History of the World (part two)

[deity]

1201 AD:

"Manning, I think that even though Paul may look a bit of a fool he's much stronger than anyone realises."

"Whadyamean?" Manning's had a few....

"Well, if he decides to use force we are militarily very strong. We have many vet fighting units. Our combined attack factor is HUGE compared to any other nation. They are all upgrading from old units, mostly non-vets."

"I hate him. Paul the craul"

"I hope you don't mean Saul the craul!"

"He He, no matey, you're me mate!"

"Shh, here he comes"


"Good Evening Manning. How are you this fair night?" Paul was such a nice man.

"Cripes, I mean, I'm fine, thankyou and you?" Manning was p1ssed.

"I'm such a fool. The whole world is laughing at me... I meant well but they all get so up themselves with politics. I helped the Chinese without fear or favour. I feel for the Israelis. I want to help them too. Maybe future leaders of those countries will not be so nice to me but.."

"Oh for Goodness sakes Mr Prseident!" interjected Saul "Just worry about Australia and let them sort themselves out! As you say, you may get no thanks for it in the end"

"I'm a statesman. I pride myself on fair play"

"They don't" Manning quipped "Why don't ya crush em with ya armies?"

"Manning, have you been drinking?"

"No sir, hic..."

"Hmm, I could you know. And that blasted new Zulu leader has called himself Keti! What a nerve. He thinks he's so strong and good with the ladies too. Ha! He's plotting against me, I can feel it"

"We trade well with Zulus, sir." Saul was a rational man not entirely staying on track with Manning's plans. He was more like Paul than Manning. Thinking of the well-being of people first.

"Yes, but they have avoided all wars and only looked out for themselves. They don't care about anyone else and even their Mali allies have been brought down by Zulu technologies. The Wall collapsed because of them. Mali are easy pickings now"

"Yes Paul, kill the bastards!"


"You want war? A military man who speaks of the horror of war against the old foes the AL?" Paul was getting a bit confused here

"Yeah, but AL blood is like ours. They are like us. Great warriors and men of their word. But the Zulybulus and Maliwalis are aliens. They are scum!"

"I think you've said enough for one night Manning. Get some sleep."

Suddenly a messenger burst into the room. "Sir, Sir, I mean Mr President!"

"Yes, Yes..!!"

"We've been attacked! They came from nowhere!"

"What?"

"They've taken.........

[drake]

"Yeah, but AL blood is like ours. They are like us. Great warriors and men of their word. But the Zulybulus and Maliwalis are aliens. They are scum!"

Zulubulus! Maliwalis! LOL!

[Capo di tutti Capi]

"Welcome to Berlin Commander." said the boy as he bowed.

Commander DiNapoli nodded as he exited the carriage, Sean Delaney and Benito Mussolini followed suit "Ahh, Antonin Rossi you old codger, how are you doing?" said DiNapoli with a smile as he shook Antonin Rossi's, the Adriatic Foreign Minister, hand.

"I'm doing quite well Miguel, fat and happy." said Rossi.

"Oh bah! I'm doing a much better job at that than you are, you look to be in good health Tony. How's the Corporal?"

"His usual self, arrogant and disrespectful, we must make haste though, the President and General Pantiglione are awaiting you, and time is of the essence." said Rossi.

"I see, these are my escorts Private Delaney and Private Mussolini-"

"Hmm, will they be accompanying you at the meeting?"

"This one" DiNapoli said in reference to Mussolini "The other can watch the door" finished DiNapoli as he smiled and patted Sean on the back...

The guards opened the two large oak doors that seperated the lobby from the room where the meeting would be held, there was a very large table sitting under an even larger chandaliere. President Bonaparte and General Pantiglione sat at the seperate ends with various military leaders sitting in the other chairs, there were two empty chairs.

"Gentlemen, your Commander has arrived" said DiNapoli as he entered the room, the men stood up and began to greet him...

"Benito, the ***** wants you at the meeting." said Sean, in a hushed voice.

"I don't know why." said Benito.

"Tell me everything" said Sean, Benito nodded and the doors were shut.

"Benito, please by all means, have a seat." said DiNapoli.

"Who is this?" asked General Pantiglione.

"This is my private guard, Private Mussolini, he stopped the Massacre at Lisboa you know?" said DiNapoli patting Benito on the back, almost 'presenting' him to the others.

"So you are the brave man?" asked the President from accross the table.

"Ye, yes I suppose... sir." said Benito in a very shakey voice.

"No need to be nervous son, your job is not on the line like the rest of these men." laughed the President, the others laughed too "So, Miguel, please begin."

