Lords of the Earth 27

The Dark ages

Turn 15

THE HISTORY
571-575 AD

WESTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries:
7i, 16c, 5s, 9w, 5t

Britannia- 12c
Denmark- 7w

Britannia Aflame

571AD: Britain once again prepared for war. The Britannian's again sortied their navy. Strangly they had huge sums of gold but prefered to build a large library instead of seeing to the war effort to the maximum, thus it was no suprise that the Danes were able to convince the mercenaries to side with them. Even before the Britannian navy could reach the North Sea however, a Reget transport fleet made the crossinf and entered Dyn Baers port, they began the evacuation of the city, a prisoner in Persian garb was seen being escorted onto the Regetian ships. The Danish, and what was left of Reget's navy, met up in the North Sea and looked for Britannia's fleet. It arrived a few weeks later. The outnumbered Britannians gave a good accounting but were forced to flee after a battle that lasted all morning. The losses on each side were equal.

While the fleets dueled Prince Magunnus marched his army North into Lothian. A brief battle saw the region over run. Magunnus turned his attention to DynBaer but to late...Reget's transports were just leaving the harbor. The city, and Royal family, had succesfully fled. The Regetian navy turned North. The local peasants left had said the King was taking them northwest to new lands across the distant oceans.

Magunnus, unhappy Regets royals had escaped, consoled himself by looting and burning the Celtic Churhces possessions in Lothian and the now empty Dyn Baer.

The Dainish and Reget navies moved into the British channel and began raiding the southern lands of Britannia.

King Gryffed of Powys lands in Gwynned and insites his people to revolt and they succeed, liberating the Powysian homeland.

572AD: In the north Britannia's army turned south west and invaded Cumbria. The region was quickly over run and pacified. With that accomplished Britannia began looting the region and began the enslavement of the populace.

In the south King Gryffed marches into Powys and again is able to lead a revolt, augmented by the rebel army raised in Gwynned, he is able to defeat the small Britannian garrison. Powys is liberated as well.

The Danes try to start a revolt in Kent, but the Britannian garrison, along with the returned Britannian navy, are able to supress it.

In mid summer the Persian Armada arrives in the British Channel. 305 war galleys (nearly half heavy) and 21,000 Persian Marines move to engage the 130 war galleys and 8,000 marines of the combined Danish and Reget navy. King Magnulf watched the approaching Persian vessels. "my god" was all he was able to mutter. Magnulf soon recovered and expertly maneuvered the allied fleet to engage. The wise Magnulf was able to partially negate the Persians superior numbers with his sound naval tactics. The two sides were now hopelessly entangled and it was no longer a war of maneuver. Instead it became a war of attrition as the interlocked vessels became small battles as boarding parties raged back and forth across the sides of entangled vessels. Around noon the left flank of the allied navy began to come apart. The Regetian flag ship had been rammed and was under attack by three Persian vessels. Prince Owain was desperately trying to defend. His men were being slaughtered whole sale. He fell amongst them, first a spear slid under the edge of his mail and pierced his bowels. The fire of the wound made him spasm and he dropped to his knees. "The Prince!!!" his men cried and tried to rally to his side, but the press of Persians prevented his rescue. Owain tried to stand but the liquid in his bowels spilled out to his horror, fortunately a Persian blade decapitated him a moment later ending his suffering.

Magnulf tried to disengage his forces, but he had little chance and his own flag ship was soon surrounded. Arrows poured onto the Danish vessel as the Persians moved in for the Kill. Magnulf staggered, an arrow transfixed in the center of his back. Thwack, another inbedded in his thigh. His huscarls, all around him, also were falling. A last flurry of arrows, before the boarding parties rush across, ended Magnulf. A red shafted arrow pierced his throat and he fell with gurgling noises.

A few Danish vessels made it back to Odinsmunda.

The allied navy is smashed.  Persia lost 50 ships and 4,000 marines. The allies 95 ships and 8,000 marines (all of Regets forces were lost)

The victorius Persian fleet sailed to Dyn Baer. There they learned the Regetian Royal family had escaped. The Persian navy then returned to the North Sea to hunt for more allied fleets, finding none they returned home to Tyre and news of the Islamic war.

573-574AD: Magunnus finishes enslaving Cumbria, unfortunately the slaves slow down his armies march and he just reaches Powys's border as winter comes. Spring brings renewed war as Magunnus marches into rebellous Powys. King Gryffed had scraped together 13,000 rebels, but he only had 2,000 cavalry and all of it was light. These outmached rebels faced 25,500 Britannians (5,000 of it Heavy Cavalry). The battle was a lopsided affair. The powysian rebels were annihilated and Gryffed, who had returned in triumph, was now worm food. He died with his men. The Celtic Holysites were again looted.

575AD: Dyffed is overun and the Celtic Churches holy sites plundered.

THE KINGDOM OF REGET- Celtic Christian- Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Lyr Marini

Diplomacy: None

Reget flees from Holland and DynBaer Svanhilt, the widowed Danish princess, dies from a sickness in the lungs aboard the fleeing ships, last seen sailing north.....

see: Britannia aflame

THE KINGDOM OF POWYS-Celtic Christian-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Llewelyn

Diplomacy: none

The Powysian govnt once again had huge tax problems and was unable to pay its troops. More deserted. Some good news was the birth of a son in 573, and a daughter in 575 for Llewelyn, the new King.

see: Britannia aflame

THE KINGDOM OF BRITANNIA (was Dumnonia)-Roman Catholic-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

King Tristan

Diplomacy:

The Queen dies in 574AD, and Princess Katheryn had died in 571AD

see: Britannia aflame

THE CELTIC CHURCH-Celtic Christian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Patriarch Aeden II

Diplomacy:  none

"Many report a flaming dart travelling across the sky. All ask whether it is a sign. I believe it is. Is it any coincidence that this fell sigil has been etched across the sky in the aftermath of the ravages of the pharonic King of 'Britannia'? Take heed, all, the wonders and mysteries of the Most High God. For even as the great empires of the Babylonians, the Assyrians, and the Seleucids were cast down, so too shall the wickedness of Britannia. For did not Daniel dream of a great statue, representative of all the empires of the earth? Was not this last empire represented by feet of iron mixed with clay? Were not these feet shattered by a stone from heaven? Think on these words of mine! Think on the ineffable and irresistable purpose of the Lord God.

"Remember, however, that whatever the chastisement the Lord chooses to deliver upon Britannia, the people of that land are our brothers, and we must seek, while possibly slaying the snake that sits upon the Dumnonian throne, to show brotherly compassion to its people.

"Remember also to fly from wickedness and temptation during this time, lest the ire of God is visited upon us as well!"
 

THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY-European Pagan-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

King Nors

Diplomacy: none

Things were quiet in Norway. Until the winter after the comet strike in the east. The winter of 571 was hard, King Knut and several of his sons died from illness over the winter. Nors became King in these troubled times.The next few years also were cold and a drought came and the crop yeilds were way down. Hunger was a serious problem in the land.
 

THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK-Roman Catholic-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Ragnar

Diplomacy: Anglia (nt) Ipswich (nt)

The Danes did their best to help their Regetian allies migrate. They had some success until Persian forces showed up

see: Britain aflame

The new King, Ragnar, took a wife and welped a daughter in 572 and a son in 575AD.

The Dane's saxon and Holstein allies continued to slave in Germania. This time it was Pomerania to suffer the fate of enslavement.

