NationStates Jolt Archive

His Holiness Dalai Lama Tsultrim Gyatso has issued the following decree.


The Glorious Nation of Tibet, which was previously closed to the outside world, is now curious of the other nations in the world. However, to preserve the Tibetan culture and ways of life, the following will be created.
*A foreign zone will be created in the city of Lhasa specifically for the foreign peoples to be entering.
*The foreign zone will measure 1 li by 2 li (.5 kilometre by 1 kilometre).
*All foreign business will be held in the foreign zone.
*All foreigners will not be able to leave the foreign zone under penalty of death. However, Tibetans may enter and leave the foreign zone as they please.
*All foreign peoples entering Tibet are in transit. They will not be able to leave their respective vehicles under penalty of death.
*In order for the Tibetan people to gain access to foreign knowledge, foreigners are asked to create schools to educate the Tibetan people.

When the message was received in the Portuguese possession of Calcutta it was promptly shown to Prince Afonso who was in the city at the time. He decided to travel himself to Lhasa to meet the Tibetans and several days after the message was received a party set out from Calcutta consisting of several hundred Portuguese colonists and roughly 50 soldiers to guard them and the Prince. Some went only because of a sense of adventure, a desire to see a part of the world untouched by Europeans, while some went to escape the hot and humid lowlands climate of Calcutta. Several dozen priests and nuns came along too, to open up a school in Lhasa where they might teach Tibetans to read and write using the Latin alphabet and also spread the word of god. They would go via Gangtok and the Mohan Pass which was almost directly north of Calcutta, but even so would take several weeks to make it to Lhasa.

OOC- Do you want to meet each other?

OOC: Meet in Lhasa? Of course, Prince Afonso will meet with you upon arrival.

OOC: RP his arrival, please

While the main caravan was still two days out, Prince Afonso and several selected guards rode out ahead to Lhasa to meet the Dalai Lama and make arrangements for the settling of the Portuguese settlers in the foreign zone. Upon arrival to Lhasa, he made his way to the abode of the Dalai Lama and prepared to introduce himself.

While the main caravan was still two days out, Prince Afonso and several selected guards rode out ahead to Lhasa to meet the Dalai Lama and make arrangements for the settling of the Portuguese settlers in the foreign zone. Upon arrival to Lhasa, he made his way to the abode of the Dalai Lama and prepared to introduce himself.

A group of thirteen men carrieng monks spades sorrunded the men before they got near to Potala Palace and yelled,
"Halt! Who are you twoand what is your buisness with the Dalai Lama?"

Noting the Caucausian features on the men, one said,
"And where are you from?"

"I am Prince Afonso of Portugal, which is the westernmost country of continental Europe. I have heard that the Dalai Lama has allowed for a foreign zone to be set up in Lhasa and I wish to speak with him about that. Two days journey behind me are several hundred Portuguese settlers who will wish to reside in the foreign zone and open schools here. Will you ask the Dalai Lama if I may have an audience with him?"

"I am Prince Afonso of Portugal, which is the westernmost country of continental Europe. I have heard that the Dalai Lama has allowed for a foreign zone to be set up in Lhasa and I wish to speak with him about that. Two days journey behind me are several hundred Portuguese settlers who will wish to reside in the foreign zone and open schools here. Will you ask the Dalai Lama if I may have an audience with him?"

"I am sorry, but the Dalai Lama is currently in prayer and meditation, and will not like to be disturbed. However, you may be escorted into a room and wait for the time being.", one of the guards said.

"I am sorry, but the Dalai Lama is currently in prayer and meditation, and will not like to be disturbed. However, you may be escorted into a room and wait for the time being.", one of the guards said.
Prince Afonso was a little put off at being asked to wait, but he was determined to start off Portuguese relations with Tibet on a good note so he accepted their offer to wait.

Prince Afonso was a little put off at being asked to wait, but he was determined to start off Portuguese relations with Tibet on a good note so he accepted their offer to wait.

A young man in red robes with a shaved head came and lead them. They were lead into a red room with gold inlay on the walls. There were several pillows on the wooden floor, all around a table with some bould on it.

"Please sit", the man said.

He left, and came back with a teapot and filled all of the bowls to the brim with a beige looking liquid.

Prince Afonso sipped some of the drink to be courteous and found that it didn't taste horrible. He drank some more and continued to wait hoping that the Dalai Lama would be ready to see him soon.

Prince Afonso sipped some of the drink to be courteous and found that it didn't taste horrible. He drank some more and continued to wait hoping that the Dalai Lama would be ready to see him soon.

The monk poured some more into the drink,
"Thank you. Butter tea. It was made just an hour ago. The Dalai Lama should be finished shortly."

"Thank you for the tea, I have tried green tea in Calcutta before, but never have I had butter tea until now. Is it a Tibetan specialty?"

"Thank you for the tea, I have tried green tea in Calcutta before, but never have I had butter tea until now. Is it a Tibetan specialty?"

"Yes, it is. It is very simple; tea, yak's butter, and salt is all it takes."

As the man poured some more the door opened. A man in his fifties wearing crimson and saffron robes walked in. The monk poured some tea in another bowl and bowed deeply. The man bowed back and bowed at the Portuguese and sat down.

The man said in a calm, whispy, voice,
"Hello travelers. I am Tsultrim Gyatso, the Dalai Lama of Tibet. What brings you here?"

"Yes, it is. It is very simple; tea, yak's butter, and salt is all it takes."

As the man poured some more the door opened. A man in his fifties wearing crimson and saffron robes walked in. The monk poured some tea in another bowl and bowed deeply. The man bowed back and bowed at the Portuguese and sat down.

