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1006-1010 AD (Turn 2)

EUROPE:  

Mercenary Pool: 

Europe &  Med:                                 Greywulf                       969                  5EW & 5EI

                                                            Independents                                      10W, 20XW

                                                            Independent Trans                              20T

France, Spain, Italy & Germany:              Santobal                      865                   3HC, 6XC

Independents                                                15I, 5S

Independant                                                5C, 10XC

North Africa/Cordoba:                       Al Wat                            735                  10XC, 2C

Independents                                                5XC

Balkans, Russia, Poland              Moldavian Lord             755                  3C, 3XC

Balkans, Russia, Poland              D’Kolner                     914                  5HEC 

Independents                                                3HI, 5I, 10XI

Independents                                                5C, 10XC

Near East and East Africa                   Jaxon’s Free Co.            767                  3HEI, 6EI, 3S

                                                            Independents            Moslem                     5C, 10XC                          

Central Asia                                         None

North India, C. Asia, SE Asia               Monk Xain                 866                  5HEI, 10EI

India Proper                                        Deccan Raiders            857                  8XEC

Independents                                                5I, 5XI

Independents                                                5XC           

Independents                                                10W, 20T

Asia                                                     Black Wind                A29                 3EW, 6XEW

Independent                                                7XW, 25T

SE Asia & So.China                                  Chou Yun                  888                  6EC

Ghazou Robbers            657                        15XI

Independent                                                20I, 40XI. 5S

Independent                                                10C, 20XC

No. China, Japan, Korea                      Clan Wolf               769                        30XC  

Clan Smoke Jaguar    833                        30XC

                                                            Independents                                      50XC

Treaty of the Danube: 

(In Some areas of Europe the RC and EO get along)

In the year of our Lord 1005, King Stephen of Hungary & Dragomir the II of Serbia agreed to the Treaty of the Danube.

1)      Any Territory Swearing Allegiance to one party shall be inviolate to the other

2)      The Sphere of influence of Hungary shall include those lands North of the Danube, in addition those territories West of the Danube already possessed by Hungary, and no interference in those areas shall be attempted by Serbia without approval of the Hungarian Court.

3)      The lands and Vassals of the HRE shall be in the Sphere of influence of Hungary, and no interference shall be attempted by Serbia without approval by the Kingdom of Hungary.

4)      The lands south of the Danube River shall be in the Sphere of influence of Serbia, and no interference in those areas shall be attempted by Hungary without the approval of the Kingdom of Serbia.

5)      The Kingdom of Croatia Shall be in the Serbian Sphere of Influence

6)      Both side will declare peace, goodwill and friendship and will in no way constrain trade of either nations merchants

7)      Should a non-Christian force threaten the well being of either Hungarian or Serbia lands the nations agree to assist each other in mutual defense?

8)      Should the Kingdom of Serbia take action against the Venetian cities of the Dalmatian coast and should that action offend the Pope then Hungary must side with the Roman Catholic Church.  Hungary would attempt to act as an intermediary in the event of such an occurrence if it was possible before engaging in an armed conflict with the Serbs.

Scotland:   A Tale of Two Nations (that are one)

Scotland expanded the city of Edinburgh this turn and enhanced the welfare of its citizens in a few provinces.

Orkney:  Harwulf the Ravager (who claims to be a decendent of Beowulf) decided he was not happy with last cycles raiding results so he decided to take matters into his own hands and he left Scotland with the raiding fleet. He sailed to the east.  It is unknown where the Orkney were going but they stopped when they reached Skaggerak.  Apparently there were a number of Norwegian ships in place scouring the sea for just about anything that moved and they appeared very hostile.  Harwulf has no fear but he was not inclined to start a war there would be another day for the actions he was thinking of pursuing   Harwulf turned to on Agder and the areas to the north of it.    Harwulf lived up to his name ravaging the coastal villages unmercilessly looting and pillaging.   Harwulf and his fleet returned home and all were happy to see him.

Norway/Sweden:  The King of Norway is truly a foul individual.  He sent his wife to go negotiate with her father for rights to Gotland along with the Norweign Harka the Sage.  It worked and everyone else was left out in the cold.  The Scandinavian fleet moved into the Skaggerak and run patrolled the area making sure no nasty Danes popped up.  The King of Norway lead a good sized army into Skane (see Denmark). 

Denmark: It sucks being Denmark

Battle of Skane:  I would like to glorify this but there is nothing to glorify.  The local magistrates keep was over run and all perished as it burned.  Some RC priest in Malmo were roughed up a bit by the invaders (who are mostly pagan) but the King heard out about it and disciplined the men…not having any inclination to upset the R.C. Church.

Battle of Jutland:  So it got worse the king along with his only trusted Lieutenant and the entire Danish army (1000 men) stood at the Gateway to Denmark.   5 small forts on the Border with the HRE and 1000 men is all that stood in the way of the total collapse of Denmark.     A very large German army approached the border.  The Danish king knew he only had one option; he went out on to the field alone.  He begged for the Germans to spare his kingdom and to make them a SFA.  Otto the benevolent and King Harald negotiated for a while and then Harald left.  The terms had been draw and Denmark was saved, at least for the time being.

Sorry, Steve I should have given you Norway.

England:  Business as usual in the Kingdom of Sussex.  The Saxon King sent his the last of the treasure ships to Denmark.  This time he was paying for the lands of Anglia.  All of England Prime would now be his.   The Scots to the North were no bother.  The city of York was now his.  The French seemed more than willing to have good relations (though Robert of Normandy was now in line for the Throne).  There had always been a little bad blood between the Normans and the English.  ……….  Hoped the King of France and his son lived a very long time.  London Continued to grow, in fact it experienced a population boom as the people rejoiced in the ouster of the Danes & the RC Church from the lands.  The King smiled, deep in thought…that was too easy, hmmmm what is next?   Maybe the King might find a wife who can survive more than 2 years of marriage the next 5-year cycle.

Wales:  The English yoke was not as heavy as the people of Wales had thought it would be.   Maybe their relations would be better than expected.   The Welsh built a bit of infrastructure in Lancashire and waited patiently for the day that they would be able to build a city.

Celtic Church:  There was a flurry of activity in Wales. Eire and Scotland as the Celtic leadership expanded throughout the Islands.   The Clergy seem to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit because all actions (though not overly complicated) met with success.  Even Anglia was fully converted due to the departure of the Danes and the vocal support of the English King.  The RC faithful in England are seeing the writing on the wall.  The Siren song was too strong and the RC “faithful” were jumping ship.

While in Connaught Glen Gary recruited a local leader to the Priesthood, Glen Blarney had been working in peace all these years since the rise of RC oppression of the Islands, now the Celtic Church was on the rise again and so he joined the ranks.

Eire:   Peace and Harmony in the Realm.  It was all-good, really.  It was time for the King of the Emerald Isle to select a wife and marry.  Thus all the lands in the Isle were toured.  After a year of traveling the countryside the King chose a fine young lassie from the Dublin region.  Her hair the color of a burning ember and eyes of green spoke well of her dark Irish roots.  A perfect choice, a choice the King and the people would be happy with.  After a bit of butt dragging (It was suspected that the King was a little reluctant to give up his bachelorhood) the Royal Wedding occurred in 1010, the newest member of the Celtic Church, Bishop Glen Blarney did the honors.  Both of the parties seemed very happy and the Emerald Isle rejoiced.

******Catholic Populous of England, The Isles & Scandanavia:  The Catholics of England and the Isles petitions the Kings of France, Germany, Leon & Poland for sanctuary in their lands.  Though not being persecuted by the Celtic Church, the life of a Celtic is un- appealing and they are looking for a safe harbor to call home.    RC Nations interested must bid to get the refugee points to come to their lands.  There are 2 of them.  The gold paid to these folks represents their transportation and the cost for their homes when they arrive in the new country.

Burgundy:  WAR!  Catholics kill Catholics!

“Sire a huge force of Frenchmen and Leonese have just rolled into Languedoc!”    “Sire?” 

King Reginald already knew what the next step was before it even occurred.  Lyonnais then Provence itself.  It was a bitter pill to swallow but one he would have to take it.  Sound the call to Arms we have a year at most maybe we can muster the forces to stave off this transgression.   Scribe, pen a note to the Pope immediately…. Tell Sylvester my son is on his way to Rome! 

Send a messenger to Wilheim……tell him to go get to Lyonnais as fast as possible and get everything out of there.  If we are to die we will do it in the Homeland.

