The Tale of Abyssinia

[Ninja Dude]

So it begins...

Humans have begun forming civilizations. With civilization comes many great things. Monuments and wonders are built with great effort, their beauty unmatched. Rich and prosperous cities are filled with trade and joy. Men no longer have to live as rugged nomads, living a hard life in the wilderness.

But with all of its benefits, the costs of civilization are great. With more and more power being given to power-drunk kings and tyrants, wars over wealth and land plauge the world. With high populations comes the ability to wage war with massive armies, thousands of lives thrown away in single battles.

And so man struggles on the path of greatness. But many obstacles are in the way. Man will have to fight his way to the top, against his fellow man and possible the world itself. And so we look on one civilization, on a continent we know today as Africa. Abyssinia.

Spoiler :

Two great cities have been built, Aksum and Adulis. Thier wealth and size are legendary among neighboring nomads. However, they aren't anything too special compared to the other cities of the world. Atleast for now...

So, will the kings of Abyssinia rule with iron fists and strike fear into friend and foe? Or will they bring an era of peace and joy to the world. Only time will tell.

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I'm playing with TeTurkhan's mod. I'd advise everyone to play it, because it is awesome. The version I'm playing is the old one that came on the PTW disk.

I'm playing on Warlord, because I'm not to good at Civ III. I'll probably make stupid mistakes and errors, but oh well. I aim to have fun and tell an entertaining story.

 

[Ninja Dude]

While populations boomed in Aksum and Adulis, more adventerous people began moving towards the very border of Abyssinian lands. From the mountains the explored they could see to the west a mighty river with many settlements along its rich banks. However, their attention was mainly towards the east. A great body of water they say, much larger then anything they had seen before.

Then, they saw fishing boats and small villages on the coast of this great body of water. At first communications were difficult, but eventually the language barrier was broken and much information was taken in by both peoples. The explorers told tales of their homeland, mostly about the glory of Aksum. But the villagers, while somewhat impressed, were not astounded by these tales unlike the primitive peoples the explorers had previously met.

Then the villagers wove tales about great cities beyond the Great Sea. Their stories told of a great king who ruled a mighty kingdom, far more mighty than Abyssinia. The explorers listen to these tales with wonder. Surely nothing could compare to the might and majest of Abyssinia.

And so some of the explorers returned to their homeland after they found the lands along the mountains difficult to settle. Soon the rumors of the great kingdom beyon the Great Sea spread like wildfire, until even the king himself was interested in this strange land to the northeast.

Finally, more explorers and scouts were sent out to contact this great king of the far away kingdom. finally they landed on land after a long trip on the Great Sea. And indeed the cities of this kingdom were great. They learned the lands name, Arabia.

Spoiler :

The King, Abu Bakr, welcomed the diplomats of Abyssinia with joy. Over the years, more and more diplomats would be exchanged between Aksum and Mecca. Trade between Arabia and Abyssinia prospered, both kingdoms benifiting greatly.

However, as the wealth of Arabia and Abyssinia grew, so did the rivalry between the two kingdoms. Both looked to expand their borders and their power. Maybe in the future their thirsts for power will lead Abyssinia into conflict. but for now the two kingdoms are at peace, the Great Sea keeping them from bringing harm to each other.

 

[Ninja Dude]

For a while there was peace. Arabia and Abyssinia both continued their trading and exchange of knowledge peacefully. However, There was trouble brewing to the north. Word had reached the ears of the king that a northern kingdom along the Nile had expanded a great amount, forcing many nomadic people southwards.

This news troubled the king. He new that the uncivilized people would only cause trouble for his great land, so he dispatched an army to attempt to stop the wave of barbarians.

Spoiler :

And soon the army of the king met a large force of barbarians. The warriors of Abyssinia attempted to simply motion for the nomads to move west or east, away from Abyssinia. However, the barbarians had already decided nothing would stop thier journey and ignored the Abyssinian army. Seeing no other choice, the commander of the army ordered an attack on the nomads.

