Journey to the West in search of visitors!

[Carolus Maltman]

While the wagons head east, a small band of our fleetest young men have decided to follow the shores of the Mosel to the west. We heard from some villagers to the northwest that they had seen some people with an Orange flag - but they are not of us. And others talk of a powder blue. I'm not sure what to believe at this point - the shamans say they are forest spirits. But we need to find out.

Here is the latest report from Louis, the head of the scouting party:

"The seemingly impenetrable jungles south of us seem to thin out, and we have found some more hilly and clear land. As we head over the crest to some more jungle, we have stumbled upon the wagons of some of those people with the orange flags. They dress differently, and seem to be looking for a new place to settle. Should we approach them, my lord? They do not yet seem hostile, and I'm not certain they have seen us, so we could disengage. Awaiting your orders, Louis."

So the people have seen true. I will send one of my cousins, the silver-tongued Pepin, to communicate with these new people and find out what they call themselves, and what their inventions are.

[Carolus Maltman]

Before Pepin could reach the band of nomads looking for a home, they were gone. We have yet to see them again as they disappeared into the jungle.

Nor have we seen the powder blue standards again. As night sets by the palace, this seems like a dark and impenetrable jungle. At least we have found ways to hunt the large creatures that live within it.

But Louis had more interesting news to share:

"Sire, as we follow the upper reaches of the Mosel after losing sight of the other people, the river turns south. The jungle is still very thick, with only the occasional clearing. But as we ventured deeper we began to see signs of people having been there. And lo and behold, in one clearing we came across some kind of outpost. Their people shouted to us, telling us to stay away from their livestock along the river. I did not want to start a confrontation, so we have reversed course. This is our first contact and you told me to tread lightly in such an event.

But of course, I knew you would want to know more about our neighbours, so they said they follow their High Priest, that they have claimed these jungle lands by the river - which they call by a different name, and we are not welcome here.

We have since turned back north, because we have had enough of these dark jungles, and would rather give these warlike peoples a wide berth."

Interesting tidings indeed. With their warlike stance, I don't feel comfortable sending a relative to communicate with them. But I do believe we should try and establish trade and communication with other peoples. But they can keep their jungles - we have enough. What kind of people would live deeper in the jungles than us? They are a vile and pestilent place.
I will have to think on this for a while.

[Carolus Maltman]

The scouts turned back north, and they found the orange flags! And not just those of a wayward scouting party, but one settlement, and then another to the west. We hear these people call themselves the sons of Carthage. They have not yet seen fit to send out communications, but their warriors pass near our lands as well.

I'll send out my own warriors in a show of might, to ensure they do not see us as weak.

I must protect my people, and find a way to defend us from these outsiders if the need arises.

[Carolus Maltman]

Our scouts have found a third Carthaginian settlement on the coast, and ventured all the way up the coast to the borders of a land called America. They sit next to the Greeks, but to this point they have all been silent.

Why are these people so quiet? Or maybe they speak with their minds like the Dokkos, but we are unable to hear them?

Time to get back to the fletching. I don't know what to think of these neighbours.

[AFsoccer]

Your Majesty,

On behalf of Queen Dido, we again offer our hand in peace, trade, and mutual prosperity.  It concerns my Queen that refused two offers of an open border so that our two people may trade openly and learn about each others culture.  If there is something in which our Queen can do for you, please advise and I shall bring back your requests when I return to Tyre Nova.

The Carthaginian people also want to bring to your attention that the Cuzcan people answer to a new ruler and have declared themselves the Grendal City States.  We have yet to open a dialogue with the new ruler, who we believe is called Grendal, as he has no embassy for us to call upon.  We share this information now and will undoubtedly update you if we make contact with our new neighbors.

[Carolus Maltman]

Thank your majesty for her benevolence, and news of our southern neighbours and their internal instability. We will send our emissaries through the Tuskan jungles to understand the new situation.

[AFsoccer]

You are most welcome.