France: WAR!  Burgundy must DIE!

Gascony:  War!  Well the Gascon’s built a bunch of Heavy transports to support their newfound opportunities in the Med.  Nearly 1000 Elite Light horse were built as well.   The Gascons sent off 1200 Men to fight in Languedoc and Burgundy, thus Gascony immediately gets to pay for the right to own Catalonia.

Aquitaine:  Hey don’t tell Aquitaine anything; let the War be a Surprise!

Aquitaine Founded the port City of Nantes since no one bothered to mention a war until the last minute.    The Lord of Aquitaine sent the promised amount of 1400 Cavalry and John the II to handle the affairs in the Field.  He was concerned about the welfare of his son but a boy must learn to be a Lord, it isn’t always just a birthright.

Forces Gather in Catalonia:  The further adventures of Gerard the Gascon, greatest swordsman in all of Europe 

Gerard was busy enjoying his favorite haunts in Barcelona when a man in a gray cloak grabbed his shoulder.  Gerard spun on a dime and nearly removed the mans head from his shoulders stopping just before the blade impact. 

Gerard             Jean what brings you to Barcelona? 

Jean                 Your father asked me to check up on you.  I have business to attend to elsewhere but it can wait. 

Gerard             Why would father be concerned about me? 

Jean                 If I was an assassin you would have been dead, that is why your father is concerned.  All these women, all the fancy swordsmanship, if you are not careful you will wake up and a mad husband will have run you through.  These are perilous times do not throw caution to the wind that is the easiest way to end up dead.  By the way you are going with some fat headed Spaniard to attack Languedoc and then Burgundy.  Don’t do anything stupid, just because you are good with a sword doesn’t mean you can defeat a whole army single handedly.

Gerard             Alright Jean I have had my lecture have a drink with me and let’s toast to a greater Gascony.

A fine idea…………..

A Short time later:  Sire we have gathered our troops and the King of France’s contingent is here as well under the marginal leadership of that buffoon Gascone.

Thomas of Leon has crossed our border and is on his way here as well. 

A week later:  1200 Gascon Elite Cavalry 400 of which was knights lead by Gerard of Gascony, 500 Knights of Leon with auxiliaries lead by Thomas and 2000 Heavies and 2000 Siege lead by lt. Gascone.  Gascone wasn’t a slacker but in this company he just listened and didn’t say much.

Over the Mountains:  Languedoc or bust!    Languedoc was prepared for an attack but because of the uncertainty on the direction it would come from they could not put up a directed defense.  The French and their allies came pouring out of the mountain passes and inundated the Languedoc plain, much like Houston a week or so ago.    The Languedoc army got washed away.  Garrisons were left and the army moved on.

Into Lyonnais:  On top of the 5000 troops flowing out of the south another 25K troops came in from the French Heartland.   They’re where no defensive troops and the province was taken without a fight.  When some of the locals were asked about the nearly total lack of defenses and they said that the king had ordered all the fighting men back to Marseilles.

In the Commanders Tent: 

Lt Gascone:            Why is the Spaniard leading the army?

King                 Because he is the best leader

Lt Gascone            No he isn’t, Gerard is a better leader

Gerard             It is true sir that I am definitely his match on the battlefield

Robert             I think I can kick all your asses personally

Gerard             Ha! You are a clumsy buffoon you would be on the floor begging for mercy in short order. 

Robert              Fool you may have the quicker blade but I have the respect of the men, the men will not hesitate to die for me can you say the same

Gerard             A valid point maybe you are not a buffoon after all

King                 Good now that you are done insulting each other what are you suggesting

Gascone           Robert should lead, he is the Prince of France and even though he is not the tactician Gerard or the Spaniard is the men love him and have no problem dying for him.

Gerard             I agree with Gascone on this

King                 I hate to draw the ire of Leon but if all of you are united on this then very well

            In Thomas of Leon’s Tent a little later       

King                 Excuse me Thomas

Thomas            My Lord

King                 Thomas apparently you will not be needed for the assault on Marseille

Thomas            If that is what my Lord wishes

King                 Send you King my deepest thanks for sending you and I appreciate you putting up with my commanders.  The can be a rude bunch and I certainly

                        Wouldn’t want relations to sour with Leon.

Thomas            Thank you Sir for the kind words & I will relay the message to my brother

                        Attack on Burgundy: Thirty Thousand troops moved on the last Burgundian possession while Thomas, Heir to the throne of Leon, headed home.   The province was cleared of all obstacles very quickly (5 FF).  Then something weird happened.   Robert the Pious, obviously wanted to keep the bloodshed to a minimum settled in for a passive siege.  There were no ships putting up a blockade on the city so the generals were very befuddled by this action.

Inside Marseilles:   The King looked out over his former domain.  He was saddened by his plight.    Soon he would be departing the world of man he was sure of it.  A huge host of French soldiers had gathered outside his capital city with its 50” high walls.  They appeared to be settling in for a passive siege.  Pretty odd since there was no naval blockade and Reginald was doubtful anyone on the Med would support the conquest of Burgundy by the French.  Ah well he was sure the ships would come only a matter of time.  He was happy he had sent his son to Rome.  He would be safe there.   Reginald has also given orders for his whole fleet to begin using Pisa as a Port.  He and Pietro and been good friends for many years, he was going to make sure his good friends were rewarded.

Someone entered the room the King called out to Lord Wilheim to come observe the French displacement.   Suddenly he felt a sharp stabbing pain in his back, argh!  He slumped over and fell to the floor limp.  The assassin spit on him.   That is from the King you dog your son will be next.

Soon there after the kings Lord Wilheim discovered body.  He was grief stricken.  It was the last day of the Burgundian Kingdom.  Wilheim wept.  

The Next Day: The French King stared at the walls of the city waiting, he knew that there would be no siege and that a single assassin could be worth 100,000 men if used properly.   The Burgundian troops lined the walls.  The sun was just coming up over the horizon.  “tink” “clank” “CRASH!  The troops where startled by a tremendous amount of metal on metal and metal on rock sounds coming from the walls of Marseilles.  The soldiers on the wall were singing some sort of English ditty and dropping all their armor and equipment at the base of the wall outside the city.  This lasted for the better part of a half hour.   Robert the Pious waited, as did the entirety of the French army.   An hour …..then two passed.  Finally the City Gate opened and one man walked out carrying a white flag of truce.  He bore no arms but he was wearing his knightly accoutrements befitting his station.   He rode into the encampment and dismounted.  He asked to see the king and with a heavy guard the French obliged. 

In the Kings Tent: 

Robert             Who are you?

Wilheim            I am Lord Wilheim

Robert             I have heard of you

Wilheim            I will take that as a complement

Robert             Why do you disarm and come to Parley

Wilheim            The king is dead Burgundy is no more.

Robert              and his son?

Wilheim            He is in Rome but I have no loyalty to him, he is a spoiled brat

Robert              What terms do you request?

Wilheim            Spare the city and the men inside, my men threw down their arms on their own volition, let them live as free men, let them become farmers and craftsmen.  You lost no men in your campaign spare these men and prove that even in war you are a man of dignity.  Maybe the people of Burgundy will show you favor if you do this.

Robert              I will spare you men, what should I do with you? 

Wilheim            Allow me the dignity to depart since I spared so many men’s lives.

Robert              What will you do? 

Wilheim            I will vow not to take up arms against the French Crown, and I will move to Pisa and become a fisherman.

Robert              Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish ……

                        Go fish Wilheim and never let me here of you again.

Thus ends the first war of French Unification.  The French have ousted the Burgundians

 And now own a vast empire (for this time period).  Robert the Pious is still probably the

 third most powerful man in Europe behind Otto and Basil but he is getting more

 important everyday.

HRE:   WAR!  Denmark must be hurt!

For a powerful country things are pretty quiet.  4000 men were drafted into the military this cycle to support aggression against the Danes.  The Armies of Italy and Germany combined during this cycle to march against a greatly weakened Denmark.  It was a roll over with Denmark being secured as a SFA; no Blood was shed (Leslie was sad).  Some of the other actions where reported in SFA reports.   

Lt. Von Ryan continued his searches for witches this cycle in Bavaria an area renown for its occult ties.  While scouring the countryside he found nothing however there was a heretical outbreak in Tyrol and he through Kings order requisitioned a cavalry unit and rushed to the scene.     It was a mess the church in the area was burned people were hanging on crosses, farms were burned it was a bit crazy.  Von Ryan withdrew back to Bavaria to await further instructions and was at the Monastery dedication when the tragedy befell Bishop Bruno.    It was a sad day and Von Ryan was worried that the ill wind might be blowing into Bavaria from Tyrol.  Von Ryan had spent 10 years studying the occult and he was becoming more familiar with its workings.

