Lords of the Earth Campaign Five

GM NOTES TURN 16 - Next Turn Due

If something happens you do not understand email me I keep very good turn-by-turn notes and I can probably tell you why something happened.

Turns Sheets: Please work diligently to make these clean. Clean orders get processed faster and more efficiently. If you can use the Turn sheet with the embedded excel please do so. I really like the movement section on those a lot. PUT IN ACTION POINTS USED ON EACH ACTION PLEASE

Turn Sheets to you: Please check your stat sheets when you get them rather than at the last minute. Yes, I realize they should be perfect but sometimes it doesn’t happen that way. If you check ahead of time it give time for things to get fixed rather than being in a rush.

Don’t Forget (I know this is hard to get used to) You can contact NPN’s and they just might be helpful. NPN’s like making deals especially when it nets them money.

Islands & Colonization and Building Cities: You must colonize an island to zero before building a city on it. This represents the very basic regional infrastructure necessary to assist the city in functioning.

When Visiting provinces for diplomatic purposes I will generally send you home before the end of the turn especially in the case of a nation. Staying longer than the current turn is viewed as over staying your welcome.

Women Rulers: Women can rule but the first time this happens there is a risk if you have Feudal Allies, SFA’s, EA’s or Allied provinces they will bail on you. There are some variables on this based on the Queen’s stats. Whenever a female takes the throne after the first time there is a small chance of problems once again stats of the Queen help determine the results.

Multiple Wives: Yes you can have them. Two weaknesses of this, makes the possibility of a DF greater and eliminates the effectiveness of a political marriage.

ARMY BREAKDOWNS:

Ground troops: 1 Unit = 200 Men

Field Forts: 1 Unit = 1 Field Fort **** NOTE CHANGE ******

Naval Units: 1 Unit = 1 Ships **** NOTE CHANGE ******

Marriage: I am not allowing royal families that are very closely linked already to marry. No marrying cousins or stepbrothers or sisters. If you insist on this I will have to break out the genetics chart to see if you incur the wrath of God (whichever you worship).

I know I have mentioned this in an Email and probably some Rule notes at some point and time but it is worth mentioning again. Going to Free or Open societies may cause a DF roll. The world of 1050 was not one that embraced anything like a free or open society.

I do not like Great Walls expect them to be expensive.

1075 - 1079: Rise of the Hordes

Mercenary Pool:

If a leader is listed you must hire the leader and his troops, leaders minimum is 5GP plus the minimum of .5gp for regular and 1gp for elite troops unit.

Northern Europe: Sven Lagersen 855 1HEI, 10I

Independent 10W, 10XW

Mediterranean (Catholic) Petracelli AAA 5HEC, 5EC

( Santiago 973 10EW

Non-Islamic Acorius A66 1HEI, 5EI Independent 5HW, 15W

France, Spain, Italy, Germany & Independents 10I, 20XI

England, Scotland, Eire Independent 3C, 5XC

Any Nation on the Red Sea Horgan’s Free Co. 859 5HEI, 10EI, 5S

Or East Africa 10HW, 10HT

Egypt, Morocco & Cordoba: Taureg Clan 833 3XEC, 30XC

Independents 10XC, 10XI

Hungary, Serbia, Russia, Poland F. D’Kolner 998 7HEC, 10EC

REE 5XEC

Hungary, Serbia, Russia, Poland Independents 3HI, 7I, 15XI

Independents 5C, 10XC

Buhwayids, Egyptians, Yemen & Shiraz Independents (Moslem) 7C, 15XC

Central Asia

Buddhist & Lamanist Nations Monk Kaing 927 5HEI

India Proper Deccan Raiders 824 13XEC

Independents 5I, 5XEI

Independents 5XEC

Asia (naval) Independents 10XW

SE Asia & So. China ZuKhan 875 6EC, 3XC

Independent 5C, 10XC

N.China, Korea, Japan Jin Xio` 89A 8EC, 10XEC

Africa:

Egypt: Alexandria and Al’Aqabah +1CL, Jordan (F)

The Fortress at Benghazi was completed this cycle, it is huge and full of nasty guns. Oh sorry wrong time period…..it has high walls and large ballista to smack around any would be attacker. The people of Mansura received some funding for a irrigation project finally. With the city of Alexandria demanding huge stores of grain every cycle something had to be done to improve production in lands near the Nile’s mouth.

The Military continues to grow by leaps and bounds and the citizens are growing nervous that the King might soon choose to wage war on one of his neighbors. Fasil who called up another 5000 men at arms was unphased by the concern of his constiuents. The King knew that his nation was the envy of all who dwelled on the Mederterainian and that if he did not maintain a large army that he would surely be overrun by barbarians. Huge sums of money were invested into the nations educational system so that Fasil could continue calling all nations near and far barbarians. Fasil did have one failing he just wasn’t the man the King of Morocco was, he failed to father any children at all though he did try with great frequency.

Ghana: Kwame +1CL

The King was praised by his administrators for establishing a road net that allowed very rapid communication throughout the nation. “hail hail King Mali!” In other news everyone just sat aound and tried very unsuccessfully to have children. This did not go well at all as the King and both princes combined to kill off 4 wives in child birth. It was thought that there was a possible conspiracy going on so the midwives working in the palace were all taken down to the river and fed to the River God which is represented by a large crocidle. This action seemed to raise spirits and the King fathered a son in 1079. To express his joy over the event the King allocated huge sums of money to the Sudan so the locals there could live better lives.

Morocco: Awlil (FA), Sidjilmasa (NE)

The Moroccan King felt there was an urgency to make sure Awlil did not fall into the hands of foul foriegners so a HUGE amount of gold was poured into this region. The Taureg tribes as a whole seem fairly receptive to the Moroccan message and are not opposing the expansion of the Moroccan kingdom into their domain. The people of Awlil are very pleased as they just hit the jackpot financially so they swear their swords to the Moroccan cause. The Aged king still has a little kick left in him, he was twice a proud papa this cycle.

Algeria: Algiers +1 CL

The Algerian Emir decided he would be best served by adding walls to his cities so it was done. The capital was increased in size and full city facilities were added in the new section of town. The Royal Guard grew.

Tunisia: Mahida +1CL

The Tunisians Economy continues to prosper greatly from the wise and benevolent rule.

Hausa:

The Ivory Coast decided they needed to be the master of their own destiny.

Kanem: City of Zumhaha in Ikego, +1Cl Ngaiarguma and Njimi, Kreda (NE), Jos (A)

The Imperial government of Kanem decided to back off their policy of spreading as far as possible as fast as possible. The King decided to concentrate on making their lands more closely aligned to the Ivory Throne of Kanem. Jos was receptive but the Kreda still very much under the influence of the Berber tribesmen were not in the least intrigued by the idea of closing ranks further with Kanem.

Zagwe: Kasala (F)

Mera II chose to loosen the reins a bit more on the economy so questioned the virtues of moving to a free economy but no one do so very loudly. Mera named her granddaughter Mera III heir. Mera III was quite the beauty but was very young and without a husband. In Sept. of 1076 Mera II died, she had reached her 68^th year on the planet. Mera II at a young age was very strong willed in the early years of her rule. She usurped her brother and fended off an attack by the Ethiopians that came shortly thereafter. The Patriarch of the faith cooled things down by arranging a wedding of the son of one of the Plateau lords and Mera II and it was a match made in heaven. Solomon melted Mera’s hard exterior and they got along very well. Mera II became a wise ruler after her marriage to Solomon and the pool construction business suffered mightily. After Solomon’s passing Mera continued to rule wisely and pursued a course of gradual expansion which has greatly benefited the nation.

