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Lords of the Earth
Deus Vult!
Turn 021
(1200 to 1204)

 

WESTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:	78mi, 96mc, 13ms, 17mw, 5mt
AQRs:	i5, c5, s5, w5
Leader:	Geoffroi Dammartin [M848] -- Minimum Bid is 16 GP

 

Kingdom of Scotland
( Edinburgh in Strathclyde )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Kenneth I

Intel effectiveness improves.

 

Kingdom of England
( London in Sussex )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Robert I

Agents manage to locate and steal chests of Flemish gold from Ghent, earmarked for continued Mercenary hires. Ten light transports and a thousand infantry are raised. Gold is sent to the Prince's Crusade. King Robert rules from London, siring two children, and taking the time to pay ransom for both captured English leaders. The two Johns (One Prince and one Lieutenant) patrol the Rhine River with sixty-five warships.

 

County of Flanders
( Ghent in Flanders )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Count Henry III

National infrastructure expands. Religious capacity degrades due to sabotage from earlier cycles. Almost five-thousand cavalry are raised for the military. Count Henry comes of age. Four-thousand mercenary cavalry are contracted in Ghent.

 

Duchy of Normandy
( Rouen in Normandy )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duchess Gael I

The church in Rouen is expanded to an Abbey. One-thousand cavalry are raised in the capital. Isaac the younger spends the cycle confiscating MSP from the Flemish and Thuringian routes to Rouen. He also sires a son, but the boy is extremely sick and weakly. Prince Finnoch ferries troops from Ireland to Rouen. Lord Edward reacts from Lienster with one-thousand troops. Lord Rickard and Peter rejoin the coalition in Nivernais.

Duke Isaac perishes at the end of the cycle and turmoil strikes. Prince Finnoch, related by marriage to the Duke, slays Crown Prince Isaac and assumes control of the capital. With the army off in the East, there is no one to stop him from declaring his wife, Gael, as the Duchess. Of course, true power remains in his own hands. Lord Edward declares himself Prince of Ireland, and goes into open rebellion against the usurper. Finnoch hires twenty-five hundred mercenary cavalry to deal with the upstart.

 

Norman County of Ireland
( Dublin in Lenster )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Count Edward I

Controls Lienster, Dublin and Munster.

 

Kingdom of France
( Paris in Ile De France )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Louis VI

Siege quality improves. One thousand new cavalry are raised. King Louis rules from Paris, personally instating a minor over taxation of the Kingdom. Prince Gervais travels to Augsburg, taking the bride Bausanne. A Joint Conflict arrangement against Thuringia overshadows the wedding to Henning of Swabia. Prince Charles negotiates the region of Auvergne fully into the nation. Lord Jacques collects seven thousand men and organizes the coalition in Nivernais. Lord Clarembaud defends Ile De France with three-thousand troops, taking ill and perishing on the long patrols. Jean-Louis remains with the Prince's Crusade. Twenty-five hundred mercenary cavalry are contracted in Paris.

 

Grand Duchy of Burgundy
( Worms in Burgundy )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Grand Duke Rudolf III

Agents sneak into the Flemish city of Ghent and set fire to an old manor. The fire spreads, burning down a series of homes and a portion of the harbor. Back in Worms, the Duke orders three-thousand cavalry raised, then spends the entire cycle on negotiating a ransom price with Thuringia for Lord Hugo. The Duke also uses the opportunity to teach Isabella a trick or two about diplomatic endeavors. Lord Charles continue to smooth tensions in Aquitaine. Al-Azek "The Moor," takes overall command of Burgundy's forces. He gathers eleven-thousand troops, marching to Nivernais. Prince Marquis perishes in the march. Nine-hundred mercenary cavalry are contracted in Worms.

 

Kingdom of Aragon
( Zaragoze in Aragon )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Zacarias I

A scandal erupts in Zaragoza when Aragonese agents are exposed while meeting with various officers in the Leonese military. Most are arrested and thrown into prison by King Abel's counter-intelligence forces, but true to his Casildan beliefs, he does not have them executed. Zacarias diverts his attention to the government, three children added to his line. Fourteen hundred infantry are raised for the army, and the city of Barcelona is expanded. Prince Phillip travels to Catalonia, quickly upgrading the Vatican site to a larger Abbey. Lord Esteban follows suit, a new Abbey gracing the region of Aragon as well. Lord Guillermo continues to ease tensions in Gascony, while Prince Valerio reacts from the province in case of trouble. Prince Sancho remains in New Castille, defending the region with one-thousand men. Lord Ballelo conducts an investigation throughout the region of Aragon.

