Lords of the Earth 

CAMPAIGN TWENTY-FOUR

Turn 70

1346 ~ 1350 Anno Domini
708 ~ 712 in the year of the Hegira

New for T59

Paths to victory: There are several options open to a player when an NPN has been defeated

 

  1. Take the victory conditions (see NPN rules) available for NPNs and allow the NPN to go its own way. This is a useful option if you do not want to increase your imperial size or bother with the NPNs internal affairs.
  2. Keep it as either Pacified or Pacified Tributary. You will not get victory conditions but will get income from the NPNs Homeland/Friendly regions and cities. Also, as the years from conquest marker goes up it may turn Friendly or Tributary. Using this option treats the NPN as a super-region.
  3. Old school, you will have to take the regions you want and conquer each in turn. If the capital is taken then some of the NPNs ratings will be added to yours if higher. The NPN will cease to exist.

 

Dealing with hordes: Hordes can be dealt with a number of ways rather than just an outright battle. These are

 

  1. Threaten them. Hordes respond to a show of strength and may leave you alone if confronted with enough force.
  2. Bribe them. They are looking for gold and lands to settle or pillage so if you offer them it on a plate they may well go away. They may also just take it and attack anyway.
  3. Use diplomacy. It does work and I suggest chucking in a royal princess or two.

 

You can also use a combination of the above. If the horde becomes a FA or A, you can direct its attacks or its path of migration.

New for T57

Non-player rules update: I’ve updated the NPN rules to fit better with the Lord’s system. Please check them out.

New for T56

New movement and action rules: I know that they didn’t meet with overall approval last time around but I will be implementing the proposed movement/action rules for T57 (see here). Any current player that takes them up will be given a 2 turn bonus to their credits but they can continue to use the current method for the time being. All new players will have to use them. I’d rather stick to the standard rules but there is no way Lords is sustainable as a long-term game (and I want 24 to be long-term) unless there is some simplification for the GM.

The areas that cause me the most processing grief are movement, AP calculation and garrison changes.

New for T53

Restrictions on Royal Marriages: Due to the complications arising from these rules only K, H or P leaders can benefit from a Royal Marriage. Members of the Royal Family that have not come into play are not considered eligible. Also, Primate, Order and Secret Empire positions are not eligible for marriage bonuses. These are meant to be diplomatic arrangements between sovereign states.

New for T52

East – West Split: I’m going to try to split the East and the West parts of the game so that I can process the orders quicker – don’t know if or how it will work yet but lets see if it’ll happen

New for T51

No Orders: If I don’t get any orders in for a position and the player doesn’t answer my emails then I’ll put the position back to a NPN and put aside the players cash (if any) until they pick it or another nation up again.

New for T50

Request Royal Marriage: Used to ask a NPN nation for a bride for one of your Princes or a suitor for one of your little Princesses. Cost is 6AP, Charisma based. The leader doesn’t have to be in the NPNs capital but if he isn’t then he needs to be in your homeland/capital.

New for T49

Naval Reaction and Blockade: Naval Reactions can only occur when there is action in a Sea Zone that the fleet is based at. The fleet has to be based from a port and not the Sea Zone. Also, the Reaction can only occur when your own lands or those of an ally benefiting from a Defensive Pact marriage bonus are attacked. It also applies to any merchant fleets you operate through the Sea Zone in the case of piracy.  Naval Blockade’s only work if your fleet is based in the same Sea Zone as the target port and you spend all (every single one) of your APs in the blockade. The fleet must be based from a port and not a Sea Zone.

New for T48

The use of fleets for Reaction and mitigating the effects of Pirates: My understanding has now changed since we GMs have had some discussion on the list. The use of Reaction has been explained on the Wiki and Patrol is no longer used in the Base Rules.

Reaction

 

Trade Route Escorts

 

  • This is specific to Lords 24. Units can be assigned to a trade route to act as static convoy escort using the G type leader. Note this is not as good as patrol as the warships assigned will only reduce the effects of piracy, not capture or destroy the pirates themselves.

 

Updated NPN and Primacy rules: Yep, been tinkering again but I feel a almost serene sense of satisfaction with my latest offering. See what you think.

 

Added the ability to hire mercenary captain when there is no mercenary company available: See the mercenary tables

New for T47

Improved cultivation at TL5: If a nation has reached the dizzy heights of TL5 than it can benefit from improved cultivation. You can Improve a cultivated homeland region from 2GPv to 3GPv, or any other controlled cultivated region from 1GPv to 2GPv. This is a level one megalithic construction.

New for T46

NPNS: I’ve tweaked the NPN and Primacy/Order rules a little to make them fit better with the 24 game. I’ve also reduced their overall RRV to make diplomacy easier.

Second Positions in the East: As I’ve not got a lot of players in the East, I would be willing to allow a second position from existing players. Let me know if you’re interested.

New for T45

New Rivers: I’ve added in some new possible rivers onto the map. These are rivers that were once passable by light traffic (remember Cogs cannot travel on rivers) and have now become silted up. You can dredge a stretch of the river (along one region border edge) as a 0.5 level project.

Gripes:

Agro as conversion – this has restrictions (see 2.11.5.3) which I will be enforcing from now on.

Rivers can only support light ships – as far as I know Cogs cannot travel on rivers. This also includes Cogs built for trade.

New Primates: We have two new Primate positions this turn. Jumal Skyfather, which is an Estonian god and the Coptic Church based out of Axum.

New for T44

Minor islands and City States: I’ll be allowing minor islands (Corfu, Jerba, Wight etc) and city states to be used as locations from T44. Just let me know the rationale behind why you want it separate and if reasonable I’ll add it in. Once they are created as locations, they obey all the rules of islands etc. However, their Gpv cannot go above 0.

Flooding: The last few turns have seen a massive increase in the amount of flooding that has occurred. It appears that the years are getting warmer and wetter. As a result of this some of the minor rivers on the map are once again becoming passable to river traffic.

Denmark: Following on from the Minor Islands stuff, you can see that Denmark is now separated out to Jutland and Syaland (Zeeland).