Mera III assumed the throne but rather than receiving the support of her father Dil he tried to oppose this ascention. Dil tried to secure the loyalty of some of the house guard but he handled the situation very poorly and General Salassie quick thwarted the attempt. Dil was slain in the process. Mera III shocked by the turn of events and ponders what to do while she rules her kingdom the remaining years of the cycle. Mera’s Uncle Solomon II who remained loyal during the attempted coup dies tragically in 1079 when he slips while running near the pool and fractures his skull. His brain hemorages and he dies shortly thereafter.

Ethiopia: Adefa +1CL

Slowly but surely Ethiopia becomes more economically viable.

Coptic Church:

The big news was the initiation of the Gezira cultivation project. Needless to say the locals were very pleased when this project was started. Monks from throughout the Coptic lands flooded into the region to assist in this project and it was suggested by some that the resources of the Ethiopians and the Zagwians could be funneled into this project if the Patriarch asked nice enough. This may be only heresay though.

Maybe as important as the cultivation of Gezira, the tribes of Ain Farah were agressively converted by Bishop Nicolaus and Simeone. The Coptic faith was widely embraced by the tribals of this region. There was concern that the more violent of the Kerken tribes would come into the region and kill the Coptic leaders but this did not happen. Bishop Nicolaus did die in the lands of the Ain Farah toward the end of the cycle, his remains were found. It appears that the Lions of the steppe were not as receptive to the new religion as the humans were.

Kilwa: Kilwa City +1 CL

There was little more relaxing than living on the peaceful east coast of Africa. Kenan ruled wisely and the nation continued to prosper. The Capital grew though the locals were still a bit disgruntled that the capital was still smaller than Malindi. Attempts by the government to weaken the paganistic ways of the local religions had no effect but Lamanist missionaries were successful in completing the conversion of the province of Kilwa. The City of Malindi continued to receive attention as the main trade port for the Kilwian Government so the King decided that the city needed proper facilities to house the merchant classes of the north so he ordered a brothel errr Hotel district built near the merchant main docks.

Zanzibar:

Little Zanzibar continued its very slow and methodical growth.

Zimbabwe: Kafue Cultivated!

Horray the Chief Kimjala is great! Kafue is now cultivated and all were happy. Well everyone in Kafue at least. A small miracle occurred in 1079 when the very old chief Kimjala fathered twins. It was this that helped stem the grief that had stricken the kings spirit because of the death of his first son Jalasare. The population of this East African realm are completely apathetic about religion. In an effort to safe guard his lands from the evils of what may live beyond his borders Kimjala doubled the size of his army.

Zulu Nation:

Some economic build up as the economy now picks up a little steam.

Europe:

Bolgars: +1CL Bolgar

Since the army was already sizable the Bolgars continued to develop the Port city of Bolgar. Large armies were stationed in the East in preparation for a possible influx of Asians with ill intent.

Kiev:

Tragically the Belarus Lord and his wife Ivana, the King’s sister, were killed in an accident when their carriage plummeted off a bridge and into a river. Oleg the homely was named the heir to the Rus throne, he came of age in 1079. Yaroslav II decided he wanted to rescind the creation of the Mordva nation that was created by his now dead sister Serena. Pyotr who was a wily diplomat was sent to resecure the province of Cuman and cut loose the provinces of Murom & Mordva. The clan chiefs got wind of this and rushed to Cuman to find out what was going on. Pyotr did not expect to have a large audience but he made his pitch nonetheless. It was not well received by the clan chiefs. The Clan chiefs of the area had been enjoying their position in the world and now they were effectively being cast aside. The chiefs decided that they were not going to tolerate the manipulations of the Rus king who had done nothing for them since their creation and so all three provinces split off and declared their independence from the Rus altogether. Pyotr decided that a return to the capital might very well lead to his death because of his failure so he slipped off to the south never to be seen again.

Novgorod:

Ivan III was somewhat average as a leader but he was really good at assisting in the production of children. His wife survived three more childbirths, one son and two daughters. On the home front everything was very quiet well except for the screaming little brats of course. The lands continued to prosper and develop under the rule of the Ruriks. The king order that some intense scrutiny be paid to activities with in the capital but there was nothing of concern happening there. The big news was the regional cultivation project getting underway in Polotsk. Ivan knew that if his kingdom of many cities was to survive the very land itself would have to be made more productive this project would be the first step. The Patriarch ordered his monks and friars to aid the Kingdom of Novgorod in the cultivation of Veposkava the King of Novgorod persuaded the “missionaries” to refocus their attentions to the province of Polotsk so that the region might be completely cultivated by the end of the cycle, they agreed and the Polotsk project was completed.

Galica:

Waited and saved for a rainy day. The Patriarch added a city level to the already burgeoning city of Galich. The Locals were of course happy though they hopped the agro kept coming from the Rus.

England: Port City of New London in Awlil

While on tour of the domains and doing a little troop shuffling Prince Percy died in a particularly harsh winter in Dyfed. The Queen and her sister mourned the loss of the valiant Percy taken at the age of 41. In a bold move Commander Clinton and Comodore Marbourgh aboard his flagship the London sailed south to Awlil. These two gentlemen met with the Taureg chieftain of the region and got his blessing to build a port city, New London. The Taureg Chieftain was more than happy to allow this to happen so his tribesmen would have a city to trade with. The Awlil tribe had just got a whole bunch of money from the Moroccans to spend, it was all good for the Awlil tribe. Commander Clinton and about 1000 men stayed behind to defend New London.

Celtic Church:

Helped out their followers a bit.

Ireland: +1 CL Belfast

Economic development

Norway: Port City of Kiliya in Moldavia

The King decided that the best way to make more money was to extend the reach of his trade routes. By God he was a seafarer and so…..he was going to get a conduit! The Bulgarians were more than willing to assist the King in attaining his dream to reach the rich ports of the Med.

Orkney/Scotland: Lothian (F), +1 CL Edinburgh

All efforts of the nation were devoted to persuading the province of Lothian into aligning themselves to the Scottish throne. The effort paid off, apparently the “border” nobles liked the Scots a lot more than they liked the English to the south so they jumped at the opportunity to join with the Scots. The Scottish military did a lot of drilling this cycle and it paid off with the development of some improvements in both cavalry and siege tactics. On a final note Walter II had two more children but his wife Joane died in 1077 giving birth to a son.

Poland: +1CL Warsaw and Szczecin; Odobria (F), Pomerania (A), Port City of Sopot in Pomerania (Built by the Pope)

The urban populations of Poland quite likely have the highest standard of living of anywhere in Europe. Nearly all of the cities have very effective infrastructures easily capable of handling the local population. The rulers of Poland continue to do a commendable job for their people in the cities. The Polish King ordered that good works be carried out in Pomerania where the locals still clung to paganistic beliefs. The effort met with some success. Diplomatic efforts continued along the Baltic coast as Odobria came fully into the fold and Pomerania nearly submitted fully as well even though Diplomat Jacek had trouble with some of the local paganistic customs. Pawel died among the pagans at the end of the cycle but fortunately for him he had converted many of the Pomeranian locals, 70% of the province was Catholic, and so he got a good Christian burial.

Baltic Pagans:

Little bit of economic development, sucks being poor. The Clan leaders of some of the provinces gathered in the “capital” of Griva to discuss the future of the pagan kingdom. No information was forthcoming on what was decided.

Baltic Trade Coalition: Helsinki +1 CL

Having a great deal of influence throughout the Baltic makes the merchant guild very happy. With their control of Turku and Lorhar vast supplies of lumber can be accessed for ship building projects. Urban development projects occurred in Visby and Copenhagen.