Lorraine - Defender of the Western Frontier:  The leaders of Lorraine continued their efforts to make sure that there would never be a French intrusion into the HRE lands.  Fortresses were constructed in Hesse and Alsace.  All was generally quiet along the frontier.

Swabia becomes Civilized!  Swabians are not a bunch of whiners like the Bohemians……they built a city this turn without the aid of King Otto.  The Port City of Ulm on the Southern Rhine was christened and a great celebration took place. 

Tuscany:  Tuscany geared up for the possibility of War in Iberia.  The Cordobans were not altogether bad people to trade with but if there was to be land to be had then little Tuscany wanted in on the action. 

Sire…..I have a message from Otto himself…..it just arrived.   Pietro began to sweat a bit….was it a call to arms?   Pietro broke the seal and looked at the document for a long time and sighed, “ Today we stay home.”   

Bavaria:  The Capital City of Koln was fortified.  Some discussions were started with Carpathia about access to the sea but these were carried out in private so further details are tough to come by. 

Heresy!  If things were not bad enough for the RC Church another problem sprung up.  Tyrolean nobles are speaking out against the RC church.  It has been suggested that the nobles might be a splinter group of the Manichaean church. Most of the remnants of the Church had fled to the Steppe but some cells may remain.  Maybe King Otto had a right to fear witches infested his land.  No one knows for sure but something better be done.

Carinthians Celebrate:  There was much rejoicing.  The downtrodden Carinthians now had a city.  The Carinthians were unbelievably ecstatic.  In fact in their joy they built a monument to King Otto on a horse at the City gate!   It is a very beautiful work.  Since the Carinthians actually have someplace to build PWB’s they beautified the city in other ways as well.  To end this flourish of productivity the also built some ships so they could trade with a few nations on the Med.

Bohemia:   The King of Bohemia is incensed.   How could the King help the Carinthians before him?    Good Lord Otto must be mad!  Otto had sent a very nice message indicating a city would be built in Bohemia very soon. Hurmph! 

The provinces improved a little.

Poland:  A wide range of investments were made to improve the viability of the nation.  Public works projects paved the way for the assimilation of little Poland into the country.   The City of Krakow increased in size as well.

Hungary:  It was time to get more organized.  Now that all the tribes knew who the boss was, His Apostolic Majesty  King Stephen, the rolls needed to be taken to make sure all the citizens became good tax payers.  This was done without much resistance (Barbarians, um newly civilized peoples were not smart enough to know what they were getting themselves into).  Walachia also joined the nation as a Feudal Ally if for no better reason that they didn’t want to bear the yoke of Byzantine ruler ship.  There was some difficulty with the religious issue but since the Hungarians and the Serbs seem to have very good relations this was not an issue for long.    Due to the brilliant diplomatic efforts of the king the population in the homeland of Alfold has surged.  

Rus:    My Kingdom for a few Cultivated Provinces!    It was the best of times it…..nah just frustrating being the king of such wide-open expanses and having it all be covered with trees.    The King over rode the suggestion of the local Bishop and began the cultivation of Smolensk (actually GM decision based on emails).  The task in Smolensk was much lighter since there had been a city in the region for some time.  Project 0001 was started.    Good things happened throughout the empire on the Diplomatic front.

Belarus was brought into the Empire, Smolensk was fully accepted into the Empire, Vladimir city was also brought fully into the empire.   Lots of good done and 5 children added to the family.  A house full of children, a beautiful wife, some grandchildren, a growing kingdom ….is there any badness in the world?

Galica:  With food stuffs in short supply the Galicians called on their King for help and he delivered.  The King also granted the rights to the Pechneg tribal lands to the Galicians who desperately wanted access to a body of water.  The Galicians were extremely pleased with the king.  Diplomacy with the tribes was effective and they agreed to and economic arrangement that would benefit both parties.

Novgorod:  It was quiet in the North as the Lord and his minions made sure the King’s orders were followed.  The provincial fortress was completed in Ilmen.  Estonia was full brought under sway.  There was hope in Novgorod that in the next 5-year cycle that a city might be built on the Baltic. 

Christian Spain:  WAR!  Languedoc and Burgundy must DIE!

In Navarre: 

Francis             Well brother should we trust the Moslems

Thomas            We have nothing more to lose

Francis             Point well made

Francis             What about France wanting help with Burgundy?

Thomas            Got me I don’t know what we are supposed to do.

Francis             The want you to lead the Army

Thomas            Ha!  A Spaniard leading Frenchmen that will go over well.

Francis             Yea, can you imagine being a French general and being told that a Spaniard is going to lead your army?  (Francis struts around like a French

                        Commander and waves his finger about authoritatively.)

Thomas            (Rolling on the floor laughing) Stop it you stinking twit!

Francis             In his best French accent “Robert of Normandy here is your commander in Chief for this campaign” Prince Robert of Leon….Francis burst out laughing

Thomas            Still rolling on the floor laughing, yeah I can see Robert’s face now.

                        Beat red, eyes squinting, teeth clinched……he will be pissed.

                        All right I will help the French this should be a riot.

Francis on the Move: Francis gathered up 1500 men half cavalry and half infantry and went to Astrius to pick up the Captain of Galitia and his 500 men.  They traveled into Leon and found the province pretty much back to normal the Cordobans had moved out as soon as the snow lifted and though the stench of death was still prevalent in certain areas everything for the most part was back in working order.    Francis moved into the city.   Nothing had changed there at all since the Cordovans had never breeched the wall or even attacked the city, it was good to be home.  Francis rested a few days visited with the locals and thanked God for saving his city from the ravages of the Islamic Horde.

News Reports From Salamanca and Portugal:  During his brief stay in Leon Francis got some disturbing reports.  It seems there was now a Kingdom of Portugal.  Francis was incensed.  How could this happen?   Francis started gathering up information from travelers.  He found out that when the people of Salamanca and Portugal heard they had been bartered away in the peace agreement they simply allowed the Cordovan troops to leave and revolted.  They apparently wanted to have nothing to do with RC rule.

                        Apparently Estremunda one of the Cordovan steppe regions also joined them.  The Cordovans really didn’t care too much they were more concerned about the possibility of Leon attacking than a nearly worthless Steppe province.  It was also rumored that the Army of Portugal numbered approximately 3000 troops, nearly twice what the Forces of Francis were.

                        Francis contemplated………………

Attack on Salamanca:  Francis left his regular Infantry in Leon City as a garrison just to be on the safe side and he took all his heavy troops and marched on Salamanca.   The entered the province unacosted and the soon found out why.  The defensive force had dug in and was all Infantry.  There was what appeared to be field works but they where pretty shabby.   Francis chuckled.

                        A messenger ran out to the Leon line that was halting and setting up camp not to far from the defensive position.  The messenger was brought into camp.

Messenger:       Sir my commander ask that you please remove yourself from the lands belonging to the Kingdom of Portugal. 

King Francis:  Why should I do that?  The Cordovan King has granted me these lands they are mine by all rights under God.

Messenger:      Yes, Lord but consider this.  Your Kingdom has just been through a brutal engagement against the Cordovans.   Many of you women folk are widows is there any reason to sadden another fair maidens heart? 

King Francis:  It is my Divine right to subjugate the weak and order my men to do as I wish, if there are more widows in my land because I order an attack on the Portuguese position then so be it.  My men will happily die for me.

Messenger:       Of that I have no doubt my lord but why should your men need to die?

                        What if my King were to pay some sort of annual tribute to be left semi-independent and free to worship as we please?

King Francis:    Why should I trust a Moslem?

Messenger:       Why ask me a question like that you for some reason trusted a king who just put to the sword 5000 of your countrymen, I have killed no one and you fear me?  Christian you are a strange one.

King Francis:  Go tell your King I will contemplate his situation and will be back in the next cycle with an answer.

As the king sent of the messenger he noticed a trailing cloud on the horizon, he

 commented to one of his Sergeants, looks like their cavalry forces is about a days ride

 out.  Might be a good idea that we waited.

                        “Yes Sir I do believe you are right”

Camp broke the next day and the troops returned home.   No one bothered Francis for the

rest of the cycle and he was happy.           

For Thomas’s exploits in the French Quarter eerrrr section .

