Tales from the Ultimate Diplomatic Front I

[easthaven]

hey guys i'm back, so sorry for not posting those weeks i was gone, my computer had some sort of virus, i don't know i'm not much of a computer guy i just took it to the shop and they kept it ever since.Again I apologize for being absent for so long.

[drake]

Magnus- I would be willing to play the last round over, no problem. Not a big deal. As long as you get your computer straight, we will be fine. What was the year? Its not the game I sent you is it?

I only know of your expansion from word of mouth and by the number of cities that you have. Every time you start a game, you can see the number of cities and units your opponents have. Have you not seen this? Your playing style is your own and you shouldn't change it to suit anyone else. But there is a maximum variable for the number of cities that can be created on a map. I don't recall what this number was exactly, but seeing how you are well ahead of the curve in total number of cities, I thought that this might be cause for concern to others. I do not want a war, but if my opportunities for my own expansion are crushed, I will have no choice. Just something to consider.

Easthaven- Damn computers! I know how it goes with those viruses. They can be a real pain. Well the situation is this- Magnus subbed for you the week after you disappeared and has played the following two weeks after as well. So he has assumed control over the civ that you started. I'm sure you understand. I don't know if you'd be interested, but despite the fact that it's already 100 AD (or so), you might want to take over for the ai, probably in Brazil. They have gotten several key wonders so far and are in good shape in comparison with the competition. We are not playing this week due to the holiday. We will convene the following Wed. at 7 PM. If you want to get back into this, make a post. I'm sure everyone else will be happy to have you back.

[The Capo]

For two reasons, one being that we are going to be off for two weeks and I want to keep this thread up top, and the other being that I will be in Boston for the holiday and its always boring, I will make a three part story of Jacques Robespierre, a man with a destiny who will play a key role in the future of the European Union, it will be quite interesting so if you want some stuff to read to keep you involved in this game while we are doing our thing on Thanksgiving then this will be a pretty cool story to follow. And East, sorry buddy but Magnus owns your civ by common law man, Brazil is still around and I think it would be cool to have another American civ, dontcha think?

I can pretty much garuntee you that East won't take Brazil everyone, but whatever.

[The Capo]

The virgin ice cracked under his feet as he marched towards Kiev, never before had Jacques had so much on his mind. He was a simple man from Geneva, he never fancied the politics of Europe, and chose the simplicity of the army has his contribution to his nation. Europe had the reputation of holding the most flamboyant and charismatic military men ever, from Alexander of Macedon to the great Napoleon Bonparte, it was an institution deeply into the idea that a general is an integral part of the armed forces, often dictating the course of a battle.

He had been all over the world in his travels, serving in the border patrol in Persia against India, and more recently as a foot soldier against the invading Scythians of the harsh Russian steppe. Never had he, in all of his travels, laid eyes upon such a serene sight as the Russian hinterlands, covered in pure snow. The dunes caressed the landscape perfectly, the pink morning sky serving as a beautiful contrast to the desolate Russian glacier before him.

"Tredge on men, we must arrive at Kiev before the Tartars do!" barked General Gorky, it was the first time he had ever served under anyone that wasn't French, he found it quite interesting. "Let's go ladies! We haven't much time!" Easy for him to say, thought Jacques, he was on a horse.

The infamous Mongols were a mystery to Jacques, he had only seen them once during the historic Jerusalem summit, serving as a guard to General Napoleon. To them they were a strange mix of Egyptian, European and Indian, strange by all means. Tales were abound of the people from the steppe, they ate their own horses, said one account. Another said that they were borne of wild dogs, and are the protectors of the ends of the earth, which is why they refuse to reveal their maps. Jacques didn't believe these tales of course, he was a man principled in logic, which would eventually lead to his death....