HRE: City of Fulda in Thuringia, +1CL Viborg, Koln and Bremen, Royal Road to Friesland

Another 7000 men were added to the military roles. It is difficult to rule such a vast realm, it is easier to rule if you have a big army. Elizabeth a healthy 76 to start the cycle continued to be the master of her domain, ordering a great deal of expansion in urban areas and the construction of a road that allows the capital to be connected to the northern reaches of the Empire.

Sigismund traveled to Prague this cycle to secure a blushing bride and try to counter act the efforts of the Bavarians in this subject state. Sigismund was married in a very modest ceremony hardly of note really. Sigismund was disappointed at the lack of fanfare over his nuptuals but this was nothing new to him who has always had to play second fiddle to the women of the empire. Sigismund and his blushing bride Helen spent most of the cycle in Prague. Helen gave birth to twins, Sigismund II and Elizabeth in honor of Sigismund’s mother. Sigismund returned to the capital of Frankfurt when Athena tragically died while hunting in the forest near the palace. Wilhelm der Grosse and the rest of Sigismund’s entourage did a lot of work trying to sway the opinions of the Bohemians. They were successful in disuading the Bohemians from merging with the Bavarians this cycle. The Bavarians still have a strong hold on the capital of Prague.

Von Ryan III was sent to the north to investigate some disturbances among the English Catholics. There were rumors that there had been some rising tensions in the province of Holstien and a possibility of heresy. Von Ryan and his witch hunters investigated the region and found no problems among the peaceful English.

Carinthia: +1CL Trieste

Trieste the main seaport of the Carinthians continued to grow. Knowing that there was always the possibility of pirates or nasty Orthodox peoples raiding the coast the Carinthians quickly rebuilt the walls of Trieste after it was expanded.

Kingdom of Italy: Fortress Romagna and Verona

The Kingdom of Italy finally felt secure enough on land so they began to construct a navy. The ships were put into the sea at the Tuscan capital of Pisa and they were some of the finest on the Mederterrainian. Though it has been many years since a Tuscan fleet was put on the blue green waters of the Med it is thought that they should not have problems getting their sea legs. All of the resources of Tuscany were devoted to the defense of the nation.

Bohemia:

While there appeared to be an upcoming political struggle between the Bavarians and the Holy Roman Empire (which is kind of weird) over Bohemia, the Bohemians decided to ignore that and wrap up some economic builds before they poured a bunch of resources into troops.

Bavaria:

Elizabeth’s niece Agnes lost her husband, the Heir to the Bavarian throne Augustin in 1077. Leopold III “the Handsome” assumed his rightful role as heir to the throne. Borijov II assumed his roles as prince.

Pope: Handful of Churches

The start of the cycle saw everything running smoothly. The Papal assistance program saw the construction of many urban improvements for the Kingdom of Leon, Poland, France and Italy. The church has been very generous to nearly all of it’s constituents. There had been grumblings in Hungary and among the lords of the Baltic Trade Confederation about a lack of attention though. Everyone knew that merchants and religious figures often did not see eye to eye so the lack of papal interest in the lands of the BTC was not terribly surprising. Enough of the uninteresting stuff.

In 1078 the Pope died. Nicolas II was a very effective leader and ruled very wisely even in the difficult times when Southern Italy was up in arms. Nicolas will probably be seen as the great slayer of the Orthodox faith in Italy. Though there are still Orthodox faithful in Southern Italy the Orthodox power had been shattered in the region.

The Death of the Pope caused a surprisingly traumatic event. It seems that all of the Bishops hate each other. Stentore Delrosa of Barcelona, Emanuel Bartaluci of Rome and Joseph Guiseppe of Venice all immediately rushed to Rome in hopes of beating the others to Rome and claiming authority. A vote by the College of Cardinals of course is always required but if one of the Papal canidates could push through a vote before the others arrived it would have been quite a coup. That didn’t happen. The three canidates arrived in Rome around the same time as the latest German Papal Canidate, Hienrich Thorgburg of Franconia. By the end of 1079 there was a very heated debate raging in Rome as to who should be the next Pope. The big fear among Papal observers was that if a poor selection was made that the Church might suffer greatly.

Papal Canidates:

Del Rosa of Barcelona (Gascony) : Very skilled tactician avoid a chess match with this one, extremely shrewd diplomat but social skills are a little lacking as he tends to be a bit cold and manipulative.

Emanuel Bartaluci (Rome) : Average tactician and diplomat but his eyes gleam like stars and his clothing and grooming are magnificent.

Joseph Guiseppe (Venice) : Poor tactician and completely lacking in diplomatic skills, he is without a doubt the most honest man in the Papacy, he will not hesitate to tell you exactly how he feels. Joseph has one very strong skill and that is he is a spectacular dresser and extremely good looking.

Hienrich Thorgburg (Germany) : Completely lacking in tactical saavy Heinrich couldn’t beat Guiseppe at chess, not much better on the diplomatic front. Hienrich is the only canidate who actually sports a beard, his beard is somewhat unruly.

The College of Cardinals will have their work cut out for them.

Votes: Pope (10), HRE (10), Tuscany (8), France (3), Gascony (2), Hungary (2) Poland (2), BTC (1), Branist (1), Leon (1), Bavaria (1), Bohemia (1), Carinthia (1)

(VOTING WILL HAPPEN BETWEEN THE TURN)

Branist:

Helping the Gascons seemed like a good idea so Gregor ordered the Order to assist in the cultivation of Aquitaine. The Gascons were very appreciative of course. Gregor died in 1079 and his son Enrich took control of the order.

France: Port City of Brest (built by the Pope), +1CL Rouen & Cherbourg, Royal Road to Poiters

France mourned the loss of King Micheal’s mother and Michael’s wife in childbirth in 1077. Michael did not let these events deter him from the greater good and that was the improvement of his kingdom. Another 5000 cavalry were recruited by the throne to make sure the borders of the kingdom were secure. Michael also ordered his two top diplomats to the lands of Gascony in the hope that they would be able to persuade the wayward fiefdom (according to the king) that realigning with France was in their best interest. SEE Gascony

Gascony: Aquitaine Cultivated

The French paid a visit to the court this cycle.

The Archbishop of Lyon and Rochambeau made the trip south to the lands of Gascony. Once part of the domains of the Kingdom of France Gascony is now an independent state of growing importance. The pair entered the province of Gascony and noticed it was prospering greatly under the apt rule of Philip of Gascony. Rumor was that the lands had become extremely productive and those rumors appeared to be true. Rocambeau and the Archbishop chuckled over the prospects the boldness of Michael’s request.

“Hope Michael doesn’t get to surly when he hears the Gascon’s seem to be surviving just fine without France’s helping hand”

“He may have to, the Holy Father had told me the lands of Gascony were prospering but I would have never believed that Gascon rural life would have ever compared with that of the lands of the rich northern nobles.”

“Let us hope that Lord Philip does not laugh at us too loudly when we suggest closer ties with Paris.”

The entourage approached the of the fair city of Bordeaux and were surprised to see the one time backwater of the Empire was now a bustling seaport with an outer wall twice the height of Paris’s. Bordeaux was a city of nearly 300,000 people, it had an outer wall which was every bit of 40 or 50’ high and an inner wall that was at least 50’ high and thick as well. The inner wall also had a good number of turrents which could be used as firing platforms for catapults. The pair of Frenchmen were amazed to see such stout defenses in the city as they headed for the “palace” of the Gascon King.

These streets are very clean for an urban area and did you see that beautiful fountain as we entered the main gate?

Yes, I must say that now I know why the city is prospering. Paris is as beautiful but I dare say that size wise Bordeaux is it’s equal in city services and upkeep.

Our Monastery does not do well here from what I understand, I wonder why?

Soon the two found out. While on the way to Philip’s keep the two passed a very large Branist compound.