"Yes sir, where is the? Ah yes the map here we are." DiNapoli pulled a large sheet to reveal a large map of Scandinavia and the Baltic sea "This as everyone should know is the Scandinavian Penninsula. More importantly this is where the Kingdom of Scandinavia calls its home. Discussion and appeasement has not worked, King Erickson refuses to accept annexation as a plausable solution to his nation's problems. Poverty, illiteracy, and of course injustice plague this nation. Currently the Scandinavians, or Norse are laying seige to the Ethnic European city of Skopje, which is under the dominion of the Zulu Republic. We've recieved letters from the good people of Skopje asking us, Europe, to end the Scandinavian threat. We have also" DiNapoli nodded at one of the men sitting at the table, his uniform was not Adriatic "Recieved letters from Scandinavia asking for intervention agianst King Erickson. Gentlemen, Mr. President, this is Svefn Uppsala, he is a Scandinavian General who is tired of Erickson's reign, I shall allow him some time to speak." Commander DiNapoli sat down and whispered to Benito "Listen closely."

"Hello, Gentlemen, President Bonaparte, my name is General Svefn Uppsala. I have served under the King for most of my life and have grown tired of his treatment of my people." Svefn paced around for a while... "I remember when I was born, Scandinavia was part of the Adriatic League. Things were very good in those days, but Leif believed they could be better, he was against the constant squabbles the AL was involved in, we all were. We are not a fighting nation, we are peaceful the Norse, but Erickson says that in order to grow stronger we must conquer. He said that Iceland and Greenland were Norse islands and must be taken. He sent men to invade Greenland in order to surround Iceland and invade it from both sides, he felt the small island couldn't stand up to two onslaughts... The people didn't want to fight, they didn't want their sons, their brothers, their husbands to be sent to fight a war, he forced it. Join up or go to jail was the policy. I can't sit back and see this, I am a soldier, we are all soldiers. We chose this job, we weren't forced into it, it wasn't jail or war for us" Benito looked at DiNapoli, DiNapoli did not look back "That is why I oppose Erickson, he is not a good leader, he must be deposed." Svefn sat down and whiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Very well, General Uppsala. Will we have any Scandinavian support?" asked General Pantiglione.

"Minimal, we have a small army, its out in Greenland or is patrolling right now, I couldn't tell much people for fear of being found out. All of the Norse that support me, that I know of at least, are here in Germany waiting to fight." said Svefn.

"Very well then" said DiNapoli as he rose "I have here some papers which lineate our forces, our supplies, et cetera, the entire gamut. Benito would you please distribute these documents?" Benito picked up the stack and rose, slowly walking around the table handing out the sheets of paper.

Most of the men merely said Thank you, some mentioned him by name, others just smiled and nodded when he got to the President he stopped for a second and placed it in front of him, the president lightly grabbed his forearm and pulled him down "This is very good for you Benito, listen closely" he smiled and let him go.

"As you all know, this meeting must be kept very quiet, the details and subject matter must be kept quiet. Political realities prevent us from going all out, declaring a full scale war. As it stands too many things will be misread from this invasion, therefore it doesn't exist and never occured. All of the soldiers are either criminals or orphans, therefore no death notices will be sent back to Europe, nobody will know a single one of these men perished" Benito gave DiNapoli a stern look, DiNapoli shook his head and continued "Currently the troops are dispatched in the woods of Denmark, a secret locale, nobody knows the press expects nothing. The press believes they are training near Mantucci, we have some garrisons there playing this role for us at this point in time. Before I continue are there any questions about anything I've discussed?"

Benito raised his hand "Yes, Private Mussolini?" DiNapoli asked.

"Sir, with all due respect, Mr. President, I don't think you should do it like that." said Benito very hesitantly.

"Like what?" asked General Balboa.

"Well I, we, we were told that we would be honored and revered for our actions. He said we would either die in a cell or die with honor. And well, I just believed that, you know?" said Benito as he sat in his seat.

Benito was very nervous as he looked around, many eyes peered at his face, he looked at DiNapoli who had a frustrated look on his face. He slowly turned and looked at the President who was smiling.

"Benito, you don't understand the situation." said DiNapoli.

"Oh, I think he does Commander, I think he does indeed." said the President "It appears as if though he was lied to, I apologize Private Mussolini, but such is the way of the world, it is dark and cold. It is up to us as individuals to make our own bright shining light, you know this, you've exemplafied this at Lisboa."

"On the contrary Mr. President" said Benito, there was almost a unanimous gasp in the room as all eyes turned from the President to the young Private (shaddup), "I was not attempting to make my own bright light in Lisboa, I simply did not want to massacre those people."

The President nodded "Continue, Commander..."

[Capo di tutti Capi]

Alright last night we hit a major snag in the future of this game, and I think the time has come to reassess what the next few weeks will hold for this game.