Announcements and items of note

General Stuff: Please use my Paypal account (stephenbrunt@yahoo.co.uk) for all Lords’ 24 payments. If you cannot use this facility then please let me know and I will see what I can do about filtering US funds to my account. I may also stop using the throneworld email address due to the mass of spam I’m getting!

 

Order Form: Please use the standard excel order form from now on. I’ll update the site with a link to it next week when I get some time. This is important as it helps me process the turn more quickly. THIS IS NOW MANDATORY.

 

Non-Payment: some of you still owe me some cash. Although it may come as surprise that this is not my main source of income, I see it only polite that you pay for the occasionally night out. So, if you’re under zero next turn I’ll not process you orders.

 

Version 6: Lords 24 uses version 6 of the basic rules

 

The Map: The map now includes India as well as Europe, Central Asia and Africa. I’ve greyed out repeated areas on the maps to make my life easier. However, this means some player nations are split across more than one map. I may increase the size of the main map but I’ll have to think on this.

 

Tithes and Tribute: I think these are automatically updated by the stats program, so no need to declare them in your orders.

Control of the Papacy and Religious Orders: In Lords 24 we will not always have a player Pope (or Caliph etc for that matter) and the following rules are used to determine which player faction controls the Pope’s actions, Papacy Rules. I’ve also added some stuff about gaining support from their armies

How to make your GM happy (PLEASE READ! REALLY!):

Please send any and all Lords24 correspondence to lords24gm@ymail.com or stephenbrunt@yahoo.co.uk .

LORDS 24 WEB RESOURCES

The Lords Twenty-Four homepage is at: 
http://lords.throneworld.com/lote24/index.html

All of the on-line resources, including order forms, mailing lists and web-sites for Lords of the Earth are summarized on this page: 
http://lords.throneworld.com/?page_id=2

You can subscribe to the Lords 24 mailing list by pointing your web-browser at: 
http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/lote24

…and following the instructions on that page.

VARIOUS FEES AND LEVIES 

At the moment the turns cost $5 – please pay up of you owe

We are using the latest v6.3.5 of the basic rule book that can be found here

http://lords.throneworld.com/players/loterule/rules.html

 

 

 

Western Europe

The Kingdom of Germany

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Leopold, King of the Germans, Holy Roman Emperor-Elect

King Leopold passed away in 1348 and was succeeded by his son. Several outlying German provinces decided that now was the time to pursue their independence, including the German king’s powerful Ligurian ally Hector.

.

..

 

Norman Kingdom of France

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Louis, King of France

The young king Louis was determined to exact retribution on his rebellious uncle Philippe. From all the lands loyal to the king, men were recruited to replace those under Philippe’s command. The bulk of the new force was made up of twelve thousand loyal knights. The newly recruited men were added to Louis’s army in Paris, swelling the king’s army to over thirty thousand men. Louis had sent men ahead to find and capture or kill the errant prince before any more French blood was spilt but found that Philippe was too well guarded. It was in Poitou that Louis met with the traitor’s army, numbering less than the king’s army and with less heavy cavalry, Philippe was still an experienced and clever general. Louis rode to the head of his army with Edouard in an attempt to persuade his uncle to lay down his arms and end the rebellion but Philippe was determined to become king and ordered his men to take the battle to the young Louis. Although not as experienced as Philippe, Louis had excelled at strategy as a child and was able to put that knowledge to the test as his forces enveloped and overwhelmed the traitors’ impulsive charge. Marton of Gascony was mortally wounded as Philippe’s men were cut down by Louis’s knights, the traitor barely able to escape with his life to Languedoc. As the rebel forces fled they were virtually destroyed. The death of Marton saw the Gascons declare their independence again but the rest of the south was to pledge their allegiance to Louis. In Languedoc, Philippe was finally captured when his general betrayed him and declared for Louis; the rebellion that had cost so many French lives was over.

 

The Principality of Salerno

(Roman Catholic Civilised Open Empire)
Carlo Martello of House Durazzo, Prince of Salerno

Duke Carlo Martello of House Durazzo was dismayed by the lack of action by the German king, and ordered his army to prepare defences to hold the frontier province of Slovenia against further Magyar incursions.  In one set of letters to his Council, he took the unprecedented step in ordering that, on her sixteenth birthday, his daughter, Maria Fiammetta, be proclaimed Crown Princess of Naples and Heir to the Lily Throne of the Grand Duchy.  Prince Roberto and his children would become next in line for succession. Giovanni Palaiologos is recalled from Lombardy to try and sway the nomads to an accommodation with the Neapolitans.  However, the Magyars were not to be persuaded by the Italian’s arguments and took the envoy prisoner. He was last seen being dragged behind a horse as the Khan’s host moved north. Giovanni Boccaccio, the Podesta di Napoli, gained some slight favour with the Holy Catholic Church, despite the secularism that infected the Neapolitans. Ramon de Cardona commanded the largest mercenary army in Europe from his quarters in Carinthia until his death in 1350. Temporary command was given over to the Marchesse di Ferrara who had accompanied the Captain to Carinthia with the Il Reggimento Nero. A new postal road, the Via Aemillia, was build from Ravenna and Vincencia to the banks of the Po where a new bridge was being constructed.

 

.

The Grand Order of St Denis

(Roman Catholic Civilized Religious Order)
Lothaire, Grandmaster of the Grand Order of St Denis

 

There were murmurings of discontent amongst the host nations that the Order was not doing enough to quell the power of the Muslims to the south and east. Unknown previously, there was also talk amongst the more radical members of the Order that drastic action was required. Lothaire was to contemplate these rumours as he set about the business of directing the Order’s affairs. Some clerics and a high ranking officials were sent to the far north of Orkneyjar to assist the powerful Scandinavian kingdom. Despite their attempts to procure lands in Corsica and Asturias, it was only in Navarre that a House for the Order was built. Robert was however able to raise the status of the Preceptory in Vermandois to that of an Oratory. Julien was given command of the St Denis forces out of Santa Maria but was to die of a fever in 1347.  In 1350, Garreth was also to perish as he was caught up in a small riot in Aragon.

 

The Knights of Malta

(Roman Catholic Civilized Religious Order
Stephan, Grandmaster of the Knights of Malta

 

The Maltese Order retired to its Fortress to determine its next moves. Prince John of Constantinople was to die in 1349. Captain Ludivique had already passed away in 1346, a broken man from his Cypriot defeat.

