The Dance of Civilizations [Diplo Game] [Story Thread Pt3 - November 2009]

[Korea (DoC)]

The Great Ka looked about al lhe saw and decreed that a Council be establsihed to put in place all he decreed.

The leader of the council was the first appointed, his position was known as the Winj. To this day this title is placed upon the one who spoke to the other nations. The Winj spent most of his time over seas in the palaces of others, he spoke of the problems Korea faced and how others should help them. This action became known as Winjing.

The assistant to the Winj was Mohn , he was well veresed in the art of Winjing and took it to another level, Mohning.

The Wang knew he would need a good military leader and chose the toughest of all the Korean Army his new leader. This man was given the title Pai Nebutt , Due to the fact that this person ws the toughest bigger character from all the Korena armies he uslaly had the full title of The Big Pai Nebutt.

[Korea (DoC)]

With such tormoil in places over seas. The Wang Ka decreed that he would accept refugees from the strife to come and live in his kingdom

He sent his navy to patrol the waters and help the boat people to safety.

The thinly populated Eastern Desert was converted to allow formore dwellings and water was piped there too.

New towns and villages sprung up everywhere.


The old Korean way of aggression was gone, now the Koreans were encouraged to love more.

Population growth was expected......

[The Holy Empire of Britannia (DoC)]

[Rome (DoC)]

After years of working at the library, the brilliant mind of scientist Anthony van Leeuwenhoek, doctor extraordinaire, got noticed by the wife of King Aeneas, who came in for information about male impotence, not for her or her husband mind you. Anthony van Leeuwenhoek sent her home with the ground horn of the blue rhino.

A day later King Aeneas commisioned the Felix Leo Science Academy

[Rome (DoC)]

The Great Ka looked about al lhe saw and decreed that a Council be establsihed to put in place all he decreed.

The leader of the council was the first appointed, his position was known as the Winj. To this day this title is placed upon the one who spoke to the other nations. The Winj spent most of his time over seas in the palaces of others, he spoke of the problems Korea faced and how others should help them. This action became known as Winjing.

The assistant to the Winj was Mohn , he was well veresed in the art of Winjing and took it to another level, Mohning.

The Wang knew he would need a good military leader and chose the toughest of all the Korean Army his new leader. This man was given the title Pai Nebutt , Due to the fact that this person ws the toughest bigger character from all the Korena armies he uslaly had the full title of The Big Pai Nebutt.

nice shaping of new characters here

[Russia (DoC)]

Sailing through the al-Jazeera straits, Dominika's ship met with a small trading vessel. She inquired if there were any Russians who had news from Nova Semlja. None did, but a huge-bearded trader had something else. From Zakarevh the Scout, a small bundle of letters that were destined for the Moscow library. As an educated Librarian, Dominika requested to look at them. After five minutes she was still lost in the captivating tales of foreign lands. The trader humbly asked if he could have them back, as he had made an oath that they arrive at Moscow safely. Dominika glanced up at him, then read another minute until she finally tore her eyes from the travelworn papers. Dominika stared at him with her fiery passionate emerald eyes until the large man blinked and nervously shifted his weight from one foot to the other. She then sighed and spoke:

-Of course, if you have sworn an oath it must be kept. But I will make a copy, I have some scribes who can work fast. You will have to wait here for half a day while it is done. In return I will issue you a letter of Mokba, giving you extended trading rights and the right to seize any vessel belonging to an enemy of Russia.

Enemy of Russia? But Russia has no enemies?

Again, the stare of the daughter of Hastog mesmerized the man, and no answer was given, Dominika merely turned to her scribe and ordered her to make copies of the letters.

[Russia (DoC)]

Travels through Araby
By Zakarevh

Part 1 Mecca I have disembarked after a short journey across the al-Jazeera, finding myself in the holy city of the Arabs and other muslims. A pious friendly people, the Arabs, distant cousins to the Ottoman, live on the eastern coast of the al-Jazeera, from which it retains its name. Their capital lies on a river much like the Volga, seasonally flooding for great fertility. A small stone monument with Russian and Arab writing exists here near the coast to symbolize the first Russian to set foot in Mecca, none other than Catherine herself. Things have changed greatly since then however, the small village is now a sprawling town full of foreign traders and country folk looking for paid day labour.

Part 2 Custom and Religion The most noticeable thing in Mecca, and in fact, most of Araby, is how the locals go on and on about their deity and how kind and just he is, every greeting is a praise of their god, every goodbye the same. Though strange to me, I have during my travels in Arabia grown accustomed to it and even find it charming. Their laws are strict, but fair, they all worship on the same day of the week, and they are hospitable and curious towards strangers. I have enjoyed my stay here greatly, but the tales of the eastern lands, inhabited by Greeks draw me. This small valiant nation that challenged the legendary power of Byzantine is like an alluring call, I so desire to see and hear how these people live and if they have any knowledge of Russia.