THE KINGDOM OF THE LOMBARDS-Roman Catholic-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

King Alboin

Diplomacy: Asrurias (f) Salamanca (ea)

Hergar realizes he must now act. He leads his germanic warriors into western Iberia and invades Portugal. The Britannian region is pacified. The Lombards then march north and do the same to Galatia.

A deal was struck with the Arians and the Avars allowed to settle peacefully in north eastern Iberia. The Dux of Aragon was relieved of his oath of allegience "Farewell, thou good and faithful servant. You will now have a King of your own religion. May you prosper." with that King Hergar sent the Dux off to his new liege, the Khan of the Avars. 

Colonist were sent south to Gebal al tarik, the ferry was reestablished across the straights to Africa.

In 574 the King, now back in Seville, suddenly dies. A shaking sickness gripped him and his speech slurred and within a day he was dead. Alboin became king without issue. His younger brother, Wacho became heir. Alboin married a princess from Asturia and she gave birth to a son, Agilaf, in 573. A daughter, Desidera, was born in 575AD.

THE KINGDOM OF ARMORICA-Celtic Christian-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Basil

Diplomacy: none

Armorica rebuilt its army and started the slow process or recovery from civil war.

THE KINGDOM OF THE MEROVINGIANS-Roman Catholic-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Harald

Diplomacy: Burgundy (t)

The Merovingian focused on economic development, and more colonist were settled in Lorraine. The region is still recovering from the populatiopn losses from the plague.

THE WESTERN ROMAN EMPIRE-Roman Catholic-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Emperor Theodosius, Restitutor Orbis, Redditor Lucis Aeternae, Defender of the true faith.

Diplomacy:

no turn received

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH-Roman Catholic-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Pope Peligious, Patriarch of the true faith.

Diplomacy:

Pope Agapetus issues a statement to the faithful:

"The comet that has appeared in the heavens is a reminder of the promise that the Lord made when he gave his only son to the world. It is nothing more or nothing less. Many may try to use this comet to fulfill their own vendettas and hatreds. Those that do are forgetting the promise and the word of God."

This message was met with mixed reviews. Many of the people were sure Christ's return was imminent. Unrest over the overly conservative Church was common. Order was maintained howver and the Church went about establishing holy sites and helping the faithful throughout Europe.

Pope Agapetus passed away in the summer of 571. Benedict became Pope.He over saw the church for just a brief period before he too died in 573AD. Peligious becomes Pope.

THE TEMUKIN KHANATE -Roman Catholic-Nomadic, Tech Lvl 3

Khan Temuki

Diplomacy: Romagna (f) Gom-Liao (f)

The Khan traveled to Romagna and there confers with his ally the Liao Khan on how to bring his people even closer to the Khanate. They share some kvass, get roaring drunk and reminisce about the good old days when they were on the steppes fighting like true men.

The Khan then orders his subjects to convert to Catholicism. Most comply, the slavic allies of the Khan in the south at first balk "Why should we convert to this milksop faith? They roll over and then give us half this land as our own? We should take the other half!" shouts the Slavic chieftain. A scribe insists "but my lord, they say the Christian god gave these lands to our Khan as gift, but now he sends his hammer to insure we show him his proper respect" with that the Slavic chieftain turns an eye to the night sky and frowns. Clearly seeing that this must be so, he grunts at the wisdom of it and he and his people convert.

THE KHANATE OF THE AVARS-Arian Christian-Nomadic, Tech Lvl 3

Kublai Khan

Diplomacy: Valencia (nt) Valencia city (nt) Aragon (t)

The Avars were a problem. No one wanted to be near them. The Catholics wanted them out of southern Gaul. The Egyptians didn't want them migrating to Africa. In the end a deal was struck and the Avars moved into northern Iberia. Catalonia was pacified then the Avar tribes colonized the land. The Avars have a new homeland. The  port city of Barcelona was built. Negotiations were also begun with Valencia, the Lombards also transfered control of Aragon to their new Avar neighbors.

EASTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries:
10i, 10c, 10lc, 5w, 5t

THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE-Eastern Orthodox-Civilized, Tech Lvl 5

Ioannes, Vasilevs, Avghoustos, kai Avtrokrator Romaion

Diplomacy:  Boguslav (ea) Kiev (fa) Kluj (t)

The Emperor ordered that a vast fortification network be built in Abasigia. Huge sums of manpower and materials were sent there. In the north the Empires diplomats traveled the the slavic lands along the Dnepr river. The region of Kiev and the city of boguslav were the focus of the diplomatic mission.

The new port cities of "Rhodes" in Rhodes, "Smyrna" in Asia, and "Adalia" in Isauria were built.

Empress Hana took ill and died in 571AD. Basil's wife gave birth to a son in 573 and anohter boy in 575AD.

Lord Georgios, the master of Soldiers, died in 574AD, Bishop Erasmus had passed in 571AD
 

THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH-Eastern Orthodox-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Patriarch Mathias

Diplomacy: Khazar (ch)  kuban (ab)  Moesia (ch)  Pontus (mn) Diaphenus (mn) Taman (ch)

The Comet's appearance in 571AD shocked amd disturbed the Patriarch. Rumors flew about a prophecy of doom, that a child was born under this sign and he shall be a destroyer. Zephyrinus would never have given cedence to such a story, but Mathais was thrust into the Patriarch's shoes with little warning, and was in all ways a smaller man, weak and indecisive. He nervously penned a letter in to his counterpart in Rome seeking guidance.

Missionaries also continued their efforts amongst the steppe folk, and more holy sites built. In the city of Kluj, a coulcil was called and the clergy began an intense theological debate and steps were taken to begin a reformation of the Church.

THE ORDER OF ST GEORGIOS-Eastern Orthodox-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Grand Master Taki

Diplomacy: Dardinia (ab) Morea (ab) Insulae (mn)

The knights of St George worked with the parent church to bring the Gospel to the heathens on the steppes in the caucus area. Missionaries also continued their work in the wild areas of walachia. In addition a fortress was built in the Insulae island chain.

KRISTOS PANTOCRATOR-Eastern Orthodox-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Grand Master Akhilleous

Diplomacy: hellespontus (mn) Nicea (ab) Phrygia (ab) Rhodes (ab) Isauria (ab) Rhodes city (ch) Smyrna (ch) Galatia (ch) Paphlagonia (ch)

The fledgling order moved out and established sites in Asia. The order needs a solid foundation if they are to protect the faithful from the infidels in the east.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GREATER ARMENIA-Eastern Orthodox-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

King Bassil

Diplomacy: none

The Armenians continued to help their allies with missionary work. Queen Octavia had a son, Heroditus, in 573AD.

THE KINGDOM OF THE TEUTONS-Roman Catholic-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 2

King Frothgar

Diplomacy: none

The Teutons find wintering in their new fortress a great improvement over past years of sleeping under the trees. Some feel that the remoteness might be as good a defense as the stone walls. The problem with being so remote is that news travels slowly. The royal family rejoices in the demise of the Osmani, but is saddened by the events in Britain. Rumors fly over the fates of the Croats and the Avars.

Prince Gunther decides not to enter the priesthood at this time, though the call of the spiritual life pulls strongly - he continues his princely duties including overseeing the erection of new fortifications. He seems to spend a lot of time with his wife - the King's command for more grandchildren being taken seriously, in activity if not in fruition. The barons are relieved by the decision, feeling that the solidity of the succession is more important than the royal family's very strong religious convictions.