 

 

 

Western and South Africa

The Mwene-Mutapa Empire

(African Unkulkulun Civilised Open Empire)
Ikko Addi, Emperor of Mapungubwe

Iddo Addi was proud that the might Mwene-Mutapa people had united vast swathes of Africa under his banner. He was to spend these years discussing trade with the Egyptians and ruling the Empire. Sadly, his wife of many years Salasa, was to perish during childbirth leaving the Emperor alone. Prince Memposi had travelled to Phalaborwa where he was able to assist Gabbo in gaining the full support of the region to the Empire’s cause. The Empire’s two most able generals, Nasske the Devil and  Koroko the Ape were also to die during these years as a foul wind brought disease to the south; old uncle Zalu was amongst those without the strength to fight the fevers.. The lands of Zimbabwe saw the steady flow of colonists increase to such an extent that the city of Tlok was founded. On the Cape coast a mighty fortress called Udiri was built to protect the Empire’s lands.

 

 

Usama-Yoruba Onium of Ibo

(African Pagan Civilised Open Empire)
Ildayi II, Emperor of the Ibo

 

In an effort to consolidate his gains from the years previous, the great and glorious Ildayi II spent lavishly on the conquered lands. His massive road network was extended far to the east as the old trails and jungle paths were cleared for merchant traffic. His son Bacumo was declared his heir and successor in case of the Ildayi’s death. Further additions were made to the royal dynasty as Ildayi was blessed with a young son by his second wife. The lands of the Bimi, Khalem and Susu were allowed to become satrapies of the Onium and Takrur allowed to become effectively independent as Ildayi tried to rule over his vast lands. Duggi spent his last years investigating the lands of Kurfei before his death in 1349 from river fever. No sign of anything untoward was found. With gold sent to the Knaem-Bornu, Kinta the Vpice was able to smooth over relations with the conquered easterners. He was assisted during these years by Majobi the Lion Killer.

 

 

The Luba Empire of Malawi              

(African Unkulkulun Civilised Open Empire)
Mndeni, King of Malawi

 

Mndeni was inspired by the great teachings of the priests of Unkulunkulu to bring his Empire into the light. Chilwa, Makura and Nyasa all follow Malawi in converting to the one true god but the pagans of Kimbu decide that their path lies outside of Mndeni’s empire. The cities of Luba and LuiLui also convert to the glory of Unkulunkulu. Mndeni also began to bring his Empire together after years of neglect and decline. His son accompanied him in persuading the independent-minded Lubans to ally themselves with the empire whilst Prince Jabulani gained the support of the Nyassans. Even the city of LuiLui was persuaded to rejoin the Empire through the efforts of Khayalethu and Khulani. .

 

 

 

North Africa and Moslem Spain

The Empire of Egypt

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Badr al-Mahmud, Sultan of Egypt

Rakhashan Al-Amaan was still in his prime when his health gave out while handling the nation’s affairs. So incompetent was the ill-fated Rakhashan that the Badr’s clerks breathed a sigh of relief at his passing. The persuasive Abdullah Al-Firah finally made the Aswan tribes see the benefits of Egyptian suzerainty as they acknowledged Badr’s claim to the old Empire. The Emperor himself travelled through Mansura to the Sinai at the head of the mighty Egyptian army. Twenty thousand spearmen were outnumbered by Badr’s heavy cavalry. In the Sinai Badr was joined by Abdullah Al-Firah and a further twenty thousand men, newly recruited from the Al-Qairah. Badr had hoped for his scouts to report on the Syrian army’s size but when none returned he paced his fate in Allah’s hands and marched into the Levant; confident that the mass of men in his army would push any defenders from his path. With Aybak a prisoner of the Egyptians, Zaid was to lead the defence himself. His army numbered twenty-six thousand men and as such was less than one third the size of the attackers but Badr’s generals were convinced they faced a much larger force. As the Egyptian’s attacked, the Syrian’s flooded in from surrounding hills causing Badr’s men to panic when they should have stood firm. The panic turned to a rout as Badr’s great army fled from the battlefield with the Syrian’s in pursuit. Losses were great on both sides but it was the Syrians who could least afford the ten thousand men killed in the battles. Badr’s generals agreed that their losses were three times that number. Now unsure of Allah’s will, Badr remained in the Sinai in case the Syrians counter-attacked. Mulham Al-Qani had spent these years trying to gain more support from the Sinai tribes with some small success.

 

The Akramid Caliphate

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Onika, Caliph of the Akramids

As the Andalusian province began to recover from the depravations of disease, the Caliph began to recruit for is royal guard once again; swelling the numbers in his household cavalry. Emissaries were sent to the lands of Salamanca, Zirid and Galacia in attempt to renew ties with the Caliphate. Onika took brides from all these lands and the royal palace once again rang with the sound of children’s voices. Sadly, the young bride from Galacia died whilst giving birth and her young son perished with his mother. Missionaries were sent to the Sardinian isle and although the townsfolk of Olbia would dismiss Allah’s teachings, great swathes of converts were found amongst the villagers. Bohtsar was dispatched from Casablanca to explore a way east to the riches of Cathay but his small fleet was to disappear without trace as it rounded the African coast. Some losses were incurred at sea from Sicilian pirates as the Caliphate’s shipping in the Bay of Tunis was targeted.

 

 

 

 

 

Arabia and the Middle East

The Buwayid Sultanate

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Najib, Sultan of the Buwayids

The mighty Tigris and Euphrates were dredged and made fit for shipping almost to the borders of Carhae. While Najib II ruled from Mesopotamia, his son Najib III was declared his heir and took a wife from the Mand nobility. Najib II was blessed himself with three young children, two of which were healthy young sons. Attempts were made to find out why the infidels in Constantinople and Malta had progressed further in the study of science than the Ashrams. Ahmed Saber had gathered information from the frontier towns of Shirvan as to the Khan’s whereabouts but found that the Cossacks had remained far to the north. Ammar had travelled to Mand to acquire a bride for Najib III and to seal an agreement with the Emir of those lands to pledge his support to Najib. Anshu was also successful in gaining further tribute from the city of Quetta in the Mand lands. .