Cordoba:  PEACE?!  Wow hard to believe.

Not everyone in Cordoba was happy with the peace terms especially the Muslims that just got abandon; they went into revolt as soon as the Christians began to move in.  That was not Cordoba’s problem though so you can read about that else where.  The Cordovan King a skilled navigator (surprisingly enough) sailed to the west ?!  and didn’t fall off the edge of the world but didn’t find anything either.  The king with no real navigation tools worth a damn was happy to return in one piece.  The Cordovans also sailed south and laid claim to the empty lands of the Canary Is.

Morocco:   Cordoba lived up to their agreement and delivered the cash necessary for the construction of the Port city of Oran.  Morocco rejoiced.  The immediately put some ships in the water and opened trade with neighbors.  Morocco was also fairly pleased the War in Northern Spain was over.  They would not hesitate to send troops into the fray however peace was always preferable to war.   The Sultan had a couple of Children (the king of Cordoba is now a grandfather).

Venice:  Investments lots of investments.    Spoleto was brought into the Empire and Benevito was swayed to recognize the Veniceans crown.   More ships were added to the Veniceans fleet.   The Naples issue did not seem to be a concern of the Merchant Princes as the trade ships started rolling toward this upstart EO Italian state.  Venice is well known for its greed why should this be any different.

Pope:  It is never a good day to be the Pope.

A large force of men was raised due to the great concern over the nearness of the Orthodox forces.   1500 Swiss Pike men had been brought in to provide the foundation of the house guard and 1500 Heavy German Cavalry would be the foundation for the Papal mobile forces.  The Pope needing a mobile force was a little scary to most people but he was the right hand of God so who was to question that.  The Pope with his trusted aide Roshetti (said to have a brilliant tactical mind) gathered their whole host of recruits and headed south to Naples.

Arrival in Naples:  3000 men all in Heavy Armor guarded the Pope and his aide Roshetti.    They traveled down the coastal “road”.  The Pope was feeling ill but what was new he had lived longer than most normal men.  He of course was not a normal man so he pressed on.  As the precession neared Naples itself it was halted by the King Rex himself and about 1500 battle hardened men half in breastplates and chain the other half just wore chain.  Roshetti rode out to the barricade of men. 

Rex:                 Greetings Bishop Roshetti

Roshetti:            Emperor Rex you honor us with an escort of you finest troops

Rex                  Sadly you are mistaken, these are perilous times for God and man, I have been instructed to allow no Roman Catholic dignitaries into my lands.

Roshetti            Surely this must be an error on the part of your “masters” E. Rex

Rex                  No error I assure you.  I am not pleased to see you with so many troops in my land anyway.  In my exchange of messages with his Holiness I was very specific on the dispatching of troops into my lands.  I see he chose to ignore my request.

Roshetti:           The Holy Father was fearful for his life in a land overrun with the Orthodox Clergy.

Rex                  The Holy Father is not that far removed from being Orthodox Clergy himself.  If it had not been for tampering by Otto we might not be having this conversation.

Roshetti            If it had not been for that egotistical Basil setting himself up as the God-King there would not have been need for the HRE, his gracious Emperor Otto, to elevate the church of Rome.

Rex                  As always there is a trail of guilt.  I am not diplomat I am a soldier, please do me the courtesy of leaving my lands.  I have no desire to see Catholic or Orthodox blood shed on this day.

Roshetti            As you wish, Rex, I suggest you be very careful when dealing with your new master he will not tolerate his dog straying.

Rex                  (Now pretty hot) we all have our masters though some would like to believe otherwise.  Good luck to you Roshetti and your church.  Tell the Frenchman, Gerbert of Aurillac, I hope he sees 100.

The papal entourage turned and traveled back to Rome.  Soon there after Sylvester passed of natural causes.   

Two years later while tending to the Papal paperwork interim Pope Roshetti died of a heart attack.  Pushing the papers of a large bureaucracy was a heavy burden.

In Bavaria around the same time the Invocation for a new monastery was being read when all of the sudden one of the support beams came crashing down.  The only person to perish was Bishop Bruno.  It was a tragedy that is to be certain.   Some said it was a bad omen and that it was a sign of God’s displeasure over the division of the churches.

The Papal Machinery ground to a halt as new cardinals and bishops were drawn from the religious caste.

Serbia/Croatia: MERGER

The Serbians got all their paperwork in Order and headed Croatia.  They had the blessing of the EO Church.  They had the Treaty of the Danube (Freshly signed) and they had the double play tandem of Sker and Draz.  Sker was pretty much an onlooker only but he did some good work in the bars getting people drunk and showing them a good time.  With all the support from all the neighboring states and the lengthy effort put in by the dignitaries, the money spent to grease the governmental skids and a marriage to the of the Serb princess to the Croatian Prince.   Obviously a huge effort was put into this and it paid off in spades.

The People of Serbia and Croatia celebrate their newfound friendships.  The REE and the Hungarians are both being nice to them.  The Orthodox Church is supporting them.  They have a port so they can actually trade in the Med.  Hell the only way it could get better is if the Veniceans Doge died one night and left the cities on the Adriatic to the King of Serbia as a Parting gift.    Well since that isn’t about to happen they will have to be very happy with what they have.  A Serbian merchant (yes they actually have a few) contributes 2 Heavy Transports to the Serbian Government to further the growth of Trade.

Roman Empire of the East:  Reclaiming lost lands

The REE continued to be very busy on the diplomatic front.  The Buhwayids and the Egyptians were placated when Lebanon was turned over to them.  Basil was allowed to reclaim Malta in the exchange.   Elsewhere on the Diplomatic front, Rhodes and Crete were pulled in a little closer to the crown.  Edessa was completely converted, quite a nice effort by the son of the Emperor, who shortly after completing his task headed off to Georgia.  A new city was founded in the freshly cultivated province of Morea, Sparti with its port on the Aegean and Ionian seas several cities were expanded including the Sunni city of Antioch (see later note).  Constantinople was fully developed as a province.

While traveling alone through the mountains on the way to Armenia Lieutenant John disappeared never to be heard from again.

Civil Disobedience: Moslems took to the streets and rioted in Antioch today as the REE (really evil empire) expanded the city for the second time in a decade and moved in a bunch of Orthodox Greeks.   There is no love loss between the Orthodox Greeks since one of their bishops had dies in 1006 in Antioch and the Sunni’s so when efforts were made by the clergy in the city to convert more of the Sunni Moslems to Greek Orthodox trouble broke out. There was fighting in the streets. Carts being turned over in the street and set a blaze it was pandemonium.  

1010 The end of the year: 

Note on all “actions that entail conversions, recruitment, influencing and the like

They occur at the end of the turn not the beginning.  Assassinations, things of that nature happen at the beginning or whenever scheduled.  Below is what happens if you get the worst die roll possible on a MW action and some other rolls don’t come up well either.

Sabkhat al Jabbul, Aleppo Province REE military encampment: 

9000 Regular and 3000 Elite Mixed troops stand ready incase the there is trouble with the Buhwayids or the Egyptians.  It is also a nice place to swim and fish.    

Sir ….. There is trouble in Antioch!  

Prince Baris who had been having some local dignitaries stay at his residence on the lake excused himself from the table and walked out of the room with the messenger in tow.

Baris                What kind of trouble?  

Messenger        Well sir it seems as if the Orthodox clergy got a little out of line in their rush to convert the masses and they broke some kind of religious taboo of the Islamics.   This escalated and now apparently there is open fighting in the streets.

Barris               How many days did it take you to get here?

Messenger            I got here as fast as I could

Baris                I didn’t ask that, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO GET HERE?

Messenger            Five days hard ride sir

Baris                Very good sergeant go check in a rest, we will move out in the morning

Baris conferred with his told them he had to travel to Antioch some business with the clergy and that they were welcome to enjoy his hospitality as long as they liked.

End of Week one Antioch:

Khaleed            Sir we hold all the old section of the city and the fortress walls what            should we do? 

Akbar              Did we capture any ships? 

Khaleed            No sir they moved out of port as soon as it was realized there was trouble.

Akbar              How are our numbers?

Khaleed            All the men are happy to die for Allah

Akbar              They just may, I wish we had captured some of their ships.  Too late to worry about that now though.

Khaleed             What would you have us do?

Akbar              Barricade the gates to the fortress as well as you can and gather up all the food you can find.  We will make raids into the rest of the city until the army shows up which shouldn’t be too long.   Send word to the outside

                        Letting them know of our plight maybe there will be those who will aid us in our time of need.