The King, Prince Garulf and Princess Gruna, visit the King's sister Folka, the Duchess of Polotsk, and the royal niece and nephew. Then they travel to Minsk to visit the Countess Gida and the King's newest grandchildren. They bring troops to enhance the guard in that city, and they also oversee the distribution of settlers to boost the population of Polotsk.

Prince Farahulf, disgusted that the transports are now designated for trade, gathers a few troops together and forays out on a military adventure to the east. The King sends Lord Stilgar along as a check on the young royal's brashness. 15,000 Teutonic cavalry march north and then east. Skirting along the siberian waste, they head south. Moving through Gothic lands, with Gothic permission and guides, the continue south and then lay waste to Kazan. The peoples are subjigated and then enslaved. The neighboring regions are merely raided, slaves again being the main goal. During the long march back north Farahulf notices that with the dissapearence of the Comet from the night sky the days have gotten colder and the skies are always over cast and dark. "A bad omen Stilger, I have a bad feeling in my stomach. We must hurry home."

The winters were harsh and the summers cool, and finally farahulf made it back home. Home, it certainly didn't look the same. The fields were devestated and the weather chilly, and yet it was summer. He quickly learned that the Comet had smashed into the Kur lands and annihilated everything and everyone fore miles in all directions. The land was completely unihabited. The explosion that had occured on impact had thrown dust and debree so high into the sky that it rained ash for over a month and the seasons had been bitterly cold because little sun light was getting through. Even now, 4 years after the impact the weather was only begining to return to normal. There had been reports that the effects had been felt in other lands near by as well. " I guess there will be need for  these slaves in the fields then" was Farahulfs sentiment.

THE KINGDOM OF THE GOTHS-Arian Christian-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Dameric 

Diplomacy:  none

King Marcus, old and tired succumbs to deaths call in the summer of 571AD, his son Dameric is crowned King. However still being a minor his mother, Svetlana, acts as regent for now.

Lord Tyric took a large body of Gothic warriors south and enslaved the regions of Murom, Mordva, and Suvar. Although the Goths took some casualties in their bloody conquests, the slaves they brought back were very much needed to improve the pitiful Gothic economy.

NORTH AFRICA

Mercenaries:
10i, 5c, 4s, 4w, 4t

THE KINGDOM OF EGYPT-Monophysite-Civilized, Tech Lvl 5

King Tiberius

Diplomacy: Ghebal Gharib (nt)

Egypt was a land full of tension. Wars, and rumors of wars consumed most of the King's thoughts. What would the Croats do? Would a deal be struck to keep the Avars out of Africa? And just what was this he had been hearing about sabre rattling from the east within Islam again?

Just to be sure of Egypts security, the Royal Fleet vigorously patrolled the Gulf of Cyprus.

In the end no war came Egypt's way, but vigilance is never a bad policy.

The King did react into Levant briefly, a large group of Islamic warriors moved through the region but stuck to the edges and avoided any Christian settlements. They sent word of their good intentions that they meant no harm and where simply passing through. The King tried to catch them anyway, but they were gone by the time he arrived on the scene.

In between Patrols and military training, Prince Ramsis took a bride and the new couple had a daughter in 573AD.

The port city of "Tur" was built in Sinai on the Red Sea.
 

THE MONOPHYSITE CHURCH-Monophysite-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Patriarch Athanasius

Diplomacy: Soro (ch ) Levant (mn) Salamat (ab) Shoa (ch) Amra (ch) Darfur (ca)

Athenagoras remained in Egypt and took care of the clerical duties of the growing Church. He sent letters off to the King of Akwar and was taken by suprise when news came of the war in that land and the Akwarian conversion to Islam. See: The West African War

Missionaries continued to spread the Gospel westward into central Africa. Soro and Kreda became completely converted to the true faith. The Holy Father also continued to build holy sites amongst the faithful as a good shepard would.

In 573AD Arch Bishop Darius passed, and then 2 years later the Holy Father himself went to see the Lord. Arch Bishop Athanasius became Patriarch.

THE ORDER OF THE THEBAN LEGION-Monophysite-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Victor, Grandmaster of the Order.

Diplomacy: none

The rumors of war reached the Orders headquarters in Egypt as well. Large numbers of elite warriors were raised from the warrior households throughout the land. The training and equiping of this new force consumed the orders time.

Grandmaster Felix went to be with God in 572AD, master Victor became the new Grandmaster.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE VANDALS-Arian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

King Simon

Diplomacy: morroco (f)

Simon began to think, "If the croats, with our help, crossed the great desert to invade someone....then surely an invader could come the other way and do the same" With that thought in mind Simon sent Lord Rulf south with some Vandal troops to occupy many of the oasis (Adrar, Ain Saleh, Hassi Talieb, El-Golea, and Ghadames)

The fortress of "Batna" is built in Kibalya near the entrence into the land from the desert caravan routes.

The Vandal forces are on a high alert status. The issue of the Avars had nearly lead to war.
 

THE ARIAN CHURCH-Arian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Patriarch Maldaveck

Diplomacy: sicily (ca) Valencia (ch) Catalonia (ch)

Maldeaveck watchs the sky day and night and finds no happiness. He had hoped for peace in the world outside of the Avars but as the glow in the sky moves beyond the vandel borders to the East he reads the signs as an ill omen for those distant lands of those called the Chinese. In Shame he finds himself hoping that no ill tidings are any closer to home. On the domestic front the Egyptians and coptic church put forth an envoy to discuss adding the arian world to the treaty of Jeruslem. Talks are halted almost immediatly, the envoys do not bring a unifed proposel from all the parties of the treaty but a one sided dictate of what they see the world as.

The church sent out its own envoys to every signee of the treaty informing them that these talks were stoped the moment the Church saw
that not all nations had been consulted and that the new terms of inclusion gave fast benifit to the Coptic Church but offered nothig to
the others that they did not already have. While the church would gladly enter into treats of peace and trade with any nation it would never enter into one that took unfair advantage nor would it find it reasonable to agree to borders of expansion other then those of exsisting Nations.  As to any provisions on confining Migration to Africa of other Nations the Arian church does not see where this is a matter of concern. Any Nation has the duty to its people to protect its borders but beyond that any notion of continental control is the product of a megalomaniac. If it is fear of ones ability to protect its own borders they are then perhaps in the wrong job, if its disappointment at seeing an oppertunity for conquest being thwarted, then get used to dissapointment. The Egyptians can give all the reasons they wish the Arian church sees these as a screen from the truth. Any non coptic influence in Africa makes it harder for them to gain total control of Africa. 

On a seperate note the Clergy of the Arian church bowing to the realities of the world have posted new rates for servics:
All servixces at anytime to peacful men: Free of charge

Fees for Invaders:
Burial rates
Infantry 1/2 dihram
Cav 1/2 dirham 5 Dirhams for the  horse
Siege 1/2 Dirham per 2 men
Discount if they bring thier own coffin wood
Leaders 4 Dirhams for treating the upset stomachs of the
vultures, for they are also God's creatures.
 

THE ARIAN KNIGHTS OF CARTHAGE-Arian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Hermeric the Suevian, Grandmaster of the Order.