The first issue is Israel. SunTzu I apologize for this but I have no choice but to cut you now. So consider yourself hereby free of any obligation to Israel, this game, or anyone in this game. Further we will find a replacement for Israel, which I'll try and start working on tonight.

East also didn't show last night, but from what I've heared he really wanted to play, which leads me to believe that something may have come up which was beyond his control. I am not trying to make excuses for East but until we get an ulterior explaination this is the scenario I will accept.

As everyone knows Prometheus wasn't going to be here and gave proper prior notice.

I'd also like to thank Slowwhand and Berzerker for being there, and for doing all of that work to get set for the game, sorry I didn't have the opportunity to play with you two that night but I look forward to our future battles.

As far as the game goes, I've heared some statements from people that they are heavily considering leaving the game. To me that is very disheartening, but it is also understandable. The main object of HOTW is not to finish, its not even to really win, the main object when the game is said and done is to entertain those who are involved and to serve as a means of just relaxing and enjoying a fufilling game of Civilization. If this criteria is not met the game fails. I've said I do not want this game to fail, so please, if this game is more of a chore for you than it is fun, don't subject yourself to continued annoyance and frustration.

I guess what I'm saying is, if you really are not enjoying the sessions we have perhaps it is better that you do leave the game. The rest of us will understand and we will hold no ill feelings of you if this is the path you choose. I only ask that if you really do want to leave you announce it as soon as is possible so I can work towards some replacements in order to salvage this game.

If you are going to stay that is perfect, next week we should shoot for an early session, an hour earlier. So next week let's try and be online around 7pm (EST US Time) and expect to play until at least 12am.

Thanks a lot, and please, if you are in tell me ASAP, if you are out tell me ASAP.

[drake]

Ok lets be honest here, Capos referring to me. I am at the end of my patience, I really am. We had enough people to play a game last night and we didn't. That is utter BS. I was very disappointed with the decision of the so called group (which obviously couldn't give a crap about my opinion) last night to waste yet another night because of the irresponsible. There wasn't one good reason why we couldn't move forward. Not one.

I enjoy this game. I look forward to it every week. If you feel the same as me, please let me know. Then after you let me know that, make sure you thank capo for the opportunity to continue playing this great game. He saved it. Without him, I was out of here. Really. Laugh if you want, but thats the truth.

As much as I love the game and enjoy playing, I will not be present this coming week because of it. I will be there because I am doing a personal favor to capo. I am going to give him a chance to get this troubled game together. Perhaps my enthusiasm will return for this game, I don't know.

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Sun, we're still cool and all, but don't ever ask me about playing a civ game again ok? thanks. East, hope the excuse is decent.

Deity, Chris and Capo, hats off to your dedication to the game of civilization and this game of ours. I'll be there next Thursday around 7.

[Rasputin]

damn guys you hav eto finish this game its jsut too entertaining for all us watchers too....

Im dieing to find out whart happens to Captain Manning, does he finally bend President paul over the rail and do him up the *** .....

Perhaps what the world needs is some Monk Madness !!!!!

[sekong]

So are you a monk?

Originally posted by Rasputin
damn guys you hav eto finish this game its jsut too entertaining for all us watchers too....

Im dieing to find out whart happens to Captain Manning, does he finally bend President paul over the rail and do him up the *** .....

Perhaps what the world needs is some Monk Madness !!!!!

[Rasputin]

Well i was going to be a nun , but i thought that would be Bad HABIT to get into

[sekong]

Wow, what a surprise answer. Although I have more curiousity, but better stop here in this thread..

ANyway, Sometime, i consider myself a quasi monk.

[Rasputin]

dont even know what a quais monk is

[drake]

Can you two kindly stop spamming this thread? Thanks.

[John Barbarossa]

Bravo!

I have just emerged from the website of the History of the World with a big smile on my face. You guys have taken the diplomatic game and run with it, taking it to its new logical extension. Congratulations to everyone involved.

And some great roleplay as well going on, particularly by the regulars.

*goes off, his day brightened*

John

[Capo di tutti Capi]

Well I appreciate the approval of Johnny B, he is definitely one of the top dawgs when it comes to diplogames and if he thinks we are doing something correctly then we must be.

As of right now our next session will occur this coming Thursday at 7:00pm EST (US). Which is only three days away. Thus far this is the current roster that I am working with....

ISRAEL - NOBODY
ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Capo ZULU NATION - Drake
AUSTRALIA - Deity
MONGOLIA - Easthaven CHINA - Prometheus
MALI NATION STATE - Chris (sorry there was no yellow)

So that is what we have so far, we need only to find a replacement for Israel. In the event we do not find a replacement for Israel we will either dissolve Israel into different provinces which will be given to the nations of the world (not necessarily all of them). Or we will have Israel play as AI, both options I am totally against, so I hope we do find a replacement for Israel.