 

Kingdom of Leon
( Cuidad Leon in Leon )
Casildan Christian, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Abel I

CENTRAL EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:	76mi, 44mc, 11ms, 45mw, 5mt
AQRs:	i5, c5, s5, w5

 

 

Kingdom of Norway
( Christiana in Norway )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Brandr Youngblood

Religious effectiveness increases. Missionaries convert the region of Hergelad, while Oopland abandons its Tenuous ties. King Brandr remains in the capital, siring two new children, and sending young Hrafn to Rome and the Papacy. Prince Sverre and Lord Asmundr travel to Vaasa and begin a new Norweigian Colony in the region, then sail off again. Prince Sigurd upgrades three-thousand infantry to elite versions, then sires a daughter in the capital. Prince Magnus reacts with the forty warship fleet from the city as well. Lord Harald runs diplomacy in Oopland, but the region can agree to nothing higher while it follows paganism. The Ally Vemundr travels to Oopland, gaining a good amount of religious converts. Lord Terje and young Erik succumb to illness.

 

Kingdom of Sweden
( Stockholm in Uppsala )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Njord Tegner

Rich gold veins are discovered near the great lake of Jamtland, prompting a rush of mining men and traders. Soon, the trading town of Liv is formed along the shores. King Njord assigns the harbored fleet of merchant shipping at Stockholm to Internal Trade, then steers the government. He is disappointed to hear that the island of Gotland reduces its ties to Non-Paying Tributary status. Lords Gustav and Gunnar travel to Musa with diplomacy in mind, but the region is not released by Kiev until the end of the cycle. Lord Halsten and Tyko stand alert for renewed attacks by the barbarians before ferrying troops between Reval and Stockholm.

 

Kingdom of Denmark
( Skjern in Denmark )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Orjan I Sverker

Decades of failed missionary workers sent to Leon return to Skane, many of them having converted to the Casildan faith. Assassin effectiveness increases, giving the King more options to deal with them. Gold is sent to Sweden, but resources marked for Sicily are successfully transferred. King Orjan sends his younger brother, Gregers, to join service with the Prince's Crusade. He then reacts from the capital with five-thousand men. Prince Erik takes four warships all the way to Palermo, helping with the defense of the Sicilian capital. Lord Thomas continues to administer effectively from the capital. Lord Frederick ferries the new troops to Latvia, where Lord Sven sits in defense of further Teutonic aggression.

 

Duchy of Saxony
( Leipzig in Saxony )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Gottfried I

Warship quality improves. Nine-hundred national and five-hundred allied cavalry are raised, plus another one-hundred infantry. Duke Gottfried spends the cycle in a call for war against Thruingia, and the nobles are quick to support him. Three leaders succumb to age. One-thousand mercenary infantry and eight-hundred cavalry are contracted in Leipzig.

 

Duchy of Thuringia
( Wurzburg in Nordgau )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Sieghard I

Intelligence capacity improves. Eighteen-hundred cavalry are raised. Princess Celine marries the local noble, Torsten, and Sieghard is quick to grant him an official position. Lord Harmand successfully negotiates the release of Lord Alfons from Bohemia, but is unable to commit to war against that Duchy.

 

Duchy of Bohemia
( Prague in Bohemia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Vratislaus IV

Three-hundred infantry and four-hundred cavalry are raised. The Duke returns to Prague for two years, siring two children, though the boy child dies while still an infant. The Duke then defends the homeland with four-thousand troops. Lord Zdenek negotiates a full alliance with the city of Dresden. Lord Radle administers from Prague, and despite the fact that his efforts hurt the government more than help, manages to educate the Crown Prince. Lord Alexej reacts from Bohemia with three-thousand men. Eleven-hundred mercenary cavalry are contracted in Prague.

 

Duchy of Bavaria
( Regensburg in Bavaria )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Heinrich I

Nineteen hundred infantry, fourteen-hundred cavalry and three engineering companies are raised. Duke Heinrich steers the government from Regensburg, while Prince Otto travels to Vienna to Administer. Left to his own devices, Otto proves to be sloppy and incompetent. Lord Werner commits the nobility to war with Flanders. Prince Lothair and Lord Guntram react from Bavaria with three-thousand men. Lord Johannes sets up a robust defense of the region with twenty-five hundred. Prince Otto and Lord Guntram perish of age. Two thousand mercenary infantry and four-hundred mercenary cavalry are contracted in Regensburg.

 

Duchy of Swabo-Lorraine
( Augsburg in Swabia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Emperor Gerhardt I

Two-thousand cavalry, six-hundred infantry, three engineering companies and one light transport are raised for mobile forces. Lorraine sees five new field forts, while Hesse receives four. The Emperor splits his time between family and defense, a new daughter born. Roland perishes of age. Seventeen-hundred mercenary cavalry are contracted in Augsburg.