When the men arrived in Kiev it was very much out of an old fable, seemingly magical in its winter landscape. The towers covered with snow, the hearty Russian women tending to their playful children. "Halt men!" yelled Gorky, encircling the lines with his steed "As you know we are escorting the Mongols through this land, I expect everyone to behave appropriatley, at this point a few of you have been given releases to go back to your homes, you have served your five years well, and whether you like it or not, you will retutn to either retire from the service to to recieve further orders. Montoya, Balart, LeDoir, Hines, Haggenshwittler, Lars, Minalt, Martis, Binelevo, DeNucci, Nittoli, Rexus, and Robespierre, your posts are relieved now. You may return to your homes! As for the rest of you, you are representatives of Europe, and we demand that you behave in this manner...."

Jacques could not believe his time was over, he was confused and extatic at the same time. "Oh yes, one last thing men, you will visit Napoleon Bonaparte in St. Petersburg before you head home, he has retired you know, and I guess he wants to harken back on old times, please visit him." Jacques didn't know what to think, the old general calling his men back to action maybe? Who knows, the only thing Jacques thought of was his family in Switzerland, but he figured if the great Napoleon wanted his presence, he was nobody to deny him.

St. Petersburg was everything that Kiev was and more, the ornate construction of temples and palaces was splendid to Jacques, the simple constuction of Geneva had nothing on St. Petersburg, and the snow was even more dense and breathtaking. But he wished to return to his home, so he wanted to visit the General quickly. Napoleon's winter home was very large, built in the manner of the Gothics in Gaul, it was very ominous and powerful. Like the leader himself. Napoleon was much smaller than he remembered, probably because it was the first time he really saw him off his horse... "Robespierre, I remember you" said the general.
"Really?" Jacques quipped, "in what capacity"
"You were always, a follower" coughed Napoleon, he seemed to be in ill health.
"Is something the matter sir?" asked the soldier.
"No no, nothing Jacques, just a small cold, I was not cut out for this kind of weather, I am a Corsican you know?" said the general.
"Italian huh? I thought you were a Frenchman?" asked Jacques.
"No, I am of Italian stock, but I am every bit French."
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" asked Jacques.
"Well, I have something to show you" said Bonaparte as he pulled out three scrolls from a leather bag, "read this papers, please, you have to."
"What are they?"
"They are a manifesto"
"Of whom?" asked the loyal soldier.
"Moussolini and Garibaldi" coughed Napoleon, he stood up and opened one for Jacques. "See here, read this..."
"The very idea of declaring a king is treasonous to the people of Europe, he is their enemy not- Sir, this is not right, I shouldn't be reading this, nor should you!" Jacques responded.
"No no, read on Robespierre, please.." begged the General, Jacques never thought he would see the day, Napoleon is like a small child, discovering for the first time, proud of another man's writing, this was indeed strange...
"he is their enemy, not their leader. The very idea of one man ruling many in the name of a god is ludicrous. As a nation, as a people we musn't accept this is our fate, we musn't let one man dictate our future. We are a nation of states, we are not a nation of drones, we must decide our on course by our own means. Should I go on?" asked Jacques.
"No, that sums it up rather bluntly, don't you see Jacques, what have you been fighting for?" asked the general.
"Money."
"No, I mean, what were you doing though?" asked Napoleon.
"Marching, fighting, things like that defending our land, our people." replied Jacques, quite proud of himself.
"Where were you?"
"Persia, the middle east, khazakstan, around there."
"Where are your people, the ones you defend?" asked Napoleon.

There was a strange silence, Jacques new the answer but didn't want to let it out, he knew that he had stumbled into a corner. "Your people need you here Jacques, not there. You fight for a monarch who doesn't know you exist, who doesn't care if you continue to exist, you fight for a pope that lives hundreds if not thousands of miles from your home. This my friend is not defending, this is servitude." Napoleon smiled and then said "Are you ready to really fight for your country, or will you return home and die a slave?"

[ml_4da3]

<center><table width=80%><tr><td><font color=000080 face="Verdana" size=2><font size="1">quote:
<img src="/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1>
</font><font size=1>Originally posted by drake on 11-20-2000 09:01 AM</font>
Magnus- I would be willing to play the last round over, no problem. Not a big deal. As long as you get your computer straight, we will be fine. What was the year? Its not the game I sent you is it?

