Return to Atlantis

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Much better Joe you seem to have found your flow once more

[joe08536]

A triumphant Hero

Counselor Oberera Theodorius Commissioned this work in 495 bc , and today it hangs on as a wall mural in the Antechamber at the Crucible of the Hero's the famous rendering of Hadrian's Return , note the classical lines and realism popular in the 5th century bc. Hadrian is painted away from us and facing dutifully towards Aurelius and the home cities while the destitute General Trajan, who seems lost between the ruins of his victories, the destroyed Zulu settlements, still looking towards Baepedi at this time his soul all but despondent in remorse for the loss of glory to another, and whole of the image shown, from as if from on high looking down on the whole bloody affair.

It can be seen here that there that the artist clearly saw the promise [the far away valuable resources] and peril [in the all to near barbarians] in this newly available greater homeland.

Note also that there is no hint whatever of the future of Trajan and Hadrian but just this moment captured.

Excerpt of "Great Art of the Republic", Dioclesian Press

[Paddy]

bugger, another great yarnnnn

well done

[joe08536]

Hadrian at Baepedi

A secret report to the Emperor

Your Excellency following the occupation of Baepedi, and in our victory our troops discovered the most dark and foreboding news. Below I relay these facts but cannot convey the gravity and depth of the disturbance these facts have caused amongst all who have seen them and I ask your apologies for the recounting and depiction of these things and the actions I have taken.

It is common knowledge that war casualties are always highest amongst the warriors and the [formerly] able-bodied and least so among the noble classes who surrender. My men swear to me that the noble classes of the Zulu’s were spared the ignominy of dishonorable death but many dozens of the nobles of the Zulu court were splayed and some were ritualistically disemboweled. Apparently, Shaka who was the Emperor of the Zulus’ had been driven quite insane by our victories and he and a cadre of his soldiers were hold up in the City of Baepedi and the Palace herein for a week. We could hear ranting and shrieking from as far away as we were.

The Palace was atop a high bluff and soldiers must scale around the bluff to reach the top. Several members of the highborn were strung up in such a way that when our soldiers approached the 1st group, we heard them speaking and shouting but thought not to listen as their speech was foreign to us we put no meaning to their words as we approached and when we had reached a certain distance from them, a great contraption revealed itself as it was designed to splay the highborn who were strung up and rain their remains down upon the soldiers approaching.

It is thus that we have found most of the capital of this cursed city. Not just Highborn but commoners and others, death was here long before the soldiers of our forces arrived. Our soldiers will not for long occupy the city, for they say it is cursed, and while I am not a superstitious man and have long dedicated myself to the reasoning of the mind, my heart and those of the other officers are troubled, such were the atrocities here, and so I have instructed them to gather any fit Zulu workers for Atlantis and destroy this place, burning it to the ground.

I would beseech the Council to consider that a memorial be placed here in memory of the dead. May their Gods, if they had any, pity them and may the cursed among them find some peace.

Hadrian
1065 bc, Final Message from Baepedi

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Superb addition Joe! keep it coming

[vovan]

Indeed, there's some quality writing right there. Keep up the flow of goods.

[joe08536]

Master and Apprentice

“Minister Thallia, I’ve brought the list you had asked for.”, ancient Groundskeeper Thallia, had not long now to appoint his successor and he was tired of reviewing the various scrolls of the appointee’s. So much of his important work needs to be handled with discretion and loyalty above all else, [he thought to himself] as he glanced up from his most recent scroll, and looked at the Courier before him, a young man from an important family with influence, no doubt [turning back towards his large desk]. “I believe I have finished my selections but in good keeping, I will review this as well.” [turning and taking the scroll from the young courier then]. Putting the newest scroll down he waved his finger over the pile of scrolls on his large desk. The list from the day before still stuck in his mind, as he rose slightly from his workbench to rummage through the scolls. “Ah, here it is”, [he reached over his desk and grabbed the vitae of the Gregoria], looking at the notes he’d left in the margins, and then turning back towards the Junior Courier, “Here, summon Gregoria of Babylon from the cells of the cloister, I would like to speak with her…privately.” The young couier turned and headed off towards the cells of the cloister, where couriers could rest and read but very little else.