 

The Imperial War of 1180
Duchy of Bavaria, Duchy of Bohemia, Kingdom of France, Duchy of Saxony & Duchy of Swabo-Lorraine
vs.
Duchy of Thuringia & County of Flanders

 

The English continue to shut down river crossings across the Rhine to Thuringian and Flemish troops. The coalition force in Nivernais begins to hunt for the Flemish army, but conflicting reports of their presence disturbs the overall French commander. He chooses to go on the defensive, and moves the group to the region of Swabia. Duke Isaac blockades the city of Ghent.

Lord Roland of Swabia once again runs piracy on the city of Frankfurt, this time angering English merchants subjected to seizure. Crown-Prince Friedrich accompanies him, learning what he can of combat tactics during the scuffle. Lord Wolfgang of Swabo-Lorraine moves to siege the city of Cologne with his six-hundred men, but is cut down by Flemish assassins. At the same time, Duke Sieghard of Thuringia launches an attack against the region of Hesse with thirteen-thousand cavalry, five-hundred infantry and four siege companies. He loses only two-hundred men sweeping aside the five field fort garrison.

The unexpected of the cycle occurs in Slovakia. Without warning, a combined force of thirty-six thousand Hungarian and Croats stream across the border from Alfold. Neither invader has Casus, but the two do share a newly arranged military alliance. Prince Lothair reacts to meet the invaders with his own three-thousand cavalry, positioning himself amidst the two field forts of the region. Lothair faces a force ten times his size, better trained, better equipped, and outclassing him in all three aspects of scouts. Only the fact that there is no Casus saves Lothair from being completely overwhelmed. Even still, Lothair knows that luck will need to be with him.

For this first round, it is. Lothair strikes at the invaders while they are still learning the territory. He ignores most of the main body of troops, concentrating on any command tents his spies are able to discover and identify. Prince Erszi, then Lord Bela, and finally Lord Laszlo of the Hungarians are attacked and killed. Lothair moves on the the Croatians, the prized head of King Domotor himself taken in conquest. The invaders fall back in a rout. The actual numbers of troop deaths aren't all that impressive: thirty-six hundred invaders to nineteen hundred Bavarians, but the loss of leadership is a vital blow. No national Hungarian leaders remain to carry the fight onward and Bavaria remains safe for now. When Lothair learns that Hungary has cemented a Joint Conflict marriage with Thuringia against his nation, he knows not to expect such a result a second time.

Lords Norbert and Rudiger of Saxony launch a raid into the region of Westphalia. Sieghard of Thuringia is on react, and thwarts the attack, costing the Saxons almost three-thousand men in losses. Lord Olaf of Bavaria is far more successful in his raid against Holland, his forces strip the rich region almost entirely bare.

 

Elective Margravate of Tuscany
( Pisa in Tuscany )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Margrave Cosimo II

Infrastructure of the Margravate expands. Infantry Quality for the military increases. Religious effectiveness for the laity improves. Cosimo orders six warships and one thousand infantry and cavalry raised. He steers the government, then ends the cycle on reaction in the homeland with two-thousand men. Prince Ludovico and Lord Dominico join forces to ease tensions in Algeria. Lords Leonardo and Veccio merge in Pisa with twenty warships. Prince Michael defends Algeria with six-thousand mobile troops.

 

Serene Republic of Venice
( Venice in Verona )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Doge Santino diStefano

The new Doge moves to secure his realm, cajoling the Senate to issue a minor taxation increase to cover the national support costs, raised after the internal conflict of last cycle. The military reports an improvement of siege quality. The Doge and Consigliori Ligorio seek new diplomacy in Lombardy, the region agreeing to a Tributary arrangement once the Doge proves willing to take a bride. Captains Enrico and Tomas react from the Sea of Lybia with the one-hundred ship fleet. Alberto reacts from Venice with fifteen-hundred troops. Lieutenant Anglelo travels to Trieste, but is unable to convince the now independent city to retie itself to the Republic.

 

Duchy of Apulia
( Naples in Campania )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Alphonso I

The Duke travels the Chandax, personally taking a bride and arranging a better Economic Alliance with the outpost city. The trip and marriage would be his last actions. His son, Lucio, is crowned in Naples. He orders the navy expanded, twenty-light transports with two-thousand marines to crew them. He then marries, settling in to intervene with the Duchy's merchants, then moving to steer the government. He sires a daughter, then a son and heir. Orfeo, the Dukes younger brother, is granted a position at court. Prince Leopoldo spends the cycle in Catanzaro, convincing the city ally to fully join the Duchy. Lord Guy pulls out most of the forces from Gefara and Kairouan, downgrading the holdings to Pacified Tributaries. He reacts from Catanzaro with one-hundred and fifty ships, plus the new naval builds. Lord Richard reacts from the homeland with four-thousand troops.