I only know of your expansion from word of mouth and by the number of cities that you have. Every time you start a game, you can see the number of cities and units your opponents have. Have you not seen this? Your playing style is your own and you shouldn't change it to suit anyone else. But there is a maximum variable for the number of cities that can be created on a map. I don't recall what this number was exactly, but seeing how you are well ahead of the curve in total number of cities, I thought that this might be cause for concern to others.
<img src="/images/blue1.gif" width=100% height=1></font></td></tr></table></center>

Ok.. My save is from AD80, from the turn I "lost my connection"..

And regarding my heavy expasion; Dont worry, I will not expand for much longer now, I have soon filled entire africa, and after that i will use my shields for improving my cities instead of building more..

Anyway, we will play next week, right?

[drake]

Well, I would be willing to re-do 80 AD on as long as you've got your computer straight now Magnus.

I will be around this session surely......

[The Capo]

Alright guys, everyone try and remember Wednesday is gametime, I just want to bump up the topic so everyone remembers, in case we happen to have forgotten, oh yeah, I didn't get around to finishing my Robespierre story, which was gonna rock out for people who wanted something to read over the holiday, but I had all this crap to deal with so that never happened, but anyway here is the final moments of the tale....

Jacques clutched the dagger close to his thigh, he was afraid and excited at the same time. He would make history, he would be history. This was his time indeed.

The frosty wind blew through Rome like that of his home in Switzerland, despite all of its regalia, Rome was desolate as any town in the dead of winter. It had been only a month since he first spoke with Bonaparte, now he was his pawn, his henchman, he was like a toy to the cause. The cause was worthy though, and when he fufills the promise of its end, he would be satisfied.

He stepped into the Vatican's hall, his steps echoed loud through its emptiness, he was afraid someone would find him out, notice the dagger at his side, notice his suspicious eyes, notice something was amiss. He was dressed perfectly like a Templar Knight, the loyal soldiers of the Catholic Church. Holy indeed, though Jacques, they kill in the name of a god that bans such acts. He considered them heretics, he was a devout Catholic himself.

Obviously he had not considered the course he was about to take, for his mind was correct, he was dressed like a murderer...

"Most devout followers of the Catholic faith, I implore you to listen to your Pope in this dire time. The Kingdom of Europe is challenged by heretics that wish to use your passion for freedom and justice as their catalyst for control and power, they are hungry for control, hungry for money, and hungry for your servitude. If you follow their lead, you will certainly die a slave, and you shall suffer the rancor of Hell! Do not give in to their fanciful tales, do not give into their greed, they are evil, they are the soldiers of the devil." Barked Clement the II. Jacques listened intently from the hallway, he wasn't sure how far the Pope was, but his voice was like that of a lion. "I wish to impose new laws upon the lands of Africa and Europe, and those of the colonies under the reign of the heathen Indian. We must continue our treck towards salvation, we cannot, nay, we will not allow hedonism in this world. God hath given man a mission, and that is to impose his will upon those who delight in pleasures of sloth, pleasures of greed and pleasures of the flesh." The Pope went silent, the crowd hung on every word of his, they too were quelled by his speach.

"It is now the time to bring out the most vile and wretched heretic of them all, Napoleon Bonaparte!" The crowd was cloaked in discussion, Napoleon their great general was now at the mercy of their God, of their Pope, most have never laid eyes upon the famed General, most believed him of a godly stature, of an imposing size, and were surprised to see him as a small and defeated man...

"This, the most animalistic man on the planet shall be the first to feel the wrath of our most Holy Crusade against Heathens worldwide. King Charles Martel shall now speak upon his death..." The Pope bowed away from the podium as King Charles Martel ascended, he seemd distraught.

"Citizens of Europe, I, King Charles the Hammer wish to address you. Certianly, this is a sad time for our race, one of our greatest men has fell ill of the devil. He, well he, has taken upon himself a most unholy mission of overthrowing myself, as well as our great Pope, his Holiness Clement II. In this time it is easy to remember his great achievments, no doubt he has many, he has served his god and his country more than many of you. But unlike you, he has chosen the path of evil, he has chosen the wrong path, a path you have successfully eluded. But, as King I will grant him one final glory, I know he wishes his final words to be loud and clear" Bonaparte raised his head to the King, standing above all from his balcony. "Bonaparte, you may address my people!" The King raised his arms to silence the milling crowd below, Napoleon stood up, his hands shackled to the cart that brought him amongst the masses.