Roman Empire of the West:  All quiet on the home front as King Rex consolidates his holdings.  Rex defends his lands from outside influences successfully.

Orthodox Church:  Could things get any better?

After a great cycle there had to be a bit of a downer this one.   There was right off the bat.    Bishop Alexander died in the streets of Antioch.  The apparent victim of a robbery.  Antioch was a rough town since the introduction of a large quantity of Orthodox Byzantine colonist.  This “invasion” wasn’t sitting well with the locals and there was some minor trouble from time to time, nothing the patrols couldn’t handle though.

In Campania:  Sergius II the Orthodox Primate was still in Italy and his target this turn was the Monastery in Campania.  With the announcement that the King fully supported the transition (a very minor one at that) to the Orthodox faith the Monastery rolled over and the churchmen accepted their new primate.  Those who didn’t were of course allowed to leave and return to Rome.   The transition was complete now in the Western Empire of Rome.

In Moldavia:  Some clerical work was done here and a church was built.  The Moldavians were still not happy with the REE for their strong-arm tactics to pull them in to the empire but the were happy to see the clergy moving among the people.

Buhwayids:  Building the Bridges of Peace

Though there was much angst from time to time among the Moslems and the Eastern Romans it appears those times have passed.  The Buhwayids and Egyptians moved into the lands vacated by the REE.

The Hatamid Prince

It was a glorious day for the Hatamid prince. Two of the three lands taken from his father had been returned true it was to the Buhwayids who owned the lands but “his” lands were at least returned to the Moslem world.  The people of Lebanon celebrated his arrival if as he was a conquering hero.  In the small towns and villages he visited with the people shared meals danced and celebrated.  Peace came quickly to the region but there was also concern.  Apparently the Egyptians were to share the region with the Buhwayids.  The people were disheartened on hearing this news.   The Egyptians were followers of Shia and they were not far removed from being hated enemies.  In fact in some gambling establishment there were scuffles between Buhwayid and Egyptian troops.  It appears there will be some fences to mend yet between the religions.

On the Eastern frontier:

It was a glorious time.  The Prince of the Buhwayid nation and two of the Kings best diplomats once more entered Persia.  Their mission was different this time around and the results were spectacular.  Rather than trying to divide the Persian Plateau the Buhwayids decided to unite them.  A somewhat risky gamble based on Persia’s long and glorious military history but if they could be reigned in as a SFA then there would be a buffer state between the Buhwayids and Ghazi and that would be a good thing.  Everything went very smoothly.  There were two Persian leaders Dasht Nha of Khurasan and Khan Singh of Persia.   They liked the idea of becoming part of the Buhwayid nation in a limited capacity.  Khan Singh had a visitor during the negotiations in Khurasan (the Khan had come with the Buhwayid delegation in hopes of closing the deal promptly), a Ghazi leader Ibriham.  Ibriham was somewhat tactless and with all the gold and  pressure applied by the Buhwayid diplomatic Corp  he bowed out gracefully from the situation but not before he planted one foul seed in the Khan’s head (the Khan was a Shia and though the Ghazi motivation was not known they are a Shia nation for the most part and it is possible they thought they would have more leverage against the Persian State if a Shia leader took the throne…he suggested to Khan Singh that a battle of mortal combat would be the appropriate means of settling the dispute over right to rule (typical Ghazi method).

Neither Persian was averse to fighting for supreme ruler ship.  There was a problem though.  Dasht’ Nha was young (15) and not nearly as experienced as the veteran Khan.  Not a soul felt this fight would be a fair one so things were at an impasse.    The Buhwayid Prince knew of only one way to break the long jam so he offered a solution.  He would fight in the place of the Dasht’ Nha.  “GASP”

The King would have the head of both aides Hassan and Hasi if something happened to the prince.   They pleaded with him to reconsider.  He refused to listen to them.    The Persians were pleased.   They knew at that moment that becoming a SFA of the Buhwayids was the right thing to do.

Somewhere in Khurasan:  In the Center of a Tent City

It was late in the day there was not a bit of wind, rare for the Persian plateau.  The heat wasn’t too bad but both men had been battling for the better part of a half hour, neither man was exceptional but they were both very good so no stupid moves had downed either of the to this juncture.  The Prince al’ Bassasiri was relying on his youthful energy at this juncture (he was 29) and Khan Singh always the crafty veteran was surviving on many, many years (he was 40) of experience among the tribes.  Both parties circled like vultures over a dying animal…..both men lunged  “clang” Clang” damn shields!    Khan Singh began shifting his shield around…….the prince was trying to figure out what was going on but it was to no avail.  The prince lunged again, clang, nothing ……..Suddenly just as the prince circled to face the sun a shield came flying at him…The Khan had thrown his shield, he had been loosening the straps!  The Prince was caught off balance, he spun as the Khan stepped up and brought his sword down on the prince…. The Price felt a tearing in his calf muscle as the Khan’s blade drove deep.  The prince was spinning out of control as the Khan lead over to pull his blade clear he felt al’Bassasiri’s cut him deep right across the mid section.  He grabbed his stomach hoping to hold in his guts, he failed and they spilled out at his feet he stumbled and died horribly.

No matter what the result would have been the kingdom of Persia would have been created.   The King of the Buhwayids was happy it did not cost him his son in the process.   Al’ Bassasiri would have a limp for the rest of his life but it is quite likely that as long as he lived the Persians would be very loyal.

In a very odd occurrence that some attribute to the Coptics several shipments of Shia hand written text showed up in Buhwayid lands.  This will of course be investigated further by the King in due time.

Egypt:  All quiet on the Nile

The Fatimid King watched and his power grew.  His vision of a powerful church to carry the word of to the Islamic world was now a reality.  The Nile was quickly developing.  A city was built on the Red Sea side of the Sinai, Abdulabad.  The very busy port of Benghazi was enlarged so that greater capacity could be handled. 

In an effort by apparently all of Islam to get along with their Orthodox brothers the Fatimid King sold the Island of Malta back to the REE. 

On the Docks of Cairo:  tromp tromp tromp……the local magistrate and his detachment of troops tromps by.  

Hassan             what is that all about?

Abdul               an money train has arrived from the Buhwayids

Hassan             what would they be sending us money for

Abdul               to help the Cordovans

Hassan             but the Cordovans have declared peace haven’t they?

Abdul               “laughs” tell that to the king

Hassan             well I haven’t seen any bills telling us to load ships bound for Cordova

Abdul               I know, did you hear about that fountain to the Shia being erected in the

                        The market square?

Hassan             Yea man what a mess they have made putting in the pipes for that damn

                        Thing have you had to fight that traffic getting home?

Abdul               No I live in the opposite direction, is it bad

Hassan             yeah it is shoulder to shoulder all the way to my home, before the king

                        Discovered he was going to have some extra talents for this project I

                        Could get home in 10 minutes now it takes me 20

Abdul               I bet your wife is watching you like a hawk too

Hassan             Yeah it is rotten, she thinks I am stopping on the way home, she

                        Gives me the third degree.

Abdul               Worse than one of those Shia taskmasters is she?

Hassan             you wouldn’t believe, all she does all day is watch out 6 kids while

                        I am out hear breaking my back loading transports, I get home and she

                        Barely has dinner cooked and most of the time all I get it flat bread a little

                        Cheese and some dates.   When I want a little action she says don’t you

                        You have enough children and she gives me the cold shoulder

Abdul               Hey man you do have six kids

Hassan             yeah but with all this religious fervor going on it is difficult to get any

                        On the side.

Abdul               man that is cold you should be thank Allah every day that she puts up

                        With you, you are lucky she survived having six kids

Hassan                      Yea true…..I thought big Muhammed was going to be the death of her he

                        Must have weighed 8lbs. 

Whip Cracks * Hey you to slackers get back to work!

Tunis:  Build More Ships Damn It!  The king declared…..I don’t care if you have to deforest the whole kingdom.  Trade….. I must have more trade!  As the king demands so did his followers obey.  More ships were built and more trade was initiated, the money and goods rolled in.

          Algeria:  Sure wish we could get a little help from Egypt to build a city.

Woe is me said the Algerian Sultan.  Someday he would have a city and he could be just like his neighbors.  Hmmmm maybe if I build a big army I can conquer one of them?!   Chelif was brought fully into the empire.

Shia Church:  As with all churches in virgin territory the Shia emerged from the Nile Delta like a plague of locust hoping to feed on the world.  Many facilities were built but they avoided all confrontations with the Sunni.  The Fatimids agreed to financially back the church (Surprise!) 

