that all nations can be informed of the truth about Rome.

Netherlands Royal Historian

[Netherlands (DoB)]

The SoJ officers that work in the Courthouse of Ice Island have reviewed the historical letter further, particulary these sections

My Ambassador tells me that while he was waiting in the halls to receive your offer, he overheard some disturbing words that your advisors were very concerned about the possibility of Rome trading the prophesized Great Spy to the people of the Nether. I must apologize that this brought so much distress to your court, and I admit that I was short-sighted by even considering their offer.

... Now, do not worry about the possibility of a deal with the Nether, as I have already sent them a rejection to their offer...

... you should also know that the Great Spy will be traded away to Greece ...

...as we Romans would have to finalize our research into both Meditation and Monotheism before we could even use the Great Prophet for our own purposes. As such, the deal Greece has offered us serves us better...

(signed)
Imperatrix Minerva Julii of Rome

Some important things the SoJ notice. Minerva of Rome mentions that France fears Rome will trade the Spy to Netherlands. Obviously this is because when Netherlands got a Scientist, Johannes, his services were offered in trade to all nations. That means that when this letter was sent, Netherlands already had the Great Scientist. Anonther thing is Minerva claims to have sent a rejection of our offer of a Great scientist. Also, Rome tells France up front that the Spy is going to Greece. And then Minerva mentions why she does not want to trade the Spy for France great Prophet. This shows that Rome was well aware the France had a Great prophet and was willing to trade it for the Great spy.

This underlined part enables the SoJ to determine when this document was sent at the earliest. We searched our archives for this so-called rejection to our offer to send Johannes to you in exchange for the great spy, and could find no such thing from the Imperatrix until after the great Spy was already in the hands of France.

King Christofoor,

I realize that whatever I say to you at this point will most likely be interpreted as deception or lies.

But, for what it's worth, Rome traded the Great Spy to Greece...

With much regrets,
Minerva of Rome

So when you say you sent a rejection, you must be talking about the secret communication we recieved from a Roman council member. Obviously the Roman government must have been aware of his letter to us because it is the only letter sent by anyone in the Roman government that would qualify as a rejection of our offer, and you mentioned sending us a rejection in your letter. However we shall not name the government official to protect his descendants from allegations that their ancestor was a traitor. You may of course publish the letter if it found its way to your archives.

In the so-called rejection letter the official says, among many other things, that the spy was traded to a nation other than France or Netherlands with a promise from the recipient that he would be used for a golden age. The letter does not name what nation will recieve the Spy. Important to note is that this letter arrives just 3 days after we sent our offer to trade Johannes for the Spy. Another thing that is important to notice is that this proves that Minerva knew that Greece did not want a great Spy specifically, they just wanted a great person to use for a Golden age.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Conclusion

So all together we can see clearly that Minerva knew that to get the benefits from Greece she could give them any great person for a golden age, so she knew that Greece would have accepted the Great Scientist from Netherlands because this was just as good for a golden age. She also knew that Netherlands was willing decided to give the scientist for the spy. She also knew that Netherlands already had the scientist. But she rejected Netherlands offer, making the excuse that she could not trust them because Rome betrayed Netherlands.

Why reject Netherlands offer when it would lead to all the same benefits from Greece? She stil gets a great person to give to Greece which is all they wanted. The only possible reason is because she knew France had a Prophet and was willing to trade him for the Spy. She knew this because France had already offered to do this trade, Prophet for Spy as proven in the very letter Rome published.

Minerva wanted France to get the Spy not Netherlands. So she promises the Spy to Greece, and then promptly rejects Netherlands offer, but does not tell them where the Spy is going so we can't offer our Scientist to them. Minerva knows that Greece would accept the Scientist Netherlands has, because she knows they just want a golden age, but she does not want Netherlands to get the Spy, she wants France to get it. So then she promptly tells France exactly that Greece has it after refusign to tell Netherlands. She does this knowing full well that France was offering to trade her the Prophet for the Spy, and knowing full well with a wink and a nod that France will go straight to Greece and offer the Prophet for the Spy. And she knows Greece will accept, because she knows Greece just wants a golden age.

So I ask you nations of the world, can there be any doubt what Imperatrix Minerva of Rome intended to happen?


Netherlands Royal SoJ judge of the Court of Ice Island