"I thank the King for his kindness, but I cannot thank him for any more than that. For years I have served his father and his interests well. But I have not realised until recently the err of my ways. The King must know when he sips upon his wine and eats his fresh game that his people suffer under his yoke, tell me anyone when was the last time you dined upon quail? Anyone please?"

One raggedy man yelled "Never General, and I served under you in the Khazaks!"

Napoleon nodded his head "Aye, those were tough times, and I ask again, how many of you sleap upon the feathers of a swan?"

"Not I General!" yelled another.

"Your King does, and how many of you have ever spoken a word to your king when you wished to?"

"The king would never consort with us General" Yelled the first man.

"SILENCE! Barked Charles, I will have no more, Napoleon you had your chance to make a final testament to your great career and you decided to soil it with such patter, you will now recieve your death sentance, guards, take him upon the stage!" The King then left back into the recesses of the Vatican, passing by Jacques.

"Sire" Jacques bowed to his King, who merely walked past him into an ajoining room. Jacques smiled as he pulled his dagger.

The executioners placed Napoldon upon the chair and wrapped the rope around his neck tightly. One of them walked towards the corner to get the Bible, the other said to Bonaparte "General, I served you, I am sorry for I must kill you here, my name is Leonard Michollio, when you go to heaven, tell the lord that I have killed a great man..." Napoleon closed his eyes and replied.
"You serve your nation, if I were the leader, I would wish you killed a traitor as well, I will tell the lord that I wish for you to live for thousands of years, keep in mind you are not talking to a dead man, but a man very alive, you shall be saved one day, that day is today." Napoleon smiled and opened his eyes, the man turned away from him.

"Silence! Yelled the Pope, release the chair from under him he shall now die, read him his passage..." at this moment the Pope seemed to be pulled down from under the podium, a clamor raised, Jacques quickly pulled his knife and yelled if Bonaparte dies then so does Clement, release him now!" The Pope informed the Templar guards to back off.
"Why does thou doe this to your pope!" asked Clement of Jacques.
"You are the devil, if you do not release Napoleon you will die right now!" he yelled.
"Release the prisoner," ordered the Pope.

The Executioners released Napoleon, who ran down the path to the nearby city gates, "OPEN THEM" yelled Jacques.
"You do know for this you will die today?" asked the Pope.
"Aye, and it is worth it, OPEN THE GATES!" replied Jacques.
"Open the gates, we shall retrieve the heathen once he exits." said Clement, and with that Jacques slit his throat, the blood spilled upon the white cloak of the Pope, and upon his white cross symbolising the Templar order, which was now died crimson with the blood of the Pope.

The gates were opened, an army of soldiers carrying banners with the European Emblem (12 stars in a circle) with an "N" in the center carried him away. Jacques was killed by the guards instantly, the Revolution was saved....

[drake]

Snow fell outside the palace of Karakorum. It had been a most brutal winter. Nothing new for the people of Mongolia.
Drake V stared at the glowing embers from a fire long extinguished. Although the palace walls kept the royal family warm at night, he could still see his breath as he exhaled. "Damn these frigid lands! My people deserve better!"
From the coals, he lit a candle. He un-raveled a large scroll on the floor and gazed intently. It was a map of the known world. The Mongolian empire stretched far and wide, but there didn't seem to be an area in which they were focused. Drake V knew that this must be changed. With a quill he frantically began making marks on the map. "The rich, green land to the east is our future. As soon as spring comes, we shall send settlers to make this land our new home. What was known as China shall soon be known as Greater Mongolia. From harsh steppes, to soft plains, we will make our move. Mongolia SHALL be the greatest empire in the world!"

Drake V took a shot of Alcohol and Deer's blood and returned to bed..........

[The Capo]

Remember we play today, here's a little ditty to set the stage I guess....
__________________________________________________ _____
Intercepted from a Rebel Courier in Brussels...

My dearest Matilda, it is I Gregory, forever yours.