 

 

Glorious Khwarzim

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Abu I-Ghazi Bahadur, Khan of the Khwarzim

Abu II was concerned with his dynasty and declared that Muhammad Bin Musa would be regent if he was to die without an heir. In an attempt to expand his dynasty, Abu took a wife from amongst the Azeris after Emir Mofat had travelled to the province to offer the hand of Princess Samira to the esteemed general Aziz Al Reeh. Despite her age and questionable looks, the general was delighted to be honoured in such a way by the great Sheik and offered is service to the crown. Muhammad Bin Musa had to simply walk into Khazar to liberate the province after the Ademids had been defeated at the hands of the Rus..

 

The Ogaden Tribes

The Ogaden and their Chalbi allies were repulsed from the Chalbi Emirate lands but ripped into the Wadai lands of Sidamo and Loriu.

Ar Rassid Imamat as Sa'Na

The Imam took control of the lands of Sheba, Kilwa and Mombassa as he sought to reverse the losses of previous years.

The Adjou Aba

The Adjou Aba stormed over the walls of the Syrian city of El’Gitar. The city was all but taken but the death of the Emir forced the invaders back.

The Wadai Kingdom of Sennar            

The Wadai finally get a link to the coast as they laid claim to Brava. The King had to submit to send tribute to the Sharif’s as they moved into his lands.

The Aswan Emirate of Nubia

With the lands of Nubia conquered the Aswabi’s decide to settle those lands and declare themselves a new Emirate. A fortress was built on the Suakin coast.

 

.

 

Scandia and the Out Isles

Jarldom of Orkeneyjar

(Roman Catholic Seafaring Open Empire)
Gustav Aegirson, Jarl of Orkney

King Gustav Aegirson, Jarl of the Orkneys and the North, declared that his brother Hans Aegirson would become his heir in the event of his death. Hans had travelled to Hordavil with Njord to acquire Gustav a bride from the nobility of that city. Njord’s assistance was short-lived as the old campaigner was killed shortly after Hans arrival. Gustav was content to leave his uncle Frey Jotunson to oversee the Svear Kingdom and the young Queen Katrina. Prince Frey was however to finally drink himself to death in 1348, leaving Stockholm without an Orkney presence. Luckily, the young Prince Gunther Edvardson was to arrive at the Orkney court in 1349, a possible replacement for the bitter Frey. Worrying signs were found that the Norwegian pirates had supporters amongst the Jarldom’s peasants but Gustav was certain Brest did not harbour any of their ships after a exhaustive search as carried out. To insure himself against further losses to his merchants, Gustav ordered that each of his shipping routes be assigned a small escort of Orkney warships. More ships were also commissioned for the royal fleet operating out of Kirkval. During these years, the city of Thingvellir in far Iceland grew in size, continuing to surround its imposing citadel.  The province of Halland was finally put to the plough as the forest was pushed back. Gustav’s priests were active in assisting Le Marteau de Dieu in expanding into both Thingvellir and Stockholm as the Order continued its reach into the very edge of Christendom. Before her death in 1347, Ingrid had travelled with Rolf throughout Scandinavia, collecting isolated garrisons and returning them to Gustav’s care. Rolf was to continue her work before finally returning to Kirkval himself. As befitted the greatest supporter of the Hammer’s cause, Gustav’s request for a new Brother in Kirkval was met with acceptance by the Order’s council in Brest.

 

Saxon Kingdom of England

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Edward III, King of England

The nobility of England breathed a sigh of relief as King Edward III survived to rule England during these years. He took a young bride from the House of Sussex and was soon blessed with healthy young son. England’s defence of their Spanish possessions suffered a blow as Lord Thomas was to die of a fever only one year after Lord Benjamin had perished from heart failure. Bishop Hamilton had died in 1346 and his clerics returned to Rome. King Edward also oversaw the rise of the Guilds throughout England as the gradual shift away from serfdom continued. The lands of Asturias benefitted from Edward’s purse as their farms were improved by English agricultural techniques developed at the University in Cambridge. Edward also assigned some escorts to the merchant fleets based out of London in an attempt to prevent further losses from the Norwegian pirates.

 

 

The Svear

 

Karina was a strong willed woman and despite the misgivings of her council, declared that an Orkneyman would be Regent if she died before her sons came of age. Trade was established to the Grand Order of St Denis at their Cherbourg holdings, the Svear ships based out of the Scottish port of Perth. With the threat of the Norwegians always present, Karina assigned some warships to escort the Svear shipping to ensure her trade continued to grow. Karina herself travelled to Skanet in Skane where she was joined by Yngvar in persuading them to join her resurgent kingdom.

 

 

 

Eastern Europe

The Varangian Rus of Kiev

(Orthodox Civilized Open Empire)
Anastasia, Queen of the Rus

Anastasia continued to rebuild her army as ten thousand horse were raised for Prince Peter. The queen was wary enough to counter her son’s force with the royal guard and the services of Marshal Gregori in case the young prince had any designs on taking the throne before his time. So taken up with ruling her threatened kingdom was the queen that she had little time to mourn the death of her consort in 1348. It was left to Andreyev and Brother Vladimir of the Order to persuade the Cuman Khan to move away from Rus lands and seek rewards elsewhere; a task that was to be beyond the incompetent pair as they paid for their failure with the heads. The Khan outraged at the lack of gifts from the Rus was to launch an attack on Pereaslavl in 1348. Although fielding a substantial force of over thirty thousand men, Peter’s army was still less than a sixth of the size of the Cossack horde. However, it was the very size of the Khan’s force that was to be his undoing. Peter exploited the lack of communication within the Cossacks perfectly and funnelling the horde between Pereaslavl’s forts forced the invaders to show his army a narrow front. It was not to say that luck was not on Peter’s side as the wounding of the Cossack Khan caused an already unsteady force to turn and flee. The Khan’s Liao ally was killed along with all his men as he tried to stem Peter’s pursuit. In all, the Cossacks left over forty thousand dead to minor losses to Peters force. With respect for Peter’s prowess on the battlefield, the Khan pulled his forces east in search of less belligerent conquests; taking control of the Kazan horde before settling some of his loyal supporters in Khirghiz. Peter had previously conquered the Ademid lands of Levedia where the defender’s army of eight thousand men were all but wiped out.