Thallia thought to himself, that this was the most – unusual of the vitae he had seen, certainly one of the youngest applicants, she had been apparently in the care of the Master of Arms at the city of Babylon for some years. Her vitae mentioned a near impossibility, this young woman as a child had been at the Siege of Babylon and fought with the Emperor himself, since the death of her parents on that fateful siege.

She was [despite her age and her gender], taken into the corps of the honor guard of the Governor of Babylon and given the very best education and due to her persistence given formal training as a soldier. Her training had allowed her to pass the rigors of the Courier training with ease. Her education was indeed impeccable as she could break some of the easier codes in her head with only her bead-counter]. Her loyalty would be unquestionable. [Thallia, leaned back into his chair with a small glass of wine from his lunch and sat in some contentment] At last one who had survived the trials of the combat and treachery of the new courier corps training, if she survived the interview she would make an excellent new groundskeeper.]

Gregoria, stepped into the room wearing the caphtan of the novice couriers, and then she saw from across the room, a small,fast motion and the ducked defensively. The blade of the stiletto hadn’t stopped waving from the wooden door where it was stuck, when she had drawn her cudgel and rolled into a small ball, seeing then, the Ancient Groundskeeper, from across the room, and nearly dismissing the action from someone as old as he, looking quickly around the room, she saw no-one else in his ample study, turning back towards the Groundskeeper, he turned and had somehow produced a staff and with his other arm raised and his hand out, smiling…”Congratulations, my dear, you’ve passed.”. [She went to draw the cudgel and lunge forward but thought his ridiculous, assaulting the Groundskeeper?], When Gregoria got into combat situations her body would tense up initially but then become as fluid. Tension had no place, fear helped keep you alive but in close combat she had learned to control her fear, uncontrolled fear was death. This was different, though , there was no honor in the methods of deception and it was the Groundskeeper. She could not, it seemed get that out of her head. “Why did you do that! I should kill you where you stand, old man!” She shouted at him. “Your last test, My dear….Please sit…you and I have much to discuss…”, Thallia said motioning towards the chair next to his desk which was now converted to a table , clear of all paperwork save some neatly stacked papers, some tea and a pen in a small vial containing the grape tannin ink.

“Gregoria my dear, Please sit down.”, Thallia said, again as he sat down in the chair. Gregoria, turned from her crouching position and stood, then, turned the blade again and before sheathing it, said, “I do not understand…turning towards the door and grabbing the stiletto, which seemed to have a greasy look on the blade. “ Thallia, spoke quickly, and said to her, “Whatever you do don’t touch the blade, it’s poisoned.”. Please put the knife over there…“ Pointing towards a large ½ mellon shaped object with two handles sticking out from it.”…Just put the blade into the fruit, the juices of the fruit will counter the poisons in a few minutes.”, Gregoria, turned after stabbing the fruit with the stiletto and went to sit next to the ancient man.

“Do you know why you have been summoned here?” Thallia said, as he reached for a large cup containing the tea and pouring some for her and then for himself. “Not specifically” Gregoria said, “Well, I’ll come right to it then, I’m not just the groundskeeper and the head of the Couriers of the Emperor, there is more to my job than you might suspect”, Gregoria turned from the tea being offered and looked over towards the mellon with the three blades sticking out from it [thinking of the poison Thallia had mentioned] and then looking back at her teacup. , Thallia continued, “Don’t worry the tea is wonderful.” Taking a sip from his cup just then. “Although , I think you get my meaning.”, “You have been chosen to be my apprentice for the next six months or so. You will be my personal apprentice 4 days a week you will train with me and be trained with selected members of my other apprentices, you will travel to each of the cities of the Empire and my apprentices will train you in various aspects and specialties.”, You will also keep your duties with the Courier corps and from time to time handle other duties as assigned. You can forgo the combat training as clearly your skills are sufficient and I think it goes without saying that you will say nothing of this to anyone. Merely that you have been appointed as my personal secretary as I in fact need one. “, turning from her and looking down from her and sipping a large quantity of the tea. In a while, we will meet with the Emperor and that is how you will be introduced. At this time, he knows as much as this.” When we are finished here, you should speak with the Dolcian, a gentleman in the anteroom to the left and speak about appropriate attire, when you are refreshed and ready, we will go”, turning from his tea and picking up the papers from his desk, and reading down the page a bit, “But now drink tea and sit with me for a while, I’ve been meaning to ask you about the Siege of Babylon…”