The man said in a calm, whispy, voice,
"Hello travelers. I am Tsultrim Gyatso, the Dalai Lama of Tibet. What brings you here?"
"I am very honored to meet you, Dalai Lama. I was in Calcutta when news of your desire to open a foreign zone in Lhasa reached my ears. I have come to see if it is possible for several hundred Portuguese citizens to settle in the foreign zone and open businesses and schools to teach you of our culture."

"I am very honored to meet you, Dalai Lama. I was in Calcutta when news of your desire to open a foreign zone in Lhasa reached my ears. I have come to see if it is possible for several hundred Portuguese citizens to settle in the foreign zone and open businesses and schools to teach you of our culture."

"I hear that you want to set up in the foreign zone. Will it be a bother if I get a little off topic and you tell me about Portugal, the place of Europe, and yourself? You are the ruler of this Portugal kingdom, right?"

"I hear that you want to set up in the foreign zone. Will it be a bother if I get a little off topic and you tell me about Portugal, the place of Europe, and yourself? You are the ruler of this Portugal kingdom, right?"
"Actually I am a Prince of Portugal, the second son of the current King João IV, so unless both the King and the first born son die I do not become ruler, although frankly I much prefer the freedom of not having to rule. Portugal is on the far western edge of the Eurasian landmass that Tibet is near the center of and it is a country in Europe the continent on the western end of this landmass that is roughly 3 times as big as the whole of Cathay. Of course Portugal occupies only a small amount of this area on the westernmost peninsula, which we share with a country called Spain. Even though our land area is small we have over 2 million people living there most of whom have pale skin like me and the rest of Europe. And I don't know if you have heard of the New World, but Portugal has a colony of the southern continent of the New World, along with a colony in Africa and three trading posts in India where I have just came from. In Portugal we mostly speak Portuguese a language, like many other European languages, that is based off the ancient language of Latin, the alphabet of which we use to write. I was lucky enough to learn some of your language from a traveling Tibetan monk in Calcutta who taught me some words and phrases and I have picked up some more on the way here, but you must excuse me for any slip-ups. Most Portuguese people are Roman Catholics, which is a branch of Christianity, although if you wish to learn more about our religion it would be best if you spoke to our religious people whom we call 'monks' and 'nuns'."

-snip-

"That was very enlightening. Finally, about this Europe, do you rule it all or are there other people that I would like to meet. I would love to have many more nations having a presence in Tibet. I want to learn of the other people in the world. For too many years, we have been focused inwards."

"That was very enlightening. Finally, about this Europe, do you rule it all or are there other people that I would like to meet. I would love to have many more nations having a presence in Tibet. I want to learn of the other people in the world. For too many years, we have been focused inwards."
"There are many nations in Europe such as the Nordic Empire or the Imperial Kingdom of Gataway and in fact two of my sisters have been promised in marriage to rulers of these countries. One to a Prince of the Nordic Empire and one to the Empire of Nova-Byzantia. Most of these countries also have colonies throughout the New World and Africa and most also use the Latin alphabet and follow Christianity. I could perhaps ask some of these other nations to send emissaries here also, although I cannot guarantee they will want to come."

"There are many nations in Europe such as the Nordic Empire or the Imperial Kingdom of Gataway and in fact two of my sisters have been promised in marriage to rulers of these countries. One to a Prince of the Nordic Empire and one to the Empire of Nova-Byzantia. Most of these countries also have colonies throughout the New World and Africa and most also use the Latin alphabet and follow Christianity. I could perhaps ask some of these other nations to send emissaries here also, although I cannot guarantee they will want to come."

"I sent one to the Nordic Empire, I have recieved no responce back. If you can, talk to both of the nations about sending diplomats to Tibet. Until then, let's talk about what you will do here.", the Dalai Lama said, taking a sip of tea.

"I sent one to the Nordic Empire, I have recieved no responce back. If you can, talk to both of the nations about sending diplomats to Tibet. Until then, let's talk about what you will do here.", the Dalai Lama said, taking a sip of tea.
"Yes as I said earlier, several hundred Portuguese citizens wish to settle in this new foreign zone. Most wish to open up businesses here, although there are also several dozen monks and nuns that would like to open up a school that Tibetans will be able to attend without cost. There they will teach Portuguese, Latin and how to read and write in the Latin alphabet along with teaching about Portuguese culture and Catholicism. Would that be okay?"

"Yes as I said earlier, several hundred Portuguese citizens wish to settle in this new foreign zone. Most wish to open up businesses here, although there are also several dozen monks and nuns that would like to open up a school that Tibetans will be able to attend without cost. There they will teach Portuguese, Latin and how to read and write in the Latin alphabet along with teaching about Portuguese culture and Catholicism. Would that be okay?"

"That seems fair. The problem is that I do not want to see the Tibetan language falling to another language. It needs to stay strong. We want people to know the Tibetan language also. About the religion, I think that very few Tibetans will goto this Catholocism, so that is no threat."

"That seems fair. The problem is that I do not want to see the Tibetan language falling to another language. It needs to stay strong. We want people to know the Tibetan language also. About the religion, I think that very few Tibetans will goto this Catholocism, so that is no threat."
"Our people are more than willing to learn Tibetan, perhaps several monks would be willing to teach several of our people whom could then teach the rest of the European arrivals. Then whenever dealing with Tibetans, we would be able to speak Tibetan."

