Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 14 - May 2013]

[Sommerswerd]

Domination of Barbarians [Diplo Game] [Story Thread 14 - May 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]

WAR!!!



A great change has swept through the world with speed and ferocity that no one could have ever imagined... The world as we know it has been turned on its head and suddenly... No one is safe. Just when the leaders of the world and the people of their Great Nations believed that their ancient universal foe, the Children of Barbarous the Expelled were nearing defeat... That ancient demon Barbarous proved that he had yet another card to play... one that would change the world for generations to come... Many nations, Portugal, Persia, Netherlands, Holy Roma, have stepped up to confront this menace with force of arms... and once again the world is plunged into a War as numerous Crusades and minor skirmishes have already begun.



There are rumors too numerous to count concerning exactly what happened. One of the more sinister is that the Children of Barbarous have undergone an awakening, a Renaissance, and finally decided that they will become civilized and compete with the other tribes of the world. They have broken up into several barbarian nations and taken over several civilized nations from within, through steady, generations long integration and infiltration. This long process allowed them to gain control of governments and royal houses without anyone being aware of what was happening until it was too late.

Czar Kir Stepanovich is rumored to be a son of a mother with barbarian heritage. In fact, questions have already been raised as to whether his entire line has been carrying barbarian blood. What seems clear, is that the Russian Czar has emerged as the first leader with clear ties to the Barbarians and was possibly part of a conspiracy to form a new Barbarian-blood state as part of the Barbarian Renaissance.

How many more leaders were part of the conspiracy? How many were simply assassinated or deposed secretly? It seems that the death of the last Louisianian French King and the disappearance of King Brennus of Celtia may have been directly related to the Barbarian Renaissance coups. There are so many questions and so few answers... How did this happen? Undoubtedly the details will begin to unfold as more nations step forward with any information they have...

Another, controversial theory, is that the Wild Barbarians, known as the Children of Barbarous have been methodically integrating themselves into the different nations of the world, all the while united in their one purpose, to destroy their enemies, the children of the original 18 tribes. When the agreed time arrived, they simultaneously sprang their trap into action and the nations of the world began to fall... in the end eight nations had revolted and joined the Barbarian Renaissance.

An even more controversial rumor is that the coup was part of a grand plot intended to takeover Islam, which was to become the Barbarian faith and the most powerful religion in the world. The plan went into action when Germany, relocated to the New World to set up a new Islamic, state much in the same way that Arabia, the founders of Islam had done. But before Germany could complete the transition, she was attacked by Celtia. After the Celtians discovered the plot and attempted to thwart it by killing the Islamic Imams bound for the New World it was decided that the time had finally come to put the plan into action before the truth was uncovered. So after Germany revolted, Arabia followed them, followed by the entire Islamic alliance Russia, Byzantines, and Rome.



But another problem had to be overcome. England had recently constructed three powerful religious Wonders in honor of Taoism... The Hagia Sophia, The Apostolic Palace, and the University of Sangkore. With these Great Wonders, England sought to establish Taoism as the leader among world religions, much in the same way that France had established Christianity's power with the ancient religious Wonders in Paris. So now a new prong of the plot was hatched, to rob England of her Taoist faithful nations, by delivering them into the hands of the Barbarian Renaissance... Towards that end the Barbarians saw to it that Vikings, and Celtia also joined the Barbarians, by quietly deposing their leaders and then "disappearing" them... never to be seen again.

Finally, for the Islamic Alliance to truly rule, France, the most powerful Nation if Christendom, had to be converted to the Barbarian Renaissance as well. So the conspirators saw to it that the Christian King was assassinated, and preparations were made to convert France to Islam. Portugal and Holy Roma were vigilant to this plot however, with Portugal exposing the French for training Islamic Imams when they were supposed to be training Christian missionaries, and Caroli Magni, denouncing the spread of Islam in France and declaring War.



Unfortunately their efforts were too little, too late, as France joined the Barbarians after all. Portugal responds by invading France and burning most of their cities to the ground. And to counter this Islamic coup, Jafar of Persia is appointed Caliph and declares Holy War to reclaim the Islamic Holy Land. He recaptures the Holy City of Mecca, and moves to eliminate the Barbarian usurpers and reclaim the dignity of Islam.

But these are not the only theories. Some accuse the Netherlands Great Artist Kafka for his writings, alleging that he has triggered a Barbarian Renaissance with his themes of doom and metamorphosis. Others point to the immortal rulers and their unnatural appetites, alleging that slowly but surely the victims of their unholy bloodthirst have been rising from the grave as immortal soulless servants of evil consuming whole nations from within until all semblance of reason has left.

A traveling soothsayer visits all of the tribes to warn them of the upcoming doom. Disguised as a simple Raven, he flies into the throne rooms and bed chambers of all the world leaders but he is mostly ignored. Only Ricardo of Portugal, Elizabeth the Immortal Queen of England and Persia, led by a new Caliph Jafar seem to make the preparations needed to combat this new menace.

