The Kingdom of Kann

[theDragon]

* Writer’s Note *
I decided that after a few games of horrible power struggles, I would familiarize myself with Civ3 with a Tiny Planet with Three enemies. This was only my fourth full game, and I still didn’t know all the ropes yet so I wanted to play one through to learn the bare minimum. (A lot of help came from this site, which I greatly appreciated!)
And even though my Civilization was actually Germany, I renamed all the aspects to make it more personalized for such a shorter game.
Hope you enjoy my story! I enjoyed creating it!


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The Kingdom of Kann
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-King Kahnn-
From his Palace, King Kahnn could see the heart of his Kingdom. To the south, the great city of Kehnt was dwarfed by the two looming mountains that stood tall by it. These two mountains created the Kehnt Pass, where years ago Kahnn’s father defeated an army of barbarians. The King could also see the city of Torin to the north, and the city of Jerim to the southeast. And although he could not see past the Eastern Kann Mountain range, he knew that behind it nestled safely the city of Beyre.
He looked out at his kingdom pleased. It was the largest nation the area had ever seen. Not even the French or Chinese nations were so extended. The Chinese sat looming in the south of the Kingdom. And the French rested to the northeast. The weak yet dangerous Aztecs settled the lands most southeast of the Kingdom, past Chinese lands.
The King Kahnn ended his view of his realm as he turned to return to his office. There he was met by his foreign minister and advisor, “Sire, the French are requesting an audience with you. I believe they wish to buy or trade for some of our Dyes.”
“Good.” Kahnn said calmly, sitting on his large comfortable chair. “and I trust you have spoken to the Chinese about their convoys and troop parties?”
“Yes sir,” the advisor said, placing a peace of parchment on the King’s desk, “they have agreed not to encroach on the border any further, but they did demand of you to ‘resist your paranoia’. They then dismissed me.”
“Paranoia is a blind man’s calling for action. I know what they want. It’s our unclaimed western lands. They also want to shift the balance of power here in the west. I’m not a fool. I will not allow that to happen.”

[theDragon]

-Kannan Relations-
The foreign ambassador to France stepped nimbly into the King’s chamber. At the moment the Domestic Advisor was with the King, and the ambassador did not want to interrupt. But coolly, the King waved his hand to signal the ambassador over to him.
“I just don’t want to see those people in Vehn and Bwore to starve. Get to work out there as soon as you can. Start building up some Temples too to improve our relations with the people out on the border.” The King was saying as the ambassador walked up to the desk.
“Yes my lord.” The advisory gathered what few papers he had and left the chamber. The King stood with a smile on his face to greet the French ambassador.
“Ambassador Jean Paul! How are you?” the King said inviting him to sit.
“I’ve had a long vacation from your beautiful lands to speak with my Queen, my good King. And we have a proposal for your Kingdom you may want to look into.” Jean Paul had a smile on his face as he handed the King the proposal.
“Gems for Dyes?” the King asked. “Doesn’t seem like a bad offer. Espcially coming from my ever trustful friends the French.” The King’s face gave way to another smile. “Yes. This seems like a good deal, tell your Queen that her first shipment is with you on your journey home.”
“Yes sir.”
Suddenly, just before the ambassador arrived, another man stepped in. He looked a little more worn than anyone else that had walked through those doors in the past days. The King, not losing a beat in his last statements to the ambassador, addressed the young man by name without even needing to remember it.
“Captain Tremond!” the young rusty looking man walked to the King.
“Your highness.” Tremond said, bowing slightly. “What do I earn the extreme honor of an audience?
“It is I that is honored Tremond.” The King said. “You’ve mapped this entire continent’s coastline, and now I have a job for you, if you’re interested.”
“For my King I am interested in anything.” Tremond said with a grin.
“Good. I want you to take a group of settlers to find the rumored island in the western waters.” Tremond nodded, knowing the rumor. “I want you to set up a city there where you believe it will be more fruitful.”
“What’s the payment my Lord? Other than the honor of serving my King and Country?” the grin grew to being a smile. But Tremond would not leave any agreement without knowing what he was to get in return.
“For your services I would be willing to give you 500 gold pieces. And you could, if you choose have the honor of naming the colony after yourself. Interested still?”
“Yes. When do I set off?”