"Our people are more than willing to learn Tibetan, perhaps several monks would be willing to teach several of our people whom could then teach the rest of the European arrivals. Then whenever dealing with Tibetans, we would be able to speak Tibetan."

"Thank you. That would be good. Let me show you the area."

He stood up and walked next to a window.
"There are several buildings over there, past that is a large field. That is the foreign zone,that field and those empty buildings, two full li. If you need more space, we will zone some more land."

"Thank you. That would be good. Let me show you the area."

He stood up and walked next to a window.
"There are several buildings over there, past that is a large field. That is the foreign zone,that field and those empty buildings, two full li. If you need more space, we will zone some more land."
"That will certainly be more than suitable for the time being, we will establish our school in the currently empty buildings. Perhaps whomever wishes to help our settlers learn Tibetan could go there. But if there is nothing else you need to inform me of, then I must go to inform the settlers of our success in acquiring space and to begin construction of houses and other buildings."

"That will certainly be more than suitable for the time being, we will establish our school in the currently empty buildings. Perhaps whomever wishes to help our settlers learn Tibetan could go there. But if there is nothing else you need to inform me of, then I must go to inform the settlers of our success in acquiring space and to begin construction of houses and other buildings."

"No, that is very acceptable.", the Dalai Lama bowed and walked off.

OOC- the foireign zone is walled in, with two gates and one road going through the gates, a north gate and a south gate

The Dalai Lama uses his Buddhist awesomeness to bump this thread.

The Dalai Lama uses his Buddhist awesomeness to bump this thread.

The Portuguese had been in the foreign zone for a month now and a large part of the formerly grassy field was covered by half-completed buildings. Roughly 500 Portuguese had come to Lhasa and the few existing buildings had not been nearly adequate, so construction had begun almost immediately. However the school had been set up and several of the Portuguese had begun to learn Tibetan. Those not teaching or working at the school were going into business, bringing in European goods and selling them to the Tibetans. Some grumbled about not being able to leave the foreign zone, but none were too dissapointed since being the only Europeans there they had a basic monopoly on foreign trade. And luckily none of the Portuguese had yet gotten into a fight with the Tibetans.

Can Alversian send a small expedition to Tibet?

Can Alversian send a small expedition to Tibet?

How many people is in this expedition, and does the leader of this group wish to meet the Dalai Lama.

How many people is in this expedition, and does the leader of this group wish to meet the Dalai Lama.

Lord Cavourna
8 x Aides/Bodyguards
4 x Cavalry escorts

And he would like to meet the Dalai Lama

Perhaps Alversia could take a joint meeting with my nation, Russia, we too would wish to have some time with the Dalia Lama but we understand his time is precious, two seperate meetings might be difficult on the ruler. I have dispatched an envoy of two priests, fifteen calvary scouts, one nun, two monks, fourty guards, my son and heir, Ivan V, three baggage trains, an astronomer, three scholars, two linguists, and one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Rodev. They have just set out from Kazan. Shall I tell them to keep going? Or is their presence unwanted?

Additionally we have a group of a hundred colonists, twenty merchants, fifty scholars and teachers, several members of the Russian clergy, and a few more ready to move to this newly created foriegn zone, right away.

Lord Cavourna
8 x Aides/Bodyguards
4 x Cavalry escorts

And he would like to meet the Dalai Lama

He is welcome to have a meeting with the Dalai Lama, where settlemants in the Foreign Zone will be discussed, among other things.

Perhaps Alversia could take a joint meeting with my nation, Russia, we too would wish to have some time with the Dalia Lama but we understand his time is precious, two seperate meetings might be difficult on the ruler. I have dispatched an envoy of two priests, fifteen calvary scouts, one nun, two monks, fourty guards, my son and heir, Ivan V, three baggage trains, an astronomer, three scholars, two linguists, and one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Rodev. They have just set out from Kazan. Shall I tell them to keep going? Or is their presence unwanted?

Additionally we have a group of a hundred colonists, twenty merchants, fifty scholars and teachers, several members of the Russian clergy, and a few more ready to move to this newly created foriegn zone, right away.

Due to the fact that much of the Dalai Lama's time is spent in prayer and meditation, and the rest of his time to actually ruling the nation of Tibet. The envoy will be welcome, we would like to send an envoy to the nation of Russia.

Coated in several layers of Russian furs, the young prince climbed the last mountain barring him from his destination, Lhasa. The air was thick and the snow stung at any exposed parts of his body. He panted as he conquered another ledge.

"Just a few more yards upwards my lord." Said one of the prince's escorts. Ivan, doubled over with his hands on his knees, glared up at the guard. He did not need this peasant thinking he was weak. With that he propelled himself upwards over another two ledges, fell to his knees, and scraped his leg. He forced himself up again and clammered up a final ledge.

Then, he was a top the snowy mountain, looking down at a lit city of stone and wood with smoke rising into the evening sky. The prince fell and laid in the snow for a moment.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Said Rodev, renowned Russian architech who was accompanying the envoy to impress himself on the Dalia Lama. Ivan did not reply. Why, oh why had he come on this expedition, he was cold, hungry, and tired all the time. The same guard who had urged the prince on earlier came to his side again,

"Sir, we're not prepared to spend another night in the wild, we must make for the city tonight." The prince grunted and then forced himself to his feet once again. He was used to a life of palace luxary, not living outdoors and mountaineering. He had passed through the deep Russian forrests, the steppes and deserts of the land of the Khazak and Turk, and over the frigid mountains of Tibet. Now he was within sight of his destination.