I write you for the purpose of letting you know that I am safe, and will one day return to your loving arms to create beautiful children and a warm home. But now, I am at the mercy of the cold of Russia, it is horrific, I cannot understand how anyone can live here, the Mongols must be a very resiliant lot to call these plains their home. I know what your father may tell you, that I am a scoundrel, that I fight against god and country, but I can only assure you my dearest that god and country are exactly what I am on the side of. The only thing keeping me from freezing to death in this desolate wasteland is the thought that one day we shall be united, we shall be wed, and we shall live forever happily.

I cannot devulge much information to you, for Bonaparte does not wish it so. But I can assure you that once I reach Timanskij I shall send for you, and we may spend at least a week together, we intend on dismantling all of the Crown's forces there. I also hope that your friends have not convinced you that I have chosen the ideology of a madman over your love, for it is your love that drives me to this, I do not wish to continue the fate of our people, I do not wish for my children to be borne unto a farm, and borne unto shacklings of the King. And as I look upon the ice that surrounds me, the hearty laugh of the soldiers keeps me thinking of times back home in Vichy, the pubs that rattled the silent night, and the friends that made the holidays so warm and comforting. This is what I protect Matilda, I am fighting for our children, I am fighting for us, I am fighting for the world, one day when our flag is raised over the capital, it will cause a chain reaction the likes of which the tyrant Kings of India, Egypt and Mongolia could never have assumed would occur. We shall devestate the power structure that hath made slaves of the world's population. We will succeed Matilda, do not doubt us, we will succeed becuase above all things we are right!

Yours forever,

Gregory...

[The Capo]

The Berlin Torch
280 A.D.
.9 Gold

[b]TOP STORY: Suez Crisis Nearly Erupts Into War![b]
Cairo, Egypt - Details from top Royal officials are skechy at this time, but it now seems that the proposed Suez Tariff has caused a riff between the Christian Alliance between The United Kingdom of Europe and the Kingdom of Egypt. "We aren't sure where the resiliance towards us comes from" commented Venitian Admiral Reno Agrippa "But we are not a naval force to be taken lightly, steps have been made, and these are not light steps either." Such harsh words was apparent from both sides. The crisis arose when European officials proposed a Tariff against trade through the Suez, which they would impose to all foreign nations other than Egypt. The Egyptians would recieve 30% of all revenues while the Europeans, who would be providing the naval backing to the Tariff as well as the official medium through which the Tariff would be run, would recieve 70% of the income. The Egyptians would agree on anything but a 50% split of the profits, which angered European naval officers. "Why should our men serve their King's coffers?" asked Agrippa, "It seems that the Egyptians are attempting to live off of the Europeans endevours." The situation escalated when European ground soldiers entered the Suez region to establish control of the area:

In a religoius protest, nomadic caravans attempted to block the European soldiers in order to prevent violence. Most scholars believed that the European army would attack these Christian nomads, but that was not the case, and the Europeans stood firm. Eventually Queen Kiya noted that the situation had grown "Hostile" and agreed to allow European control of the canal as long as the Suez region was demilitarized, thus far only fifty percent of those soldiers have been removed, but the Crown intends on a full withdrawl within the next twenty years.

============
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
============

[b]Americans and Brazilians sign historic alliance.[b]
Brasilia, Brazil - The often legendary and mythical empires of America and Brazil have signed a pact that has been considered a major agreement with huge international implications. "If the legends are true, this unites the world's strongest empires, this may be a problem for future Europeans, and we should look into the matter more carefully" stated King Charles Martel. Religious authorities have also said that the European Kingdom should attempt to make contact with these mythical empires in the west, Pope Innocent XI stated "If the legends are indeed true, it would mean there is a substantial population of non-christians accross the Atlantic Ocean, it would be wise to find them and teach them the ways of our lord and savior Jesus Christ."