 

The Grand Duchy of Poland

(Roman Catholic Civilised Open Empire)
Boleslaw Poznan, Grand Duke of Poland

Prince Przenmysl passed away in 1350 but otherwise the Polish lands were quiet

The Kingdom of Hungary

(Eastern Orthodox Civilised Open Empire)
Ladislaus Hunyadi, King of Hungary

These were quiet times on the Hungarian plains

 

The Kingdom of Estonia

(Jumali Skyfather Civilised Open Empire)
Viru, King of the Ests

Konrad’s death in 1347 was not entirely unexpected given his age but Victor had little time to enjoy his birthright as he too was to pass away in the summer of 1350. Twin sons and a daughter were born to Victor’s wife Lomi before his death but their fate rested in the hands of their uncle Viru who had bested Juri and Hendrik to claim the Estonian throne. While a watchful eye was cast towards the unwanted arrival of the Hammer of God in the west, Jergun was able to consecrate churches to the Skyfather throughout the Estonian lands. Sakala was to command the Estonian fleet lout of Reval but was to outlive Victor by only a few days. One of Konrad’s last acts was to start the cultivation of the Musan and Kymian wildernesses. A large number of veterans were granted farms in Musa as a reward for their service. The Christians of Kur were targeted by Jumali priests and these years saw large numbers convert to the Skyfather.

 

 

The Oriental Roman Empire

(Roman Catholic Civilised Open Empire)
Andronicus II, Emperor of East Rome

 

Prince Constantine’s army was swelled by a further one thousand horse as well as nearly as foot soldiers as the Roman lands were scoured for any man or boy that could hold a sword or lance. Some improvements were made to the Morean towns and farms as more wilderness was cleared back. The Emperor had been using the leverage provided by Prince John since is investiture with the Knights of Malta to gain some influence with the Order. Some slight improvement was gained but this was offset by John’s untimely death in 1349 from a fever. Attempts to convert the Moslems of Sevastopol came to nothing as they held firm to their beliefs. Simon was able to expand the Empire’s lands slightly as he gained a claim in the lands of Epirus. With the newly raised army, Prince Constantine marched on Abisigia and Colchis. The Prince had previously ordered Alexios to block any access to the port from the Black Sea using the imperial fleet.  To the Prince’s delight, the Ademid forces had been pulled back to defend the Emirate from the Rus attacks and he found that both the city and region were undefended. They were there then restored to the Empire for little loss. The gains made by Constantine and Alexios were poor compensation for their deaths as they fell foul to the pox in 1350. Despite his gains, the Emperor was still besiege by the hated Al’Bahri in the Aegean. The Moslem Order taking the Roman possessions of Crete, Rhodes and the Kyklades.

 

 

 

 

Central Asia

The Karakhanate of Ilig

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Sulam, Khan of the Ilig

As if he had predicted the events of the coming years, the Khan ordered that the lands of the Kuldja be protected by a mighty fortress. He also commanded that the citadel in Otrarsh be further protected and its walls improved. The provinces of Neyriz, Kush and Firoz Kohi were all cultivated to help ease the perpetual famine that inflicted the Karakhanate. However, settlers bound for the Scythian lands of Avar were forced to return home as the Khan had yet to successfully conquer those lands. Sulam’s agents uncovered rumours of the Al’Balar min Thalatha demanding concessions from the merchants of the Kara-Khitai. This shadowy organisation was always led by a council of three master criminals and had contacts throughout the Karakhanate’s cities. While the Thalata concentrated on the criminal underworld, the Storm Riders ravaged isolated farms and estates throughout the lands of Singanakh. Prince Harun Al-Harun attempted to garrison Avar with nearly sixty thousand of his men but shortly after his departure for Balkash, the Scythians attacked with their force of over two hundred thousand. The commander of the garrison was a veteran of the border clashes and managed to keep good order amongst his men as the Scythians repeatedly swept in with lance and bow. He managed to pull back from the attackers in good order until his men reached the Prince. Harun decided to turn his men around and face the attacked rather than have them harrying his rear. Allah was with him as the Scythian Khan was killed by Harun’s archers and his men left without a leader. Harun pushed his advantage hard before the Scythians withdrew to Balkash. Prince Alabar took command of seventy thousand cavalry, leaving the slow moving bulk of his army in Kara-Khitai.  Riding swiftly through Singanakh, Alabar attacked the Scythians in the deserts of the Kyzl-Kum. The Scythians were still in disarray from Harun’s attack and provided little resistance to Alabar as he savagely swept the deserts clean of any tribesman. His attempts to follow the Scythians into Avar proved fruitless as the Scythians pushed him back from their frontier to Singanakh. Prince Harun then continued his journey through Frunz and Dzungaria to Kuldja. His attempts to persuade the tribesmen of these lands came to nothing as their fear for their Chuguchak overlords proved the greater incentive. The prince could do little as the resurgent Tzin-Kiang-Zao, whose ranks were swelled by the their Mongol subjects, raided deep into Kuldja. Alla Baha travelled south to Saffarid Baluchistan and gained some acknowledgment from the Kuh’Laleh’Zar. His attempts to persuade the Shir’Kuh came to nothing as did his time spent in Baluchistan. This province had remained a staunch supporter of the Shah throughout the Rajput invasions and would not even meet with the Ilig envoy. Bughra led his rebellious force into Siahan and then onto Shadad, Firoz Kohi and Khurasan. Finding little resistance, Bughra declared himself Khan of his newly conquered lands and all that lay within his reach. The Khan’s lands were further troubled as the Memar raided into Ferghana

 

Saffarid Iran

Carmania was a harsh and desolate land but if the Shah was to retain of the valuable lands of Baluchistan it had to become his. He sent the Saffarid army of twenty-four thousand men into the against the tribesmen there. At first the tribesmen seemed to be winning but the Shah’s numbers finally won the day. His allies in Oman and Qatar attempted to take control of Dubai but paid for their attack with their lives as their forces were defeated

 

Tzin-Kiang-Zao

The Tzin-Kiang-Zao overawed the once great Mongol nation and took control of their forces. The Mongol subjects, the Buryats, Gobi, Liao and Northern Tartars, regained their independence.

