Mitheral
"Growf!"
Brief Synopsis: This is an altered timeline with the current events set somewhere between 1870 and 1914. The location centers around Zealandia (Realm of New Zealand). In this history, a caucasian God King has lived among the Maori and prevented Europeans from despoiling their culture. The plot unfolds as New Zealand once more opens three ports to foreigners.
Now the most influential nations of the world seek to establish a diplomatic foothold by way of romance, sending some of the finest examples of women to lure the God King out of seclusion. Please note: He is not actually a god. In fact he doesn't really care for the title. It is NOT necessary for you to be a history expert. Most of what you need about New Zealand is in this description. But it wouldn't hurt to research your own character a little. Bear in mind the subtle changes due to the variations of history below.
The date has been left open based on your preference.
By the time the first Europeans arrived, Māori had settled the land, every corner of which came within the interest and influence of a tribal (iwi) or sub-tribal (hapū) grouping. Abel Tasman was the first of the European explorers known to have reached New Zealand, in December 1642. His time here was brief. His only encounter with Māori ended badly, with four of his crew killed and Māori fired upon in retaliation. Tasman named the place we now call Golden Bay ‘Moordenaers’ (Murderers’) Bay. After he left in early January 1643, Tasman’s New Zealand became a ragged line on the world map. The Māori response to this visit is less well-known, except for fragments of stories recorded in the 19th century.
It would be 127 years before the next recorded encounter between European and Māori. The British explorer James Cook arrived in Poverty Bay in October 1769. His voyage to the south Pacific was primarily a scientific expedition, but the British were not averse to expanding trade and empire. The French were not far behind. As Cook rounded the top of the North Island in December 1769, the French explorer Jean François Marie de Surville was only 40 km to the south-west. New Zealand’s isolation was at an end.
This time Europeans were to be met under the graces of the God King himself. Both Cook and Surville received letters addressed to them personally in their respective languages. The messages set a specific meeting in 1771 in the Bay of Islands at Waitangi. The letter includes an incredibly accurate map of New Zealand’s coastline. Specific instructions were given as to the protocol’s to be respected - with warnings that both nations would be arriving. Stern warnings were given that hostilities would be met with strong repercussions. The letter laid claim to territorial waters (12 nm), a contiguous zone (an additional 12 nm), and an exclusive economic zone (200 nm) and finally mineral rights of the entire continental shelf. He also laid claim to a number of uncharted territories as holding a protectorate status.
In the 1771 meeting the British and French got a little heated with one another. The God King told the both to stop or either one or both would be thrown off the island and not be allowed to approach Zealandia for 100 years. Both nations tried to lease land in much the way Hong Kong was formed. They were turned own flatly. Rather they would be allowed specific ports to weigh anchor in. Docks would be built suitable for their ships. Visitors would receive a dated document called an MW Pass. It was essentially a VISA. A few long term visitors would likewise be allowed. Foreign churches were forbidden.
Little had been known the God King before this. It came a a shock that he was caucasian. He was a tall man, who had to be over 6 and a half feet tall, with jet black hair and intense blue eyes. The locals worshipped him as a god. Over time it was learned that he rarely made appearances among the Maori or perhaps was nomadic and it simply took long periods before he was seen again. It was also said that he was there before the Maori arrived centuries earlier.
The Europeans found a workaround for the fishing rights edict by hiring Maori crew to work the ships and pay a heavy export tax. But the Boyd Massacre in December 1809 cast a shadow on the practice. Europeans put out the warning to avoid the Cannibal Islands. The Boyd incident had been a case of a captain starving and flogging the Te Ara, the son of a chieftain. Te Ara’s family retaliated and attacked. This was complicated by the fact that another tribe, Te Pahi arrived and was shocked at the attack on the Europeans and tried to save them. The situation escalated into a civil war.
The God King stepped in the ordered all foreigners to leave New Zealand. He shut the trade ports down, much to the displeasure of his own people. But according to rumors that did not stop the musket wars that continued for the next 30 years. He warned that he would continue to guard his territory. But internal matters were … internal and not the faul of foreigners. Once matters in New Zealand were resolved and a time of peace had passed he would again open diplomatic channels.
It is now (enter date here).
This is not a date set in stone. Rather I have set this after the American Civil War, but prior to 1914. (I have my reasons. I just can’t remember why the date sticks in my head.) I prefer to keep to an earlier date for the sake of the importance of royalty. In this alternate timeline it would be important to note that the power given up by the royal family back in the 13th century wasn’t near as much as in our world. That is the Magna Carta was a much weaker document. The final form wasn’t written until 1688 when it was finally confirmed as part of England’s statute law. This has slowed the process of the evolution of democracy and made it a far more radical idea. Slavery has yet to be abolished even in England, though there is considerable pressure for this to happen as of 1870. However Abolition will likely take place by 1914. (1870 to 1914 is often referred to as the Second Industrial Revolution.)