Which basically means anyone who reads this thread, and is not currently invovled in the game, and can play Thursdays from 8:00pm EST (US) (Although this week we start at 7:00pm EST) until 11:00 pm - 12:00 am (depending), and is willing to take over a nation that is considered the worst in a very creative way please make that known here on this thread or you may ICQ me at 101832697, or E-Mail me at LBPSlacker@aol.com.

Thanks a bunch, hopefully this game survives, meanwhile I'll be searching for a replacement myself, so if you really wanna take over don't hesitate to contact me ASAP.

Peace.

[Capo di tutti Capi]

Alright everyone saw my pathetic attempt to use the new Apolyton Forum's "perks."

We do have a player for Israel, a former HOTWer as a matter of fact; Sekong. But he is most likely temporary and in that case we will still need a regular player, if you would like to play as Israel as I've said above please make it known.

If you let me know before Thursday you can play this next session, thanks a lot.

And as always, peace.

[Capo di tutti Capi]

Ten miles south-west of Oslo...

Benito looked ahead as the horse methodically clopped forward, kicking the mix of ice and mud into the air behind him with every step. The large golden flag of Russia waved to his side, the giant and regal Eagle emblazoned accross it looking him dead in the eyes as if he was being watched.

The first Russian Mounted, the first Russian Infantry. He was their commander.

"I know you are under emmense pressure Benito." said Commander Miguel DiNapoli, who was in charge of all Adriatic Forces in Germany "But you must forget everything that has happened in the past week, yes I am angry with you, you have challenged my position, my authority."

Benito said nothing.

"Mussolini, Benito!" barked DiNapoli, Benito quickly turned.

"Yes sir."

"I am speaking with you son, where's your head?"

"I don't know sir, I'm going to die."

"You won't die, you are smart, you are a good leader a natural leader. Your men will respect you." said DiNapoli as he looked forward "Its a beautiful country, this Norway."

"How long do we have?"

"Only a few miles. I expect you to be on your best, President Bonaparte will be there to give a speech to the soldiers, he doesn't want a defeat here in Scandinavia. If we lose this will hurt his Presidency." said DiNapoli...

A small stockade fort had been constructed within a clearing, snow covered the roofs and laid between the pikes that created the walls of the stockade. A small stream of smoke billowed into the sky from one of the houses within the stockade, the A.L. flag flew high above, and under that the banner of President Bonaparte.

"Here we are, Le Havre." said Commander DiNapoli as he quickly turned his horse to face the troops, Benito did likewise.

DiNapoli quickly ran his horse up and down the line and back to the front, he nodded to Benito who steadily galloped towards the line of Infantry and dismounted his horse.

"I am Special Corporal Benito Mussolini." he said as he slowly paced down the lined Infantry "I am in command of the first Russian Infantry and the first Russian Mounted. In other words I am your commander." he looked to DiNapoli who nodded andmade a motion with his hands to calm down "In just two days we will lead the southern charge against the city of Oslo, where King Erickson is holed up. In just two days we shall liberate Scandinavia from this despot and free the last Europeans still living under the shackles of Monarcharial oppression." Continuing to pace down the line he saw Sean Delaney and nodded, Sean kept his stern visage "Many of you will perish in the offensive, many of you will be terribley wounded. Your lives have lead up to this moment, in just two short days those who perish will be forever remembered, in just two short days those who survive will forever be celebrated." he looked up and down the line, how had he changed? Why was he lying to them?

Just then drums and trumpets could be heared, Mussolini turned and looked down the long path leading to the stockade fort, a small garrison was seen marching. There was a carriage behind them, and the banner of President Bonaparte raised above.

"Stand at attention!" barked Commander DiNapoli "Here comes President Bonaparte!" he fixed his uniform and his hat and stood straight up at attention...

He wore a simple Corporal uniform, a large hat, and a plain grey trenchcoat. His glare looked into the infantry that was assembled behind Mussolini and Commander DiNapoli and smiled "Commander DiNapoli, I haven't seen such a grand army of criminals and destitutes since the revolution."

"Mr. President." said the commander as he saluted, Mussolini did likewise.

The president approached Mussolini and gently placed his hand on his arm "This boy, has made me a proud man" he smiled "Commander, you have done well with this one, shall he lead this troop?"

"Yes Mr. President, he shall lead this garrison." replied the Commander.

"Corporal Mussolini" said the President as he saluted Benito "Do me proud son, do our nation proud" the President leaned into Benito and whispered "Don't worry, your sacrifices here shall never be forgotten, nothing remains a secret... there are no secrets..."