Part 3 The hinterlands As I travel east on the roads I see the Arab landscape outside Mecca. Fertile riverlands, rolling hills, many rich resources. Far to the south I can see the edge of greenfooted mountains, my travelling companions, Arab traders mostly, say that beyond them lies a perfectly circular crystal clear lake and then, a vast jungle just like southern Russia. Fascinating. It seems that at a certain distance south, there is jungle everywhere. What wonders or horrors may live south of such savage lands? Two-headed monsters that were said to live in Araby in ancient times? Panthers and savages? The Arabs have yet to settle here, so tales are just that, tales, often tall. Soon I will reach the border between Arabia and Greece, my fellow travellers tell me that the Greeks are very different from them, but there should be no danger. I hope they are right. Zakarevh

Edit by Robert Plomp: fixed tables

[Robert Plomp]

Russia, please work on your table skills. It destroyed the page.
A table starts with a {table} tag, followed by a {tr} (row) tag, then {th} (headers) or {td} (cells) follow.
Every cell is ended with a {/td} tag, every row is ended with a {/tr} tag, then the table itself is again ended with a {/table} tag.

Please don't put hard returns outide the {td}{/td} cells. (ie. between a {tr} and a {td}.
The combination of vB and HTML does not allow that.

Thanks

[Korea (DoC)]

Ka sat on his throne and listend to his Spiritual advisors , great debate had occured over the true god.

Throughout the nation many bleieved diferent things some claimed this god others claimed that god.

Ka wanted so badly to find the truth. He had written to the Indians seeking greater understadnign but had been told the truth is there to see for yuorself.

He was not happy, so he turned to the Confucionists they sound more like his mind. Full of Confusion

Maybe they will enlighten us.

[Byzantium (DoC)]

I am pleased to announce that the Holy Empire of Britannia, the Mali, the Eygptians and the Byzantines have agreed to form the Council of the Ice Sea to ensure the peaceful spread of civilisation in the great islands of the Ice Sea, the elimination of piracy and the equitable and peaceful division of resource among the nations of the council.

Further detail will emerge as it is agreed between the members.

Personally I intend to propose that another takes on the chair of the council, perhaps in some form of rotation. As the one who has proposed the formation of the council it is right that its first chair is another, perhaps William of Britannia or Hor-Aha of Egypt as proof that this council is about the equal treatment of independent nations.

My only sadness is that Catherine of Russia has refused to even discuss the Council, intent instead on securing land on the Ice Sea by force and threat of war. But I trust that the one god works in all things.

Theodosius

[Inca (DoC)]

Tawantin Suyu is a troubled nation for she fears wars between her friends. No sooner had Quechua diplomats returned from the Palace of Wang Ka to settle our petty dispute with Korzan than news reaches us that harmony is no longer to be found between Russian and Byzantine. What ill has come upon the World that a mere island of no value should cause such anger and hostility.

Why does a mighty nation like Byzantium wish to take land from Russia? Why does Russia risk war with a mighty nation like Byzantium to lay claim to a worthless piece of land of no value to any? Is there something up there that we all should maybe know?

Itya Wanapi,
Apos, High Council of Tawantin Suyu

[Byzantium (DoC)]

Itya Wanapi,

Thank you for your concern. The world has indeed gone mad. I have taken no land from anyone. I have settled a deserted piece of tundra miles from Russia, which was spawning barbarians and pirates threatening my nation, the Greeks and Britannia, but somehow supposedly Russia has taken offence. Catherine has refused to even discuss the matter, or how to resolve it, and simple sends me one-liners saying she is coming to destroy me. A strange world - I would welcome mediators, for as it is it seems the Russians have a death wish, unless of course one sees sinister forces behind this contruction of a supposed offence. I am bewildered myself, but naturally Byzantium like any nation while seeking negotiation prepares to defend its cities. But until moments ago the Russians were my friends. It is a strange world from which diplomacy seems to be absent.

Theodosius.

[Arabia (DoC)]

Travels through Araby
By Zakarevh

Saladin is pleased with your writing of your visit.

[The Holy Empire of Britannia (DoC)]

I am pleased to announce that the Holy Empire of Britannia, the Mali, the Eygptians and the Byzantines have agreed to form the Council of the Ice Sea to ensure the peaceful spread of civilisation in the great islands of the Ice Sea, the elimination of piracy and the equitable and peaceful division of resource among the nations of the council.