Ah! So it is true the Branist exert a heavy influence in this city. I had heard rumors that the Branist exerted a good amount of influence over the southern reaches of France but I was unsure of how true the rumors were.

Yes, from what I understand, King Michael II has allowed them to expand at will within France and I believe the Gascons’ must have embraced them as well.

I do not trust these Branist. Why does Michael tolerate them they have all but stripped him of his authority in Provence and Marseille, how can he allow this to happen.

Well my understanding is that they have an arrangement that the crown feels is beneficial. Surely their cause will eventually die out and then their lands will just become the domains of the king.

The King?! I believe the Holy Father would hold jurisdiction over those lands.

Ha! The Branist exist only to meet the needs of the French Crown they do not work for the Pope. It is well known that the Holy Father has little influence when it comes to the affairs of the Branist.

So you say you contemptable Rochambeau we shall see when the Holy Father and the King go head to head who will win the lands of the Branist!

Ah hum pardon me sirs I could not help but overhear your argument.

A well kept man with the emblem of the tilted cross on his coat spoke up.

Um, yes well what can we do for you fine sir we apologize for the interruption. Rochambeau asked in a somewhat startled fashion.

It seems that you are debating the fate of the Branist Order most profoundly and I have a passing interest in this topic.

Well yes I suppose you do, stuttered the Archbishop, I see you are of the Order.

That I am, may I possibly assist you in your debate?

I do not think that will be necessary, Rochambeau said confidently, we were merely discussing theories we meant no harm.

I am sure you didn’t. Hopefully neither of you men have clout in the French court. I would hate to think your poor attitudes are reflective of the courts opinion.

The affairs of the French court are no concern yours “Branist”, the Archbishop replied curtly.

Your arrogance gives the good Frenchmen a bad name, bishop. I do not recommend you have this attitude with Phillip, he is much less tolerant than I. Good day to you gentlemen I will not hold you up any longer.

The duo from the French court proceeded the rest of the way through the city to the “palace” of Phillip. Philip’s Castle was modest by northern French standards but was efficient and all the Gascon royal family really needed. Rochambeau and the Archbishop noted the spartanesque nature of the abode but made no vocal comment on it. The pair did note the presence of some Branist soldiers in the castle as well. The Branist were obviously working closely with Gascony.

Greetings Lord Rochambeau and your eminence.

Salutaions illustrious Lord of the Southern March.

To what do I owe this great pleasure? Be brief I have a nation to run.

My lord …. Michael II King of the Franks has sent us to request that you once again enter into a feudal arrangement with the great nation of France.

Well I can’t say this request comes as a surprise now that you have duped….um pursuaded the people of Anjou to give up their freedom. I cannot think of any reason why I should take such an action maybe you two gentlemen have a good reason.

Well my lord if you will permit me to speak I might like to point out that you share a border with the hated Moors. The enemies of all Christianity.

Well that is a reason I suppose, is it the belief of the church that we in Gascony are not capable of protecting our lands from intrussions by heathens? Is there some reason why I should believe that the Moors, who have been cordial to Gascony, would take action against us?

It is the French courts belief that the Moors are just waiting for the opportunity to spring forth and smash all Christians in Iberia.

Are you serious, Rochambeau? All that I hear from Spain is that the Cordovans are improving the health and welfare of their people. Cities growing, roads being built and lands being cultivated how can this be a threat to my national security?

Well my lord is it not obvious that this is the prelude to inevitable expansion, first they improve their infrastructure so they can more quickly move troops to the border then they fall on you in huge numbers smashing your kingdom into pieces. The only way to save you kingdom is to reinstate the feudal arrangement with the King of France and take your place within the Empire.

Oh my, you are more paranoid than the leadership of the Islamic Union Oops sorry couldn’t resist.

Rochambeau this is ….. um …. Ridiculous. I am not going to even continue debating the fiesability of such nonsense. I also find it disappointing that the King of France, whom I respect, believes that the Kingdom of Gascony is not capable of defending it’s self. Return to Paris and tell you king that the lands of Gascony are independent and shall remain that way as long as I occupy the seat of power in Bordeaux.

As you wish Phillip we will inform Michael of your decision.

Rochambeau and the Archbishop returned to Paris with nothing. Michael was not terribly surprised at the results even though he had sent his best two diplomats to the region. The Gasconians were prospering greatly without the aid of the French why should they consider giving up their “freedom”?

Leon: + 2 CL Leon (because his turn 15 got lost)

Everything went very smoothly in Leon. The capital continues to grow at a steady pace. Rural improvements continue. There was a great deal of support coming from the Pope this cycle as Old Castile was greatly improved by Papal funding. France also bellied up to the proverbial bar as well sending a healthy alottment of French gold to support their Catholic brothers. This was a great boost to the Leonese economy. Four thousand men were added to the military rolls. The Kingdom of Leon was not going to live at the mercy of the Cordovans if they could help it.

Cordoba: Road to Al-Meriya, Talavera Cultivated and colonized

Peace and harmony.

Hungary: Port City of Esztergom in Slovakia

The King of the Magyars orders the construction of a new city in Slovakia on the Danube river. The new city is dedicated in the name of Christ and is named Esztergom, with hopes the city will grow to be a great religious center for the Magyars. To do the city its proper honors he also allocated funds to make sure that the populace has the proper utilities. After the construction of the new city there was some rumblings among the populace about the Pope and how he had been ignoring the nation of Hungary, the nation of Saint Stephen. Some of the disgruntled Hungarians pointed to the efforts of the Patriarch helping the Serbs and Russians a great deal in boosting their economies and aiding in cultivation of much land and commented that the Roman Pope should be helping out more. Some commented that maybe Saint Stephen had made the wrong choice and that the lands should have declared for the Orthodoxy.

Prince Alexander along with a bunch of royal sisters all die during this cycle of various maladies.

Serbia: Illyria Cultivated

Everything was pretty quiet in Serbia. Slow gradual growth was the focus of the administration and the king was successful. Illyria’s cultivation will pave the way for increased agricultural output and the greater tax income that went hand in hand with that. Diplomatic efforts were supposed to be attempted in Thessaly but Bozo of Zagrb died before he could have any effect. The only other news was that the Serb military remained ever vigilant in the defense of Aleppo. Some of the troops had been in province so long they were actually settling there.

Greece: Athens +1 CL and Fortified

The Greeks, since the merger with the Kingdom of Montenegro, have become a very powerful nation. Fearing the greed of their neighbors the Greeks decided to pour a vast majority of their resources into building up their defenses and 10 massive warships outfitted with the best crews and equipment.

(This position really needs a player, it is really good)

Kingdom of Trebizond: Kherson +1CL, Levedia (T) or not

Some economic development & expansion into Levedia. Well the plan was to expand into Levedia until the Patriarch’s lackey showed up and told the KOT representatives that the lands had been earmarked for the K o Naples migration. The KoT was not at all happy about this development and protested vigorously to the Archbishop of Okhrid. The AB refused to hear the protest of the KoT.

Bulgaria:

Economic Development. The Czar gathered all his forces around his capital and had a meeting with his generals but nothing was revealed as to why this was done. The Norwiegns were allowed to build a city in the province of Moldavia.

Byzantines:

Very quiet turn in the lands of the Byzantines. The note of importance is probably that the Emperor seems to be coming more generous with age. The Kingdom of Trebizond received a very nice endowment from the Emperor with orders to make sure the frontier defenses were bolstered. The KoT was very thankful for the Emperors generosity and in the upcoming years assured the king that they would build many defensive positions in Trebizond to thwart would be enemies. Defenses in a number of cities were improved this cycle. The agricultural needs of the people of Phrygia were taken care of completely. One last bit of good news for all the Orthodoxy maybe, the Byzantine peoples fevor for their religion has reached fanatical status. In a sad note the Emperor’s wife died when fluid filled her lungs during the blustery winter of 1078.