Spoiler :

It was a massacre. The savages were driven back until their backs were to the Nile. Then the armies of Abyssinia continued the assault, driving the nomads into the river and slaying many people. But this was but one battle. Many minor battles would be fought near the Nile, but all had the same result. The Abyssinians seemed almost invincable, having such low losses in these battles.

Spoiler :

After many years, the armies of Abyssinia found the last stronghold of the nomads. The last remenants of the migration were either destroyed or driven away. The campiegn had been a success with little losses. But there were still problems to the north. Now Abyssinia could finally reach this strange kingdom to the north.

And so diplomats, traders, and gifts were sent out in hopes of contacting and impressing this new kingdom. But many were somewhat angry or unsure about this. Many councilors of the king voiced their opinions on this action. Was this kingdom not the cause for the war with the barbarians? Should we not scold and shun these bringers of barbarians?

But the king would not listen to these words and continued his attempts at diplomacy and trade. And finally contact was made.

Spoiler :

These people to the north called themselves the Egyptians. They were powerful, yet not as powerful as Abyssinia or Arabia. Many diplomats asked if the Egyptians could possiblly give gifts to make up for the trouble they had caused in the past. But the Egyptians were too proud, saying that it was not their fault, and that they owed no one anything.

From then on, relations between Abyssinia and Egypt were cold. Sure, joint attacks to eliminate minor nomadic migrations would occasionally happen. But other than that no real major relationship was established between the two kingdoms. Trade between the kingdoms was slow and traders gained little profit. The shadow of hatred was over Abyssinia. People were now speaking of war with Egypt. "Egypt is ripe for the pick, as a massive fruit on a short tree. It is weak and small, our vistor is assured." Many would say.

Even the king considered a war with the northern peoples. Great wealth and glory could be had if an invasion is successful. But ruin and disgrace would greet him if the conquests fail...

 

[Icekommander]

Very good tale. I look forward to hearing tales of Abyssinian conquest!

 

[Ninja Dude]

Fall of Thebes​

And so the days of Abyssinia grew dark, even as the treasury and population grew. The Nile passed through Abyssinia as a reminder of the rich lands that were to the north. Many began to openly oppose King Mesril's policy of peace with all civilized people, no matter how weak. His wisdom and caring were met with boos and yell's of dissaproval from his people. His support was quickly fading, and finally he was deposed by his brother, Mekril the Fierce.

Mekril had previously been in charge of commanding the armies of Abyissinia and was constantly on her borders, protecting the cities from barbarian invasions. So when he returned, he was encouraged by everyone to depose his brother and assume control of the throne. He was very nervous about the whole situation, the shadow of doubt over his mind. But then his brother Mesril said these words to him:

"Go, and claim the throne. It is your destiny to lead the armies of Abyssinia to glory and conquest. I matter not, for I am weak. You must do what I could not, and appeal to the people of our land. Take Thebes and bring unending wealth to our people."

At these words Mekril rejoiced and was filled with pride and vigor. He gathered his armies as the new king of Abyssinia with conquest in his mind. The massive host marched next to the Nile, turing its waters red with the blood of any that opposed them until finally they reached the Egyptian border.

They had been beaten to the punch.

Encircling the great Egyptian city was a horde unlike any seen before by the Abyssinians. While clearly made up of a very unorganized and untrained force, the mass of invaders was like an ocean attempting to swallow up the lone island of Thebes. And yet Thebes still stood, its walls unpenatrated by the barbaric assault. However, things started to look grim for the Egytians though, as some parts of the wal began to fall, and the gates of Thebes were slowly being forced open.

It was then that Mekril grabbed his spear and lead his men into battle against the horde of savages. In between the Egyptian forces and the unexpected Abyssinian force, the barbarians were killed.

Spoiler :

Army after the seige of Thebes.

While many had died that day, song and feast were brought to Mekril by the king of Egypt. And the king said these word to Mekril as they feasted:

"It is truely destiny that your glorious armies were nearby to aid us. We are forever in your debt." And the king bowed to Mekril.

But Mesril's words were still in Mekril's mind. His ture mission came back to him, and shouted:

"Indeed! Destiny and fortune have brought me here when your people faced certain doom. But yet certain doom still hangs over your heads." And with that Mekril and his men slew the King and the soldeirs of Egypt during the night.