-Growing Shadows-
“Sir.” The foreign advisor ran into the King’s chamber. “The Chinese have pulled away from our agreement of wines!”
“Discontinue payments of gold now.” Kahnn said, looking up.
“I have already given that order sire. Do you know why this is happening?”
“Not the immediate cause, but I do believe that our friend Mao is showing his teeth. Did you hear of the Spearmen legion attempting to cross the Jerim lands?” the King asked of his advisor.
“Yes sir. I did. They were sent back to the border, and hour later the crossed only to meet our Horsemen. They were sent back and second time and have stayed at the border since.”
“That makes me uneasy. I don’t like anyone moving units through my realm. They apparently got extremely angry that they were denied to pass. That may be what lead to this end to trade. Then again, maybe Mao just didn’t have a good season in his vineyards. Either way I don’t like it. I have ordered General Gueven to Jerim. He will begin construction of an army of Knights.”
“Sir?” the advisor looked confused and frightened in the same instant. “Are you going to risk open war?”
“I may have no choice. China has been violating our borders and our agreements for many years. I cannot allow it to continue. If a war on China is to where fate is to take us, then that is what I will prepare for.”
“But, my lord, the Chinese army could turn our eastern lands to rubble! Castle Ian and Verin are not equipped to stand off an invading army!” the foreign minister looked at the map on Kahnn’s desk and knew it was a possibility – War with China.
“I’m going to summon my Military Advisors and Generals here. If you and I fail to negotiate with Mao and his Chinese Empire, we will be forced to engage him off the diplomatic table.”

[SKILORD]

Reminds me of my first story.

Reminds me, almost eerily, of my first story.

This has a great deal of potential, and I wish you the greatest luck in its composition.

[SKILORD]

I don't mean the 'First Story' bit as an insult, by the way, my first story was perfectly good. It showed potential, just as this one does.

[theDragon]

I didnt take it as an insult it makes me feel better actually! and thanks for your imput! I always enjoy to hear what people think of my work! My only problem thus far is being unable to post my Screenshots to give yall a map to see. But anywho, Heres my next installment:

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-Sizing for War-
All of Kann’s most known and feared Generals and Military leaders were all in one room. Kahnn stood at the center of this circle of leaders. A large map now was posted behind Kahnn’s desk on the wall. It showed the known Chinese lands. The leaders had mapped out the most destructive route for a successful invasion of the Chinese lands.
“If we take Shanghai early,” General Gueven was saying, “then we will be able to station reinforcements and injured troops there for the assault on Beijing.”
“Beijing is the key. It is the heart of the Chinese Empire, gentlemen.” King Kahnn said. Pointing strongly to the Chinese capital city. “If we tear out the heart of the beast, it will fall to the ground bleeding without any further strikes required.”
“What is the major importance of Beijing?” General Thop asked.
“Beijing is the nerve center as it is the capital,” Kahnn began, “but furthermore, it holds control of the only luxury wines and resource Iron that the Chinese Empire has. If we take Beijing, we take those valuable resources, which we add to our own as theirs dry up. They will have nothing to barter with, and nothing to build swords and weapons with.”
“When Beijing falls, with it so does the Chinese Empire.” General Gueven added.
King Kahnn waited for all the men in the room to gather their thoughts, then he spoke once again. “Once Beijing is conquered, we may end the war. No use wasting more life when it is not required. At that point the Chinese will be damaged beyond repair, and they will not attempt to wrong us again.”
“General Gueven will be Commander of the Jerim Forces. He is in command of the invasion if invasion is where we are lead. General Theth will join him in Jerim after he has assembled a division of Knights in Torin. The rest of you,” Kahnn turned looking at the hole of his military geniuses, “Will be sent to respective border cities to stage resistance and defense if the need should arise.”
“Yes sir.” They said in unison.