Greece on the other hand, chooses to hunker down defensively, confident that their new, advanced weaponry can hold off any threat posed by the sweeping plague as it claims the minds and souls of scores of people in the Middle East and Africa. The Nile has been good to the Grecians, and they have used her bounty to keep their farms and fields lush freeing their people to excel in works of Scientific advancement. Two such powerful tools that have arrived in the world as a result of the Grecians proficiency in technology are the Mace and the Catapult.



Warriors armed with chain linked Morning Stars and Maces and protected with heavy chainmail waistcoats are absolute doom to the conventional footsoldiers. Their Maces and swinging Morningstars can splinter shields and crush even helmeted heads, shattering bone even when it is beneath leather and plate armor.



Where the Maceman spells death for most footmen the Catapult spells destruction for all. Long have high city walls been reliable defense against conventional forces. But the Catapult promises to change all that. These engines of destruction can hurl rocks and fiery projectiles into wall to breach them and over walls to create collateral damage to the soldiers behind them. These new weapons make Greece the undisputed military Juggernaut of the known world...

[Sommerswerd]

Headship / Royal Lineages of the World

Civilized Nations

Spain
Gran Duquessa Catalina de Valencia de Catalunya, successor to Gran Duquessa Himilce de Olónico de Catalunya, Princess of Spain, Aunt of Astor

Portugal
Ricardo Araujo Leader of the Jesuit Order, usurper of Pedro Machuka, son of Porto & Portu, husband and wife

Netherlands
King Christiansen son of Queen Kirsten, joint ruler with King Christiaan twin daughter and son respectively 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

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

England
Queen Elizabeth the Immortal

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

Persia
Jafar annointed Caliph and successor to Princess Boran, successor to 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

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

Holy Rome
Caroli Magni

Barbarian Tribes
(Wild Barbarians)
-- The Children of Barbarous the Expelled - Warriors, Spearmen, Axemen, Archers and Galleys sighted

(Organized Barbarians)
-- France - Unknown ruler following the rule of Abraham, Informal Leader of the Advisory Council, following the assassination of King Louis XXXV the Kingdom, successor to King Louis XXXIV the all-seeing all-knowing all-hearing friend and High protector of the world, successor to 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

-- Byzantium - Unknown ruler following the rule of Emperor Leopold, successor to Justinian II, successor to the Tribal Chieftains, successors to Leader Justinian I, son of Leader Constantine

-- Norsemen - Unknown ruler following the rule of Harald Hardrada, son of Chief Ragnar

-- Celtia - Unknown ruler following the rule of Celtics people, in the absence of King Brennus, returning conqueror of King Ire, imprisoner of Lord Chieftain Brennus & Aithe

-- Arabia - Unknown ruler following the rule of 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

-- Russia - Barbarian Czar Kir Stepanovich, son of Czar Stepan Yakovnic, son of 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

-- Rome - Unknown ruler following the rule of Imperator Augustus, successor to 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

-- Germany - Unknown ruler following the rule of Alemanni the 1st Successor, to Herman

[England (DoB)]

The Heisenberg Academy library had never seen such demand for a text! The most recent edition of Sommerswords Histories was a classic like no other and necessary reading for all who sought to understand such troubled times. The use of less expensive paper for the first time allowed a far wider distribution of this and other great works of history and literature, but still the need to hand copy each page was a slow and tedious process. If only there was a better way…

[Greece (DoB)]

The Citizens of Greece have taken it upon themselves to attack the barbaric Byzantine tribe to the east. Greek armies have attacked from two fronts. The barbarians are proving to be one lucky lot winning small skirmishes with unbelievable odds. Still this will not slow the will of the Greeks to have a secured eastern border.

[Holy Roma (DoB)]

Official communiqué of Caroli Magni to all European nations:
Brothers Europeans now is the time to remove the barbarism of good old Europe. We must rise up as one and subdue the barbarians of civilization. Sacred Roman Empire civilize Russian barbarians and hopes they quickly embrace European culture

[Holy Roma (DoB)]

Caroli Magni sent an open letter to the leader of the Persian camel drivers:
Islam teaches one to be humble and not to be attributed to excessive ostentation, I call you leader of the Persians not threaten unnecessary because when God stops look upon you nothing can save you from wrath of the Crusaders.

[Persia (DoB)]

Ahmed bin Tarafi in the city of Aleppo remained a man strong of will yet humble before the will of Allah. Wearing good with discipline, no man would contest his strength and skill in the affairs most important outside the city and reaching far to the east where the Chinese lives.

In the evening dark, lit up by bonfire below and the great blanket of stars above, it was while treating a female camel of the stomach twisting when a man came to him, begging leave to tell him an important message. "Can you not see good messenger, I am up to my elbow in camel innards?" where the messenger again claimed the importance of the message. "Is it from Hanuman that trades in the elephantine jungles?" to this the messenger denied, and a great puff of soft spray made him step back and gag, as Ahmed removed his arm from inside the camel, and thus relieved her of a great strain inside, that made torches all around flare brightly for a brief moment.



"Ah, good messenger. You have fallen to the caress of Yasmina, beloved mate of packleader Thabsart. Come, I am not unkind, you can cleanse yourself in my tent, where there is clean water and clothing, if not so fine as what you wear, but we all stand equal before a spray of camel dung yes?" and Ahmed bin Tarafi laughed heartily, with Yasmina bleating as Camels do after releaving themselves of a great burden.