[vovan]

Well, I've run out of words to describe the qulity of this writing. So, I opened up a thesaurus, looking for a synonim of superb. Well, one word I found that fits this latest installment:

superexcellent

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Fantastic Joe!! infact super excellent as Vovan says

BTW just finished a chapter of "Fight for freedom" Have you read it yet? Id like to know what you think

[joe08536]

Rex

A Report to The Emperor

Your Imperial Majesty,

Most excellent Emperor, It is my belief that regarding the matter of longevity of the citizenry, there is an unquestionable relationship between those whom are high-borne and those low-borne. High-borne individuals appear to be those with high importance in history or the government. My servants were sent to all of the provinces of the cities and found that the governors and the staff of the couriers and other government officials were most long lived.

I myself have noted that in older days I seemed to age through my youth quite rapidly and since my retention into the service of your court, have found that I do not age as I once did. My friends of long ago whom we dear to me but not of much position have aged considerably.

As when we met many months ago, I have worked under your command and with the understanding and the observation that this matter troubled your conscience and I would like to lay some small part of that concern to rest.

Following your instructions, I have observed the very few, alien Zulu High-borne who were not annihilated during our conquests. They too seem to have a similar condition.

My studies and inquiries lead me to the following conclusions, I believe that all peoples of the world have this condition. I believe that the fates deem some individuals live forever and others live their lives in a brief space of time whether this is a curse or blessing on either account I cannot say. My studies continue but this much seems clear to me at the moment. I will consult with the other members of the Imperial Court when I return.

On the matter of my travels, I will be returning from the new encampments at the shoreline city of Gilgamesh which is where I have been studying the Zulu Low-borne and High-Borne I should be returning to court within a short time from when you receive this message.

Your Humble Servant
Imperial Doctor of the Humours Ichian Hyerdan


It is impossibility, that I find myself writing this letter. My ancient hand is nearly unable to hold the mark to the scroll as I write these lines. My deepest hope is that I have been of some small service to you. I also hope that my service has brought no shame and not dimished your honor in my attempt to serve you, the Court and the Empire.

Magi Logia,

As mentioned in the past, I feel my second son Felix, would be the best possible replacement, he has been in apprentice with the couriers corps for some time now and also, as you know has been at my side nearly constantly these last months. I would hope that he can serve you well as a good and loyal example of the citizens of Dioclesian. It should be noted that Felix has been a favorite pupil of Groundskeeper Thallia.

Your humble servant,
Caphta of Dioclesian, Court Scribe to Magi Reus Logia in a letter to the Magi upon his retirement.


“You, of all know my rule of the people has not always been easy.” The emperor said. “Perhaps a change in the way the people are governed will be good.”, continuing. “…In any event Counselor Hyanda [Domestic], Did caution that the changes were not without three perils. First, There will be a time of – what she referred to as an ‘anarchy’ where the people would likely do no work for the empire no buildings build, no soldiers and workers would nearly stop their work; second that there may be a wavering in their loyalties to the Empire; and third that the rabble of the cities, could present a greater threat and cause disorder in the cities. At the end of all this, a new way of governing would give our people a better way of collecting the resources of the land and providing for the coffers of the Empire. My rule would still be absolute, she swears.”, turning from his scrolls and towards his beloved concubine and realizing just then, that she had the most stunningly beautiful body. That whatever may come, may the fates never separate them. He knew this Monarchy that was all the talk of the scribes and wise men had convinced the formidable Hyandia, he decided then it would be so. Reaching over towards her body and wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing himself to her and moving onto the bed as she embraced him, and then again he kissed her passionately, the taste of her lips was all that he needed then ….It was not but until the morning after and nearly towards the hour of breakfast that the Emperor realized that she had purposefully and willfully not said a word the evening before, the whole while he rambled on, he turned again and kissed her still sleeping form, gently. She was his only consolation and his truest mortal love.


“As the monarch of the realm, I have given considerable thought to the virtues of government, and now believe that an Anarchy is better than no Government at all.” A comment reportedly by the Emperor Joseph of Aurelius asked his opinion of the transition to Monarchy shortly after the first meeting of the Council.