 

Norman County of Sicily
( Palermo in Sicily )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Count Simon II

Intelligence Capacity increases. Twenty light warships are raised in the capital, six field forts are raised in conquered Tunisia, six engineering companies disbanded to supply them with manpower. Count Simon sends his son, Claude, to the Vatican. He initiates other religious movements as well - a minor tithe to the papacy, and two religious site attempts. He spends time with his family in Palermo, two daughters welcomed into the world, though his wife, Ellouise, takes an exit. Africa is the source of activity for the rest of the leadership. Jordan, Raimund, and Cuthbert march into Kabilya with five-thousand national and seven-thousand mercenary troops. They quickly re-impose Catholicism, losing seven hundred men to the ensuing rebellion. Jordan and Cuthbert march back to Tunisia, stirring up a second rebellion by forcing a colonization of the region. One-hundred mercenaries are lost, but the colonization is successful. Raimund attempts to found two churches in the converted regions, but neither takes. Prince John eases tensions in Tunis City as much as he can, considering the circumstances.

 

EASTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:	112mi, 27mc, 7ms, 5mw, 5mt
AQRs:	i4, c5, s4, w4
Leader:	Hasan [MB68] -- Minimum Bid is 19 GP

 

Kingdom of Poland
( Warsaw in Poland )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Oskar I

Assassin effectiveness increases. Pairs of field forts are built in Masuria and Pechneg. Two-thousand cavalry are raised in the homeland. A new postal road segment is completed in Pechneg, and two new cultivation projects started in Pinsk and Goryn. King Miloslaw invests his brother, Nikodem, as the Cardinal of Warsaw. He then travels to Danzig, where he convinces the region to increase ties to a Full Alliance. He perishes on the return trek to Warsaw. Oskar, already running the government, takes the crown, siring an heir of his own. Princes Adalbert and Ryszard travel to Pechneg, getting a few of the Orthodox citizens to listen to their preaching. Lord Ludzwig makes some progress with the pagans of Pinsk, as well. Lords Chubik and Rejek react from Masuria with six-thousand men.

 

Principality of Novgorod
( Novgorod City in Novgorod )
Eastern Orthodox, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Grand Prince Evgeni I

While the general army tromps after the Teutonic Horde, the Grand Prince travels to the capital and takes a young bride. He also marries his sister, Lidochka, to Dmitri Innokenti, scion of one of the powerful merchant families of the capital, granting him a position at court. The pacified regions of Kotlas, Vologda, and Yaroslav, a drain on the national infrastructure, are loosed from control, the garrisons reestablished in Kalinin.

 

Principality of Kiev
( Kiev City in Kiev )
Eastern Orthodox, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Grand Prince Borislav III

Infantry and Siege quality in the military both improve. Eighteen field forts are built between the regions of Lithuania, Polotsk, Kirivitvh and conquered Daugava, in case the Horde presses back into Kievan territories. One light warship and sixteen light transports are built in Vitebsk, with sixteen-hundred infantry raised in the capital. Regent Symon steps aside as Borislav III comes of age, then ferries the new recruits to Daugava. Lord Oleg reacts out of Daugava with two-thousand troops, while Lord remains on alert in Polotsk with one-thousand. The region of Musa is released at the end of the cycle.

 

Rise of the Teutons

The Novgorod forces set out from Musa, striking a liberation attempt at Livonia. The Horde reacts to meet them, battle joined just across the Dvina River, one subcommander wounded by Danish assassins. Fourteen thousand Novgor troops against six-thousand barbarians. Surprisingly, the Novgors are repulsed, each side losing just over three-thousand men. Lord Olaf of the Novgors is wounded, but Lord Alex regroups the men and presses back in for a second attack. This time the group is routed, and only the dwindling numbers of the pagan warriors keeps the army from being crushed. Still, three thousand Novgors perish, to only one-thousand barbarians. Lord Alex regroups his men a third time, and barrels once again into the meat grinder. The numbers of Lord Alex prove true this time in, and the rest of the Teutonic army is destroyed. Livonia is liberated, slightly worse for wear under the occupation.

 

Kingdom of Hungary
( Budapest in Alfold )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Jenci I

Cavalry quality and both sectors of Intelligence improve. King Jenci rules and sires a son, he orders many troops built. Twenty-eight hundred cavalry, eight-hundred infantry and ten engineering companies. Most other leaders are sent north, but the feudal lord of Ialomita reacts from his region. Fourteen-hundred mercenary cavalry and the general Hasan are contracted in Budapest.