It was some time before the important message was delivered, and it made him very pensive, with many questions equally answered, yes it was from Caroli Magni, yes it was to the greatest camel driver in Persia, yes it was meant for him and known to all. "What have I uttered that the leader of Holy Roman Empire takes note? Surely no calling a camel a son of a jackal and cursing to the dungheaps of men that drive with me is of note to such as he?" he thanked the messenger, bidding him return to CM with thanks for noticing a humble camel driver in the city of Aleppo, and welcoming him to visit and share water and shade if ever he made his way to Aleppo.

Jafar was puzzled when this came to him, and he made a note for Hassan-i to keep an eye on Ahmed bin Tarafi.

[Holy Roma (DoB)]

Official statement of the papal throne:
pious Christian world I want to tell you a sad story. Caroli Magni is dead, the counsel of the Holy Apostolic Church moved into paradise. After three days, we will crown the holy city of Rome his successor Lotharius rex. New King of the Sacred Roman Empire will make a statement to our allies and enemies after his coronation.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

French slave-workers near Paris were being forced to do the bidding of their evil masters as part of the latest French scheme. But one brave group of pilgrims to France called the "Netherlands Convincers" were able to enlighten these poor souls and break the evil spell France cast on them. With the help of a special agent who wishes to remain anonymous they were able to convert these workers back into free thinking members of the Netherlands Kingdom. These Netherlands converts are now on their way to their new home in glorious Netherlands.

[Holy Roma (DoB)]

border patrols Sacred Roman Empire watched exempted from Islamic slavery workers went happily to the Dutch border.

Captain Knut turned to his assistant and said: Any news from the capital Prince Lothar went to Rome for the coronation.

He's about - replied his lieutenant - but got a message from headquarters that the Islamists are have conceived a major offensive and we should be wary.

Captain Knut thought the followers of the false prophet Mohammed, learned that the Cross always wins crescent.

[Persia (DoB)]

I am pleased with the ways of my new Greek and Ottoman neighbours. The kadirs have been treated as they deserve, even Lotharius has made sure of this from the latest report, where the rumour of a tactical genius has once again been spawned among the Byzantine forces. This time in Wheatfield. The northern encampment has sent requests for reinforcements, and I wonder if the people of Byzant are at all aware of the hostility they face from almost every tribe surrounding them.

On the lighter side, after rebuilding the Nacitav of Mecca under the guidance of Imams, following final judgement of Qadis, my people are overflowing with pride and happiness. Allah be my witness, never before has the Persian Empire prospered as it has done for the past thirty years. Regular public prayers in Mecca and the inner sanctum of the Nacitav have gathered more than half a million souls every day for many years!



This is after the Hajj, that every Muslim is sworn to undertake at least once in their life, has many, many faithful that return year after year to revel in the glory that is the Nacitav. Following a complete rebuild after the Byzantine burning, every Imam residing in the Masjid al-Haram convened in a counsel dominated by the tribes most faithful in Islam; Persia and China. From this counsel it was decided that the man most suited for the position was a gentle and pious Imam from the far east. He was anointed in short order and sworn to uphold the pillars of Islam.



Now, Grand Ayatollah Mansoor is known as the shining beacon of hope for every Muslim in the world. There have even been reports that kadirs, in disguise have come, going on their knees to beg forgiveness at the shrine, and all of them have come to see the light and glory that is Allah! Truly our way is one of peace and prosperity.

---personal journal of Jafar, seventh day of first cycles third moon, 1040 AD---

[Holy Roma (DoB)]

fragments of the report ...... ambassador to Sacred Roman Empire from ....
.... Lord, today was crowned the new king of the Sacred Roman Empire ... He stood in front of the nobles and the Christians said they will comply with the covenants of Caroli Magni .... Outside St. Peter's Square numerous peоples hail new king ... In his honor were held at various locations around the city public stake of heretics prisoners of ... lord among them were of our faith ... let Almighty rest their souls.

[Netherlands (DoB)]

Word has reached the Kingdom of Netherlands that the newly crowned Duchess Catalina of Catalunya has launched a campaign against our old friends turned enemies the Romans. Has the treachery of those foul boot licking double-crossing curs finally caught up to them? Have the barbarians conquered them from within? What news to share of those slimy toads? Who has replaced that toad Augustus as ruler of the Roman barbarians?

Most welcome in Netherlands is any and all news of the conquest of the Roman traitors, may they burn in hell.

-Selashen Minister of Netherlands

[Spain (DoB)]

The Holy Crusaders of Catalunya are encamped outside the Roman capital of Nova Roma, led by Generalissima Ines de Santiago. The Gran Duquessa Catalina has ordered that the southern borders of Catalunya must be secured, and the threat from the once proud Roman people is rising every year with their continued mustering of troops in nearly all their cities.



Catalunya regrets the need for war, but asks for the blessing of the other rulers in this endeavour to protect ourselves from the barbarians. May God protect us all.