The two great wonders of the cities are now nearly complete; Babylon is producing the Great Lighthouse , the Governor assures me that when completed the skills of the average galley ship should be increased nearly by 1/3 and that the new galleys should be able to travel that much further at least. The Hanging Gardens of Aurelius are also under construction; these magnificent gardens will be the extension of my personal gardens and be open to the citizens.

Also, the cities of Fortuna and Claudius are now in the production of galleys, which can travel the seas and move nearly as fast as the fastest riders across the land.

We have learned from the Great Library of Aurelius that there are at least two other great civilizations, from which we acquired the knowledge of the code of laws but not much else except the names of these civilizations, the Mongols and the Aztecs.

At the court presentation of the new offerings of the scribes to the council, our scribes and wise men have even taken to saying that someday, fearsome riders with armor may be able to be contrived and make fearsome warriors who are as fast as the riders and as deadly and fearsome as the Legionnaires. Minister Pompeii was jubilant at this idea and sent dispatches to all the cities and the barracks.

Our civilization progresses further each day, I feel that we shall soon be able to seek the farthest points of the world and turn back the darkness, which is that of the Ocean seas. The new cities of Gilgamesh and Epictitus have produced their granaries and temples and are now working towards their libraries. I have ordered that the whole of the Army be replaced with spearmen, while Archers are

My concern is that we may find another civilization near our borders and which would have designs on our shores both these Mongols and these Aztecs may prove helpful to our peaceful civilization. But I am also reminded of the treacherous Zulus’. My naïveté regarding the Zulu’s cost the empire dearly and I mean not to repeat that mistake again.

When the galleys are completed, horsemen will be loaded upon them and then set to sea as far away from Atlantis as possible. They will seek out these new civilizations and go unto the darkness and conquer the unknown lands of the world.

Finally, while the scribes are still toiling away at the arts of “Philosophy” and the sophistries of debate and rhetoric, the notes from Hyandia regarding possibility of a new form of “Republican” government were distressing to say the least. This even more advanced form of governance would allow the people themselves to rule. Or rather it would allow the governors to hold elections and a large assembly to be convened to provide guidance and have a degree of control domestically.

I feel this is basically to my liking as the people have thus far never betrayed my trust in them. I can only hope any betrayals I have committed towards the greatest mass of the people are small in the final reckoning of things. And in the matter of betrayals, there are those who have not - in the eyes of many in the council and the court - been properly dealt with; I share this sentiment but there is an appropriate time for everything.

However, the need for my rule to be the law is still the question of the matter. I have scheduled a quiet meeting with Hyandia and selected scibes where we can discuss this matter more completely.

Personal notes on the Council,
Joseph of Aurelius, ca 500 BC

[vovan]

Hey, sorry it's been a while till I got a chance to read this. I saw this the first day you posted, but I hate saying something like: "Thanks for another installment, I'll read it later"

Any way, this is great stuff, joe. Me likey.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Nice development Joe, its flowing great now and the style is proven to be most enjoyable to read Keep up the great work

[Paddy]

this is good reading... thanks... more please... opps sorry about being so greedy...

[joe08536]

Pax Mandalgovi

There have been rumors among the common folk as well as the royal court that the fishermen of the harbor in Aurelius had seen strange phantom ships on the horizon, but never had others seen them. Only when the fishermen were nearly to the edge of the ocean-sea did these reports ever occur and even more strangely, these ships seemed different somehow and did not carry the familiar harbor markings that all the ships of Atlantis carry. It is commonly known that ships cannot truly navigate the ocean sea for long so it was always thought these tales were merely an extension of the stories of the “one that got away”.

While our fleet is quite modest, our explorations of the seas around our lands have not yielded any concrete or speculative stories other than these.

Our modest Navy under the command of of a man named Thucyerdahl set upon the rational exploration of these sea tales. What Thucyerdahl discovered was the Mongols of Xanadu. And found this people only a mere day’s travel from the outskirts of Aurelius itself. It was the actual influence of these Mongols that was detected and allowed Thucyerdahl to follow some of these phantom ships back across the sea and to their city of Mandalgovi. There he entered their port city and met with the local magistrates. The first contact was between the members of his ship The Clymene and Spearmen protecting the city.