Please note: I am NOT being completely historical. If anything technologies have progressed just a tiny bit slower, encouraged mainly by wars.
Once more Zealandia opened channels of communication. Three ports are being opened: Wellington, Auckland and Lyttelton. Lyttelton was the initial site for diplomatic reasons. That would be where embassies would be built. Trade would be heavily restricted with each piece of new technology carefully evaluated for its impact on the Maori.
The God King
The British and French arrived around 1770. To be alive today the God King would have to be over 120 years old. The rumors state that the current God King fits the description of the original, tall, black hair, blue eyes. But he is a young man in his mid 20’s. (He resembles Henry Cavill from Man of Steel.) He is a recluse who seems to shun interaction with others. And yet the few times he has been encountered he demonstrated civilized behavior.
The truth? He is the same man. His true age is unknown even to the Maori. It is no small wonder that they fear him as a god. And he has made good on threats of sinking ships by unknown means those who dared to bring violence against protectorates.
Is he some sort of Methuselah? Or maybe Cain? Perhaps he is Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Christ’s heart? Or Cartaphilus aka Ahasver the Wandering Jew who taunted Christ. One thing he is NOT. He is not a god. But he couldn’t convince the Maori otherwise.
Plot
Most of the world could care less about New Zealand. However, Britain, France, Germany and the USA will take an interest. The first three will begin to consider romantic methods of diplomacy - by sealing ties with a marriage. America may try much the same, sending daughter of rich families to form some sort of dynasty.
If a later date is chosen - late 1890’s and beyond - then other nations may seek to establish a military treaty there. But please do a little research if you choose a nation other than these and make sure they have any reason to have an interest. I do recommend sticking to Europe or America though.
As the God King (he actually hates the title) is hard to track down unless he wants to be found, the first part of the RP will be meeting with the Maori and trying to convey to them your desire to meet him. Better have a good reason that they would bother him with.
If American you could be anything really. You might go the Tarzan route and be the daughter of an cultural specialist there more for research. It is extremely difficult to get an MW pass to leave the port area and to inland. Even if you are foreign royalty you would HAVE to have a diplomatic escort.
Before anyone asks: No, the God King isn't interested in Arranged marriages. That doesn't mean you couldn't be sent. But if your parents tried to make arrangements, they would have fallen on deaf ears. It is unlikely the letters would even get delivered. The Maori aren't exactly cooperative.
Posting
This RP has been tagged Detailed. I am looking for a dedicated and detailed writer. If you are unable to commit to 3-5 posts per week, this is not the RP for you. Yes, a CS will be required. Posting will be via PM. Apply via PM.
Now the most influential nations of the world seek to establish a diplomatic foothold by way of romance, sending some of the finest examples of women to lure the God King out of seclusion. Please note: He is not actually a god. In fact he doesn't really care for the title. It is NOT necessary for you to be a history expert. Most of what you need about New Zealand is in this description. But it wouldn't hurt to research your own character a little. Bear in mind the subtle changes due to the variations of history below.
The date has been left open based on your preference.
******************
By the time the first Europeans arrived, Māori had settled the land, every corner of which came within the interest and influence of a tribal (iwi) or sub-tribal (hapū) grouping. Abel Tasman was the first of the European explorers known to have reached New Zealand, in December 1642. His time here was brief. His only encounter with Māori ended badly, with four of his crew killed and Māori fired upon in retaliation. Tasman named the place we now call Golden Bay ‘Moordenaers’ (Murderers’) Bay. After he left in early January 1643, Tasman’s New Zealand became a ragged line on the world map. The Māori response to this visit is less well-known, except for fragments of stories recorded in the 19th century.
It would be 127 years before the next recorded encounter between European and Māori. The British explorer James Cook arrived in Poverty Bay in October 1769. His voyage to the south Pacific was primarily a scientific expedition, but the British were not averse to expanding trade and empire. The French were not far behind. As Cook rounded the top of the North Island in December 1769, the French explorer Jean François Marie de Surville was only 40 km to the south-west. New Zealand’s isolation was at an end.
This time Europeans were to be met under the graces of the God King himself. Both Cook and Surville received letters addressed to them personally in their respective languages. The messages set a specific meeting in 1771 in the Bay of Islands at Waitangi. The letter includes an incredibly accurate map of New Zealand’s coastline. Specific instructions were given as to the protocol’s to be respected - with warnings that both nations would be arriving. Stern warnings were given that hostilities would be met with strong repercussions. The letter laid claim to territorial waters (12 nm), a contiguous zone (an additional 12 nm), and an exclusive economic zone (200 nm) and finally mineral rights of the entire continental shelf. He also laid claim to a number of uncharted territories as holding a protectorate status.