Patriarch: Many small facilities and a Cathedral in Riga, Levedia (C)

The Patriarch was proud of the fact he had brought the Orthodox faith to the Baltic Sea. Sure there were facilities in the area but a Cathedral on the Baltic was a major accomplishment and one that the A. B. of Odessa was very proud of. The leaders of the faith flitted about hither an yon building many facilities to help bring God to the far reaches of Russia. Missionaries worked tirelessly to convert the Patzinik and had decent success in that region.

In more interesting new the patriarch hatched a plan to remove the Orthodox faithful away from the clutches of the evil Roman Catholics. It was a good plan but it hinged on one important event, the diplomatic efforts of the A.B. of Okhrid in Levedia. Sadly the Kingdom of Trebizond was in negotiations with the clan leaders when the A.B. showed up. The K.o.T representative was none to pleased by the turn of events. The A.B. was none to pleased that Trebizond was attempting diplomacy in the region since it made everyone look bad. The archbishop made every effort to sooth the tensions created by the diplomatic error but he had little effect. It seems that the Levedians liked the Kingdom of Trebizond because they view them as a neighbor and they weren’t terribly happy when the “Church” got involved even though the Orthodoxy did make some nice offers. Anyway the whole situation got botched up and the people of Naples continue to live in Southern Italy. A land in fact that they may want to remain in with the Manchu ripping across the Steppe and the Khitan possibly right behind them.

Mercenary League: Corsica +1GPV

It was very costly for the Mercenary Guild but the new master of the Mercenary guild insisted it be done, all efforts were devoted to increasing the value of Corsica. These efforts were successful but at the cost of troops in the upcoming cycle which made everyone nervous. Bucelli died in Italy of the flu and his son Pacelli took over the reins. The other mercenary captains who were also getting long in the tooth were granted estates on Corsica once the upgrading of the province was completed and they retired.

Middle East:

Buhwayids: Royal RoadDiyala to Ahvaz & Media to Persia, City Ahvaz in Ahvaz, City of Kermanshah in Diyala, Elburz (NT), Qazvin (P)

Al Hakkim did not want his subjects to feel neglected while he went off to war with the army to crush the helpless Persians. So it was ordered that many roads and cities be built for the good of the people. Hakkim the um….Merciful also only required that a mere 8000 or so men join the military this cycle. His generous behavior was well received by all of course. The king ordered his good looking son to go find a wife in Elbrz and Ahmed Ibn Saur did so promptly. His father fresh off campaigning even stopped in for the nuptials late in the cycle.

Al Hakkim the “Ill Tempered” decided he was not going to allow the “Shadad Movement” the perpetuate any longer so he gathered his huge army, possibly second largest army in the world next to the Egyptians, and headed east (“Save my life I am going down for the last time” was being played by the royal musical company as the armies marched out of Baghdad down the Kings Highway and the Silk Road toward the Persian Plateau. The Army with supply train stretched to the horizon it seemed and some wondered silently why it took 60,000 men to defeat a foe that was so easily smashed just a few short years ago. Hmmm well can’t be too cautious was probably a wise motto to have and Al Hakkim was prepared to fight if he needed too.

By April of 1076 the province of Persia had submitted to Buhwayid rule. No troops were defending the province so there was no struggle really. The newly settled locals were none to pleased to see a bunch of corrupt Sunni wetlanders rolling into their province and taking their lands. In May the Persian host headed down the Silk Road. It was all Al Hakkim could do to keep his men from looting the trade caravans. He was successful for the most part. Crossing the dry wasteland of Dasht’ Kavir was pretty awful especially with such a large force fortunately the army was well lead so there wasn’t much attrition. Some raids were conducted against Buhwayid patrols as they persecuted the locals and captured the province.

Attack on Khurasan came in July, boy were the troops pleased to be leaving the desert. The push into the province was lightly opposed, either the Persians didn’t have much of an army or it was elsewhere, maybe both. Anyway the Buhwayids were the masters of the battlefield and the Persian Cavalry fled across the mountains and into the deserts of Kophat Dagh, which definitely did not make the Ghazi King very happy. The Ghazi King would have other things to be unhappy about later in the cycle as well. Overwhelmed by the Buhwayids some Persians held out in the City of Nishapur. They were overwhelmed pretty quickly by the massive Buhwayid siege army lead by the Captain of Baghdad.

In 1077 the Buhwayid army turned north and marched on Tabaristan. The terrain was poor for cavalry and the people really hated the Buhwayid’s but it didn’t matter they were overwhelmed. All the smart people were actually in the city or on boats heading north into the Caspian by the time the Buhwayids arrived. Qazvin also fell to the tide of Buhwayid aggression. With all of the main provinces out of the way the Army of Religious Liberation returned home. A sizeable force was left to defend the port city of Qazvin and another good size force was sent south to Shadad which caused a whole bunch of problems.

Prince Firuz Ibn Saur and the Captain of Baghdad traveled south through the deserts of Dasht’ Kavir, Dasht’e Lute; where they brushed aside light resistance, and into the Shadad province. In the Shadad province most of the locals had fled to the south with a decent sized contingent of regular and light cavalry. The citadel of Has Fazid was pretty well defended with 30 foot high walls and a fair sized contingent of religious zealots. Sadly for the Persians the King and heir had disappeared and so Prince Ahmed Aziz had to withdraw to Shiraz lands with the army leaving the Fortress not as well led as the Shadad Heritics would have liked. Firuz kept the province and baggage train secure while the Captain of Baghdad did the dirty work. The Captain’s contingent of 9000 Engineers and 4000 Royal Gaurdsmen smashed into the defenses over several days in August of 1078, after the north gate was successfully mined, the citadel was captured. To the victors go the spoils and in this case it was a “shahib”. It was fairly large in size and so it was loaded into the back of a wagon and carted back to Baghdad.

When the victors arrived in Baghdad at the very end of the cycle the King declared the meteor to be a gift from Allah to the Sunni peoples. The people rejoiced! Al Hakkim was truly a great ruler in the eyes of Allah all were certain of that now. On the Persian Plateau however things were going terribly wrong. The sacking of the Holy Site and the removal of the Shadad’s holy relic had caused a great disturbance through out the desert peoples. There was a great clamouring to gather arms and armies and smite the heathens and that is immediately what began to happen. All across the lands at the end of the cycle a storm was brewing. In the ungarrisoned lands of the former Persia the locals immediate threw off the despicable potentate that had been put in charge of the region. In Tabaristan, Hassan the Goat, who had in 1077 been assigned as chief administrator of the region died under mysterious circumstances, some say because of an act of God. The region immediate revolted but the city garrison, which was quite large, held fast. The province of Persia saw some pretty heavy fighting, fortunately for the new colonist the King had blessed them with a garrison so they were not butchered by the rebels. The garrison commander Daud was ambushed and killed by the rebels in a surprise raid at the beginning of the revolt but his successor was competent enough to put down the revolt. Due to the lateness in the cycle of these occurances much is still unknown.

Persia: Merged with Shiraz (kind of), Fortification built in Fars

Seeing only one way to survive as nations the Shiraz and the Persians who were of like mind religiously. This seemed to be a good match it has yet to be seen if the Ghazi and Buhwayids will leave the Persians state alone. The Buhwayids hoping to avoid the spread of heretical Moslems into their lands decided to try to squash the religion. “See the Buhwayid Section”

Azerbaijan: Shirvan Cultivated

The people of Azerbajain continue to prosper as the surrounding nations leave them alone. About 2000 men were added to the military and a lot of work was done in Shirvan.