Credit to Thucyerdahl with the success of this first contact made the suggestion in the court that he should be appointed 1st Legate to the Mongols. Thucyerdahl has thus far not accepted this honor and another will likely be appointed. These Mongols, who view themselves as followers of the great leader or “Khan” as they say a man called once Temujin and Ghengis are a fascinating people very similar to the guards of our cities and certainly more advanced than the Zulu's ever were. They call their homeland Xanadu. The local Khan or "Emir" met with Thucyerdahl and the King will meet with the Great or “IlKhan” at the formal treaty or accord signing and will be embarking with Admiral Thucyerdahl at the earliest possible time.

Upon Thucyerdahl recounting his initial tale to a sealed court, Hadrian was immediately called into conference with War Minister Pompeii and General Trajan, he informed the King respectfully, we should at the least form a more coherent navy and form a barrier of ships to prevent these aliens from coming to our hard fought shores before we have been able to colonize them ourselves. He also suggested that we increase our funding for Settlers and colonists and that we set upon an exploration of the seas beyond Xanadu and the other far side of the land beyond what was formerly Zululand.

Further than the decrees made regarding the Navy, ships in the merchant fleet have been warned not to enter the waters off of Xanadu for fear of their inadvertently causing some disagreement between our two peoples. Their temperament may not be the reasonable approach of common men but perhaps that of even the Zulu’s and this is something, which, all reasonable men would like to avoid.

My mistress Hyandia has been busy in preparation of the proclamations to the cities for the founding of new colonies. Gilgamesh only recently founded, Heuronimus and a city once to be called Imperia will be rechristened Iaepetus as a city on the far end of the continent dedicated to the titanic explorations of the ocean sea and discoveries which await us there.

Xanadu and Pax Mandalgovi vol. I.
by Suetonius Junsa of Claudius,
Official Chronicler for the Domestic Advisor,
Dominicia Hyanda
------------------------------

I met privately with the Admiral for nearly 6 hours this morning and into this afternoon. He feels strongly that since only he met with military men and not the common folk of the Mongol city that there is much to be concerned about. He says that Mandalgovi is neither small nor is it unimpressive, it is a growing and vibrant city. When I pressed him he said it most reminded him of Claudius or Fortuna in his travels of our cities.

The populace he saw were all of a loyal kind but very curious about their ship and his men. He says he saw nothing that would indicate that they are of vastly superior science or knowledge to us but that there were many things that he could not recognize.

He said many buildings were built with mortar and bricks not unlike the Palace and these structures are not uncommon there, here in Atlantis, while not exceptional, mostly wood structures are built except in the case of the temples and the granaries so that was of interest. Also, he said that the ships were very similar in design to ours but that they did not seem as capable in the seas, this may be solely to our training and the knowledge gained by our captains at the schooling available via the Great Lighthouse in Babylon.

Otherwise, it seems that the Mongols were unwilling to share much information. He was at this time unable to answer questions regarding the size of their other cities and other bits of knowledge, which I find myself to be most wanting.

I would be more than willing to trade luxuries of our cities for that knowledge and will be meeting shortly with this Il-Khan of theirs. He also presented the newest map of the world as it has been extended and the scribes have charted it.

I have privately asked for the refit of the twin ship to the Clymene which the Admiral says was commissioned at the same time. Both ships will be refitted as explorer ships and explore around Xanadu and return to Aurelius as rapidly as possible.

Personal Notes
Joseph of Aurelius, ca 370 BC
-----------------------------

The Great Yassa of Genghis Khan of Xanadu.

My domain…the whole of the world will not be changed by these men from the Sea. In nearly the farthest city of the world, Mandalgovi, these men from Atlantis from over the waves come to our shores. I was told their ships were of a kind like not unlike ours. By ship then I will go to the city of these visitations. I will speak with the Emir myself and ensure his loyalties. The codification of my wisdom toward the greater pleasure of God means that all of the world must know of the Yassa of the Khan. In the time of the new moon has the men from the sea promised to return. Then we will know of their Khan and we will meet in the city. I have sent forth for all the trappings of the city to be improved. A guard has been sent especially from the Imperial Keshiks to Mandalgovi to be there within no more than 3 days time.