-The Nanking Situation-

The city was calm, and dark in the night’s moonlight. Few walked through the streets. On this night, a conflict within the city would be resolved. A few blocks from the city’s barracks, there was one house still brightly lit. Inside wear a crowd of people, filling every space on the floor. The light cascaded through the people, swimming between the bodies as it burned.
In the center of this mob, was a man, he stood on a table so that all could see him, “People of Nanking!” he began boomingly, “Too long have we been denied our needs! As our ‘great emperor’ spends hundreds on his own city, we are left to be nothing more than a mere trading hub.
“Granted that we have been prosperous with what we have, but our Emperor denies us proper care such as a granary and aqueduct to expand! Our city is becoming far too crowded and people are starving!” he paused for dramatic effect, “Yet still our Emperor Mao does nothing! He sits in his Palace that WE have built for him! And he gives nothing back!!! Let us shed this apathetic leader and send his armed gaurds back to Beijing crying!”
“But Wei! How are we to be able to fend for ourselves? Mao will simply bring an army here and enforce marshal law! What do we do then?” someone from the crowd said, speaking for the group’s worries.
“We can join the Kingdom of Kann!” a gasp ran through the room. Kann had always been a rival of China’s and the thought spooked them. But with the kindness and care that Kahnn and his rule have given to the people even eastward, did entice them.
Suddenly, the door burst open and three Chinese guards immediately barged in. They through people aside like rags, as more guards appeared in the doorway. After the moment of collective shock, the mob exploded into a frenzy. With overwhelming numbers soon the group of Spearmen guards were on the ground being stomped by the people above them.
The mob now poured into the street like liquid from a container, with the weapons they stole from the Spearmen group, they marched on to the barracks.

*Kann*
“Sir, a Chinese city has overthrown it’s governor and wishes to join the Kingdom… what have you?” the foreign advisor asked of Kahnnn as he walked in.
“Let them join! Send in General Theth from Castle Ian to quell the situation and to install a new governor!”
“Yes sir!”
As the King walked into the hall to be met by his domestic advisor. “Sire, Captain Tremond has successfully set up a colony on the rumored island. He sends word of an iron source that he captured and has begun mining.”
“Excellent.” Kahnn said buttoning his shirt and walking into the Grand Hall, where now hundreds of nobles and wealthy monarchs all mingled together. “This day just keeps on giving me great news!”

[Paddy]

This is very enjoyable.

I like your prelude, really set the scene.

Keep it up

[unscratchedfoot]

Very nice. I'd say it is actually a helluva lot better than Skilord's material.

[vovan]

This is, indeed, good stuff, theDragon.

You can attach images to your posts. When you click the "post reply" button, there is an option to put in an attachment in there somewhere. jpg images, for instance, will show up after the posts exactly as images, as opposed to download links. Screenies always add to a story like this, so I hope you figure it out soon.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Nice start Dragon, good plot so far. The thing that makes a story is that, I must come back and see what happens next! factor.

Well, I must come back and see what happens next! so well done to you.

[theDragon]

This was the King's plan to invade China if the need should arise:

[vovan]

I JPGed this baby for ya so people could see it easier, theDragon.

[Paddy]

Go get em...

Looking forward to more...

[vovan]

Really, how about another installment of this, Dragon?

[theDragon]

Sorry about that, I've been swamped with crap from school but another installment will be posted within the next day or so. :-)

[theDragon]

*Writers Note*
Sorry again for the wait. Heres the next installment hope you like it!

-Ominous Powers-
*Canton, China*

“The Kannans are becoming far too powerful. I think we can both agree upon that, can’t we?” Emperor Mao said, sitting down on the chair across from the Aztec Warrior Chief Montezuma.
“Yes. And they have seized control of the major resources in the area! They hold control of the entire supply of Iron except what you have in Beijing, and that will not last us long.”
“Yes… resources…” Mao looked down at the old map that was on the table. “If we could take Beyre, Andres, and Castle Ian, we would be able to take two sources of Iron and secure a good location for any further invasions.”
“Yes, and according to this map, once we have Beyre we could send troops through the mountains to sack Kann! From there Torin and Kehnt aren’t far!”
“Now now, Montezuma we don’t want to spread our forces too thin. We hardly have any military units as it is. And we must think about protecting my cities as well. Kahnn would most likely send his armies through Jerim to attack Shanghai. There aren’t enough troops in the eastern Kannan cities to worry me, but Jerim seems to be increasing its supply of armed units.”
“What of Nanking?”
“Nanking must be liberated at all costs, then we can concentrate our forces on Beyre and Ian. Those revolutionists were nothing more than Kannan spies and if I allow Nanking to fall to the Kingdom of Kann, then more will follow. And I cannot afford to allow that to happen.”
They continued to look over the map until finally Mao raised his head and asked, “How soon can you have troops at Shanghai and Nanking?”
“Soon.” A smile crept onto the both of the men’s faces.
“Good.”