By nightfall the party had reached the great city. Ivan and his men were greeted at the gates by a group of Tibetan guards. In broken Russian one said,
"We have expecting you." Ivan nodded and they began up the cobble city streets toward the palace. After about half an hour of walking they reached a massive building, the guards nodded at Ivan again and he approached the great oak door. A man stepped out.
"I am here to see the Dalia Lama." He said with all the authority he could muster in his tired state. "I am Ivan V of Russia, here on business. Will he see us?"

Coated in several layers of Russian furs, the young prince climbed the last mountain barring him from his destination, Lhasa. The air was thick and the snow stung at any exposed parts of his body. He panted as he conquered another ledge.

"Just a few more yards upwards my lord." Said one of the prince's escorts. Ivan, doubled over with his hands on his knees, glared up at the guard. He did not need this peasant thinking he was weak. With that he propelled himself upwards over another two ledges, fell to his knees, and scraped his leg. He forced himself up again and clammered up a final ledge.

Then, he was a top the snowy mountain, looking down at a lit city of stone and wood with smoke rising into the evening sky. The prince fell and laid in the snow for a moment.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Said Rodev, renowned Russian architech who was accompanying the envoy to impress himself on the Dalia Lama. Ivan did not reply. Why, oh why had he come on this expedition, he was cold, hungry, and tired all the time. The same guard who had urged the prince on earlier came to his side again,

"Sir, we're not prepared to spend another night in the wild, we must make for the city tonight." The prince grunted and then forced himself to his feet once again. He was used to a life of palace luxary, not living outdoors and mountaineering. He had passed through the deep Russian forrests, the steppes and deserts of the land of the Khazak and Turk, and over the frigid mountains of Tibet. Now he was within sight of his destination.

By nightfall the party had reached the great city. Ivan and his men were greeted at the gates by a group of Tibetan guards. In broken Russian one said,
"We have expecting you." Ivan nodded and they began up the cobble city streets toward the palace. After about half an hour of walking they reached a massive building, the guards nodded at Ivan again and he approached the great oak door. A man stepped out.
"I am here to see the Dalia Lama." He said with all the authority he could muster in his tired state. "I am Ivan V of Russia, here on business. Will he see us?"

-snip-


A young woman in red robes and a shaved head said,
"He is finishing his evening meal. You may come in."


She lead Ivan and his entourage into the palace. There were many statues of the Buddha, and some other murals on the walls. The nun lead them through several passageways, until she made it to a small pagoda. There a man in his fifties with a shaved head and crimson and saffron robes was seated on a small pillow near a table. A monk laid dome pillows down and some ceramic bowls on the table, near the pillows. The monk filled them up with a beige liquid, and the man in the saffron and crimson robes too, as he just took a sip. The monk and the nun bowed in unison, the seated man bowed back. He the said,
"I am Dalai Lama Tsultrim Gyatso. Welcome, enjoy yourselves."

Ivan looked around his luxerious surroundings, amazed that such beauty could exist in the middle of such isolation.

"It is an honor to finally meet you," said Ivan "I have travelled a great distance to meet you. I am interested in opening a school here in Lhasa. To get an accurate view of Europe you must understand that not all kingdoms are like that of Portugal, who I believe you have already met. While Portugal is a small, prosperous state with thriving trade and a small population, Russia is a massive landmass in Eastern Europe, which is still very feudal. Fur, timber and the metals of the Urals are our primary exports. Like the Portuguese, we own colonies in Africa. We also own territories in Canada where the trade and climate is similar to that of our homeland. While the Portuguese write in Latin and are Catholics, we write in Russian, a mix of Norse, Tatar, Slavic, and several other languages, and worship a style of Christianity known as Russian Orthodox. To get a true picture of Europe and the Western world, you must look at all the different kinds of Europeans. We plan to open a school which teaches Russian reading, speaking, and writing, Russian/Greek Orthodox practices, and Russian culture, learning, and ideas, with your permission of course. I have brought with me several clergymen and women, some linguists, the famous Russian architect Rodev, an astronomer, and many other scholars, all of whom are willing to stay here and work with you. A party of colonists are on their way as we speak to come help us set up our school. We do have one condition though. After Rodev has designed the new school in classic Russian style, we ask he be able to return to Russia and to his family. All others are here to stay permanently as you asked. After learning about you and your city more, I will take my leave. I will leave half my guards (twenty men) to protect the school and take the rest with me back to Russia. All besides the twenty guards I am bringing along with me, my fifteen mounted scouts, and myself will stay.

-snip-

"Thank you, I do have some wishes for you." He took a sip and stood up.

"Some think of the penalties for leaving the foreign zone as barbaric. I need to say that I am doing this to both preserve the Tibetan culture and learn about new places, you understand? I want the Tibetan culture to be strong and prosper, not be eaten by a larger one. So can your schools teach the Russian language, and the Tibetan language. We can have both exist side by side, in harmony. Second, can you make your buildings built in traditional Russian architecture, I want to see what Russia is like, as I cannot go there myself. So build the school and temples like they do in Russia."

He took a sip of the drink and said with a laugh,
"Third, try the butter tea, it is very good and was made fresh upon news of your arrival."

Ivan picked up his cup gingerly, at first intending only to pretend to drink some of this odd liquid. But some of the butter tea accidently slipped through Ivan's lips and to his suprise, it tasted delicious.