Eurpean Diplomats Arrive in Tabriz.
Tabriz, Mongolia - A European Diplomatic Convoy has arrived in Tabriz, causing a major feast and festival within the Mongolian city. "We have never seen Europeans before, we have heard tales of Alexander the Great and his grand armies comming through this area, but never have we laid eyes upon them ourselves, we are really quite excited." commented one Mongolian merchant. To feast was not the only goal of the Diplomats, their main function was to establish the first external base of operations for the European government in a foreign nation. Better known as am embassy, the office of emissaries in Tabriz will serve the nation well "It will act as a medium between our nations, instead of making huge trecks accross the mountian ranges and other areas, Mongolian messengers can visit in the comforts of the embassy's living quarters, it is a very major development indeed." stated Atilla Magyarecz, one of the Diplomats from Belgrade.

============
DOMESTIC REPORT
============

Republican Rebels Defeated in Oslo!
Oslo, Norway - After decades of fighting, the Republican stronghold of Oslo was toppled by Templar Knights in a bloody battle that lasted two days. "We are proud of the work of the Tepmlaric order" said King Charles Martel, "They have served God and country to the utmost, and they shall be rewarded for their loyalty." Some are angered at the demise of the Republicans in Oslo, particularly the citizens "When the Republicans were here," commented Sven Austerlintz "We voted on our tax rate, when we voted for no taxes and the roads and fences began to deteriorate, we chose a better rate, I think that was a good idea, it showed us the importance of taxation, instead of just imposing it." It is believed that the Rebels left on a stolen Trerime, and are rumored to be heading to either Scotland or Estonia, at this point in time there is no definant answer.

Scandinavian Territory Partitioned.
Helsinki, Finland - The Scandinavian Royal famliy, the Adolphus' decided today to split the kingdom into three seperate duchies. From this area was formed the duchy of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, the area known as Denmark has been ceded to Germany. Thus far the House of Lords has yet to recognize the Duke of Norway and Sweden, but a decision should be forthcomming shortly.

Rebels Seize Timanskij, and give Ultimatum to Charles Martel
Timanskij, Russia - The outpost of Timanskij was captured by Republican Rebels in a rather small battle in the woods. An ultimatum was issued by Republican leader Napoleon Bonaparte that says "We are now in full control of Timanskij, it would take years for any of your armies to reach us in such a remote area, you may either except our ELECTED Consul of Timanskij Vladimir Ilyich Lenin into your House of Lords or we shall turn the territory over to the Mongolians. We shall win this war Tyrant Martel, it is just a matter of time." The King has yet to issue a statement.

============
EDITORIAL
============
Giuseppe Garibaldi

Well, things are heating up in the Kingdom. On top of the issues with Egypt right now, the King has to worry about the growing power of the Republican Rebellion. The defeat at Oslo was a damning loss for this group, but when they captured Timanskij they made a very intelligent decision; either the Crown must accept an elected official, and non-royal at that, to the House of Lords or they will lose the all important Timanskij outpost to the Mongolians. The ramifications of this act could be crazy, not only would the Europeans be willingly breaking a treaty they signed with Mongolia, but the very idea that they were defeated by a weakened Republican army has got to be a boost to the Republican movement. In the event that they actually grant the seat to Lenin, which from where I am sitting is more far-fetched than the Rebels defeating the Crown once and for all, would be disastrous. Not only would it call into question the idea that God deems these men equals, but it may cause sectoral dissidence in European villas. We know for a fact that the North Eastern parts of the Kingdom (including Britain) have been rioting recently, as the rest has actually celebrated in "We Love the King" parades! These facts show how divided the nation is. Italy is actually a hotbed of Republican sentiment, despite its Parades to the King (which are more likely due to the Catholic conviction of the Italians than actual belief in Martel). But hey, we'll never know until we know, so it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Arivaderchi.

[The Capo]

It would be cool if you guys posted, but whatever...

[Clay Pigeon]

Maby they are worried about what the post police might think.

------------------
if i display a lack of skill, please note the enthusiasm

[drake]

From the writings of Drake V's daily log:

The people of Mongolia are thriving. But they are nervous. Tension between our two allies has escalated and we are not sure just what to do about it. It seems imminent that a war will begin, but where and when we do not know. Who will make the first move will set the tone for the war, we are quite certain of that. We suspect that it will be the mighty armies of Europe that will strike first. They are more aggressive than our peace loving Indian friends and their army is built for a battle abroad. Military assistance will no doubt be requested by both our allies when the time comes, but we do not which way we will turn at this point. Both countries have been most helpful in our growth, but we cannot remain neutral if a conflict erupts.