Diplomacy: Adrar Oasis (ch) Palermo (mn) Kabilya (ab) Hassi Talieb Oasis (ch) Zirid (ab) Merrakesh (ab)

The Arian knights work closely with their Vandal allies. Churches were established in the Oasis to the south, there are little or no people there but even the few need the Gospel, eh?

Grandmaster Hermeric was spotted on Sicily coordinating defenses with the Vandal forces their. Similar reports were heard of in Kabilya with master Gunderic.

EASTERN AFRICA

Mercenaries:
7i, 4w, 4t

THE EMPIRE OF ETHIOPIA-Monophysite-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

Emperor Jeremiah

Diplomacy: None

The Ethiopians continue their urbanization program and several cities grow. The death of many of the lands leaders from old age hinders the missionary work some. However the land of Kedra is still converted with the Churches help.

Jeremiah, Malicah's heir, calls himself "Emperor" when he takes the throne without challenge in 572 AD.
 

THE KINGDOM OF HARAR-Sunni Islam-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

Emir Ali Al Mohammed

Diplomacy:

King Ferez died in the spring of 571AD, and almost immediately his sons fell into fighting amongst themselves. It was an unknown general who would end up in power. Ali Al Mohamed rose up from the ranks and slew the fueding brothers. The nation quickly fell in line. One of Ali's first acts was to renounce Christianity "We must return to the faith or our fathers, when the sound of our cavalry was to be feared by all!" The message was well received, the land hadn't been christian long anyway. Ali raises large numbers of heavily mounted elite warriors.

When the news from Arabia arrives, the naion is sent into a fervor of Islamic zeal. Anti Persian, and anti Zoroastrian chants are heard daily. Ali assures his Christian neighbors that he has nothing but good will towards them. Its is Persia and the Zoroastrians than Allah's wrath will fall upon.

WESTERN AFRICA

Mercenaries:
10i, 5w, 5t

The West African War

Now, we are given brief respite by our gracious host the Kingdom of Kanem. But, the time has come to forge a new home for our great people. Warriors! The time has come to don your armor, unsheathe your weapons, and conquer a new kingdom for our Croatian people. Let us turn the ground red with the blood of the pagan Akwar warriors. With the death of the pagan Akwar nation, shall there be born a mighty warrior nation. Croatia will rebuild, rearm, and remember."

571AD: The Croatian and Kanem armies march together and by years end cross the border into Songhai. The Akwar forces fall back and winter comes before the forces come to battle. Kpetoe and his warlords react to the invasion and also arrive in Songhai as winter comes.

572AD: Queen Loresa presses ahead intent on bringing the Akwarese to battle. In the Akwar camp Kpetoe notices the Croat/Kanem armies advance had left an opening for the possibility of a counter attack. "The unkown is these white devils, they are odd looking with their long hair and beards. I've never seen their like. They look fierce. How do they fight? That is the unknown" he tells his warlords. In the end, although outnumbered nearly 3 to 1, Kpetoe attacks.

On a cool march monring 28,000 Akwar warriors assault the allied camp. Coming out of the sun in the early dawn the allied armies are suprised. Before an adequate alarm can be raised the Akwarese are past the pickets and in the midst of the camp. The battle is confusing as neither side is able to form shield walls, and it becomes more of a brawl.

The allies recover quick enough and as more of their men wake up, arm themselves, and join the fight. The Akwarese are suprised by the ferociousness of the white devils. They fight like men possesed. They are not used to such barbaric fervor. The tide begins to turn. The Akwarese are falling in greater numbers than the allies and the numbers of their enemies is begining to be a major factor. By the late morning the fight as been pushed out of the allied camp into the plains. Threre the Croat heavy elite cavalry makes its presence felt. The Akwarese had never faced such a force and scores of them fall from the charge, which was lead by the Queen herself.

King Kail watches the croat cavalry charge home, not to be outdone he leads his Kanemese in a wild charge. The King is no great strategist, but he is greatly loved and is able to lift his mens spirits so that their attack is very motivated. The Akwarese forces shatter and they flee as fast as they can, the Warlord of Songhai fights a rear guard and takes a javelin through the chest. Alive but wounded he is able to make his escape. Prince Sudan, of Kanem, is old but his pride made him lead his men from the front. He is killed in the pursuit.

The Akwarese fell back into Timbuctu as the allies move out to secure the conquest of the region. In the allied camp there is great mourning as the body of the Queen is discovered. Carried aloft on the shields of her warriors, she is marched into the camp. She fell in the initial charge into the Akwarese ranks.

Ramidalv is made King, he vows that the Queen shall be avenged and orders her body wrapped in spices and bound in a shroud. The croats will take her body with them and Ramidalv vows she shall be buried as a Queen in the Akwarese capital when it falls.

21,500 Kanemese dead, and 7,000 allied dead litter the field.

In late April Songhai is finally under control, and the allies ready to assault Timbuctu. In the city the Kanemese line the walls, defiant. Ladders in hand, warriors charge the walls. Up the ladders go against the walls and arrows and javelins fly down on them, many find their targets. The allies are not to be denied however and their far greater numbers carry the assault. King Kpetoe dies with his men defending the city. His head is piked atop the city gate.

Pausing just long enough to rest, the allies plunge south into Segu, the region quickly falls and an assault on Begho takes the city as winter comes on.

573AD: The last push begins with the Invasion of Ghana. With Akwars armies defeated the local levy which put up almost no fight and the homeland falls. Again, a quick assault carries the city and the Capital falls.

The Croats bury Queen Loresa on the grounds of the Akwarese palace.

The Kanamese return home and the Croats stay ready to resist any counter attacks. They need not have worried, with the capitals fall a civil war, brief as it was, kept the remaining Akwarese busy.

AKAN LORDS OF THE GOLD COAST-African Pagan-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

King Chacahtl

Diplomacy: none

Akan was busy building. A new port city "Uzoi" was built in Benin. Also the port city of "Ingrapoty" was built in Gagnoa. Investments in services for the people were also made throughout the realm.

There also was some buzz over some discovery made by the rulers. But no one seemed to know what it was.

King Zouthan died in 575AD, Chacathl assumed the throne.

THE KINGDOM OF AKWAR-Sunni Islam-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 2

King Cetshwaye

Diplomacy: Senegal (f) Jenne (f) Khalem (f)

Kpetoe received messages, and Holy writings, from the Islamic Imam. He considered them and then decided to embrace this new faith. The people were receptive, if not energetic and the lands become Islamic. Then word came of the Invasion...

See: The West African War

With the fall of the homeland and capital chaos set in, many of the Royal Family were missing and those that remained began warring amongst themselves. Eventually Kpeoe's son, Cetshwaye, won power and executed his rivals. Most of the realm not conquered remained loyal, only Adawara and Awlil revolted.
 
 

THE KINGDOM OF KANEM-African Pagan-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 2

King Kail

Diplomacy: none

See: The West African War
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE CROATS-Coptic Christian-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Ramidalv

Diplomacy:

See: The West African War

MIDDLE EAST

Mercenaries:
16i, 12c, 19lc, 4w, 4t

THE SASSANID EMPIRE-Zoroastrian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 5

Ardashir III, King of Kings, King of Persia, media, and Babylonia, the Overlord of Syria, and Lebanon, the light of the Aryans, the Holy Arm of Ahura Mazda, the Great King, the Sassanid, Heir to the Achaemenids. 