Armerian Nation Formed: The mountain peoples are now a little more organized.

Yemen: Port City of Jedda

The Yemenese government seems to have recovered quickly from the struggle with the Chalukyans. Things seem very much back to normal as the King took control of the Army of Arabia and his son took control of the Army of Africa. Being the good Sunni’s the Yemenese began working on the desert tribes in Somolia to convert them to the true and just religion.

Ghazi: Royal Road Transoxnia to Tadzik, Postal Road Hazarajat to Registan, Badakhshan (NT), Uzebek (FA)

The government continues it’s efforts to reign in it’s wide expanses by building royal roads and postal roads. Omar al Fachim heir to the throne died in a bizzare accident involving a mirror that fell on him in his sleep. His brother Ozer ascended to the Heir role and two of his nephews Abu and Musa became princes. Ozer also delivered 2 sets of twins for the royal family this cycle Ozer felt he was to young to put out to stud and longed for the opportunity to do something other than lounging around the palace and attempting to have more children, maybe someday. There were numerous deaths in the domain of the Ghazi none appeared to be mysterious just old guys dropping off. This didn’t seem to harm things to much.

Chorasmia: Singanakh & Otrar Fortified, Ferghana (EA), Kyzl-Kom (NT)

Growth and defense were the two top priority this cycle and the Chorasmians were effective in carrying this out.

India:

Ashoka of Nadavaria with 4000 Bengali Royal Guard Cavalry is looking for a home in a Hindu state. He will move his clan to the land of the highest bidder and work in that nations service from that day forward. This will be a one time payment and can include titles ect.

Tibet: Sikkim Fortified

With the Scythians sweeping across Northern India there was not much time to think about economic development. Tibet fortified Sikkim heavily as did they in Guar. A large primarily infantry force was placed on alert in Sikkim and the Army of the South was gathered and placed in a reactionary position in Guar. Not much else happened this cycle in Tibet. Well they did build some troops too. Tartars came calling – See Tartars

Punjab: Royal Road Sahis to Ajmer, Kutch (F), Dhera-Dun (T)

It had been nearly thirty years since the last foray into the mountains by the people of Punjab and while written histories of the events that transpired vary depending on where you live the tales of the relations between Dhera-Dun & Punjab are to outsiders pretty humorous but to the participants pretty serious stuff. Prince Beeman traveled into the mountains in an attempt to mend fences between the people of Dhera Dun and Punjab, he was remarkably successful, considering what a bunch of bitter malecontents the people of Dhera Dun were. A marriage was preformed in the mountain “kingdom” and at the end of the cycle the prince returned home with his rough mountain bride who was a distant cousin of Punjabi princess Jurma.

In the South an effort was put forth to bring Kutch and Ao fully into the Shivan religion and under control of the Pubjabi King. This worked exceptionally well. The Kutchans readily adopted the faith as they were after all colonist from the homeland and many of their family members in the north already followed the faith. In another house cleaning move the aged princesses of the kingdom were shipped off to a “monastery”. In their middle thirties no man would likely have them so it was the right thing to do.

The King Mohanram threw off the shackles of political expedience and married a woman he actually loved rather than his assigned wife to be. This caused a bit of a rukus among the typically fawning courtiers of the realm but he was the king and not just a prince so there was little that could be done by the courts political manipulators. Everyone was moved when the king penned a devoltional to his new wife and Shiva.

Shiva's dance is composed of the ever-flowing combination of sacred activities. It was Mohanram and Pallavi's destiny to await Shiva's dance. With Tirobhava, the power to conceal or obscuring grace, the standing right foot of Shiva hid the truth of their love, permitted its growth and eventual fulfillment at the right time. By Anugraha, the power to reveal or grant grace, the raised left foot and lowered left hand make the gajahasta mudra (elephant trunk) inviting sign and grants the couple grace and knowledge.

It appears that Shiva also blessed the nuptuals as the Kings new wife Pallavi bore three sons in the cycle. Quite a boon to the royal house was this new queen formerly of low station.

Kucha: Fortress Kashgar, Cultivation Kashgar, +1CL Quor

Business as usual in the Kuchan lands, the Kings wife managed to produce 4 children including 3 sons, two of which were twins. Twins are not altogether uncommon for the Kuchan royal family and they are considered a sign of good luck. The hordes stayed away and that was a very good thing as well.

Manichaeans:

Helped cultivate Kashgar

Paramara Alliance:

When something as unpleasant as a horde passing through your nation occurs one has little choice but to be thankful they did not become a victim. Then you build up lots of troops in hope that you might be able to defend yourself should they come back for you. The Paramara Princes called up a good number of men to man the frontiers incase the Scythians host returned. While it might not be enough men they were not about to go down without a fight. Mrigai II was quite possibly the greatest general in India at this point and time in history and he gathered all the armies of the lands around him incase the Scythians came calling.

The Kings younger brother died when his horse fell on him during a race in 1079. It was a sad event and the king mourned. Mrinaal left the king 5 children to watch over and the king welcomed the opportunity to nurture his brothers brood.

Bengal:

Braced for impact. The Bengal forces were very experienced in combat and while they were a bit down after the troubles of the civil war they were not incapable of defending themselves. The Scythians came across the border in the middle of 1075. Eighty thousand men strong and very mobile but poorly equipped armed only with shortswords and horse bows the Scythians were poorly equipped to deal with the numerous field forts and heavy troops in the region. The Bengali troops would very likely be overwhelmed but the defensive structures in the province would be quite a problem. “See Scythians”

W. Chalukya: +1CL Kalyani

Prince Chalu passed at a ripe old age of 75. The grizzled veteran of several successful campaigns against the Yemenese and guiding light of the regime Chalu II will be remembered for many years in the Chalukyan lands. The political transition was peaceful. Chalu III continued his father and grandfathers good works by continuing to grow his urban areas.

Chola: +1 CL Tanjore

Sent money to Ceylon so they could build a anti-piracy fleet. The Cholans didn’t want to trouble themselves with building a large fleet of their own.

Sri Lanka:

Quiet time in Seylon as the nation went about the business of improving its cities and lands. The people were thankful that the king cared enough to actually build up the public infrastructure of the cities. It was always much better on the health of the citizens when they did not have to walk through streets full of refuse. Lord Kahlan was the next in a long line of leaders that traveled to far away Zanzibar to try to persuade the locals to relinquish their independence they refused once again. The throne of Ceylon was just so far from the lands of Zanzibar that it just did not make sense to the local leadership to rejoin the “empire”. The Cholans sent a bunch of money to the Ceylonese to fund naval units for anti-piracy actions. The King was very happy.

Tripuri: Pundra (F), Jhijhoti

The princess Adhiva married the Chelan Raj and he became a prince of the land. This caused a little rukus but Maheshnar realized that there was a need for a strong military mind in the royal ranks so he did not fuss too much. A large number of men were trained and added to the military rolls out of fear of the Scythians in the north. In other news the Pundra lord declined the offer of a royal marriage to the oldest of the kings sisters. She was considered too old by the Pundra lord. This did not stop the merging of the Pundran lands into the Anhivarta realm.

Scythians: Jaunpor Colonized

Rusik II ordered his forces to loot all the Brahmin facilities still residing in the Scythian lands. The Brahmins had a lot of money, the Scythian troops were happy so was Rusik. Queen Briana journeyed to Rajput and ruled over the realm while her husband Rusik II marched off to Jaunpur and Maghada to crush the Bengals. The Scythians built some pretty poor boats and put them on the Ganges to support operations this cycle further down river. The Avar Khan was not two excited about the prospect of setting sail but it was for the good of the nation so he did his best.