 

Kingdom of Croatia
( Osijek in Croatia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Vodrig, Regent For
King Ivanko I

King Domotor raises just under four-thousand cavalry. Bishop Boris, on loan from the Papacy, abandons the realm after the attack against Bavaria, traveling back to Rome.

 

Byzantine Empire
( Constantinople in Thrace )
Eastern Orthodox, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Emperor Constantine IX

 

Volga-Kama Bolghar
( Ukek in Urkel )
Sunni Islam, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Harun Khan

Kirov abandons its tenuous ties. The national bureaucracy expands, and assassin effectiveness improves. The cultivation of Patxinak is completed, cutting the distance to the trade city in Taman. The Khan returns from Nogai, collecting the various national garrisons under his command. He reacts from the homeland with ten-thousand men. His brother, and heir, Imran, rules from Ukek. Prince Irfan, Lord Altan and Lord Ilgiz negotiate a bride for Imran, as well as a Non-Paying Tributary agreement from Nogai. Cleric Tey, known for his piety through the region, offers his service and charismatic sway to the Khan. The feudal allies of Patzinak, Torki and Saksiny react from their regions.

 

MIDDLE EAST AND PERSIA

Mercenaries
Troops:	105mi, 44mc, 30ms, 20mw, 6mt
AQRs:	i4, c5, s5, w4

 

 

Khwarezmid Empire
( Khiveh in Khwazim )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Shah Hamid II

Siege quality and religious effectiveness both increase. The city of Qyzylorda is expanded, two-dozen units of cavalry are raised for the military. The Shah, as well as Lords Yalik and Assam negotiate a Tributary agreement from the old Qarakhanid city of Herat. The efforts take their toll on the Shah, and he perishes soon after negotiations have started. Hamid the younger ascends to the throne, already moving to take direct control over the administrative aspects of the realm. He shows a particular religious zeal, laying the foundation for a great Mosque in the homeland. His brother and now heir, Khalid, is granted a position in the court. Prince Qamar travels to Kul'Sary, but fails to gain any agreement from the desert tribes before his own death. Lord Muhammed continues to preach in Scythia, much aided by Qarakhanid missionaries. The Feudal Lords of Gurgan, Khazakh and Chorasima all react from their regions. Lords Yalik and Muhammed both perish at the end of the cycle.

 

Qarakhanid Khanate
( Samarqand in Kara Khitai )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Wassim Khan

The Khan begins to refocus on religious matters. Many Imams from various parts of the nation meet at the Shah-ah-Zinda to discuss local ritual practices. The clerics weed out those that are deemed too unorthodox. After the meeting, missionaries are sent to the desert of Scythia, where the pagans adopt Islam fully. Many projects are attended to, the cultivation of Firoz Kshi is completed. The four four postal roads of the nation see additional work toward more robust, royal versions. Two fortresses are constructed to overlook the homeland and the region of Kophat Dagh, with three lesser field fortification erected in Kara Khitai. Resources are diverted to the minor trading town of Kween, along the silk route in Bactria. Soon, it is a full fledged city. Wassim settles into the capital to run the government. He sires a son and heir, but the striking Behnaz proves to be a prodigal daughter. Prince Khafiyya, Lord Jasper and the Fuedal Lord of Transoxania collect some of the wayward garrisons, then react out of the homeland with five-thousand men. Khafiyya perishes during the unrelenting patrols. Lord Jahangir travels to the desert of Avar, spending five years in a futile attempt at negotiating with various tribal leaders. Prince Kamal, Prince Nizar and Lord Omar form a bigger party and journey to the forests of Shadad. A bride is found for Nizar, and an Economic Alliance gained.

 

Great Seljuk Empire
( Esfahan in Persia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Empress Ghayda I

The regent orders three new projects, both links of a postal road from Persia to Zagros plus a cultivation of Tabaristan. He then travels to the coastal region of Mand. He finds a husband for his daughter, the Empress, and wrangles an Economic Alliance. Lord Ramin convinces the ally of Dasht'Kavir to become a full part of the Empire. Lord Forruka makes a similar gain in Tabaristan. Lord Tahmouress negotiates a Tributary agreement from the city of Qom. Lord Soheil helms six mercenary warships out of Agri, and takes a mapping expedition through the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Bab-al-Mandab. Empress Ghayda comes of age and takes her position at the head of the nation. Most in the court recognize Ebrahim, her father, as the true power behind the throne, thus no rebellions spark during the transfer of power. Ghayda's first official act is to address the region of Khurasan. She makes clear that she expects the agreed payment from Khwarezim, or else their retirement from the region during the next cycle. Her second act is to appoint her husband the position of Prince.