Further detail will emerge as it is agreed between the members.

Personally I intend to propose that another takes on the chair of the council, perhaps in some form of rotation. As the one who has proposed the formation of the council it is right that its first chair is another, perhaps William of Britannia or Hor-Aha of Egypt as proof that this council is about the equal treatment of independent nations.

My only sadness is that Catherine of Russia has refused to even discuss the Council, intent instead on securing land on the Ice Sea by force and threat of war. But I trust that the one god works in all things.

Theodosius

If Hor-Aha does not wish to take on the council chair then I would gladly except.

William Zi Britannia

[The Holy Empire of Britannia (DoC)]

William sits in his war room with to many thoughts going through his head. Britannia was between a rock and a hard place. On one side was the Byzantine nation who had never done anything to Britannia and who also followed the teaching of the one god. On the other side is the Russian nation led by an aggressive leadership who believed in the teachings of the fallen one but Britannia had made a deal with them to come to their aid when asked. William called for his brother to discus the situation.

Alexander walked in with his ax in his hand. “Brother you asked for me?” William looked up, “Yes please come in and close the door.” Alexander sat next to his brother, “So what will you do?” William thought for some time then spoke, “Take a small force to the area but do not engage unless engaged. Observe, report, give aid to the injured, and safe guard the weak. For now this is all I want done for now.” Alexander nodded, “I will do what you wish brother. I do not envy you.”

Alexander left to Las Noches to await the first of many war elephant guards.

[Russia (DoC)]

A challenge to the lies of Byzantium

This goes out to all people and their leaders. Byzantium has settled a city upon the land of Thule, the continent of the Hastogian peoples. This is land that Britannia and Russia agreed to divide amongst themselves for fair payment. Now a third party has without question or discussion settled upon that land, a land destined for Russian population. There can only be one response. Remove the settlement. Byzantium has refused to do so. They have a history of taking lands regardless of treaties or other's wishes. They have a history of rampant expansionism. They are a mighty empire, stretching from near to far. Byzantium is the soaring eagle.

Who is Russia? Russia is a minor nation. A people living under constant fear and threat from neighbours. A nation hemmed and barred by aggression and disrespected treaties. A people who are so closely settled that the night fires of one city can be seen in another. A people desperate for land. By treaty and payment, land was demarcated between Russia and Britannia. The only land left for the surrounded Russian people. Now claimed by a vast empire. Russia, a bear in a den, sleeping, harmless, now awakened.

Let it be known in all lands, that Russia cannot accept the loss of any more lands. We challenge the greatest empire, but if we do not, then we are forever bound to a pitiful existence. Yet we are not afraid. The Byzantines do not respect us or our wishes, nor the lawful demarcation of lands. Nor do they accept that the continent of Thule belongs solely to its native people. They persist in their expansionism, we have no choice but to fight for what is ours. Others may shy from conflict, but we cannot. We have no other choice. To Byzantium these lands are frozen wastes. To us it is the only hope of a better future. So grim is the Russian situation, that we will fight for what others consider trash. But we will fight. And we will fight well. Hastog's doom is with us. He may doom us, or he may doom our enemies, but doom is fast approaching, and we are ready for it.

Dominika

[Korea (DoC)]

The Great Wang Ka sat and listened again to his advisors telling him of the world news.

Still no missionays came from anywhere to help spread the truth.

The Indians and the Persians were now sitting back and watching the next layer of natons fight it out for the crums left over.

It ws all too late. No one had heeded the early warnings and done anything, but no rumblings of wars. Conspiracies arose. But not one was aimed at the world juffernauts, no it was all aimed at those aspiring to be a juggernaut too.

Ka was glad his nation was no focusing on new ways. But still knew that an army would be needed to protect the Korean people.

He was not like previosu Wang Kas, he would do what had to be done.

He told his scribes to leave and wrote a personal note to the tribes around Korea.

[Byzantium (DoC)]

"What do you make of it?" Theodosius asked his advisors "this public denounciation of us by Dominika"

"There are interesting features, Lord, though not necessarily much hope."

"Features?"

"Yes, Lord.

1. It comes from Dominika, while the ruler of Russia is Catherine. Just as your extensive diplomacy to solve the problem has gone to Catherine but the one-line war responses have come back from Dominika. Something strange is going on in the ruling family of Russia.

2. As you might expect they talk of Byzantine lies, but can't actually mention a single one. They acutally confirm that everything we say it true.

3. Overall they are trying to portray themselves as a David against and aggressive Goliath. All this talk of Byzantium as 'the greatest Empire' ignoring the truth of this world with its true power lying with the Indians, English and Persians.