Diplomacy: none

Times of war in Europe and at home

See: Islam goes forth

See: Britannia Aflame

Ardashir III marries Saba Al-muktar, the widowed Omani Princess, she gives birth to a son in 575AD
 

THE ZOROASTRIAN CHURCH-Zoroastrian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Patriarch Aruhashtain

Diplomacy: Antioch (mn) Ferghana (ab) otrar (ab) Bokhana (ab) Tadzik (ab) Shirvan (ab) Singanakh (ch) Uzebek (ch) Nishapur (ch)

Patriarch Aruhashtain wanted to upgrade the churches Holy sites in the west, but when the forces of Islam came riding through he wisely stayed put in Antioch.

See: Islam goes forth

While missionaries converted the last of the people in Kashmir, and the wars with Islam raged, the council of the wise met in Ctesiphon to determine who the Patriarchs replacement will be. He isnt getting any younger. With the death of Henilatos from a coughing sickness in 571AD, and then Panatain's death in battle, all the senior clergy were dead. The new Patriarch would have to come from the newly appointed senior clergy, Jikandaros or Araphos. After much prayer and meditation it was decided Araphos was the greater scholar and new the teachings of Ahura Mazda better [he had a better Charisma roll <G>-Jeff]
 

THE FAROHARS OF AHURA MAZDA-Zoroastrian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4
Grandmaster Nerman

Diplomacy: Kara-Khitai (ca)

The brothers of the Order focused on clearing the land in Firoz Kohi [ it is now cultivated ] Idle hands are the devils playground and all. In 575AD Grandmaster Arash passed away, master Nerman became grandmaster.
 

THE CALIPHATE OF OMAN-Zoroastrian-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

Caliph Terik

Diplomacy: None

See: Islam goes forth
 

THE IMMAMATE OF MECCA-Sunni Islam-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

Imam Ali

Diplomacy: none

Below, the words of Allah are in this color. Exceptions are those words of Allah that relate very specifically to the Zoroastrian idolatry, and those are in this color. All words of Allah are taken directly, unmodified, from English translations of the Qu’ran.

Facing the Hajar ul Aswad, he begins to shout, loud enough for the entire city of Mecca, and the entire world, to hear:

Allahu Akbar!

I bear witness that there is no other god, but
G O D! And His Name is: A L L A H

Allah then called all the Angels and the Jinn together before Adam. He then asked them the meaning of everything. However the Angels only bowed to Allah and said,

As Allah had not taught them the meaning. So they could not tell Him. Allah then asked Adam to tell them the meaning. And Adam stood before the Angels teling them what Allah had taught him. Then Allah commanded His Angels and all the Jinn.

"Bow, and show your respect to Adam."

All of them bowed down except for a Jinn called Ibleese. And Allah asked him,

"Why have you not obeyed My command?"

"O Allah, You have made me out of fire and You made Adam out of clay. Henceforth, I am better than he is."

Ibleese was proud and foolish and he disobeyed Allah. He therefore tried to show that he had judgment and authority, by that he could disobey. This was wrong, for Allah was his Creator and The overall Master of everyone and everything. All power comes from Allah. It was foolish of Ibleese to think that he had any power! Allah therefore cursed him,

You are the Shaytarn Al-Rajgeam!"

And did Allah not say in The Spider that "you only worship idols besides Allah and you create a lie surely they whom you serve besides Allah do not control for you any sustenance, therefore seek the sustenance from Allah and serve Him and be grateful to Him; to Him you shall be brought back. You have only taken for yourselves idols besides Allah by way of friendship between you in this world's life, then on the resurrection day some of you shall deny others, and some of you shall curse others, and your abode is the fire, and you shall not have any helpers."

Look, LOOK around the Land. Whose abode is the Fire? Are not the Fire-worshippers about? Are not the Servants of Shaitan about? The Idolators do not hide their shameful sin. Do they not worship their God of fire, in temples full of Idols and rituals? Are they not servants of Shaitan? Who is their God of Fire? It is Shaitan! The fire-worshippers serve Satan!

He reads from the Surah of Yasin: "Did I not charge you, O children of Adam ! that you should not serve the Shaitan? Surely he is your open enemy!"

Has Allah not given us bountiful signs? Look, LOOK into the Sky! Do you see the Star which portend Satan’s Doom? Do you not recall Allah’s words in The Sandhills "what advances towards their valleys is a blast of wind in which is a painful punishment." Is this not a sign of Allah’s Will?

Look at this sign, and hear again: Is the abode of the Idolators not the Fire? Are they not the servants of Shaitan, the Evil One, the One made from Fire? They are not deserving of God’s mercy, but the Sword. The fire is their Abode, then let them die by the fire!

DO I need to Say more?

But, Yes, More must be said. The Fire-worshippers, even now, are serving Evil. They spread their Evil Idols and Temples and Fire in the hearts and minds of the Faithful. The Beleivers are being divided by the Wiles of the Evil Shaitan. Even now, the Rulers of Oman and Aden conspire, they have given their Souls over to the Evil One. The Omani and Adeni faithful are ignorant of these plans. Do not the Evil Ones say this is for their own good? What does Allah tell us? Did not Allah say in The Immunity that "those who built a masjid to cause harm and for unbelief and to cause disunion among the believers and an ambush to him who made war against Allah and His Apostle before; and they will certainly swear: We did not desire aught but good; and Allah bears witness that they are most surely liars."

And what has Allah told us shall be the punishment of those who wage unjustness against Allah, those who cause harm and disbelief to spread? From The dinner table: "The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His apostle and strive to make mischief in the land is only this, that they should be murdered or crucified or their hands and their feet should be cut off on opposite sides or they should be imprisoned; this shall be as a disgrace for them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have a grievous chastisement"

Are you afraid? Do you fear the Idolators? The Satan-worshippers? But did Allah not say in The Mountain "Those who disbelieve shall be the vanquished ones in war."?

I bring you the Glory and Power of Allah! It is clear that the Will shall triumph! From The Accessions "Urge the believers to war; if there are twenty patient ones of you they shall overcome two hundred, and if there are a hundred of you they shall overcome a thousand of those who disbelieve, because they are a people who do not understand."

Shaitan, come from Fire, is loose in the land. His servants try to deceive and convert the Faithful! The Fire-worshippers are the servants of Satan!

"Did I not charge you, O children of Adam ! that you should not serve the Shaitan? Surely he is your open enemy!"

Look at this sign in the Sky, and hear the Words of Allah, and hear them again: Is the abode of the Idolators not the Fire? Are they not the servants of Shaitan, the Evil One, the One made from Fire? They are not deserving of God’s mercy, but the Sword. The fire is their Abode, then let them die by the fire!

GO FORTH, Holy Warriors! Go Forth and Destroy SATAN! Let the world be As Allah Wills It! Heaven Awaits YOU, THE FAITHFUL! GO! GO! Death to the fire-worshippers! IT IS ALLAH’s WILL!

ISLAM GOES FORTH

571AD: Aden amd Oman had been having talks with their Zoroastrian neighbnors. Word soon leaked out that those rulers would soon announce their nations conversions. The Imam wasted no time, he set in motion plans to preserve the faith....