"Tea you say?" Said Ivan. "We have no such thing in Russia, we'll have to change that." He said, chuckling for the first time in weeks. "I am willing to accept your harsh immigration laws if you are willing to make an exception in the case of Rodev, the architect. I see no problem in teaching Tibetan langauge and culture in our school. Along with my party of colonists, who should arrive sometime this month, I have a group of merchants coming to the city. Will they be allowed to enter and leave the city freely? I expect trade between us should thrive. As the No Tax Empire and Russia are the only nations who have constructed schools here, surely we should recieve some trade privileges." Ivan stopped to take another sip of tea. Just as good as the first. "Mhhm, we'll have to start importing this."

Ivan picked up his cup gingerly, at first intending only to pretend to drink some of this odd liquid. But some of the butter tea accidently slipped through Ivan's lips and to his suprise, it tasted delicious.

"Tea you say?" Said Ivan. "We have no such thing in Russia, we'll have to change that." He said, chuckling for the first time in weeks. "I am willing to accept your harsh immigration laws if you are willing to make an exception in the case of Rodev, the architect. I see no problem in teaching Tibetan langauge and culture in our school. Along with my party of colonists, who should arrive sometime this month, I have a group of merchants coming to the city. Will they be allowed to enter and leave the city freely? I expect trade between us should thrive. As the No Tax Empire and Russia are the only nations who have constructed schools here, surely we should recieve some trade privileges." Ivan stopped to take another sip of tea. Just as good as the first. "Mhhm, we'll have to start importing this."


"Hmmm. . . tea is a profitable item. Interesting, I will have to think on it, though. People can leave, but they must stay in their transport vehicle. this is improbable, so we really just want as few encounters with the local people outside of Lhasa as possible. We can contain foreign influences in Lhasa, but we want them as lessened as possible outside of Lhasa."

Prince Gaius Constantus, younger brother of the Nova Byzantine Emperor Alexandros Constantus and second in line to the throne by proxy... had never been more humbled in all of his life.

He had set out on this journey, after hearing word of the Dalai Lama's interest in other nations, in his usual regalia; Military uniform, all neat and done up with shiny medals and some well armed Cossack guards on horseback (he had been in Volgograd when he had set forth).

Said uniform was now under a thick leather tunic, a hooded wool cloak and his face was shielded from the harsh winds by a thick scarf. His guards shared the same predicament, and even had to walk on foot because the snow was too thick to ride through. (The horses had been left at a buddhist monastary just outside of the Tibeten border, those same monks had given them their new garments).

His ususually well kept hair had grown slightly, and had been bombarded with dirt and grime since they had been half-way through the Kazakh lands, the regions of his face not protected by his oh-so-precious scarf had not fared any better.

Forcing himself over the last ledge, Gaius let himself some time to catch his breath. He was physically fit (as it was tradition for males in the royal family to have some level of physical training), but he was still only a fifteen year old boy. He gazed down in awe upon the city, absolutely amazed that so many people could survive in this harsh environment.

He also saw, through the haze of the intensifying blizzard that someone had just been let through the gates.

Bearing this in mind, and thanking one of his guards for helping him to his feet, he continued his trek towards the gates.

OOC: It's entertaining reading your guys trek across mountains and all of Central Asia while for me to get there, it's a short journey from Northern India, through some relatively easy passes.

-snip-

A guard said,
"Sir, what is your business in Potala Palace?"

A guard said,
"Sir, what is your business in Potala Palace?"

Lowering his scarf so the guard could hear him clearly, Gaius replied; "I wish to speak with the Dalai Lama about the foreign zone, may I see him?"

Lowering his scarf so the guard could hear him clearly, Gaius replied; "I wish to speak with the Dalai Lama about the foreign zone he aims to set up in this city, may I see him?"

The guard said,
"Come on in."

As he opened the door to Potala Palace cold air and snow ruches in. The men tried to close it, pushoing it to the outside. A young woman in her mid-thirties with a shaved head and red robes on said in a camp, polite voice,
"The Dalai Lama is in meditation right now and cannot be bothered. May I lead you to a room where you may rest and warm up?"

The guard said,
"Come on in."

As he opened the door to Potala Palace cold air and snow ruches in. The men tried to close it, pushoing it to the outside. A young woman in her mid-thirties with a shaved head and red robes on said in a camp, polite voice,
"The Dalai Lama is in meditation right now and cannot be bothered. May I lead you to a room where you may rest and warm up?"

The offer of rest and warmth was like a godsend to the young prince and his men, he was almost thankful that the Dalai Lama was in meditation, as it gave him sufficient time to regain some feeling in his fingers, toes and various other bodyparts.

He nodded politely (if not tiredly) his acceptance to the kind woman and followed after her.

The offer of rest and warmth was like a godsend to the young prince and his men, he was almost thankful that the Dalai Lama was in meditation, as it gave him sufficient time to regain some feeling in his fingers, toes and various other bodyparts.

He nodded politely (if not tiredly) at the kind woman and followed after her.

She walked to a cooridor, and then opened a door. The room had a fire roaring in it. Whe walls were red with gold inlay in several Tibetan characters and also in an image of the Buddha There were several pillows arrainged arond a wooden table with ceramic bowls on it. She poured a steaming beige liquid into all of them, bowed, and said,
"Please sit."
OOC- 1 am going to bed now

She walked to a cooridor, and then opened a door. The room had a fire roaring in it. Whe walls were red with gold inlay in several Tibetan characters and also in an image of the Buddha There were several pillows arrainged arond a wooden table with ceramic bowls on it. She poured a steaming beige liquid into all of them, bowed, and said,
"Please sit."
OOC- 1 am going to bed now

Gaius gratefully took a seat (as did his bodyguards) and let out a tired sigh, he thanked the woman for her hospitality and lowered his hood.