Zagwe:  War against the helpless Gezira!

The five-year cycle started out pretty normally.  The Queen (Ruler of Zagwe is a woman sorry for any confusion) Mera issued decrees assigned Diplomatic missions and the usual fluff.  The Queen was in a foul mood though and the petty diplomacies of they day did not allow her to really prove she was as good as any male ruler.  Thus Mera decided to flex her muscles a bit. 

 First off she ordered her son to marry some nobles daughter.  He was not very pleased about this since she was not really to his liking.  Since it was the will of the queen he obliged.   Fortunately (?) for the Prince he didn’t have to put up with his wife long she died bearing the royal family a Girl.  The Prince obviously distraught by this turn of events refused to marry again.  The Queen was incensed.

On the Diplomatic front Loyal Leader Dil went to Alwa with gifts to sway them to join the Coptic nation.  Dil was an adept Leader and Diplomat but the Coptic leader of the region wanted nothing to do with negotiations so what should have been a simple diplomatic action turned into a fiasco.  Upon returning to the capital the Queen requested a status report on Alwa.  

Dill despondently replied that though he had no proof he thought Alwa might be under the influence of the Egyptians. 

The Queen scoffed the spineless Alwa leadership rejected our overtures?!

Yes your majesty

Did you give them the gifts?

Yes your majesty

Well I have something important for you to do; we might soon fix Alwa as well.

What do you need me to do?

I want you to take our army and crush the lands lf Gezira

What?!

Yes crush them underfoot!

What have they done your majesty to invoke your wrath?

IT IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN, DO WHAT I SAY!

Dil took the Army of 2000 including the newly conscripted 200HC and 200 Siege Engineers and he marched south.  Gezira was a bit of a swampland in the Nile basin.  The territory wasn’t worth much but the few Coptics that lived here called it home.   The people of Gezira farmed their small plots of land and eeked out a meager existence never in a million years would they have believed that their fellow Coptics to the north would attack them.   Sadly they were ill prepared for the 2000 troops rolling into their lands and KILLING them.  There was barely a horse to pull a plow so the 1000C crashing through the lands where terribly effective and Dill being the very skilled leader he is snatched up all the “key” locations in the province before anyone even knew what hit them.   The only thing of any real not in this campaign besides the fact that it was very efficient was that a good amount of light infantry fled to the Ethiopian Plateau lead by a leader named Joseph.  After pacifying the region Dil left the appropriate amount of troops and returned to Funj to report of his success.

The Queen was pleased she had more land.  Not as she wanted but more.

Coptic Church:  The Coptic church under the firm guidance of Patriarch Mitsoutakis built a couple of abbeys and establishes diplomatic ties with Kosti, actually Bishop Hercules was responsible for that and he exceeded all expectations.

Yemen:   Another pretty good turn in the land of Yemen.    The diplomacy did not go quite as well as expected but Djibouti was pulled into the realm and Danakil is now an Economic ally.  The King of Kilwa popped up in Yemen and was named the Shah of Socotra (well that is what the former King is saying at least.)  after handing over a bunch of merchant ships to the King of Yemen.

Kilwa:   The newly reformed African Pagan kingdom thought they might be seeing visitors from the North this turn.  Apparently they Kingdom of Yemen could care less what happens in their former colony.  The “New” King of Kilwa ushered out the advisor to the realm and sent him o his merry way.   He then went to Nyasa and tried to pull them into the realm, he was somewhat successful.  The real tragedy was that when the King returned from his diplomatic endeavors in the South he had a wife.  The Ladies of Kilwa were heart broken.

Great Kingdom of Hausa:  Great Diplomatic Efforts

The Hausa learned the secret of diplomatic interaction.  Nupe became a full member in the Great Kingdom and Kanuri (who had rebuffed the Prince) agreed to and Feudal agreement with House Hausa.   Zaria may now be the largest non-Egyptian city in Africa, it now has 75,000 inhabitants.  The public infrastructure is somewhat lacking though and there is certainly some concern about the spread of disease.

Kanem:  The King held vast lands and had the most beautiful wife in all the lands so he built a city in her honor on the far shore of his private lake.  Now the Kanem kingdom would be able to build and prosper on both sides of the lake.   The city was further beautified and peace ruled over the lands.

Kimbu:  Mbele was a pathetic diplomat; he quickly wore out his welcome in Takrur.    He was insulting to the locals and he finally pissed off the Takrur Allied lord enough that they chased him from the province.  Before he was chased away the Takrur Lord gave him one last message.  Tell the King that no more diplomats will be allowed in the country till the King himself comes personally!  Off Mbele scurried.  In Timbuktu it was a completely different story.  The King managed to persuade the somewhat resistant chiefs of this community that joining with Kimbu would be the best course of action and they agreed so the pact was sealed and the King returned home.

“Mbele did you conclude talks with the Takrur?”

“No Sire, their Lord is suddenly suffering from some sort of malady.”

“What sort of malady?”

“One that drives him into an angry rage sire”

“What did he say when he chased you out of his lands, Mbele?”

“Umm, to never return sire and that the next emissary he wanted to see from Kimbu is you…..sire”

“Idiot they were our ally how could you screw this up! If you weren’t my nephew you would be lion food right now!  Get out of my sight!”

Zulu Nation:  Build a little and wait till next turn, Tswana is assimilated

Greater Zimbabwe:  As above but with style

Central Asia:

Samarkhand:  Thinking apparently that there was no way Chorasmia would have the nerve to strike at them.   They only own one little swath of land how could the muster a force to challenge the supremacy of the Khitai!  The Khitai ignoring the possible threat of Chorasmia or assuming they would be struck from other sectors built Field Forts along the border with the hated Ghazi and  Kush.  Err well Ghazi at least.   Samarkhand also prepared for the future by calling up 1500 of the Khitai Finest Heavy Horse.  Other minor things happened in the realm but the war was the topic of the day.  (See Chorasmia report)

Chorasmia:  Hitting Back!   Chorasmia ……..The King and Salik the sat on the shores of the Aral Sea.  On the other side of the Sea were the Turkish Tribes.  There was a great deal of movement on the other side of the sea.    Salik had tried to recruit some of the tribes for an attack on the Rich lands of Samarkhand.  Apparently there was something bigger going on in that region; none of the tribes would follow the lure of Gold.  Apparently a portent had declared the tribes would be doomed if they did not agree to peace but that if 20 years of peace were achieved that their would rise and destroy the enemies of the Turk.   Salek and the Shah humored of the vagueness of prophecies. 

Salik:  Well good king what shall we do?  I have saved you kingdom from the plague of locust (Slandering the Khitai).

Shah:  I think that we should strike them back and teach them that the people of Chorasmia are not to be trifled with.

Salik:  Will you be joining me on this campaign my good king?

Shah:  Yes I do believe I will.  My skill pales in comparison to yours but I think I my self would be a match for their king.

Salik:  Ha!  That you are.  Poor bastard is stuck between a rock and a hard place.  Rusik has a hard reputation but is quite a skilled tactician.  The King fears giving him the army because Rusik might turn on him.  Sadly both edges of the sword are sharp.

Shah:  I have contacted the Ghazi, they seem preoccupied with the children of Shia to the south on the Ocean.  I know the Ghazi king he is very skilled but he longs to wear the flowing robes of a Persian King.  I think he tires of the hard mountain life.

Salik:  He has never been a friend of the Khitai.  I am sure if he had the opportunity he would take it. 

Shah:  Bah!  Not important.   Let us roll the Bones in 1007, if the Khitai come calling we will be ready for them if not we move forward and reap the golden harvest.

The Forces of the Shah and Salik waited sitting in defense for a whole year.  Just before the Forces of Chorasmia departed the King was blessed with a son.  He named his son Salik after the hero of the prior cycles successful defense of his lands. 

Knowing they would be outnumbered the Army moved slowly into the province of Turkman.  The Turkmen from time to time in the past had been under the sway of the Chorasmia Shah’s and did not resist at all.  They were quickly pacified “if” that is the appropriate way to put it.  The Shah left a substantial garrison in place, 2000 Hearty hill men from the Ustyurt Plateau.  They were told to dig in while the Cavalry moved on into Bokhara. 

Bokhara was the other province adjacent to the Chorasmia home province and it was the intention of the King to control both provinces adjacent to his homeland in order to better protect his nation in the future.