Our dispatching of the last of the Barbarian hordes from the Northlands of Xanadu is at hand and these Atlantis men are to me no more troubling than these other barbarians. Unless there is the proper respect of the Yassa, they may prove to be the source of more victories for my warriors.

Reported comments of Genghis Khan toward the couriers of the Emir of Mandalgovi.
--------------------------

[joe08536]

Res Publica

Res Publica non Dominatur – Reads the carving over the new Amphitheatre which will be serving as the temporary accommodations for the new Senate and the Assembly. The period of disquiet and anarchy which has been mostly the concern of the Council as well as myself is over and after reviewing the reports from the provinces I can say that the decisions leading up to the formation of the republic have been as well heeded by the regional governors as was possible given the circumstances.

The unprecedented level of prosperity and commerce, which has commenced under the new republic, is quite astonishing. The miners and farmers all seem to be very productive and contented. The men of science too appear to be able to gather more information with the benefits of the increased commerce. As a result, we have been able to approach the very cusp of a new age, a dawning of a whole new branch of learning and knowledge for our people.

I cannot argue with the impressive gains of our people in these last 600 years. These years have been the most prosperous and peaceful of my reign. I am proud to consider myself the 1st Citizen of The Republic.

Draft of the 1st Inaugural of the Senate
Joseph of Aurelius ca 250 AD

--------------------------------------------------------

The shore-team and daughtership of the Agrippina have now just returned from the long-range scouting and brought back knowledge of the Aztec civilization. The Aztec are an advanced people easily equal to ourselves in knowledge and much to my astonishment appear to have surpassed us in our colonization of many different land masses of the world.

Where they have been they have dropped colonies whereever they have gone, whereas we have simply explored they have colonized. I suspect that if their colonies succeed in the slightest they could easily surpass us...eventually.

The difficulty is that they must maintain order and defense across such a wide and difficult area to transport soldiers and materiel must be a daunting task. [This was not an observation lost to Minister Pompeii]

As the Fates would have it , the Agrippina found a shaman or priest/worker away from the protection of their armed forces and was able to amicably learn a good deal about the Aztec civilization, culture and calendar. Their gods are different from those of the Atlantean Pantheon as there are very many gods and spirits in their lands the greatest of these is Quetzalcoatl whom has many representations and ways that he/she can be presented. This is not unlike those in the Oracles and Temples of the motherland that feel that Zeus can take the form of many animals and or people. More still, that their gods also are very specifically related to dates of their calendar.

Here we can see a depiction of the date which we arrived (October 26, 230 AD) at their encampment near the shoreline of the jungles of an island which is about 3 days travel by galley from the nearest of their cities but the whole of this route is shallows and easily and safely traversed by galleys of even inferior construction.

The greatest deficiency of the Aztec people is that their civilization is based nearly 2/3rd’s in a vast jungle area covering their home continent. Whereas Atlantis has the Diamond mountains and the Northern badlands, they have no such large range of mountains and have but great quantities of gold but no iron or other precious commodities to speak of we were able to trade with a representative of their leader Montezuma for a map of their kingdom the measly knowledge of a pantheon and the knowledge of polytheism to discover they essentially had discovered this concept, I think that we made the best of this trade considering the circumstances.

Rendering of the date of our first contact with the Aztecs rendered in the Iconographic language of the Aztec (October 26, 230 A.D. ) as drawn by the shaman/priest/workers that we encountered.

As the worker/priest tried to teach us some rudiments of their language

Xihuitl , 11-Calli (Xihuitl – is roughly a year a “sun year” as they said)
Trecena, 1- Ocelotl (Trecena – This is a period of 13 days in substitution of months more or less)
Tonalli, 8- Cipactli (Tonalli – This is the Aztec word for a day.)

I believe that the vast distances covered by our crew and the distance of the Aztecs from their cities mean that we will contact them only on such occasions where we are exploring these far areas of the world. I believe that peace between our peoples is more than possible considering the gregarious nature of the peoples we have met. Our troops left the worker/priest in peace and made for the ship after our initial meetings we departed.

Excerpt from the voyages of the Agrippina
Captain Thesius entry of Nov 22, 230 AD

[Citation for material on Aztec culture :
see http://www.azteccalendar.com/credits.html]