[theDragon]

The Chinese Plot for Kann

[theDragon]

-Dawn of War-

“Sire.” Kahnn’s foreign advisor just stepped into his bedroom, which meant something was terribly wrong. “I have information that Mao held a meeting with Montezuma a few short days ago! I also have been informed that there has been an order to the Chinese ambassador that he must return home immediately.”
“Damn! That means we haven’t much time before Mao and his Aztecan dogs are stepping onto our soil!” Kahnn rushed the rest of his clothes on and ran with his advisor from him bedroom.
“The ambassador to China has been seized, but he has stated that he knows nothing of a pending invasion or any hostilities between our borders.”
“Well whatever the case get what you can from him.” The King said, moving swiftly to his throne room. There, two Commanders, both stationed in the City of Kann itself met him at the door. “You,” the King pointed to one of the Commanders, “Get on horseback now and get the message to General Gueven to order his invasion of China!”

-Shanghai Falls-

*Jerim*
General Gueven looked out at the pouring rain. The rain hit his makeshift tent like hail. His Captains stood around him, overlooking the sketch of the City of Shanghai. Four divisions of Swordsmen and six divisions of Knights were under Gueven’s command, and he had already planned where they would all stand on the battlefield.
“The swordsmen will make to the wimpy city walls and scale them with ladders and our ropes. The Knights will keep off any counterattack during this critical stage. After the swordsmen are on the other side, their orders are simple: open the gates. We Knights will take care of the city once the gates are open.” Gueven said, pointing to the city gates.
He looked out into the downpour again, then back at his Captains. “This is the Dawn of a War between two very powerful rulers and nations. We must win Shanghai, or the rest of our advances may be stalled here. Shanghai will fall.” The Captains nodded their heads in understanding and all made way out of the tent to their horses and their command posts.
The mud was already thick, and the sky was dark blue. The Knights and swordsmen crashed over the hills of Jerim and the borders of China. Shanghai was already well lit and ready.
When General Gueven reached the point from the city where he was beginning to see the shapes of men on the walls, he saw the archers raising their bows to the sky. “ARROWS!!!” he screamed to his men. Shields instantly rose to cover from the barrage. Some arrows however got through, and men fell from Gueven’s right and left.
The city was becoming larger now, and the enemy soldiers’ outlines became clearer. The walls were before him and his men, most of the swordsmen were still trudging through the deep mud, and many were falling to arrows still. The few that made it to the wall hoisted from one of the horses a tall ladder, and set it against the wall. Seconds later three more ladders were up and men were climbing them toward the enemy.
Chinese archers aimed downward now, at the individuals coming at them. Some men on the ladders used dead partners as shields rather than throwing them down to the ground. General Gueven sat nervously at the bottom of this slaughter, waiting to see the gates open.
He was unaware of how well his troops were doing on the wall. The rain thumped loudly against his armor. He saw a number of men on their backs, fallen from the ladders, who could not get themselves back up because of the suction created by their armor in the mud. Gueven speculated dismounting and helping them, but they stopped moving before he was able to even ride to them, drowning in the mud.
He heard the clanks of swords and shields; he heard the rain crashing onto the armor and onto the puddles of mud. He heard the screams of those still dying, and saw those who were thrown from the top of the wall.
But then, to his joy, he saw the gates slowly opening! Almost instantaneously there were four of his Knights underneath the still rising metal barrier. The Knights began to wreck havoc on the interior of the city now, disrupting the ground troops that once felt safe. Soon Gueven was under and with them. He swung his sword into standing troops as he passed. And felt the impact of his sword to their armor, or sometimes, to their bone.
Soon after, the Chinese troops turned and made a full retreat into the city, hoping to escape the invaders. Gueven’s Knights looked at him questioningly, the rain exploding on their bloodstained helmets.
“Get them!” Gueven yelled over the rain and screams.
The Knights turned in pursuit of the fleeing, and Gueven surveyed his position. Most of his swordsmen had fallen, but a good number was still standing before him. His Knights were now to finish off the rest of the armed guards, and he was sure that the city was going to pose no threat to their occupation. Shanghai had fallen.

[Paddy]

My apologies, for leaving this several weeks. Like where you are going with this, and great pic...

any more please