………………..In the Capital City of Samarkhand……………………..

Sire dire news!  The Chorasmia have decided to challenge your authority!

What!  How could they!  How much of an army do they have!  Summon Rusik immediately.

Several Hours Later at a gambling establishment in the Kari district of the city.

General…. thank Allah I found you! 

What is it?  Can’t you see I am busy?

Salik the Defender has lead the people of Aral into Turkmen and rumor has it they are on the move again.

Allah forgive the king and all of us…….Rusik muttered.     Does no one in this blasted country act promptly.  Why was I not notified as soon as the Chorasmia troops crossed the border into Turkmen?

You will have to take that up with the King …..He is awaiting you at the palace.

Shortly there after July 15, 1007   approximately 4:40 AM.  Morning prayer is over for Rusik; he always took his prayer at 4:00 AM because it was usually about the time he went to sleep during the idle times.  I prayed the king would allow me to lead the army this go around.  Ruski knew the battle would be very quick since he assumed both sides would be throwing only cavalry into the fray on the wide-open ground.

At the Palace of Samarkhand King:  “Rusik thank you for being prompt”

Rusik                “I am here to serve sire, though it did cost me 2 Talents at the gaming tables”

King                 You will reap your reward in heaven I am sure, Rusik

Rusik                I hope your are right sire.   How shall we proceed sire?  Would you like me to draw up some plans?

King                 Feel free Rusik I will look over them when you are done.

Rusik                Did you send for our allies Sire?

King                 Yes, I sent for the Frunze Lord. 

Rusik                Sire he is “dumb as a rock and uninspired on the field of battle, couldn’t you call the Kuldja Lord?  He isn’t much for inspiring troops but he is sound tactically.

King                 No he must help protect our lands from intrusions by the Ghazi.

Rusik                Defend versus the enemy who is not that not there… I apologize sire for being disrespectful, the Ghazi have been a problem in the past who am I to say that they won’t be tomorrow.

THE HOST IS GATHERED 

The Chorasmia Host “Children of the Aral Sea” where on the March.    Their all Cavalry force was comprised of easily the largest host of Elite Cavalry in the region, a total estimated at 15-1800 including 600 Crack Persians (this is a color adder not hired mercenaries do not even ask) who hated the arrogant Khitai.   The rest of the army was the finest Chorasmia had to offer; roughly 3500 more mixed light and regular Cavalry.

They came off the fertile Turan lowland and rolled on to the Kyzyl Kum barely breaking a stride.    Salik was confident a field battle could be won with his full host.  He knew his elite forces would chew up the Khitai.

Rolling up on the other side of Kyzyl Kum was the Khitai host, they had entered Bokara at roughly the same time as the Chorasmia army had.  The Bokharan people huddled in their abodes and on their farms and hoped the war would pass them by.  Bokhara like Turkmen had been part of the Choasmian Shahdom at one point and time so they harbored no inner hatred of them.   

The armies really did very little dancing around.  It was difficult to find any terrain advantages in this land.    The Armies met near a little town call Zarasphon in the middle of the province.   Rusik was put in charge of the 5000 men Khazar Light Horse.  The King in his paranoia decided he had much less chance of screwing up if he handled the freshly recruited 3600 Golden Lancers. 

On the morning of August 12^th around 4:30 ish a loud thunder came crashing across the plains.     It was the charge of 5000 Khazars trying to get the jump on Salik.     Salik’s men scrambled out of their bed rolls that were very near their horses and rushed into action.  Rusik was on the encampment but not quite quick enough.  The Elite troops respond too quickly, Salik standing in the middle of the encampment swinging his 2 handed Scimitar and chopping the legs out from underneath horse and rider was awe inspiring.  The men barely buckled at the mad onrush of Khazars.  Around 5 the melee ended with the Khazars fled the field back to their lines Rusik was disgraced.  His plan had failed, though a worthwhile gambit it did not pay off.   Now the Khitai would pay dearly.

The Khitai King of Samarkhand rolled his 3600 hundred Heavy Cavalry out in the center of the line (he wanted as much protection as possible).  The Frunze lord was in reserve (since the first charge would probably cause him to wet himself in front of his men) and the 2500 or so Light cavalry took up wing positions about 1250 per side.  Now it was Salik’s turn to roll the dice.  The deaths in the morning would be hard to make up for since Chorasmia did not have near the quantity of men to draw on that the Khitai did. 

Salik marched out 1300 Mixed Choasmian Heavy Elites and Persian Elite Cavalry thrown in with that was 2000 Choasmian light and 600 regulars.  

3900 Chorasmian's versus 6100 Khitai.     Salik decided to maneuver some, he and his troops were much more skilled than the Khitai so this made sense.  Salik did not relish charging that many heavy troops head on.  Finally around lunch time the Samarkhand King was getting a little hungry decided for an all out charge of the heavies.  He has as many heavy troops nearly as the whole enemy army combined.

CHARGE!  The thunder of hooves was downright scary.  The earth shook and dirt flew as the two armies collided.  During the maneuvering Salik had wisely placed the Persians on the right wing so that when the collision occurred that they Elites would tear through the side of the Khitai formation and into the center.  For the most part Salik’s plan worked without fail.  The left side of the Khitai formation melted away as the two armies collided and half the Khazar light force disappeared.  The Frunze lord tried to rally the troops but he was pathetic and his small force of light cavalry broke as well.   On the other flank the Khazar were being lead my Rusik and fighting valiantly, Rusik was like a crazed madman actually flailing about rushing from one opponent to the next like a whirling dervish.   In the center the 2 Kings met somewhat.  The battle raged all around but they never actually engaged each other.  The Choasmian Heavy Elites really held their own against a vastly superior in numbers Khitai Golden Lancers. 

The battle didn’t last a terribly long amount of time the Persian Elites slammed into the side of the Khitai Golden Lancers and started tearing them apart.  The Samarkhand King panicked!  Fleeing the battlefield with as many heavy troops as could disengage.  The light troops under Rusik covered the withdrawal and took a beating for it.

The death toll was pretty heavy on both sides.  The Choasmian forces did not give a lengthy pursuit they were pleased to have won they day.  Salik had once again help save the Shahdom and Chorasmia had two new client states, Turkmen and Bokhara.

Samarkhand:  Thinking apparently that there was no way Chorasmia would have the nerve to strike at them.   They only own one little swath of land how could the muster a force to challenge the supremacy of the Khitai!  The Khitai ignoring the possible threat of Chorasmia or assuming they would be struck from other sectors built Field Forts along the border with the hated Ghazi and Kush.  Err well Ghazi at least.   Samarkhand also prepared for the future by calling up 1500 of the Khitai Finest Heavy Horse.  Other minor things happened in the realm but the war was the topic of the day.  (See Chorasmia report)

Ghazi:  The king reorganized the military.   He sent his eldest son to Edrosia to work with Mustapha on pulling Edrosian into the Kingdom (See Edrosia for results of this action) Aside from that the King waited.  Toward the end of the cycle a Choasmian emissary showed up to inform the King of how the war against the Khitai went and to invite him to the fall of Samarkhand.   The King was no fool he knew the Khitai kingdom was not going to be conquered by the likes of the fool Chorasmian’s.  They didn’t have the resources to pull off such a feat.  The only way the war would be won by either side is if a third party jumped in.  He told his scribes to send a message to both kings expressing the Ghazi interest in the conflict.    The King laughed to himself that should stir things up a bit.   (This in no way obligates any parties to negotiate once again this represents the GM taking some creative license).

Punjab:   Unlike some other local nations the ruler ship of Punjab actually did not fight anyone and actually left Tarain to the other Indian states to fight over.  Punjab was still concerned about the potential of a Ghazi intrusion more fortification were constructed.  On the Diplomatic front the Punjab state mad a rush for the sea.  They picked up Ajmer, Jats and laid claim to Kutch Island.  The people of Ceylon had removed their claim on the Island. A year or so before the Punjab leader Parapavasi showed up in the empty province.   Parapavasi laid claim just as the Sri Lankans had before them.  No one was there so did anyone really care.    Remarkably the people of Punjab have a path to the sea and no one had to die to get it.    

Kucha:  Fresh of the diplomatic success in Sinkaing Lt. Mou-yu went to Turfan and joined the Manichaeans and Lt. Tarim in swaying Turfan to join the kingdom.  Aside from that all was quite in this quaint Steppe kingdom.  Oh yea and the Kings wife had Quadruplets (maximum result) and they all survived as did the Queen!    This a great omen of good fortune among the Kucha people and there were great celebrations.  (Large families are a sign of prosperity in this society and therefore adding 4 to your clan all at one time is really a coup).