In Sana, Caliph Abu Haythem announced that his nation would convert. Abu Haythem believes his people are in a spiritual mailaise and hopes that the cosmopolitan faith of Zoroastrianism will bring his people greatness, like it has Persia. No sooner had the call for conversion gone out that reports of Islamic holy man were spreading words of revolt from the many Mosques in Aden. Revolt inevitably followed in several regions (Asir, Hijaz, Madina, Mecca, and Yemen) Abu Haythem responded by gathering his army. He marched into Yemen and after a very bloody affair was able to suppress the rebellion. He was forced to leave a garrison and now marched into Asir. The nomads in this region had given the Caliph trouble for years before being subdued, now they slaughtered the garrison left there and were waiting for the Caliph. The fight is very intense, Asir looks as if it may hold before the rebel leader is slain. Abu Haythem himself barely escapes death but is seriously wounded. His army is bloodied  after two battles and he realizes he cannot press home the war to crush the Rebels. His Persian allies had promised to send troops to assist, where were they?

In Oman the Emir announced conversion as well, but he did it with a cavalier attitude and made no plans for suppressing any revolts. Needless to say the rebels were happy when no counter attack came. As'summan, Dubai, Muscat, Qatar, and Zufur all rebelled.

In the interior desert regions the Imam's holy men were busy, the call for Jihad did not go un answered. They nomads responded we zeal. The Imam did notice that there werent as many as had gone forth on the great Holy war the first time. The Nomads still had not recovered from that war.

So it was that Mahdi took the Imam's personal household troops and half the nomads and went north east toward Persia. Kumran took the Imam's new recuits and the other half of the Nomads and went north west.

Mahdi and his 60,000 warriors marched northeast and by early fall were passing through As'summan, which had won its independance from Oman. The force then marched into the persian Empire where they ran into the Persian Emperor himself, and the Imperial Sassanid army.

Yazdegerd III knew trouble was a possibility with the Muslims, in fact it was why he had come south. He had transfered some troops to the southern Persian navy to take south to help his Adenese and Omani allies. They unfortunatley were just now entering the waters to the south so had missed the begining of the Rebellion. Yazdegerd was on his way back to Ctesiphon when an assassin had struck, the blade had found its target, but missed killing the Emperor. Yazdegerd lived, he had a fevor though and was in much pain. With no second in command at his immediate disposal, the ailing and feverish Emperor had to lead his troops himself when the Islamic Jihad burst across the border.

[GM's note, this is not a Crusade as defined by the rules. Crusades take two turns to come forth. 1st turn they are called, second turn each nation that was effectred must meet its quota of manpower from its national army or the nations people (NFP) will meet that quota on their own. If the national army is sent, they will usually be augmented by some religious troops who volunteer - Jeff]

On an early October morning the two sides meet up. 89,000 Persians face 60,000 muslims. Mahdi expertly deploys his forces. He wonders at the half hearted and poor deployment by his counterpart, can the Persian Emperor be that poor a general? He is not awhere of Yadegerd's fever'd state.

Seeing the Persians confusion Mahdi strikes hard and orders his forces forward. The Persian forces react, but always late. The Persian forces are hammered hard. The wild Islamic nomads slash in and then wheel to another part of the field. This quickly disorders the poorly lead Persian army and it begins to come apart. Only the high quality and ferocious nature of the average Imperial soldier prevents total route. Yazdegerd himself is forced to mount up in his poor conditon and lead from the front to prevent total collapse. The muslims respond and a viscious attack is made towards the Imperial standards. Frenzied muslim horsemen throw themselves at the Imperial Guard of Heavy Elite Cavalry. The Guard takes its toll felling many muslims, but for every one they slay two or three more attack so that before long Yazdegerd is in the midst of the melee defending himslef as best he can. As his Guards try to lead him from the fray an Islamic warrior darts in and his scimitar chops into the Emperors side, blood gushes forth as Yazdegerd gasps. The Islamic warriors is soon dispatched and the Emperor taken to the rear, but he is dead. With Yazdegerds death the Imperial army routes. More Imperial warriors fall in the pursuit than in the actual melee.

Wild cries of victory fill the air over the blood soaked battle field. 44,500 Persian and 14,500 Islamic corpes litter the fields of Babylon. Mahdi winters in Babyonia and plans the next years campaign.

At the same time the war raged in Babylonia, Kumran was wiping out the small garrison in Lebannon. The Shah of Lebanon had recently boarded Persian transports and headed south taking most of the garrison with him. The year ends with Islamic horsemen begining to loot the region.

572AD: As Mahdi's force finished looting Babylonia in the east, Kumrans force was doing the same in Lebanon. Kumran then marched into Aleppo. There he met the Dukes of Edessa and El'Burz who had reacted to halt his advance. It was a massacre, being mostly infantry the Persian allies died in droves. It didnt help that they were outnumbered over 3 to 1. Only 1,500 cavalry survived and they fell back into Aleppo's fortress leaving the Duke of Edessa's corpse on the field. The Duke of El'Burz was alive but badly wounded. Kumran realized he didn't have the means to take the fortress so he pressed east in late summer toward Carhae.

Mahdi, meanwhile, was pressing north into Mesopotamia. The remnant of the Imperial army under the command of Ardashir III, the new Emperor was waiting. Battle was joined before the walls of Ctesiphon in the first week of June. Mahdi enjoyed the fact that this time his forces outnumbered the enemies. "Show Allah your devotion by killing another Emperor of the Infidels!" roared Mahdi as his forces charged. The clash was deafening as the two sides battered one another. Now lead by an able leader the professional Persian army was holding its own quit nicely and inflicting heavy casualties on the muslims.

A lone figure on a near by hill watched the muslims charge home. Dressed all in white, the rider remounted his horse and signalled his forces to attack "Once again Ahura blesses us by allowing us to save the Holy city, as our fathers did in the past" (see newsfax #5) With the Redflame of Ahura mazda displayed on the white banner of  his army, the priest Paratain leads the lights of Ahura Mazda into battle as he springs his trap upon the Islamic invaders.

Mahdi, his armor streaked with the blood of his enemies, turns his head confused. A trumpet to his rear had sounded, a sense of dread filled his heart. Making his way he is able to see the large force of heavy cavalry charging toward his rear. Many of his men see it as well and panic begins to spread through his ranks. The Persians give a loud cheer and press their attack as the forces of the Zoroastrian church smash the flank of the muslim army. Scattered like chaff, the muslim ranks are torn asunder. Disordered and pannicked, the muslims are slaughtered. Mahdi is wounded in the side from a Zoroastrian lance. He is able to make it from the field, only 4,000 of his men are able to join him. The muslims suffer 41,500 dead, the Zoroastrians a mere 11,000.

Mahdi makes his way back south, with his survivors, to the Holy City of Mecca.

In Ctesiphon Ardashir III gives thanks to Ahura Mazda. His armies remain vigilant. The Priest Panatain hears reports of muslim victories in the west and leads the "lights of Ahura Mazda" that way as winter comes on.

In the seas south of Arabia the Persian naval forces finally meet up and begin the campaign to crush the rebels. They land first in Zufar, the rebels put up a nasty fight against the all Infantry army of the Persians but are suppressed finally. The tired Persians board their ships as winter comes and plan for the next years campaign.

573AD:  Panatain marched his Zoroastrian troops north west and met the Islamic invaders in Carhae. Being outnumbered 2 t o1 didnt worry Paratain. His men were filled with holy zeal. Hadn't they just saved the Holy city a few months back? Ahura Mazda would fight with them.