 

Rum Seljuk Sultanate
( Trebizond in Pontus )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Shapur

Intelligence capacity increases. The Sultan sires a daughter.

 

The Atabeg Civil War
The Atabeg Sultanate of Lyssa
vs.
The Atabeg Sultanate of Mosul

Sultan Hadi of Mosul sees a lack of manpower with the mass conscription of last turn, but still manages to raise five hundred new cavalry. He rules from Mosul City with over thirty siege companies augmenting the city defenses. Princes Lutfi and Farooq defend the restored homeland with twelve-hundred mobile troops and a dozen field fortifications. Facing a crisis of cash due to the depression, Sultan Basir of Lyssa orders the disbandment of thirty eight siege companies. Many of the engineers are diverted to investment sectors and to public works in Carhae. Three hundred new infantry are the only forces raised.

Sultan Basir marches west, organizing the army of Fifteen-hundred infantry, eleven-thousand and five engineering companies. He is supported by three leaders: Lords Arsham and Rostam, and the feudal lord of Circis. They blast through the field fort garrisons of Aleppo and Cilicia, losing only a few hundred of their forces. The fortresses and cities of Antioch and Tarsus are left alone, preventing the Lyssan occupation from collecting taxes, but neither does the revenue reach Mosul.

Sultan Basir has ben busy on the diplomatic front, gaining the support of the Abbasid Caliphate. Not only do the Lyssan's receive a sizable transfer of gold and agro, but fourteen-thousand troops march into Mosul under the command of the Abbasid Crown Prince, Nazih. While Nizah is a superb general, the lack of Casus Belli undercuts most of his command structure entirely. Despite an almost three-to-one advantage in troop strength and better scouting, the Mosul forces are defending their homeland. The three supporting Abbasid leaders do little to augment the invading forces.

Prince Lutfi of Mosul is merciless in his thrust against the invading Abbasids. First Lord Jibril, then Lord al Fattah are cut down. When Crown Prince Nizah is captured, the Abbasid army breaks in a complete route. Only the subsequent capture of the Mosul commander prevents the Abbasids from being completely slaughtered. Still, nine-thousand Abbasid men lay down their lives. The defenders lose a mere six-hundred.

 

Atabeg Sultanate of Mosul
( Mosul City in Mosul )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Hadi III

Prince Farooq and Lord Shazi both perish of age. Prince Noor is granted an official position.

 

Atabeg Sultanate of Lyssa
( Lyssa in Carhae )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Basir I

Assassin effectiveness increases. An attempt at religious reform sparks a heresy in Edessa. The feudal lord of Circis abandons all ties with the Sultanate at the end of the cycle. Crown Prince Rasul steers the government in Lyssa.

 

Abbasid Caliphate
( Baghdad in Mesopotamia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Caliph Bakkar

The Caliph rules from Baghdad, siring two more children, though he is in his fifties. Prince Rauf travels to Diyala on a diplomatic mission. After years of Abbasid investments, the region is only too happy to fully join the Caliphate. Abu Karim remains preaching in Lebanon, but his progress is eradicated by the blustering of national missionaries. The Feudal Allies of Dharan and Selucia react from their regions. The mercenary leader, Seemab, sets sail from Damascus with four warships. He launches a sea borne raid against Adulis, but runs into the defensive forces of Amba Sait, the Makurian Ally. Amba repels the raid, sinking two of the mercenary ships. Lord Farid succumbs to injuries later in the cycle. Mercenary contracts continue: Zafir and fifteen warships in As-Sur; Seemab and six warships in Damascus.

 

Sultanate of Damascus
( Damascus in Petra )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Saleem I

Infantry and Cavalry quality improve. The Sultan opens trade with the Bavarians, and pours two more cogs onto the route with Croatia. He travels to Lebanon to preach, but his work is ruined by the failure of missionaries among the populace. Crown Prince Saleem steers the government in Damascus, siring four children before his wife's death in 1204. Princes Fawzi and Ubaid are granted official positions. Lord Omar travels to Palmyra, but even with a new bride for the Sultan is unable to wrangle any alliance. Lord Zafar travels to Lyssa, where Saliha is married to the Lyssan Heir, with a Defensive Pact formed. Lord Qasim reacts from As-Sur with three-thousand men. Lord Bahir and the Fuedal Lord of Bostra react from the Levant with another three-thousand. Rafidh perishes at the end of 1203, Saleem taking the throne.

 

Emirate of Yemen
( Sana in Yemen )
Shi'a Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Emir Abd-al-Hamid I

The Emir expands the military, conscripting eight-hundred cavalry, seven-hundred infantry and two engineering companies. He focuses on steering the government, accepting a new bride from Muscat. He sires three children during the cycle. Lord Tayyib stands in reaction at Sa'na, ready to respond to any aggression. Lords Rahman and Hasim negotiate a Non-Paying Tributary agreement from Muscat. The feudal lords of Adal, Hijaz and Zufar react from their regions.