And so that is the Fall of Thebes and the end of the Egyptian Kingdom. With its king and military scattered and dead, Thebes was quickly absorbed into Abyssinia. but this is not the end of the Tale of Mekril. Of him, much is told in the next tale...

 

[Ninja Dude]

Tale of Mekril​

Mekril's return was greeted with cheering and celebration from his people. He was thrown a great celebration known as the Night at Adulis. So great was the joy and laughter of the people there that screams of joy could be heard for miles. Even Mesril attended the celebration, although he was like one who had lost something dear to him and he did not speak. Despite Mesril's sorrow, Mekril and his subjects feasted and told their tales of conquest.

Finally after 5 days, the celebration began to die down and things grew quiet. Mekril was preparing to leave when Mesril approached him.

"My eyes have seen many things brother," he said. "Just as they saw your victory at Thebes, they now see your death. I warn you now as one who loves you, never again go out to the field of battle and treat your fellow man with care."

But Mekril laughed and said, "Ha! Jealous are you my brother. I achieved what you could not, seizing glorly and riches beyond our wildest dreams. And now you give me false prophicies of death? You seek to usurp me Mesril, just as I did to you. But I will not be made a fool."

And then Mekril ordered Mesril to be thrown in prison for the rest of his life. But no words left Mesril's mouth as he was taken away, and he just looked sad and did not say a word of anger at his brother. And Mekril taunted him, laughing at him as he laid in his cage.

And for many years this is how things went. The glory of Abyssinia spread to many far way lands, attracting many traders and curious people. Its power swelled, many tribes to the south swearing allegiance to Mekril and Abyssinia. But there were some that opposed his might.

They called themselves the Darma. They were a very strong tribe, growing rich from plundering the weaker tribes of the area. The wealth of Abyssinia had attracted them like a moth to a flame. Soon, they were on Abyssinia's borders, attacking trade routes and harassing settlers.

Spoiler :

The Darma on the southern border of Abyssinia.

But just as the Darma were attracted to Abyssinia by its wealth, Mekril was drawn to the Darma by their might in battle. Soon, Mekril himself set out on a journey to find the Darma and bring them to their knees. He brought with him a small army, thinking the Darma would be weak and easily killed.

Spoiler :

And so the two forces met outside Zeila. Mekril charged into battle, laughing and roaring like a lion at his enemies. But the Darma were too much. The hills they resided in hid their true numbers, and soon Mekril was surrounded, only guarded by a handful of his men. There he cursed his brother, blaming him for the situation he was now in. And he fought more like a beast than a man, running wildly and striking anyone near him. And even the Darma began to wonder if the battle was lost. But finally Mekril was brought down, arrows striking him in the chest and arms.

With his last breath he apologized to his brother, and begged for forgiveness. And so pasted Mekril, slain in battle by many arrows and driven to madness.

Messengers came back to Aksum bringing news of Mekril's death and the numbers of the Darma. The people worried, thinking that they were doomed. But it was not so. Seeing Mekril fight so visciously and bravely, the Darma thought he was a god, and buried his body amongst the tombs of their kings. They say the Abyssinians as truely powerful people and dared not fight them again. Last reports of them said that they were fleeing south into unknown lands.

Still, their was a crisis in Abyssinia. Mekril had no heir, while Mesril was treated as a criminal and a liar. But word finally spread of Mekril's last words, and gave Mesril his title back. And the people rejoiced, finally having a leader.

Mesril's rule was rather uneventful. The people of Abyssinia prospered and grew powerful through trade, rather than bloodshead. Mesril also sent men north to secure the land around Thebes. He treated the people of Thebes with care and honor, mourning the death of their king. But the years finally caught up with Mesril, and he finally pasted away. The people beileved he attained godhood in his passing away, forever guiding Abyssinia from the heavens.

The line of Mesril ruled justly, attacking only the fiercest of savages. They sought to teach and give to the primitive people that they met, not conquer and enslave them.

After many uneventful years, news of another kingdom to the north began brewing...

Spoiler :

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While this story may have seemed long and rather pointless when it came to gameplay, it's going to have some effects later on.