Gregor the Jew moved with Rusik into Jaunpor and began the Siege of the small town of Prayaga. Rusik moved on Maghada. Much to Rusik’s chagrin the scouts almost immediately reported that the province had a very large number of fortified positions. There was also a very large number of Bengal troops 20,000 plus in fact. That coupled with the field forts would be pretty devastating and Rusik who was a very saavy general knew it, so he quickly pulled back out of the province. A message was quickly dispatched to Gregor the Jew to abandon the city of Prayga and bring his siege troops immediately. Rusik assigned a garrison to Jaunpur and then he and Gregor the Jew (BTW no offense to any of the Jewish persuation, Gregor comes from the northern Caspian, during this time period there was a large Jewish population in the region) moved on Maghada.

Rusik II lead a force of 80,000, Gregor lead a group of 20,000 including a sizable Siege train.

The Bengal Army was lead by Kuampu the Bengal king and contained about 5000 Royal Guard Cavalry in heavy armor and 6000 Royal Guard Infantry. There was also a large contingent 8000 or so sling, spear and short bow troops in the Bengal army. Rusik’s army fell on the land and blanketed the countryside. The Bengal King realizing that it was unlikely he had any chance against an enemy 5 times his size decided to pull his ground troops back into the capital on the river and send his cavalry into the southern territories. The Scythian savages would be slaughtered on the walls, Kuampu thought……HAHAHAHAHA!

Kuampu didn’t not realize that Rusik II was smarter than your average savage. Rusik II ordered the siege to begin. Scythian Warships! Damn the king declared when they showed up outside the capital of Bihar. Things had gone from bad to worse very suddenly. Kuampu was between a rock and a hard place. He was “trapped” in the city with a large Scythian force in the countryside and the Scythian ‘”navy” on the river. Kuampu decided he had to make a break for it so he and his men tried to make it across the river in the middle of the night on Spetember 7, 1076. The sheer number of people trying to get across the river made the effort impossible to stop with only 12 warships. The Scythians being not very skilled in handling ships was a bit of a problem too. The Bengal army made it out somewhat intact but the Scythian fleet did inflict heavy losses. The City capitualated shortly after the break out and latter in 1078 Prayaga also surrendered.

News came in 1079 of the death of the Bengal king and with his death the county disentigrated. A large Bengal Calvary army still exist though it is lead by the 10 7 7 leader Ashoka.

S.E.Asia:

Burma: Sitwe +1CL, Royal Road to Mandalay

The Emperor was no fool he saw the hordes as a threat even to his somewhat out of the way nation and he was not about to take a chance. Five thousand men were added to the cavalry corp. They were armed with the regions best armor and weapons in hopes that if that the increased military would deter the Tartars from attacking. It didn’t work “see the Tartars”

A variety of improvements were carried out throughout the lands as the people were not to be neglected. Prince Anson was the only leader fortunate enough to have children he was blessed with a son though his wife died. In other odd news Telok’s pregnant wife disappeared mysteriously in 1077 and was never seen again though a great deal of searching was done for her.

Khmer: Angor Wat +1CL, Champa (F), Nampung EA

It remains quiet in the Khemer Kingdom and this made the Emperor happy. The military continued to grow as another 4000 men were added to the Imperial Guard. The capital continued to grow as well. Driven by the Vishnu priests, the glorification of the Vishnu primacy continued to net the nation benefits. The Champans finally fully submitted to the persuasive Khemer diplomats. This was a great relief to the king and a boon to the economy. The Nampung clan leader died in 1078 and the control of the region was reduced since the new clan leader did not like the Khemer Lords so much.

Malay Confederation: Port City of Kuantan

The Maylay continued to keep to themselves.

Java: +1CL Bali Hi, Singhisari, Sirijaya & Morhaven

Everyone but the King headed off to sunny Leyte in hopes of luring the province into the fold. How could the people of Leyte refuse really? I mean the diplomats were skilled, the princess beautiful it was all sunshine and fruity drinks. The chieftains of Leyte agreed after some hard barginning to join with the Javan people. The trio of Kawashuri, Patali and Tymeri could not hardly wait to get back home to inform the king.

At home something had gone terribly wrong…..The KING DIED! He was only 33 years old! The king sadly had kept the entire army under his control and sent all his leaders off to a far away island to conduct diplomacy. When he died there was big trouble. Word spread fairly quickly in the local islands. Revolts were numerous though fairly harmless. Bangka, Utara, Bali, Mollucas, Sula Wesi, Leyte, Kediri all bailed on the new rulers. The new leadership was quick to act though and Kediri was quickly reclaimed though they put up stiff resistance. Bangka was liberated by the new commander of the navy. The people of Bali cut ferry service to avoid being overrun. Kawashuri, Patali and Tymeri rushed back to the capital when they heard the king had died but they did not arrive nearly soon enough and they were captured as the came ashore in the capital and quickly put to death. The coup was a smashing success.

Asia:

KHITAN HORDE POPS (of Course) They are very large (100,000 strong) and the only saving grace is that there are no more hordes for them to absorb except the surly Ulanni. Maybe their leaders will stink.

Mongols: Wu Hai and Ordos – Colonized

The Mongol King has decided he has found a home. The former Hsia provinces of Ordos and Wu Hai are now settled.

Manchu: Gobi (F), Osmani (F), Ulanni (NE)

With the Large Khitan host about to explode on the scene the Manchu wisely avoided them and headed west into the great unknown. First they stopped in the Gobi lands were the small conglomeration of tribes agreed to join the much larger Manchu/Jurchen host. Then the Khan lead his people through the lands of the Kuchan tribes who were also small and scattered and just got out of the way. The Mongols then moved into the lands of the Ulanni. The Ulanni were a surly lot who had not to long ago fended off the stinky Tartars. The Manchu were received a little more politely than the Tartars and allowed to pass peacefully through the lands of the Ulanni. On to the lands of the Osmani did the Manchu trek go. The Osmani were small in comparison to the Manchu and thus they were absorbed into the ranks of the Manchu host.

The Khan of the Manchu, Osmani and Gobi surveyed his vast host of over one hundred thousand steely eyed soldiers. He was very happy. Now this was an army any general could be proud of. The Khan pondered his next move. He summoned the maker of maps (would have been a cartographer but these boys just aren’t that civilized). He rolled out the map of the world on a table and thought long and hard. India…..hmmm the Scythians just moved in there but there were still plenty of rich lands left. The Middle East…..Vast riches and opulent palaces and no snow. Anatolia…..churches to burn the most coveted city in all of the world Russia……alabaster skinned women, lots of cities to loot, open grass lands for the ponies to roam. So many choices it was difficult for the Khan to decide so he laid his dagger in the middle of the map and spun it…….it whirled around at an alarming pace spinning and spinning then gradually slowing to a stop. Many of the Khans commanders had gathered around to watch as the blade slowly came to a halt. Hurrah! The commanders exclaimed as the fates had decided on a location. The Khan ordered the bags to be packed. He had found the Manchu their new home.