With that faith to guide them they charged the more numerous army of the muslims. A brutal melee ensued. The heavier Zoroastrian forces were getting the better of their Muslim enemies. Then disaster struck, Paratain was killed and the Zoroastrian army began to lose heart. As they fell back the Muslims scented victory and charged, the Zoroastrians routed. The Zoroastrians lose 13,500 and the muslims lose 11,000....

Kumran begins to loot Carhae and the defeated Zoroastrians retreat into Ashur.

Ardashir III had no choice but to march the battered Imperila Sassanid army into Ashur to stem this last Muslim drive toward Ctesiphon. The Islamic invaders looting gave him the time to meet up with the remnant of the Zorastrian troops in Ashur. The attack into Ashur comes in later summer, and after some manuevering the battle is joined on September 6th. The Persians and Zoroastrians have 46,000 warriors, the faithful of Allah 43,000.

Ardashir III and Kumran are both eager to destroy the other and so both charge. The crash is thunderous but the weight of the heavier Persian forces results in the Islamic center bucling and being forced back. Kumran himself move to the center to try and bolster his men. No such luck and in mere minutes the center is broken. Kumran is un horsed and knock silly as mace clangs off his helmet. His men scatter and are mauled as they flee.  Kumran is forced to the ground before Ardashir, who places his boot on the muslim priests neck.

Islam suffered 32,000 dead to Persia's 3,500 dead in this lop sided affair. Kumran is taken prisoner.

In southern Arabia the Persian fleet lands its marines and after another bloody fight they crush the revolt in Muscat, the fleet then heads into the Red Sea as the year ends.

574-575 AD: The Persians again crush a Islamic revolt, this time in Hijaz. The Shah of Lebanon is wounded and when Lord Jasmb dies from an illness the Persians retire to Socotra.

As 575AD ends the native armies in the Rebel lands (those that still are independent) make their way to Mecca answering the Imams call for crusaders.

THE CALIPHATE OF ADEN-Zoroastrian-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

Caliph Abu Haytham

Diplomacy:

See: Islam goes forth
 

CENTRAL ASIA

Mercenaries:
5c, 5lc

THE KHANATE OF KARA-KHITAI-Zoroastrian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Mongka  Khan

Diplomacy: Kuldja (nt)

The Khan builds some impressivre fortresses in Bokhana and Ferghana. The army continued to grow and embassidors were sent to the buddhist in Kuldja. The Khan was also happy that his wife gave him a daughter in 573AD.

THE PARTHIAN EMPIRE-Zoroastrian-Civilized, Tech Lvl 5

Emperor Kurvak

Diplomacy: Afghanistan (f) Baluchistan (a) Kash (f) Firoz Kohi (ea )

The Emperor visits his son's in laws, and oversees the construction of some qanats in the fertile valleys of Afghanistan. He also presses them for a closer relationship with the empire. Artabanus talks with the Shah of Carmenia about a possible marriage between his daughter and the Shah, however before anything can be arranged the Emperor takes ill and is dead in days. He is given a magnificent burial, honored as the founding father of the new Parthian Empire.

Prince Kurvak was busy taking care of the mundane matters of state for his brother when news came of his brothers death. Kruvak became Emperor without challenge.

In the south the city of Gwatar was built in Carmenia on the Gulf of Oman.

Prince Mithradetes had been spending time with his Afghani bride, and she gave him a son in 572AD, and then he was off on diplomtic missions for his father. He was in Nishapur when he learned of his fathers death and his uncle becoming Emperor.

INDIA

Mercenaries:
1i, 1c, 1s, 5w, 5t

THE GUPTA EMPIRE-Hindu-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Kalrini, Empress of the Gupta

Diplomacy: Edrosia (ea) mansura (t) Ava (ea ) Gaur (a)

Empress Kalrini heeds her advisors and decides to put the rest of the Empire together rather than pressing into Pegu. She marches the army back to Maghada.

Diplomats go forth to do the Empress's bidding and the treasury is opened to improve the economy.

THE KINGDOM OF ASAMAKA-Hindu-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

King Vurn

Diplomacy: Pandya (f) Chela (ea) Somali (fa)

The King of Asamaka pours huge sums of manpower and gold into Pandya, on the shore near Kollam a huge temple to Kali is built. The megalithic Temple is enclosed in a new fortress. The king holds a feasts and Priests dedicate the site.

THE TEMPLE OF KALI-Hindu-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Sajid Tajuddin

Diplomacy: Tripuli (ch) Chela (ca) Uttar Pradesh (mn) Vengi (ab) Kalingi (ab) Jaunpur (ch) Maghada (ch) bihar (ch) Nadavaria (ch) Palas (ch) Gaur (ch)

The Priests of Kali oversaw the dedication in Pandya. They also were very busy spreading holy sites so the devout would have places to worship.
 

THE SWORD OF SHIVA-Hindu-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Grandmaster Surijarva

Diplomacy: Chitor (mn) Gujerat (mn) Malabar (mn) Nasik (mn) Polonarva (ab)

The order was quiet and dutifully expanded its holy sites. In 571 Master Shiva Chakrati passed away and Surijarva became grandmaster.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Mercenaries:
10i, 4c, 6w, 5t

THE KINGDOM OF CHAMPA-Hindu-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

King Ru Vi Mingou

Diplomacy: Nam Pung (ea) Lampung (t) Surin (fa) Angor (ea)

Ru Vi Mingou ruled champa while the diplomats worked to strenghten the ties between the dispate linguistic and religious groups of the Kingdom.

Queen Ru Prajna gave birth to a daughter in 572 and a son in 575AD. Princess Tri Kaeu gave birth to a son in 574AD.
 
 

THE COMMONWEALTH OF PEGU-Hindu-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Bherampti, First Citizen and Lord High protector of the Commonwealth

Diplomacy:

OPEN FOR PLAYER

PACIFICA

Mercenaries:
5i, 5w, 5t

THE SRIVIJAYAN EMPIRE-Hindu-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 2

King Keppa

Diplomacy: Sabeh (f) Timor (a) Jambi (f)

King Keppa looked down at Kandar. He thought "what do you expect from him. Send a bean counter  to do a warriors work, then ya get what ya ask for."

"stand up Kandar" he said.   Sigh, Kandar fainted again. 5 minutes later...

"yes, lord king" bleats out Kandar.

"I forgive you Kandar, it was my fault sending you to Khemer when you have problems opening fruit with your knife. I will give you a second chance. Dazzle Kadaram. Help them to see that staying neutral is not in anyone's best interest."

Kandar's eyes light up "But....but...Guptas...." gulp

"yes they are unhappy about it but we will show them that it is not economically a wise idea to let such prime land go to waste. The trade will make us all, Gupta and Javan like, wealthy." says the King

"wait lord King, a message from Asamaka" Running into the hall was Keppa's grandson Kalendjaha.

Keppa looked down, face lit red, the message crumpled in his fist and he started to speak. But then silence....

"Kandar, go to Tinor, you are ...(choking words down)...needed there."

"Yes lord King" as he gleefully scooted away happy for the chance to do what he was good at.
 

CHINA AND JAPAN

Mercenaries:
10i, 5c, 5w, 5t, 5s

THE NORTHERN EMPIRE OF THE GOLDEN DRAGON-Buddhist-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Emperor Si-Lei III

Diplomacy: Shangtung (t)

The Northern Dragon continued there usual economic expansion. However, more important than that was the call to arms from the Emperor..