4. Regarding the land itself they are trying their best to cover up that we have done nothing wrong. For example, they say "The Byzantines do not respect us or our wishes, nor the lawful demarcation of lands" when in fact they have never discussed their wishes or land with us, as you know we have tried extensive diplomacy but they won't talk, and by 'lawful demarcation' they mean something they have discussed with one of their neighbours, never told their other neighbours, but we are somehow meant to know about.

5. They ignore completely the truth that this land supposedly 'destined' for them (destined by whom?) they have actually turned into a breading ground for barbarians and pirates which of course makes no difference to them because Russia is many hundreds if not thousands of miles away. It is a nightmare for those actually close to the land in question - the Britannia and the Byzantines who are actually having to fight the barbarians."

"And what of all this about cities packed in so close they can see the firelight. They have no cities anywhere close to Rhodes. Is it just lies?"

"Perhaps. It is certainly gives an impression that Rhodes is close to Russia and squashing it, which is utter rubbish. However there is probably more. Look at what they say:

A people living under constant fear and threat from neighbours. A nation hemmed and barred by aggression and disrespected treaties. A people who are so closely settled that the night fires of one city can be seen in another.

This is not about Rhodes, it is about Persia. It is about the tyranny under which the nations surrounding Persia live. Living under fear and threat - there is certainly no fear or threat from us, we have always only had good relations with Russia. Aggression - we have caused no aggression but the Persians dominate by force. Disrepected treaties? We keep every treaty to the letter. Night fires - people have to travel for three or four periods from Rhodes before they can even see the borders of another civilisation other than Byzantium - yet it is true that thousands of miles away on the borders of Persia there is great tension - after all we have all see that played out between the Ottomans and the Persians recently.

"So we should feel sorry for them?"

"Yes, Lord. Which is why we have tried to open diplomacy to find solutions which are good for Russia, and why we have establishes the Ice Council precisely to ensure that the lands aroudn the Ice Sea are distributed fairly."

"But?"

"But if all they do it say - hand over a Byzantine city or we will invade - you can do nothing my Lord but resist"

Theodosius thought long and hard.

"My decision is clear. Continue every effort of diplomacy. The Russian deserve our help and pity, they have clearly suffered much abuse in the past. But issue orders to Leonidas the governor of Rhodes that he has freedom to defend Rhodes. If a Russian army approaches it, he is to destroy it."

"And is that it, do we allow people to attack us and we just defend?"

"Let us take one thing at a time. We want diplomacy to prevail here. Let us leave the consequences of war for those who invade us to another time."

[Persia (DoC)]

Theodosius of Byzantium and Catherine of Russia,

from the Shrine for Hastog in Hastogsburg I write this message to you.
Hastog wants me to mediate between the both of you.

Theodosius, what are your terms for leaving Hascon, also known as Thule?
Catherine, what are you willing to pay to Theodosius?

Answer quickly, my armies are already marching towards Zembla.
If the both of you can't make an agreement I will take it and keep it for Persia to avoid further conflicts. For the sake of peace Persia will then settle the entire area of Zembla and the lands north of it.

Guru Ahm'Az

[Korea (DoC)]

The Great Wang Ka looked at the tray on his desk in his office, it was empty. Not a single solitary return .

The Rulers of this world had gone made he realised.

He sent messangers to his aides.

Perhpas more Winging and Mohning were needed.

Then a scribe arrived

"sire news from Britania, they wish to open trade discussions with us."

After centuries of beign cutoff now they wanted to talk thought Ka, well this could be good news.

"Tell our trade negotiators to start bargaining."

With that he went back to bed.

[The Holy Empire of Britannia (DoC)]

William stepped into the council room where his advisors and leaders of the many
different Britannian religions awaited him. He stood in the middle of the room and looked
around at the many faces surrounding him. In their faces he saw fear, pride, and
bloodlust. He began to speak, “Gentlemen, I have come to a decision on the current
situation between Russia and the Byzantine Empire. Britannia will help neither side in this
conflict.” The room was in an uproar. The followers of the fallen stood up in anger while
the majority who were all believers in the one god sat back in relief. William tried to
regain order, “ I’m sorry my friends but the Byzantines have done nothing to use and
when we released our claim to that land to Russia the problem of that land, and mistake
me not for that land has been the biggest plight on our people since we began fighting
the barbarians, now falls upon Russia. Now I understand as followers of the fallen you
wish to go to the Russian aid and to be fair you will be free to do so, but you will not
have the backing or weapons of Britannia. If death is what you wish then go to Russia
and join their forces.”