Wiping the filth from his face, he eyed the liquid with a curious expression, though he'd wait until his host arrived before he touched it; he didn't want to risk offending him, afterall.

(OOC- G'night, man.)

After spending the day investigating the city and the No Taxes foriegn zone, still under construction, Ivan V returned to the Dalia Lama's mountain palace. Ivan had been shocked by the strange customs, language, and culture of these mountain people. How could such a civilization exist, and thrive, so deep in these frigid mountains?

The young prince approached the palace gates, the woman with the shaved head who had escorted him in yesterday opened the gates and showed him to a room with a warm fire and a low table with several cups of butter tea on it. Ivan chuckled. Then he turned to the hostess,

"When will the Dalia Lama be able to recieve us? I hope to wrap up negotiations today."

After spending the day investigating the city and the No Taxes foriegn zone, still under construction, Ivan V returned to the Dalia Lama's mountain palace. Ivan had been shocked by the strange customs, language, and culture of these mountain people. How could such a civilization exist, and thrive, so deep in these frigid mountains?

The young prince approached the palace gates, the woman with the shaved head who had escorted him in yesterday opened the gates and showed him to a room with a warm fire and a low table with several cups of butter tea on it. Ivan chuckled. Then he turned to the hostess,

"When will the Dalia Lama be able to recieve us? I hope to wrap up negotiations today."

Gaius simply blinked at the Russian man, obviously someone important by the way he was dressed. He could understand the importance of foreign affairs, but he didn't particularly like the idea of being ignored completely (though, he'd admit that being covered up in peasant's clothes didn't help).

"Take a seat, Russian." He said politely "We're waiting for him as well."

OOC: Sorry, I thought you might have been in a different palace chamber.

Ivan, jumped with a start, he had not noticed the young man in the corner of the room. The first thing he noticed was a golden, dangling chain around the man's neck.

"Hello," said Ivan, almost cautiously, "I recognize that cross. You are of the Greek Orthodox faith. As am I. Where do you call home and what is your business here?"

(OOC- I was planning on going along with that, but that'd pass up the chance for some good ol' character developement on both our parts)

"I have traveled from Volgograd, in southern Russia and I came to discuss the foreign zone" The boy replied with a smile "You may call me Gaius."

"I am Ivan V, joint heir to the throne of Russia, I set out from my home in Kazan a few months ago for the same reasons you have come here. The Dalia Lama and I have been in talks for the past few days, discussing the possibility of opening a school of Russian thought here in Lhasa." Ivan paused and took a sip of butter tea, the drink he had come to love during his stay in Tibet.

"So you hail from Nova Byzantium? Russia is not so different from your nation. We both are people of the steppe, we both worship Greek Orthodox, our cultures are similar. How is your emperor's invasion of Anatolia going? Word has reached Russia that he plans to set out for the land of the Turks on a campaign of conquest."

"The invasion of Turkey was actually the doing of the regent, Lord Seleuka." Gaius explained "I hear he has nearly overwhelmed the Turks in the west, but the Eastern Turks are proving to be a severe casualty multiplier."

He paused for thought, it couldn't hurt to let the Russian know of the news in Spain; he'd hear about it sooner or later.

"The Emperor himself is currently in Portugal helping King Afonso, his future brother-in-law, prepare for a war with Spain."

"A war on both sides of the Mediteranean?" Said Ivan, interested by this fresh news of Europe.

"You know it's interesting, are nations are neighbors back home yet we never comminicate, but here, on the far side of the world, in a deep mountain range, I am first exposed to your people. Would you be interested in changing this in the future? I know we've just met, but my father had mentioned trying to marry off one of my sisters to one of your kin to forge an alliance. Would you be interested?" Here Ivan paused.

"A war on both sides of the Mediteranean?" Said Ivan, interested by this fresh news of Europe.

"You know it's interesting, are nations are neighbors back home yet we never comminicate, but here, on the far side of the world, in a deep mountain range, I am first exposed to your people. Would you be interested in changing this in the future? I know we've just met, but my father had mentioned trying to marry off one of my sisters to one of your kin to forge an alliance. Would you be interested?" Here Ivan paused.

A slight chuckle escaped Gaius' lips, realizing that he'd failed to mention that he was infact, the Emperor's younger brother- And by proxy, the only eligable man left in the Nova Byzantine royal family.

But why spoil the fun?

"Well, the only available suitor for your sister would be the younger brother, but even then he is only a boy of fifteen years..." He answered with laughter in his eyes.

"It is custom in Russia not to marry until both bride and groom are at least sixteen. If your young prince is willing to wait a year, we could arrange a marriage between he and one of my sisters next spring." Ivan took another sip of butter tea then looked around the room some more.

"But tell me, you could not be more seventeen yourself. Why would your emperor send such a young man on such a dangerous journey?"

OOC: Sorry, I thought you might have been in a different palace chamber.


OOC: This will make some interesting RP

-snip-

OOC sry, I went out to eat

The woman with the shaved head and the red robes said, "He will be in shortly."

A door opened, a man n his fifties with a shaved head and crimson and saffron robes walked in he noticed Ivan from a previous visit and said,
"Ivan, what beings you here agsin?! And who is your friend that you have brought with you? Everyone is welcome here, of course."

Gaius was about ready to drop the bomb right there, but the appearance of the man whom he assumed to be the Dalai Lama demanded his immediate attention.

"I am Gaius of Nova Byzantia." he answered for himself, bowing his head respectfully "I had come to speak to you about the foreign zone when I met Ivan, we've been comparing cultures and exchanging news for the past few minutes."