Tartars:

Life for the Tartars had never been easy and so rather than going the traditional route they headed south into the mountains. The mountain tribes were all very small and Baltajin was confident they would not give him any problems. He was right. Baltajin took his tribe further and further south and the temperatures started to get warmer. The tribe seemed to not mind the warmth too much but the steppe horses suffered a bit. The Tartars emerged from the mountains in Gtsang and ran roughshod over the rich region. The 40000 screaming tribesmen chased all the locals behind the protective walls of their forts and city. The provencial city was walled and there was a fortress and there were a good number of field forts defending the province so the nomads didn’t linger too long. With Gtsang raided the Tartars moved on to Assam. The Tibetean army of the South was waiting for them. The Tibetan army of the south was exclusively cavalry and all armed with the best equipment and very highly trained. (Just as an FYI since no one has picked up Tibet, they have a large almost exclusively elite army)

In Assam the raids began but the Tartars ran into many defensive positions, then the Tibetean army that was about half their size. Baltajin decided to probe his enemy and found the Tibetans were very skilled in horse combat and so after a series of sharp skirmishes the Tartar Khan order the armies retreat into Manipur. Frustrated by the turn of events in Assam the people of Manipur were victimized not that there was much of value there. Then the horde headed south into Burma. General Hkamti was waiting with a force of 5000 Heavy Lancers and 3000 light horse with spear and short sword. Baltajin as not deterred by the force opposing him. His men spread out and ran quick missile attacks to soften up the enemy. Hkamti usually a clear thinking individual and likely the best general in the Pegu army lost his edge when the harrying attacks began and he ordered a head long charge into the Tartar ranks. This was not wise as Baltajin’s forces were fluid like the sea and he was mostly able to avoid the direct onslaught. The Tartar cavalry pounded Peguan forces. After getting pretty beat up and not accomplishing much Hkamti sounded the retreat. The Tartar’s forces harassed him all the way to the border. Burma was rich so Baltajin ordered his men to loot the region.

Then the horde headed into Ava. Hkamiti badly beaten months earlier in Burma tried to make amends by having a good showing in Ava. There were more defenses in the region and he thought his chances of defending the province better. Fortified towns and a city with a good wall would help protect this citizens of this province if Hkamiti failed too. It was not enough though, morale sagging from the last beating and no fresh reinforcements from the capital made the defense of the province suffer. Hkamti tried using the defensive positions to his advantage and was effective enough to extract himself from the province without losing his whole army. Baltajin decided the riches of Ava were too much to pass up and so the province was looted just like Burma. The Tartars now had 30000 men roughly and a big pile of treasure and the Khan needed to decide what to do next. He probed Pegu but the scouting reports indicated large numbers of heavy lancers 10-15K and a number of defensive positions. The Khan decided to end the cycle here and ponder his next move.

Sung Imperial Domains: Various small sites

The Sung no longer burdened with the menace of the Hsia decided to focus on building facilities. They were fairly successful in this effort. Order Leader Gou who was one of the founding members of the Order and widely respected passed this cycle of old age. He will be sorely missed.

Bandit Kingdoms of Hunan:

No telling what is going on in this little kingdom.

Shanan – Zhou: +1CL Chiang-ling & Kwanchou, Port City of Kwai in Hwai

A calm is truly falling over the realms of China. It seems as if the great northern war is over. The Zhou and the Nan Chao have avoided a conflict. Even the bandits and the Cheking are not involved in a rukus with the Zhou. Many had wondered if there would be a time when the tensions would break and people could get back to raising rice and toiling every day in the fields for their respective emperors, thankfully that day has come. The Zhou did what they have been doing for several decades it seems. Gradual economic and military build up continues at a reasonable pace. Really the only issue of growing concern in the Middle Kingdom is the abject poverty in the urban areas of the Empire. There is nothing resembling public services and it is a growing problem especially in Chiang-ling were people are just hoping and praying they are not visited by the sisters plague and fire.

Jaingnan: +1GPV Chekaing

Defensive structures were built in the capital province and Anhui. Home province was also rebuilt some more, the Jaingnan still bitterly remember the Zhou treachery.

Clan Iiachi: Royal Road Lingnan to Lingsi

The Iiachi kept to themselves and continued to improve their lot in life. Another road was built in to the interior provinces. More roads made the people happy because it allowed the trade goods coming in by sea to be distributed further within the realm. One of the Kings grand daughters died this cycle but the other was elevated to a position of authority with in the realm. Doh-Fu was blessed with another two daughters this cycle he did lose a wife who bore his children though.

Nanchao: Royal Road Nanchao to Guizhou & Kweichou to Chienan, +1CL Shar Rubberi

Princess Phu Tung was married off to the Mayor of Shar-Rubberi and a rather large estate was built within the city as a dowry, all were impressed at the aging Emperor’s generosity. Well everyone except General Khun Cuang of Laos. Khun was a brilliant tactician and loved by all so he was very disappointed when the call came to marry the Emperor’s eldest daughter. The Laotian leader had thought his province would be showered with gifts but nothing came. Khun had no choice to accept the Emperors daughter and his bride though she was a bit old (early thirties) she was beautiful so it wasn’t too painful. The nuptials did secure Khun a more important role in the government as a prince.

The King passed in 1076 and the nation mourned. Han was a wise ruler who had expanded the empire greatly in his day adding the rich lands of Annam as well as lands to the North. In China proper his the Nan Chao were know as . Han not only expanded his kingdom but deftly avoided the trap that was Chinese politics. When the Sung dynasty collapsed the Nan Chao wisely avoided getting drawn into the fray though a war of words did develop with the Zhou. Han in his great wisdom avoided making a play for the Zhou lands though and cooler heads prevailed. Wu Too ascendended the throne unopposed.

As for the rest of the goings on within the realm the Nanchao watched with keen interest the Tartar movements. Everyone was relieved when the tribes continued their southern movement. Not that anyone in the Kingdom wished ill on their neighbors the Tibeteans or the Burmese but as King Han was once said “better them than us” or something like that.

His Hsia: Fortress Shensi and Huang

The Hsia were not ready to completely roll over. The Hsia had been largely victorious over their foes in the last decade of fighting, it was simply their foes were very numerous and so they had gradually been worn down. In an effort to stave off being driven out into the steppe from whence they came, fortifications were built. Some former provinces were reclaimed as well.

Liao: Hopei (F), Hsuing Nu (NT), Houma (F)

The traitorous Kam Thong attempted to strike early in the cycle. As soon as the latest recruits were gathered in Khuzbuang he gathered them and declared himself the future Emperor of the Liao Kingdom. There was only really one problem with his plan. Hardly anyone in the military liked him. The revolt was put down quickly with about 2000 men dying in the fracas. So much for the 1000 year reign of Kam Thong. She Wei was sent to raid the lands of the Hsia but he was turned back very quickly when it was discovered there was a very large defensive force in the region.

The rest of the kingdom went peacefully about it’s business. Diplomatic efforts in Hopei brought that region fully into the realm. The Great Buddha made sure that the Houma province also fell under the sway of the Liao.

Korea: Port City of P’ohang in Silla and Port City of Najim in Suifenhe

The Koreans followed the Japanese example and live peaceful and productive lives leaving everyone alone. The King died in 1078 but it affected the functioning of the government not in the slightest. Prince Joon Ho assumed the throne and everyone went about their business. Huge amounts of resources were poured into the province of Tsainan with the blessing of the Buddhist priest. It should be noted that the Koreans did brace for the possibility of one of the numerous hordes roving the steppe but none paid a visit to the Koreans and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Japan:

Nothing much happening here. Everyone was pretty old including the Queen. She died in 1078 but a peaceful transition followed. Several children of the queen were elevated. A great deal of the Empire Resources were saved for a rainy day.

PACIFIC RIM

Australia: Borang nearly cultivated

With all of the Australian lands prospering at nearly maximum effieiency the Australian tribal elders decided the next project should be the cultivation of Borang. That was begun in ernest this cycle. The educational institutions in Australia were booming from all of the government funding. Going to school 2 days a week was a requirement.

New Zealand:

Shark God Cult: (CA) Toowoomba

The Great Shark stayed at home and took care of the Cathedral construction while his brother were sent out into the field. Agro flowed from the Maori to the Temples and the Shark God blessed the Maori people with many pearls in return.