 

NORTH AND EAST AFRICA

Mercenaries
Troops:	128mi, 137mc, 15ms, 44mw, 5mt
AQRs:	i4, c6, s4, w6
Leader:	Guilliame [M516] Minimum Bid = 11 GP

 

Nile Conflict of 1185
Kingdom of England, Nubian Kingdom of Makuria and Kingdom of Scotland
vs.
Fatimid Caliphate

Both sides regroup.

 

Fatimid Caliphate
( Al-Qahirah in Mansura )
Shi'a Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Caliph Al-Muhaymin

Religious Effectiveness and Intelligence Capacity increase. Five light warships are constructed in Adaibah. The Caliph spends a season reacting from Thebes with his fourteen-thousand man army before returning to Al-Qahirah to steer the government. He grants his son and heir a position at court. Princes Yabbar and Hakim return to the capital in expectation of two Makurian brides, but neither woman appears. Lords Khayri and Bilal take five warships, mapping the rutters for the Gades, Gates of Hercules and Sea of Portugal. Lord Mohammed takes a similar amount and maps the Zanzibar Sea. The Feudal Lords of Ad'Diffah and Sinai return to their regions, each replenishing portions of the levies.

 

Nubian Kingdom of Makuria
( Soba in Funj )
Coptic Christian, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Johannes I

Siege quality as well as intelligence effectiveness both increase. The King orders up four-thousand new cavalry raised for the military. He sends almost two-thousand of them, along with another three-thousand mercenaries, into the region of Kordofan under the command of Prince Paul. Paul loses three-hundred men in the taking of the steppes. Paul then begins a military institution of his Coptic religion over the pagans, prompting a second, and just as fast battle. The rebellion is suppressed, and the tribes forcefully converted. Missionaries take a gentler approach in Ain'Farah, converting the populace willingly. Paul leaves a garrison, then returns to Axum, going on reaction with his remaining three-thousand troops. King Johannes remains in a similar state in Soba, reacting with three-thousand national troops and another force of three-thousand mercenaries. Prince Rathios spends time in the wilderness of Kosti, but is unable to negotiate an increase of ties before he succumbs to illness. Lord Mareb does his own diplomatic tour through three regions. Shoa refuses to increase ties, but Atbara agrees to a Full Alliance, and Adulis becomes a friendly part of the Kingdom. Lord Agao returns from the north with a hero's welcome. He takes command of four ships in Napata, sailing out of the Nile to map the Mare Negri and Ionian Sea. He succumbs to age on the return journey. Lord Quaim'in collects six ships from Zulafta, making his own explorative journey into the Somali and Zanzibar Seas. In 1202, King Johannes takes ill at Soba and perishes. His son, Kumerios, takes the throne. Arulios is granted the Heir position at court. Surprisingly, Kordofan fully embraces Makurian rule after only two years of pacification.

 

The Masai Tribes
( Mwarza in Masai )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Barbarian
Chief Zuberi

Regional Cultivation: Mombassa
Established University
Enhanced Communication
Improved City: Mombassa City
Tribal Relic: Sacred Mask

 

WEST AND SOUTH AFRICA

Mercenaries
Troops:	5mi, 5mc, 5ms, 5mw, 5mt
AQRs:	i4, c3, s4, w4

 

Kanem-Bornu Empire
( Ngazargumu in Kanem-Bornu )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Civilized
Emperor Mai Kuntana

Settled Culture
Established University
Enhanced Communication
Extensive Trade Network
Religious Monolith: Soro

 

Hausa Bakwai
( Kano in Hausa )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Civilized
Biram Bakwai

Superior Infantry
Superior Cavalry
Settled Culture
Tribal Relic: Sacred Mask
Religious Monolith: Hausa

 

Mali Empire of Songhai
( Gao in Sudan )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Barbarian
Emperor Za-Kukuray

Improved City: Tombouctou
Improved City: Tombouctou
Diverse Royal Family
Superior Cavalry
Tribal Relic: Sacred Mask

 

Segu Wagadou
( Kumbi Saleh in Ghana )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Barbarian
Ogiso Bannu Bubu

Superior Infantry
Superior Infantry
Regional Cultivation: Boure
Improved City: Segou
Efficient Bureaucracy

 

Tribal Kingdom of Takrur
( Dakar in Takrur )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Civilized
King Nfansu

Established University
Regional Cultivation: Gambia
Civilized Culture
Superior Infantry
Superior Cavalry