 

[BuckyRea]

All hail King Mesril!

Nice story, but being a peace-loving nation is no sound strategy for TeTurkhan's world. The sooner the senseless slaughter begins, the prosperouser you'll be.

I really appreciate you taking time to make it more of a mini-epic than it is a game narrative. I usually can't play Civ3 without wondering "If only it'd gone down like this..."

 

[Ninja Dude]

All hail King Mesril!

Nice story, but being a peace-loving nation is no sound strategy for TeTurkhan's world. The sooner the senseless slaughter begins, the prosperouser you'll be.

I really appreciate you taking time to make it more of a mini-epic than it is a game narrative. I usually can't play Civ3 without wondering "If only it'd gone down like this..."

I'll probably attack more people to make sure I don't fall to far behind. I'm not really the warmongering type, so it may take me a while to start attacking people. But trust me, there will be casualties along the road. already I have one conflict that is inevitable.

Also, if I end up getting conquered, oh well. It will be a tragic story then.

Expect this to be updated in a few days, maybe even as soon as tomorrow.

 

[Ninja Dude]

The Years of Many Meetings​

Spoiler :

The first words uttered by King David to the exploring Abyssinians. Truely he is a role model for us all.

The kingdom to the north was ruled by a man named David, a man that claims to have slain a great warrior. His air of superiority was like a terrible stench to the Abyssinians, his next word more annoying than the last. He constantly displayed how powerful and rich he was to diplomats. But nothing he could do would impress them, mostly due to his kingdom being far inferior to Abyssinia.

But the diplomats and traders from Abyssinia bit their tongues and didn't interupt David's displays of power. But the relationship between the two peoples was cold, and the Abyssinians and Israelites would always belittle each other's achievments.

But for a while they tolerated each other, exchanging ideas and news of the world. But then, disaster struck at Thebes.

Spoiler :

Clearly Israel's fault.

Traders from Israel had brought disease and pests with them, killing many people, animals, and crops. While the many traders from Israel apologized and begged for forgivness, David himslef wouldn't show any remorse for those that had died. Instead he laughed on his thrown and sent a message to King Mesril VI:

"How dreadful that you lost so many people in Thebes. Surely you must be more careful who you let into your cities. If your people were any dimmer Thebes might have burned to the ground. Perhaps you should look at my great kingdom as an example of what you're supposed to do. I do not let my people suffer like you do."

These words stung Mesril VI, and everyone aorund him feared what he might do next. But slowly he calmed down like a dying fire, until he wore a small smirk on his face. Many pondered what he was thinking, and many thought he may have gone insane in anger. But this was not insanity, but revenge.

A week after receiving the message from King David, Mesril VI issued the Ban of Israel. He proclaimed that no large group of Israelites could come into Abyssinia at all. Not even caravans would be allowed into Abyssinia's borders. Many Israelites were driven away from abyssinia or put to death. It was truely a terrible sight to behold.

But over time the Ban's grip on the borders loostened, and people from Israel could once again come to Abyssinia. But many were still disliked by the mojority of people in Abyssinia, and they were often acused of crimes they did not commit. It is said that when he died, Mesril VI cursed Israel with his last breath.

Unfortenatly for Mesril VI, his son Mesris was much kinder to the people of Israel. And while he still honored his father's wishes and maintained the Ban, he was much less cruel to the Israelites and tried to heal the hurts between the two people.

Mesris also enjoyed exploring the jungles and lands around his kingdom and would send men off in search of other peoples. Much to Mesris's dismay, this rarely lead to contact with friendly people, and the explorers often ran into trouble. One group was exploring the the northwest when they came to a massive body of water. They called it the Sea of Mesris in honor of their king.

Spoiler :

I think they found something...

But that's not all the men found in the north. Barbarians were attacking what seemed like a friendly and peaceful tribe further west. The explorers decided to help the peaceful tribe, easily defeating the barbarians. However, who they just saved was no tribe, but another civilization...

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Sorry but I'll have to end this update short. Imageshack is acting stupid.

 

[ace_3399]

Cool this was the one that came with PTW. Keep it up!