Gaius was about ready to drop the bomb right there, but the appearance of the man whom he assumed to be the Dalai Lama demanded his immediate attention.

"I am Gaius of Nova Byzantia." he answered for himself, bowing his head respectfully "I had come to speak to you about the foreign zone when I met Ivan, we've been comparing cultures and exchanging news for the past few minutes."

"I am terribly sorry for the confusion. I am Thulstrim Gyatso, the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Please continue."

"Hello again your holiness, I returned because I was under the idea that we had unfinished business. Will my merchants be allowed to travel Tibet freely? If not, could we perhaps set up a trading post somewhere outside of Tibet where our merchants could meet? And Rebov will be able to leave after the construction of school, correct?" Ivan V stood up and walked to the window, sipping his tea.

"You have a beautiful city." He said quietly.

"Hello again your holiness, I returned because I was under the idea that we had unfinished business. Will my merchants be allowed to travel Tibet freely? If not, could we perhaps set up a trading post somewhere outside of Tibet where our merchants could meet? And Rebov will be able to leave after the construction of school, correct?" Ivan V stood up and walked to the window, sipping his tea.

"You have a beautiful city." He said quietly.

"Thank you.", he took a sipof his tea, the nun poured both of their glasses up to the top. "I was under the assumption that the foreign zone was the trading post in Tibet."

Seeing that Ivan had been here longer, Gaius found it only appropriate that he should be able to make his point first. So he sat attentively and listened quietly; afterall, if their earlier discussion was any indication, the two empires may be working very closely together in the future.

"From our last meeting I thought you were unhappy about the idea of Russian merchants coming and going. If your okay with doing my merchants doing that, then we have an agreement and I will take my leave." Ivan took another sip of butter tea and looked away from the window, back towards the Lama.

"From our last meeting I thought you were unhappy about the idea of Russian merchants coming and going. If your okay with doing my merchants doing that, then we have an agreement and I will take my leave." Ivan took another sip of butter tea and looked away from the window, back towards the Lama.

"I want them to have as little contact with the people as posssible, to contain foreign influences inside Lhasa as much as possible. You understand?"

"Of course, but I would like to know if there is anyway we can arrange trade between our peoples. Can you think of any solution to the dilemma? I suggested earlier our merchants meet outside our borders in neutral trading posts so my merchants won't have contact with your people, and thus, your culture will remain pure." With this Ivan returned to his seat.

"Of course, but I would like to know if there is anyway we can arrange trade between our peoples. Can you think of any solution to the dilemma? I suggested earlier our merchants meet outside our borders in neutral trading posts so my merchants won't have contact with your people, and thus, your culture will remain pure." With this Ivan returned to his seat.

"Neutral trading posts. . . I like the idea. It seems very good, that will be fine, of course what does Russia have to offer?"

"A free school for Lhasa, and furs, timber, all sorts of metals, check our Factbook page."

OOC: Sorry for being brief, I dont have much time right now.

"A free school for Lhasa, and furs, timber, all sorts of metals, check our Factbook page."

OOC: Sorry for being brief, I dont have much time right now.

"That is nice, now that is all, correct?"

(ooc- Sorry for being inactive guys, but I got to head to work. D=)

"Yes that is all, I will be ready to take my leave tomorrow." With that Ivan took a last sip of butter tea. He was going to miss this drink.

"Yes that is all, I will be ready to take my leave tomorrow." With that Ivan took a last sip of butter tea. He was going to miss this drink.

"Thank you, Gaius, what is the business that you have with me today?"

OOC: Sorry, My internets been down for the last few days

IC:
The Alversians finally stepped off the ship after quite a journey to the Pacific colonies. From here, they planned to link up with a Native Company (200 men) to provide escort through the jungles until they reached Tibet, at which point the main escort would turn back and let the Envoy proceed to the Foreign Zone

OOC: Sorry, My internets been down for the last few days

IC:
The Alversians finally stepped off the ship after quite a journey to the Pacific colonies. From here, they planned to link up with a Native Company (200 men) to provide escort through the jungles until they reached Tibet, at which point the main escort would turn back and let the Envoy proceed to the Foreign Zone

A guard at Potala palace said,
"Halt! What is your buisness here?"

the message is bought to the Khan...

The heir to the title the Khans nephew arrives in Tibet.He will be kept here untill the Khan dies and he takes the horde or the world has fallen to the horde.

several guards and a couple of families are also sent for eductaional purposes.

the message is bought to the Khan...

The heir to the title the Khans nephew arrives in Tibet.He will be kept here untill the Khan dies and he takes the horde or the world has fallen to the horde.

several guards and a couple of families are also sent for eductaional purposes.

OOC: Uhmmm, okay, you gonna RP your guy arriving at the palace?

"Thank you, Gaius, what is the business that you have with me today?"

(OOC- Sorry for the major delay, heavy shipment today. <<)

"I've come to discuss this foreign zone that you have set up in your capital..." Gaius stated, taking on a pondering expression "Rather, it may be better to say that I've come to see the Tibetan people themselves."

He took a cautious sip from one of the cups on the table before him. Finding it more than edible, he gulped it down, quenching his traveller's thirst.

"Understand that I am not trying to offend you, but my first and foremost responsibility is to my people" He continued, finishing his beverage "I have to be absolutely certain of their safety before I can rightly send them on such a journey, especially when they'd be at the mercy of a foreign leader."

(OOC- Sorry for the major delay, heavy shipment today. <<)

"I've come to discuss this foreign zone that you have set up in your capital..." Gaius stated, taking on a pondering expression "Rather, it may be better to say that I've come to see the Tibetan people themselves."