 

 

India

Pratihara Kingdom of Kaunaj

(Hindu Civilised Open Empire)
Guram, Raja of Kaunaj

Defensive fortifications were built throughout the lands of the defeated Kingdom of Und to protect against insurgency or foreign invaders from the north. To try to bring these lands further within his control, Guram ordered that the roads to Multan and Peshawar be improved. Missionaries from Kaunaj finally converted the remaining Moslems of Sahis and Sind as the Hindu religion continued its resurgence. Guram was content to rule from Kaunaj and allow Prince Anesh to oversee the Bengalis. Prince Suresh was ideally suited to his role as the Kingdom’s general given his abrupt and brutal nature but had little to challenge his force of forty thousand men from the provinces of Punjab and Kashmir. Both fell easily to his force along with the city of Islamabad; Parapavura was also taken but was found to be an empty shell, its people long since fled or enslaved. Luresh had little success with the Jihjhoti when a perceived insult to the Raja’s daughter about the similarities between her size and Luresh’s elephants caused the province to reduce its ties with Kaunaj. Indejit in a spate of religious fervour managed to build a church for the Brahmin’s in Kaunaj. He was less than successful in Rajput and Jaunpur.

Samaaj Kekataar

The reach of the Hindu gods extended as both Siahan and Badakshan were taken by the Dagger forces and turned from their worship of Allah to the true faith of Vishnu. Those that resisted were cut down by the fierce Samaaj warriors.

The Palas of Bengal

Gurdip continued to oversee the development of the Bengal nation. Ruling from his court in Gaur, the Pala was blessed with two young sons. Meanwhile, the day-to-day affairs of state were handled by the Princes Rajeev and Thon, leaving Gurdip time to concentrate on the expansion of the Brahmin temples into Maghada and Bihar. His attempts to cripple the Guardians of Anuradhapura came to nothing as the brotherhood had intercepted Gurdip’s agents before they reached their strongholds. Rumours that Gurdip may have stretched himself too far began to circulate throughout the east as a senior Thatonese commander was supposedly executed for taking Bengali gold. The road out of Gtsang to Om’Chu was completed, allowing Gurdip’s reach to extend to the far east. Missionaries were sent to Tz’uk’an and On’Chu and some converts were made amongst the Dali Lama’s old subjects. The Bengali influence over the Bhutan was improved by the efforts of Haram and Jani as they tried to gain the support of the local nobility.

The Mountain Tribes of Adakh

The Mountain Adakh tribes try to take some of Nepal’s meagre riches but are pushed back by the Nepalese defenders.

Western Dhara Kingdom        

The Western Dharans continued to consolidate their control on their lands as Kalyani allied themselves to the kingdom. Some support was given by Beldiva to the Dharans. Both Burhanpur and Machilipatnam were to give their support the Kalachuris cause during these years. The Brahmins extended their reach with a temple in Rajput. 

 

 

 

South East Asia and the Islands

The Kambujadesa Empire

(Hindu Civilised Open Empire)
Thao Pen-Pen, Emperor of the Khmer

The cities of Bakheng and Banjarmasin grew in size and their great walls rebuilt to encompass their growing populations. Thao Pen-Pen continued to deal with the merchants of his nation as he attempted to improve its prosperity. His priests attempts to stir the laity to a greater belief in Vishnu, spurred on by the new Brahmin’s in India, caused concern amongst Khemer’s mainly worldly people. Hom Pen-Pen, known as “Little Thao” behind his back because of his height, travelled from the royal court to Singapore. Once on the island the Prince preached the beliefs of Vishnu, stating that although no religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, how they are all genuine paths, facets of God's Light, worship of Vishnu would allow them to feel the joy of tolerance and understanding.  Sadly, these were times of turmoil and hatred and although the Prince met with some willing converts there were also some that were angered by his words. Little Thao’s short life was ended by some of these dissenters as he led a congregation during the winter of 1348 as they turned on him as he preached. The Emperor was further grieved when news of the death of Sovann Pen-Pen reached the royal court. Haomkong had taken command of the defence of Selatan before his unfortunate death in 1347. Defence of the empire was then left in the hands of the capable Jaya Vong in Champa.

 

The Yue Annam Kingdom

(Buddhist Seafaring Open Empire)
Tran Du Tong, King of Annam

Vast sums of gold were sent to the Greater Wheel to secure Tran Du Tong’s influence. To further aid his cause, the young Prince Cahn Tong was sent to study under the great Abbot himself. The walls of Mison and the fortress in Annam were improved as Tran du Tong considered the nation’s readiness in case of attack. His reach was extended as the road out of Lingtung was completed to the Kienchou border and Kwangsi was joined to Nanling.  Prince Tran Ahn Tong would have gladly joined his brother in studying with the Abbot but his duties as Tran’s heir called upon him to remain in Annam. He was able to assist in the building of a small temple in Tonkin, dedicated to the Wheel. General Tay Minh travelled to Kinechou to take control of the province from its former Koueichou overlords. However, shortly after arriving in the province, the general contracted the deadly plague and died shortly afterwards. Dinh Bo’s efforts in Kunming saw the city enter into a formal alliance with the Tong dynasty.

 

The Kingdom of Thaton

(Buddhist Civilised Open Empire)
Sajja, King of Thaton

 

With the news of plague to the north-east, King Sajja poured more resources into providing clean water to his nation’s cities. The great aqueducts were finished in Moulmein and Thon Buri and new foundations laid for new ones in Bangkok, Rangoon and Pagan. The king was content to rule from his palaces in Thaton after ensuring that the nation’s merchants had exploited every commercial opportunity. The young Prince Tunku was sent to study under the tutelage of the Greater Wheel monks while his brother the Prince Badan was to attend the king at the Thatonese court. To continue his dominion over the Nanchao, Sajja ordered Prince Charong to travel to Tai Li to oversee the subject nation. Only the death of General Chaiyo in 1348 from a fall whilst riding marred otherwise peaceful years for the kingdom; the general was killed when one of his staff was being arrested after it was found that he was taking Bengali bribes. Despite General Chaiyo’s death, the traitor was executed without mercy and his head presented to the king. Praya Sen had travelled to Aceh to gain some support from the province, an alliance sealed with the marriage of the Aceh chief to Princess Kimnai. To prove his devotion to the Abbot, Sajja built a temple to Buddha in Pagan.