The guru of the fallen faith stood up and left with a small handful of men. William turned
back to the council, “Worry not about them Alexander is monitoring the situation and will
save as many souls as he can.”



William then took a seat as the others spoke about the other news from around the
empire. He was told of the completion of Williamsport and St. Luis. New York would be
finished today and in four days Orleans would also be built. The domestic advisor
requested three more settlers to be built to finish The Empires growth on the continent
and securing the north from barbarian invaders. William approved and told the governors
of St. Luis, St. Britannia, and Williamsport to build the settlers as soon as possible.



Alexander’s second requested a large force of War Elephants, Catapults, and workers to
be dispatched. William accepted his request as well and told the governors of Pendragon
and Las Noches to build the War Elephants, catapults, and workers requested. William
told the governor of Port Alexander to continue working on the fleet to patrol and defend
the seas from barbarians. Lastly he told his trade advisors to continue trade talks with
Korea. William adjourned the meeting and they theft to do as William ordered.

[Russia (DoC)]

Our armies are ready to march lady Dominika. Will you give the order?

-Not just yet. We can take the city, but there may be troops in reserve on ships or on the eastern areas. I want to have more Byzantines on Thule before we commit ourselves.

But my princess, the more time we give them, the harder it will be to conquer the city.

-Worry not my dear general. There are things in motion here that you do not know, I have stated my clear and unequivocal demands. Not negotiable. The Byzantine's wish to negotiate. They do not understand. None of them do. This land is ours and we will show the Byzantine empire that we will not back down. They may believe our claims to be unjust. We care not, heathens may not set foot upon Thule, and none may settle upon lands belonging to Russia.

I will address the troops now.

Russians! Slavs! Brothers! Today we will show the world that Russia has risen from the ashes to greatness! We are no longer a defenceless people, we will not suffer injustices or usurpations! Today we shall march to the east. There, the city of Rhodos awaits our judgment. Byzantines have no place on Thule, and we will teach them this. No foreign nation will dominate Russia ever again! Our freedom is won here! Russia prevails!

[Byzantium (DoC)]

My friends, allies and fellow rulers,

I note with sadness Russia's declaration that while the Byzantines wish to negotiate, they the Russians will not any form of negotiation, mediation or diplomacy. Russia has made its foolish choice.

For the sake of my friends who are distant from the Ice Sea, and wonder about the territory, I attach a map drawn up by my cartographers, so you might be better informed. Note the proximity of Rhodes to the rest of Byzantine land, and the distance from any other settlements.



Theodosius.

[Rasputin]

it is so top secret up there that city size and productuion have been hidden....


does it make that much of a differnce ...

[England (DoC)]

Theodosius my Red Cross brother,

Based on the map you have shown us, I feel that your settlement is legal.

How many days travel is the closest Russian settlement?

Clandint

[Rome (DoC)]

There is a massive barbarian uprising occuring in Arabian lands. England, Greece, Byzantium, please help me assist Arabia against this horde by sending support armies to the west of the Roman city of Transterminus, lest these wild men start pillaging Arabian lands, taking Arabian cities and raping Arabian women!

[England (DoC)]

Roman friends,

England will answer your call....

[Persia (DoC)]

There is a massive barbarian uprising occuring in Arabian lands. England, Greece, Byzantium, please help me assist Arabia against this horde by sending support armies to the west of the Roman city of Transterminus, lest these wild men start pillaging Arabian lands, taking Arabian cities and raping Arabian women!

Yestig'Az, Ontisy'Az, Jeron'Az, Kaspar'Az, Khursh'Az and Astyag'Az, the Deamons of Byzantium, England, Rome, Greece, Arabia and Egypt, teamed up together.

The nations of the black continent dared to invade Hascon!
Now Hastog has sent his finest deamons against the nations of
the Black Continent.

This barbarian uprising is only the beginning.
All nations of the Black Continent are advised to
not turn against the Hascon continent!

[Rome (DoC)]

Yestig'Az, Ontisy'Az, Jeron'Az, Kaspar'Az, Khursh'Az and Astyag'Az, the Deamons of Byzantium, England, Rome, Greece, Arabia and Egypt, teamed up together.

The nations of the black continent dared to invade Hascon!
Now Hastog has sent his finest deamons against the nations of
the Black Continent.

This barbarian uprising is only the beginning.
All nations of the Black Continent are advised to
not turn against the Hascon continent!

yours is not a very supporting civilization, is it?

[England (DoC)]

Romans we ask that you build some roads towards the Arabian borders so our troops can move faster.

We will send our finest troops to put down this barbarians once and for all.

England has the biggest army in the world!