In the 1771 meeting the British and French got a little heated with one another. The God King told the both to stop or either one or both would be thrown off the island and not be allowed to approach Zealandia for 100 years. Both nations tried to lease land in much the way Hong Kong was formed. They were turned own flatly. Rather they would be allowed specific ports to weigh anchor in. Docks would be built suitable for their ships. Visitors would receive a dated document called an MW Pass. It was essentially a VISA. A few long term visitors would likewise be allowed. Foreign churches were forbidden.
Little had been known the God King before this. It came a a shock that he was caucasian. He was a tall man, who had to be over 6 and a half feet tall, with jet black hair and intense blue eyes. The locals worshipped him as a god. Over time it was learned that he rarely made appearances among the Maori or perhaps was nomadic and it simply took long periods before he was seen again. It was also said that he was there before the Maori arrived centuries earlier.
The Europeans found a workaround for the fishing rights edict by hiring Maori crew to work the ships and pay a heavy export tax. But the Boyd Massacre in December 1809 cast a shadow on the practice. Europeans put out the warning to avoid the Cannibal Islands. The Boyd incident had been a case of a captain starving and flogging the Te Ara, the son of a chieftain. Te Ara’s family retaliated and attacked. This was complicated by the fact that another tribe, Te Pahi arrived and was shocked at the attack on the Europeans and tried to save them. The situation escalated into a civil war.
The God King stepped in the ordered all foreigners to leave New Zealand. He shut the trade ports down, much to the displeasure of his own people. But according to rumors that did not stop the musket wars that continued for the next 30 years. He warned that he would continue to guard his territory. But internal matters were … internal and not the faul of foreigners. Once matters in New Zealand were resolved and a time of peace had passed he would again open diplomatic channels.
It is now (enter date here).
This is not a date set in stone. Rather I have set this after the American Civil War, but prior to 1914. (I have my reasons. I just can’t remember why the date sticks in my head.) I prefer to keep to an earlier date for the sake of the importance of royalty. In this alternate timeline it would be important to note that the power given up by the royal family back in the 13th century wasn’t near as much as in our world. That is the Magna Carta was a much weaker document. The final form wasn’t written until 1688 when it was finally confirmed as part of England’s statute law. This has slowed the process of the evolution of democracy and made it a far more radical idea. Slavery has yet to be abolished even in England, though there is considerable pressure for this to happen as of 1870. However Abolition will likely take place by 1914. (1870 to 1914 is often referred to as the Second Industrial Revolution.)
Please note: I am NOT being completely historical. If anything technologies have progressed just a tiny bit slower, encouraged mainly by wars.
Once more Zealandia opened channels of communication. Three ports are being opened: Wellington, Auckland and Lyttelton. Lyttelton was the initial site for diplomatic reasons. That would be where embassies would be built. Trade would be heavily restricted with each piece of new technology carefully evaluated for its impact on the Maori.
The God King
The British and French arrived around 1770. To be alive today the God King would have to be over 120 years old. The rumors state that the current God King fits the description of the original, tall, black hair, blue eyes. But he is a young man in his mid 20’s. (He resembles Henry Cavill from Man of Steel.) He is a recluse who seems to shun interaction with others. And yet the few times he has been encountered he demonstrated civilized behavior.
The truth? He is the same man. His true age is unknown even to the Maori. It is no small wonder that they fear him as a god. And he has made good on threats of sinking ships by unknown means those who dared to bring violence against protectorates.
Is he some sort of Methuselah? Or maybe Cain? Perhaps he is Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Christ’s heart? Or Cartaphilus aka Ahasver the Wandering Jew who taunted Christ. One thing he is NOT. He is not a god. But he couldn’t convince the Maori otherwise.
Plot
Most of the world could care less about New Zealand. However, Britain, France, Germany and the USA will take an interest. The first three will begin to consider romantic methods of diplomacy - by sealing ties with a marriage. America may try much the same, sending daughter of rich families to form some sort of dynasty.
If a later date is chosen - late 1890’s and beyond - then other nations may seek to establish a military treaty there. But please do a little research if you choose a nation other than these and make sure they have any reason to have an interest. I do recommend sticking to Europe or America though.
As the God King (he actually hates the title) is hard to track down unless he wants to be found, the first part of the RP will be meeting with the Maori and trying to convey to them your desire to meet him. Better have a good reason that they would bother him with.
If American you could be anything really. You might go the Tarzan route and be the daughter of an cultural specialist there more for research. It is extremely difficult to get an MW pass to leave the port area and to inland. Even if you are foreign royalty you would HAVE to have a diplomatic escort.
Before anyone asks: No, the God King isn't interested in Arranged marriages. That doesn't mean you couldn't be sent. But if your parents tried to make arrangements, they would have fallen on deaf ears. It is unlikely the letters would even get delivered. The Maori aren't exactly cooperative.
Posting
This RP has been tagged Detailed. I am looking for a dedicated and detailed writer. If you are unable to commit to 3-5 posts per week, this is not the RP for you. Yes, a CS will be required. Posting will be via PM. Apply via PM.
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