 

The Greater Wheel

(Buddhist Civilised Religious Primate)
The Most Blessed and Omniscient Longchenpa, the Rinpoche Master of the Nyingma Order

 

Upon the passing of Rinpoche Master Longhenpa, Sonam Gyaltsen, the Venerable Trizin of the Sakya Order, humbly assumed the mantle of spiritual guidance for all the children of Buddha.  The Master travelled to nearby Padishan, where he encouraged the local priests to expand their high temples in order to better serve their peoples. His tenure as Master proved short-lived as he was to pass away peacefully in 1349 before the completion of the Padishan temple. A younger Master was needed to ensure the vigour of the Buddhist faith and the Orders looked to the newly appointed Cahn Tong of the Yue Annam to lead them forward. On the night that Longchenpa passed, Rolpe Dorje - the Blessed Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kagyu Order - received a karma in the form of a dream.  He came down from his retreat in Nan Chao and travelled to Annam and Chang'Ling to raise temples in those lands.

 

The Kingdom of Nanchao

Pa Long’s rule was a peaceful one and the king had little to do except improve the living conditions of Nan Chao’s peasants. Prince Kang Xi was named as his heir and Cheng Ho a prince of the realm. To ensure the nation’s peace continued, Sung Lo was commanded to patrol the nation’s borders from Nan Chao.

 

 

Manchu’ko and Nihon

The Minamoto Shogunate

(Shinto Civilised Open Empire)
Kojiro Yasumori, Shogun of the East

More of the Takama wilderness was tamed and the frontier province saw a large increase in population. The Shogun had dispatched missionaries to convert the remnants of Buddhists still adhering to their faith but they found little success amongst them. Kojiro, although no great general, decided that his son Haruo should rule in his stead while he commanded the Shogunate’s royal guards. Prince Katsu was then to lead the amphibious assault on Shikoku with the bulk of his army carried by the fleet. The Tairan’s fleet numbered of forty warships but this should have been no match for Katsu’s one hundred and sixty warships. However, the Tairan admiral was desperate and led his ships in a suicidal surge through the middle of Katsu armada, effectively cutting it in two. Believing that they were outnumbered, the Minamoto captains turned their transports around and fled back to Yamaguchi. All was not lost though as some of Katsu’s captains realised the ploy and turned on the doomed defenders. Katsu still had the bulk of his warships under his command and mercilessly fell upon the Tairans, slaughtering them for destroying his hopes of glory before returning to Yamaguchi. The Prince’s losses were slight but the generals Turoka and Uki were counted amongst the dead as they bore the brunt of the initial fierce assault by the Tairans. Ryuu increased the reach of the Shogun as he found a way through to the islands of Okinawa.

 

The Goryeo Kingdom

(Buddhist Civilised Open Empire)
Wang Eun, King of Goryeo

Wang Eun further strengthened his army by raising five thousand cavalry in Jilin. He then marched to the city and integrated the fresh troops into his army. From Anshan, Wang Eun push on into the rebel territory of Parhae, hoping to catch the rebels unprepared. His nine thousand men met little resistance as the rebels had pulled their forces into Liao-Tung to counter Shin Hyun-Joon’s raids. Wang’s only failing as a general was to lead from the front and this quest for glory cost him dear as he was struck by a rebel arrow during an assault on one of their forts. Even though they overwhelmed the defenders, his men were left leaderless and returned to Anshan with Wang’s body. Despite Wang’s lack of heir, the Wang dynasty endured as his cousin was elevated to the throne. During his coronation, the new king heard of Shin’s defeat and capture by the rebels as he led his badly outnumbered force of mercenaries on a deep raid into their territory. To further add to his despair, news came to Koguryo of rebellion in Silla.

 

 

The Grand Khitan Khanate

 

The lands of Manchu were taken by the Khanate as it continued to extend its frontiers.

 

 

The Land under Heaven

The Kingdom of Koueichou

(Buddhist Civilised Open Empire)
Lai Sung, King of Koueichou

As the plague swept though the Koueichou lands it was Wo Sung that was amongst the first casualties. However, his death, although mourned was soon overshadowed by the suffering felt throughout the nation. Finally, in 1348 the Lo Sung was found dead after suffering a heart attack brought on by the plague. With no direct heir the Sung dynasty looked to Prince Lai Sung to take control. Pei Chei and Rao Ling were also to perish as Hunan was hit particularly badly. The great monastery of the Wheel in Chiennan was to almost fall into disuse as a great number of the monks contracted the plague but elsewhere throughout the kingdom the Wheel temples became places of sanctuary from the suffering. The province of Kienchou was transferred to the Yue Annam as a sign of good faith by Prince Rai Sung before he returned to Hunan. Before he was called to the throne, Lai Sung had led a delegation that had secured greater ties with the Hunanese nobility.

 

The Empire of the Western Song

(Buddhist Civilised Open Empire)
Zhi Liew, Emperor of the Western Song

As the plague finally subsided in the Song lands, it was a cruel twist that the Emperor should die of a heart attack in 1347. Zhi Kuo had no direct heir so speculation as to his successor was rife amongst the nation. Eventually, it was Zhu Liew, brother of Zhi Yu that took the throne, assisted in his claim by Zhi Wei. Zhi Liew had recently married a princess from Yanzhi, providing greater support from the frontier province. One of Zhi Liew’s first acts was to rebuild the army; over ten thousand cavalry were raised in Chang’An to protect the empire. The cities of Ts-Un-I and Houma also began to recover from the decimation left by the plague. The Tzin-Kiang-Zao, along with their Mongol allies, raided in Yanzhi province. Tsao Guo was to hear of the raids too late and could little to stop the tribesmen. Poor Yu Ma was to die as he attempted to ride to Yanzhi’s aid.