 

Ashanti Kumasi
( Kumasi in Gagnoa )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Civilized
Ogiso Ndidi

Settled Culture
Improved Intelligence
Regional Cultivation: Niete
Improved City: Kumasi
Improved City: Accra

 

Oyo Katunga
( Katunga in Oyo )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Barbarian
Ogiso Dubaku

Improved City: Katunga
Improved City: Katunga
Improved City: Lagos
Improved City: Lagos
Improved City: Abuja

 

Ogiso of Benin
( Ibinu in Benin )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Civilized
Ogiso Nthanda

Established University
Improved City: Douala City
Settled Culture
Religious Monolith: Benin
Tribal Relic: Sacred Mask

 

Mwene Kongo
( Julo in Kongo )
African Pagan, Tech Level 003 - Barbarian
Chief Kgosi

Enhanced Communication
Regional Cultivation: Vili
Tribal Relic: Sacred Mask
Improved City: Julo
Conscripted Navy

 

 

SECRET ORDERS

 

The Popular Crusade
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Grandmaster Leonardo

The order collapses, some of the leaders making their way to the service of the Prince's Crusade.

 

The Prince's Crusade
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Primas Peter

Religious Capacity increases. Order monks found a new cell. Seven hundred infantry and twenty light warships are raised. Lord Sean creates a new lodge. Primas Peter and Commander Simon both found new cells. Lords Stuart and Arthur sail with seventy warships and five cogs filled with marines to the Gulf of Cyprus. They target the shipping of As-Sur, only to encounter the Mercenary Leader, Zafir ad Balak at the helm of eleven warships. Zafir is quickly put on the defensive, then overwhelmed and his fleet sunk. Lord Stuart then moves on the merchants of As-Sur unopposed.

 

The Hashshashins
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Old Man Ali

Religious capacity increases for the Order and five engineering companies are raised. Old Man Husayn spends the cycle in the organization of a new Temple. Lord Ubayd creates an entirely new cell. Anushtegin ad-Dizbiri is charged with the grisly execution of Silvanus, the once Crown Prince of Byzantium. Fingers, toes, ears, eyes, tongue, genitals, then chunks of flesh are steadily hewn from his body and sent to his relations on the island of Cyprus. When Silvanus finally expires, Cyprus has distanced itself from Constantinople, downgrading to an Economic Alliance.

Prince As-Salam and Lord Wafi Ahmad spearhead an attack into the Byzantine territory of Isauria. They lead a force of over eleven-thousand cavalry. Two Greek leaders, John and Manuel, are both in the region, and immediately rush to command the eight field forts and one-thousand cavalry garrison. Neither Greek is a strong leader, and despite an isolation of supply, the Muslim forces sweep the defenders aside at the cost of five-hundred troops. John of Byzantium is killed during the battle, Manuel falls back to the fortress in Attalia.

Wafi Ahmad settles down in the region, waiting for the reinforcement army of Ali az-Zahir and his two-thousand infantry and eight siege companies. Ali begins an immediate siege of Attalia, the first three months see only minor skirmishes, each side losing one-tenth of their infantry forces. The second campaign season goes quite differently. Ali has begun to suffer from the lack of supply, and wanting to finish the siege quickly, orders a hard attack against Attalia's walls. But the Greeks hold a better command of siege warfare and strike back without mercy. Ali's forces are all but decimated, only four-hundred infantry avoiding the slaughter.

Wafi has not been idle in the meantime, and begins to loot the region of Isauria. He finds it much poorer than he had hoped, completely absent of public works of any sort. Still, he wrings what resources he can from the populace, handily defeating the minor rebellion which erupts. After the looting, he begins to instate a policy of mass enslavement. The policy is cut short, however, with the break of the Attalian siege. Many of the region's residents rush to the city for protection and Wafi abandons his campaign to turn north to cross the mountains into the desert.

Prince As-Salam has pushed further into Greek territory, attacking into the region of Lydia with his eight-thousand cavalry. Ten field fortifications are scattered across the region, under the command of a reasonably deft garrison commander. As-Salam is coming across the mountains, out of supply, and his scouts are harried by the city of Smyrna. He is rebuffed at the cost of nine-hundred cavalry. Recognizing his disadvantages, As-Salam falls back to Isauria, then past to summon two-hundred cavalry from the Atabeg Sultanate of Mosul. Wafi reappears in Paphlagonia in 1204, launching a quick series of raids that manage to evade the local forces.

In the winter of 1204, age catches up to three leaders: Prince As-Salam, Wafi Ahmad, and Old Man Husayn himself. Ali takes on the head of the order. Twenty-seven hundred mercenary cavalry are contracted in Antioch.