Our military advisors were most proud to inform me that we have learned of a most effective and deadly new weapon. Using a substance that the Indians deemed "gun powder", we are now able to fire a missile from the barrel of a stick known as a "musket". Our army has been trained immediately of this new knowledge at our workshop and there, most of army has already been armed and brought up to speed. Although we see no conflict arising any time soon, we pity the country that messes with us. For they will surely feel and learn the power of the musket. Our cities are well fortified and prepared. We will fear no one for centuries to come.

Well the expansion has gone quite well. We have developed several new cities which will help bolster our precence in China and into the western regions of Asia. My son wishes to continue this growth, but we fear that the resources of the world will soon be at their ends. Other countries will most certainly be effected by this problem as well.

We all mourn the passing of the great Oracle whom had served us so well, for so long. It was a strange death he encountered. When a messenger informed our kingdom of a new concept in religion called Theology, the Oracle immediately began to feel ill. He died soon after. His temple will always remain, as well as his prescence, but the people have not stopped mourning since his death.

I am afraid this might be the last time I write a passage into this book. On a journey to Siberia, to visit an Orlok of mine, my troop ran into a mighty storm. Although we were able to find shelter in the forests, many men died due to the extreme cold and I lost the function of my left foot and hand. Pnemonia plagues me as well. I can only hope to live in my son, the next great Khan, Drake VI. May he keep our country well.

<font size=1 face=Arial color=444444>[This message has been edited by drake (edited December 05, 2000).]</font>

[The Capo]

That comment was not directed at you Drake, you always post after a session, but Dimbleby, Magnus and Chris don't, and that is an integral part of a Diplogame, it keeps things interesting during the off-period, but if they don't want to post, I can't force them.

[The Capo]

<center>[b]TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN[b]

FLAG OF FREEDOM</center>

Why do you toil in the shackles of oppression? Why must you serve one man, who is no more than you? Why do you pledge allegience to a man who claims that he has been preordained by your God? The very God who has created all men in his image, thus all men are inherently equal?

There are no answers to these questions, at least none that make sense. However, there is a remedy to the problem, and that is simple; Freedom.

If you are reading this you are currently in Europe, meaning you are most likely of European descent, even if you aren't you should still head this words. But if you are European, you have never lived free. It is a sad fact for you, you are under control of two men, the King and the Pope, who invoke your religious zeal for their own personal gain. They say we are heretics, when we are merely allowing people to live under God, and not some man who is their equal attempting ot say God has chosen him as a divine ruler. Such talk is heresy.

The Crown has branded us heathens, they call us barbarians because we fight for what we believe in. We have made every attempt to gain freedom without battle, we have asked the King to give the House of Lords more power, and to make the members elected rather than appointed. But to no avail.

Our goals are straightforward, we wish to have a confederation of the European Nations, each would have its own represenative in a confederate senate. The actual works within the nations would be up to the nations themselves, the senate would decide upon war and would be permitted to levy taxes from the nations. A chairman of this senate, or Consul, would be our representative to other nations. He would also be the chief officer in time of war, commanding a united force of Europeans on the field of battle. The only time we would ever fight is when our (elected by the citizens, the ones the King refers to as "Peasants") Senate deems it fit. We will not use force of violence to coerce war as the King does.

The time has come for a change, the ancients of Mongolia had it right, but when their Oracle decided against it, they closed down their government and reverted back to the dynasty of the Drakes. We should not let Martel and the Habsburgs run our nation, we are a people and we should decide as a people, not as some mere man sitting upon a throne does.

But what can you do? It is simple, we need all able bodied men to take up any arms they can and head for Timanskij, we have taken it from the crown and will turn it over to Mongolia if Martel does not heed our words, you can meet up with us there, and we will soon overthrow the pathetic Crown from our land.

Vive la Liberte.

Vive la Europa!

-Napoleon Bonaparte-