 

 

The Kingdom of Chengshi

(Buddhist Civilised Open Empire)
Xiang Sung, King of Chengshi

Life was good in the eastern kingdom, the prosperity of Suzhou, Quwo and Qingdao leapt forward as old slums were cleared away for parks and tea houses. Xiang Sung ensured that his growing kingdom would be safe by improving the walls of his cities and fortifying many of the kingdom’s provinces. Merchants from the old sea trade route with the Yue Annam realised that more gold could be made by travelling the great road established between the nations and gradually drifted away from the sea. Xiang sung was blessed with a young son during these years, ensuring the continuation of his dynasty. He requested that his brother, the Prince Xiang Te, assist him in the royal court. The resourceful Chung was able to explore the seas from Suzhou; adding rutters for the Mollucas and Celebes to the royal archives.

 

 

The Kingdom of Chiang’Ning

(Buddhist Civilised Open Empire)
Song Wei, King of Chiang’Ning

 

The prosperity of the kingdom continued as the cities of Tang-Chou, Zhenzhou, Jinan and Tai-Pei all grew in size. Seven thousand men were raised for Song Fei in Jinan and a further three thousand in Chiangning for Song Wei. The young prince Song Kai was to arrive in the royal court in early 1346 from his father’s estates. He had little time to settle at the court before his father’s unexpected death in 1340 threw him into the maelstrom of royal politics. Not only had Song Wei passed away but the young prince’s mentor and uncle Song Fei was also to die in the same year. While Ning Tang continued to improve the relations with the Yen, Chen Sheng proved a thorn in the Khitan Khan’s side as he stirred up dissent amongst the Zen in Bao’Ding..

 

 

North America

The Huron Confederacy

(Open Empire)
Dooyentate, Chief of the Huron

 

Links with the Moundbuilders to the west were established when royal marriages were arranged between the Princess Anenontha and Rising Smoke as well as Prince Tarhe to the Princess Moon Shadow.  It left to Lenape to escort the Princesses back and forth from Cahokia. Chief Dooyentate sent the prince to the Iroquois with Teata to broker marriages to four more of his sons. Such dynastic diplomacy paid off when the Iroquois agreed to support the Hurons in time of war.

.

 

 

The Anasazi

(Open Empire)
Kewa, Chief of the Anasazi

 

The lands of the Anasazi saw a new settlement built called Mesa Verde.  Chief Kewa ruled from his lands and was pleased with the news that Fragua had gained the full support of the Navajo with the assistance of Wauneka.

.

 

The Yokut Tibes

(Open Empire)
Tachi, Chief of the Yokuts

 

Gold was spent improving the lush Yokut lands around Tachi’s encampment. The chief himself took a young bride by the name of Aiyana from the southern Serrano. Their union was blessed with a young son Lakisami as well as a daughter called Wowa

.

The Moundbuilders

(Open Empire)
Limping Bear, Chief of the Yokuts

 

An alliance with the Hurons was cemented with the marriage of Rising Smoke to the Princess Anenontha. To further seal the alliance, Princess Moon Shadow was presented to the Huron prince, Tarthe. Chief Limping Bear had sent out Rising Smoke to explore the lands of the Sangamon, the prince returning for his wedding with news that those lands were occupied. Slow Rain sought in vain for any of the people in Muskegon but was pleased to find scattered tribes throughout the Saginaw lands.

The Souix Nation

(Open Empire)
Ashen Sky, Chief of the Souix

 

Chief Ashen Sky sought in vain for the Ogala but no sign of any tribes were found in those lands. Laughing Bear also had little success in Assinboin but did mange to acquire the support of the Cree after visiting their lands in Plans Ojibwa.

Elsewhere….

The Apache lay claim to Concho and settle the desolate lands of the Opate and Culiacan. As the Pawnee begin to explore from their lands they find no tribes in Caddo but some of the people in Canute. The Paiute make gains with the Ko’Aga and the Nampa; their exploration of Yahuskin finds nothing. The Dakota continue to woo the Iowa tribes but find the Ponca lands empty. The Tautin and Tolowa tribes join with the Nootka. The Ute settle the Unita wilderness and make an alliance with the Yampa. The Shosone people begin to look for allies amongst the Tuccannon.

South America

The Chimu Kingdom of Chanchan

(Open Empire)
Acahuano, King of the Chimu

 

 

Acahuana ruled the kingdom until his death in 1350. His son, Acahuano, took over the reigns of government from his rather with the blessing of the Chanchan nobles. Through the efforts of Illuancho, Thonapa and Urco the lands of Maranga and Chavin were brought back into the kingdom.

 

 

The Mapuche

(Open Empire)

Raiel, Chief of the Mapuche

 

There was great rejoicing throughout the Mapuche lands as the Vision of the Elder was finally completed in Pichunche. Chief Raiel continued to send colonists south to Huilliche as he ruled from Raiel. His son, Leiar, was to join him at the Mapuche court.

 

 

Chichen Itze

(Open Empire)
Hunac Teel, Chief of the Chichen Itze

 

Hunac Ceel’s death in 1346 from a fever saw his son take control of the kingdom. Prince Hunac Teel spent the remainder of these years with his family. He was blessed with four young children, including twin sons. One of the twins was strong and healthy but his brother came from the womb a stunted twisted thing but survived nonetheless. Mayac Reel was assisted by Ronac Huc and Sonac Seel in improving the relations with the Yucatec.

 

 

Zapotec Mitla

(Open Empire)

Oceloti, Chief of the Zapotecs

 

King Oceloti was now firmly in control of the kingdom and sent Coloti to Totonac to acquire him a bride. Prince Coloti was accompanied by Alcatlatec as well as the capable Toton and gained a valuable alliance from the Totonac. The old ways were entrenched in the kingdom and Coatl attempts to loosen the priests hold on the kingdom came to nothing.

 

 

The Carib

(Open Empire)

Najaca, Cacique of the Carib, Son of Hadali

 

Chief Hadali lives long enough to see his son Najaca succeed him as heir to the Cacique before his death in 1346.

.

 

 

The Triple Alliance

(Open Empire)
Huehueteotl, Chief of the Mexica

 

Little of note occurred during these years.