THE FALL OF KOREA

571AD: General Wu Tang was tasked with conquering the Koreans. Shortly after setting out however the elderly general dies. Lord Chan takes the reigns and continues the path east. They stop in the Buddhist Holy City of Pienching. There they were joined by the Buddhist priest Shen Mu who lead over 25,000 (equal mix of heavy cavalry and heavy infantry), nothing was said of the Buddhist Primate joining in war against fellow Buddhist.

The Dragon forces then turned north and end the year in Yen.

The Koreans hadn't been Idle either. Prince Young Nei marched north and liberated Bandao, and then joined the Korean army in Liao-Tung.

572AD: The Dragon forces march through Lu'an and then they were met at the great wall by the Korean army. 24,000 Koreans defend the great wall. 71,000 Dragon and buddhist troops prepared to assault.

General Chan watched as thousands upon thousands of heavy infantry and siege engineers moved forward. The "thunk" sound of catapults echoed down the line and the stones began to crash against the great wall. This went on for hours with only moderate damage done. Then in late afternoon the 23,000 Heavy infantry storm forward. A brutal melee ensues, the siege engineers support the infantry attack. The fighting rages past dusk and into the night, attack, counter attack, victory then defeat. It was a terrible struggle that would rage through most of the night. The Korean Tram Ro perished in the night fighting, struck down while sealing a breech. The fighting tapered off eventually and soldeirs on both sides simply rested where they were. As dawn came it was clear that a breech was achieved. The Dragon general sent his cavalry through the wall and attacked the Korean camp. Young Nei was ready with his own cavalry and the fight became a cavalry duel. Unfortunately for the Koreans the Dragons had far more numbers. The Koreans were scattered. Young Nei was killed early in the fight. The Korean army is annihilated and Liao -Tung conquered. The Dragons had lost 37,500 men, the Koreans their entire force of 24,000.

The army rested and prepared for its march farther east that would come the next year.

573AD: The Hsuing'nu went ahead of the Dragon forces and sent back guides. The region of Bandao was retaken and the Dragons were escorted the the Yalu river and wished well in their campain. The Hsuing'nu returned home.

The Dragon crossed the Yalu and begin to march deep into Anshan.

574-575AD: The Dragon finished the conquest of Anshan and the nplunged into Koguryo. The Koreans had some fortifications that required some time to reduce.

The Southern Dragon had sent a large fleet north and had been blockading the Korean Capital of Kaiching. Time required they sail back south as the year ended.

With the new year (575) the Dragon army  finished overcoming the last Korean forts and then set up siege lines. Even though the harbor was no longer blockaded, the siege went forward. This wsant going to be a passive siege anyway. Chan intended to bomard the walls and actively press the attack. With few troops in the city, the Capital was doomed. After and intense catapult bombardment and then infantry attacks the city falls in late summer. The Dragon army remains in Kaiching as the year ends.

Korea is no more. Thus ends the 75 year long Korean Liao (Hsuing'nu) war.
 

THE EMPIRE OF THE SOUTHERN DRAGON-Buddhist-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Emperor Hu Tii II

Diplomacy:  Annam (a) Tonkin (t) Dai Viet (ea)

Emperor Hu Tii II continued to develop his realm. Two huge fortresses were built next to the cities of Lin'an and Tii'Fawn and then those cities were expanded to encompass the fortresses.

The Emperor also sent diplomats to strengthen ties in the south of his realm. As time went on however it became clear that Hu Tii II was tiring and continually looking hagard. So in 573AD he stepped down and retired to the quiet life in the country. Hu Xuang, the emperors grandson, becomes Emperor without challenge.

lord Sia Xo dies in 575AD
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE TOBA WEI-Buddhist-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

King Wei Sin

Diplomacy: Bao'ding (f)

The Toba wei finshed a royal road from Zhu Zhou to Bao Ling. The capital also was increased in size. The King was pleased that the long process of missionary work in Lob Nor was completed.
 

THE BUDDHIST PRIMATE-Buddhist-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Kim Lu

Diplomacy:  none

The Buddhist Primate helped the Northern Dragon invade Korea.
 

THE ORDER OF THE SHAOLIN TEMPLE-Buddhist-Civilized, Tech Lvl 4

Shen Jihuan

Diplomacy:

No orders received
 

THE KINGDOM OF KOREA-Buddhist-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

King Ura

Diplomacy:

:::::::: TAPS PLAY::::::::
 

THE KHANATE OF THE HSUING NU-Buddhist-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

Khan Liao Chien

Diplomacy:  none

The Hsuing'nu aid the Dragon in their march to destroy Korea. In the fall of 574AD Liao Khan dies. Liao Chien becomes Khan.

THE TAKEDA SHOGUNATE-Shinto-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 4

Shogun Hidetaka

Diplomacy:  none

Life was quiet in Japan. The economy was developed and life went on in peace.

The wife of the Shogun gave birth to a son, Kenji, in 574AD.
 

NORTH AMERICA

Mercenaries:
None

THE MISSISSIPPIAN FEDERATION-Pelegian Christian-Precolumbian, Tech Lvl 1

Powtuneep

Diplomacy: Erie (ea) Creek Nation (nt)

The Mississippians continued to colonize new lands, this time the lands of Muskegee, bringing them into contact with the Creek. Abooksigun and John, the heir, went to the Creek capital. Young John married a daughter of the Creek king and the Creek paid homage (in a minimal way) to the Mississippi.
 

THE CREEK FEDERATION-North Amerind-Precolumbian, Tech Lvl 1

Shukahosus

Diplomacy: none

OPEN FOR A PLAYER

CENTRAL AMERICA

Mercenaries:
None

THE KINGDOM OF THE TOLTEC-Mesoamerind-Precolumbian, Tech Lvl 1

Tatlamocain

Diplomacy: none

King Tatlamocain died in mid 571AD. The heir was in far away Maya and when word reached him he immedietly marched his army west. He arrived in Tula to be crowned King. He was sure there were those who had planned to try and sieze the throne themselves. However, with the army at his back there was no challenge.

Unfortnately, the lands they had won from the Maya revolted. King Matlucoetl wasn't to dissapointed. The Maya were destroyed to remove a rival from the Area more than for the lands.
   

THE KINGDOM OF ALBION-Pelegian Christian-Barbarian, Tech Lvl 3

King Penwyr, defender of the Pelegian faith.

Diplomacy: Ciguayo (f) Maya (t) Chichen Itza (nt) Yucatec (fa)

King Penwyr saw an opportunity. He would lead his forces to the mainland and stir revolt amongst the Mayan lands. He Arrived to find a large Aztec army in Maya. This concerned him, but he sent men ashore to stir up revolt anyway. Just as they began to work, to his suprise, the Aztecs marched away. Stunned, Penwyr moves his army inland and the people of Maya greet them warmly. Penwyr marries a daughter of the nobilty and relations are improved. Unfortunayly Prince Rohan dies of an illness shortly after the wedding.

The Picts soon hear news that most of the Mayan lands have revolted, they send diplomats to them, Yucatec is receptive. The others listen at first but the lands reject the Picts (revolt- outside of CCR).

SOUTH AMERICA

Mercenaries:
None

THE KINGDOM OF THE HUARI-South Amerind-Precolumbian, Tech Lvl 1

Tutem

Diplomacy: Chavin (f) Moche (t) Maranga (ea)

The Huari focus on economic development and unifying the kingdom to the exclusion of all other pursuits. King Tutem passes away, Yumachan becomes king.