He took a cautious sip from one of the cups on the table before him. Finding it more than edible, he gulped it down, quenching his traveller's thirst.

"Understand that I am not trying to offend you, but my first and foremost responsibility is to my people" He continued, finishing his beverage "I have to be absolutely certain of their safety before I can rightly send them on such a journey, especially when they'd be at the mercy of a foreign leader."

The nun quicklty refilled the man and the Dalai Lama's drink, she noticed that Gaius did not know of the Tibetan tea custom,
"I am a kind leader. Sush penalties are made to preserve the Tibetan culture. Journeys are fine, your people may come and go from Tibet as they please. It is staying that I worrry about. When they stay there I want your people in the foreign zone, understood?"

"Of course." Gaius replied, hoping he had not offended the man "Now, you've answered my questions and I can allow my people to travel to your city. But now I ask, what can we of the Imperium do for the people of Tibet in return?"

He didn't like having to be so soul-scanning, but many leaders had claimed the title 'kind' in history... before or after a savage massacre or two.

"What I mean is, would you like us to set up schools? import texts and so on?" He went on "And, perhaps you'd allow some of your monks to travel with me back to the west, so my people may be educated in your ways as well?"

"Of course." Gaius replied, hoping he had not offended the man "Now, you've answered my questions and I can allow my people to travel to your city. But now I ask, what can we of the Imperium do for the people of Tibet in return?"

He didn't like having to be so soul-scanning, but many leaders had claimed the title 'kind' in history... before or after a savage massacre or two.

"What I mean is, would you like us to set up schools? import texts and so on?" He went on "And, perhaps you'd allow some of your monks to travel with me back to the west, so my people may be educated in your ways as well?"

"Yes, I will like to have schools from. . . wherever you are from. Where are you from exactly?"

"Yes, I will like to have schools from. . . wherever you are from. Where are you from exactly?"

The boy nearly gagged, he'd forgotten the foremost rule of diplomacy; 'make sure the other guy knows where your from, or you'll look like a fool.'

He suddenly felt alot like the child he knew he really was.

"I... guess I must've forgot to bring that one up..." he stated, sheepishly scratching the back of his head and finding the cieling very interesting as his face flushed with embarassment. "I hail from Nova Byzantia, an empire on the very edge between Europe and Asia. My older brother, Alexandros is reigns as Emperor though my Uncle will rule as regent until he comes of age."

He felt it necessary to add a meek "Sorry." after his long explanation.

The boy nearly gagged, he'd forgotten the foremost rule of diplomacy; 'make sure the other guy knows where your from, or you'll look like a fool.'

He suddenly felt alot like the child he knew he really was.

"I... guess I must've forgot to bring that one up..." he stated, sheepishly scratching the back of his head and finding the cieling very interesting as his face flushed with embarassment. "I hail from Nova Byzantia, an empire on the very edge between Europe and Asia. My older brother, Alexandros is reigns as Emperor though my Uncle will rule as regent until he comes of age."

He felt it necessary to add a meek "Sorry." after his long explanation.

"It is all right. That is interesting, as I seem to get many people from Europe."

A guard at Potala palace said,
"Halt! What is your buisness here?"

Lord Cavourna put his hand up to indicate that the marching Infantry should stop. His order was confirmed by the Sergeants "Company! HALT!!" Pierre Cavourna stepped down from his horse, took off the thick hood of his cloak and saluted to the guard "I am here to meet with the Dalai Lama to discuss matters that will be mutually beneficial to both our nations. This is my close escort" he indicated the dozen or so mounted troops "The rest are escorts for the journey here" he turned to the mounted Captain "Thank you Willis, that will be all"

The Captain nodded and turned to his men "Company! about...TURN!!" The troops rotated in perfect step with each other "Quick...MARCH!!" the troops began to move off, returning back to their colonial headquarters.

Lord Cavourna put his hand up to indicate that the marching Infantry should stop. His order was confirmed by the Sergeants "Company! HALT!!" Pierre Cavourna stepped down from his horse, took off the thick hood of his cloak and saluted to the guard "I am here to meet with the Dalai Lama to discuss matters that will be mutually beneficial to both our nations. This is my close escort" he indicated the dozen or so mounted troops "The rest are escorts for the journey here" he turned to the mounted Captain "Thank you Willis, that will be all"

The Captain nodded and turned to his men "Company! about...TURN!!" The troops rotated in perfect step with each other "Quick...MARCH!!" the troops began to move off, returning back to their colonial headquarters.
OOC: you're gonna meet him now since Ontarium in't responding back

The guard said,
"Enter"

A woman with a shaved head and red robes said,
"Follow me."

She walked into Potala palace, she was about to go into a side room but she caught the Dalai Lama talking with several senior monks near some paintings of the Buddah abd several other bodhisattvas.

She bowed and the man in crimson and saffron robes bowed again. She said,
"Sir, you have a meeting with sone foreigners."

He said to the monks,
"I guess this will have to be some other time."

He then turned to the man bowed and said,
"Well, I am Thulstrim Gyatso, Dalai Lama of Tibet. It is an honour to meet you. What brings you all the way here?"

"What a bizarre bunch of people" Cavourna thought "Have they a law against hair?" he was slightly repulsed by the idea of a bald woman. He bowed respectfully to the Dalai Lama and said "Greetings Thulstrim Gyatso" he said "I am Lord Cavourna of the Alversian Empire. I am here to discuss the use of your foreign zone and any other mutual deals that may be initated" he waited while his guards fidgeted with their muskets and looked around the room.