Manichaeans:  Manichaeans did a variety of good works this turn.  They finished converting the Turfan, then built them a church and then made sure they joined the Kucha nation.  All in all very productive.  They also expanded their influence elsewhere but because it is the steppe no one really cares.

Edrosia:   Edrosia started the year off by building the city of Sukkur in the Sind region.  Defenses where improved a little and some public works were constructed, all in a cycles work.    The Ghazi who had proven to be friends came for a visit in 1006 and they liked the Ocean so much they decided to stay.

In the Court of the Edrosian King: 

Greetings Prince Abdul we are pleased you grace us with your presence.

Illustrious Caliph It is very courteous of you to say so.  Who is that vision that stands to your left?

That is the Princess, of course.  Does she please you?

Abdul stutters a bit.. “Very much so your Excellency, I do not think I have seen a woman so beautiful in my whole life” (Abdul lacks diplomatic skill apparently, his father had sent him to negotiate with the King about joining the Ghazi).

Stop you will embarrass my daughter, besides you have only seen her eyes.

That is all I need to see I must have her.

Ha! She is to be wed to one of the Carmanian desert Chieftains in March of next year, you can’t have her.

The Caliph’s daughter leans over and whispers in her father’s ear something barely audible.

(The Prince is no slacker when it comes to good looks and apparently the princess has noticed)

The Caliph smiles…..We wanted to see what kind of man the King would send to negotiate with the Edrosian king and I think we have now.  My Daughter thinks you are more attractive than the Carmanian Chieftain and she thinks you might make a better husband too “smirk”.  I think you and your ilk are spineless and that the only reason the Ghazi aided my men in the integration of Baluch is because your diplomat in Baluch was afraid he would lose out to the Ghazi in diplomacy and have to return home empty handed and face your King.  What say you?

Mustapha is about to speak when a hand slaps him across the face……..

Know you place Mustapha I lead this effort not you!

Abdul then stepped toward the King and the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.  (Abdul was deadly with a blade and well known for his temper).   Abdul spoke

“ I say to you King I have a wager.  I think you know me and you know the Ghazi and you truly do wish to test the Ghazi to see what we are made of.  Be very happy my father didn’t come and that I did because if you had tried this diplomatic tact with him your head would be on a pike outside the city in the morning and you kingdom would be his.   Fortunately I am more generous than my father and I will play your game.  Tell the Carmainian Lord your daughter has a new suitor and that a battle of blades is necessary for him to win her hand.  Let us see how much spine he has.  Now I tire of these charades…..show us to our rooms and make sure the dates are fresh and the water cool.”

Several months latter (March 1006) the City of Mansura as a buzz with the arrival of the Carmainian Chieftain.   He was a large fellow all dressed elaborate whites and with Gold trim.  He carried what appeared to be a 2 handed scimitar but also a shield, which really didn’t make too much sense.  His entourage of light horse was dazziling; all the horses and riders were in full regalia.

Damn him and his Arrogance Abdul muttered.  Mustafa was not sure if Abdul was unhappy he had gotten into this fight but he wasn’t about to ask.  Abdul looked at Mustapha…Can you believe that Desert whore would have the nerve to have his men in their ceremonial garb already?  He hasn’t even fought me and he assumes there will be a wedding immediately afterwards.  Insolent DOG!  He will pay.

Mustapha smirked (If only the Carmainian Chieftain had known that Abdul had been seeing the princess regularly over the last month then the sparks would really fly.

Later that Night in the Courtyard of the Caliph: The Courtyard was huge and everyone that was anyone was on hand for this spectacle.  Abdul chose to go with the black hardened armor he had made after the battle of Merv.  It could stand up to slashes pretty well and even though this monster apparently used a huge two-handed weapon every little bit might help.   Abdul’s hair was tied back in a ponytail with a red sash given to him by the princess.  Abdul at 18 was a match for most men. 

The Caliph greeted both men as they walked to the elevated throne (which had been moved to the courtyard for this special occasion) Chieftain Xerxes (odd he used a non-Moslem name, probably did it because it was a name of note and because his parents lacked imagination) thank you for coming.  This Ghazi pup thinks that my daughter (the symbolic hand gesture in her direction) is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and has decided he must have her.  What do you have to say about that?

Xerxes laughed a low throaty laugh ….. He is to small to be away from his mother let alone have a woman as beautiful as your daughter.  He eyed Abdul and saw the red sash…his nostrils flared.  And he lunged at the young Abdul both hands outstretched.  Abdul stood motionless and smirked as the Caliph’s guards interceded. 

A low murmur went over the crowd assembled.  

Abdul you seem to drive everyone near you mad in one way or another.  Are you still certain that my daughter is so important to you that you would fight Xerxes?

Absolutely, is all Abdul said and the men went a conducted their final preparations. 

Xerxes was ready to go…Abdul glanced out of the corner of his eye and noticed something terribly scary.  Abdul used his HUGE Scimitar one handedly???  He actually used a shield too.  Gulp.  Well no backing out now.  Just then Mustapha brought over a long box and a note.

As the earth pushes the mountains toward the heavens I push you toward the throne, which will one day be yours.  Today I bestow upon you my most prized possession, Sad Istragh.  It was birthed on a peak as I was and it has never let me down when I needed it most.  Make good use of it.

Abdul was touched by the gift having never really liked his father (Abdul was really good but his father was “the Man”.  Living in the shadow of a legend had been very difficult for Abdul to deal with.  Maybe this was the first step toward reconciliation.

“Two men enter one man leaves!” The king declared, sounding a lot like Tina Turner in Mad Max “Beyond Thunderdome”,

Abdul’s sword was about the same length as Xerxes but a lot lighter.  Abdul unleashed a flurry of slashing blows from all angles that drove Xerxes back a bit but he was an able opponent.  His shield and his heavy sword parried every blow.   Abdul paused somewhat in disbelief, not one scratch damn………Xerxes began to counter, big sweeping cut right with a spin and a heavy drive toward the earth that Abdul thanking Allah caught with his shield.   Things now got strange and the audience held its collective breath.  The Huge Scimitar was actually lodged in the shield and apparently was stuck.  Xerxes suddenly was frantic trying to pull it free. 

There’s blood!  Blood was flowing on the sand floor, someone shouted from the crowd.

Apparently the Sword was also lodged in Abdul’s arm! 

Suddenly Xerxes made one mighty tug and when he did rather than pulling his Two-handed sword free Abdul lunged forward toward Xerxes and drown his sword right through his heart.  Both bodies lay on the floor for what seemed like an eternity.  Finally Abdul released his sword, about the time the body of Xerxes stopped convulsing, and he pulled out his dagger.

“Abdul” Mustapha shouted over the low murmur of the crowd…”he is dead!”

Abdul replied “I know that you idiot, I need to get this damn shield off my arm, get out here and cut the straps!”

The white and gold of the desert chieftain was now the red and gold.  His entourage seethed with resentment toward Prince Abdul but the fight was fair.  They picked up their fallen comrade and where out of the city after the first prayer in the morning.

The princess was pleased and the king apparently was too, after all why have your daughter marry a chief when she can marry an Emperor (well future Emperor).

Edrosia becomes a SFA of the Ghazi and the prince is now happily married though he has one hell of a scar on his arm.   Before the end of the cycle the new couple had their first baby boy.

Paramara Alliance:  Tarain was apparently the place to be.  The full diplomatic press was put on Tarain.  Even the Kings daughter was dangled as bait.  Apparently this was just the opportunity the Lord of Tarain had been waiting for and he grabbed the bull by the horns.  The papers were put in place shuffled, signed etc.   King’s Advisor Neshvee stayed in Tarain to wrap up negotiations and the New Prince traveled to meet his bride.  

Princess:                       Father have you seen my husband to be?

 King:                           yes he is a young lad isn’t he (22)

Princess                        he is so sub par for a prince it is scary father

King                             But his lands are valuable

Princess                        Could you not have paid them more gold instead of offering them me ?

King                             Daughter I think you have forgotten your place, Kingdom first, personal needs second

So the marriage was done much to the chagrin of the princess who would now toil away

Her days being a servant for a man she would probably never love.  The Kingdom was

Enhanced and that is all that really matters.

Anhivarta:  When Diplomacy Fails…..

Raj Ajal rolled out of the bed one mourning and told his slave to summon the prince immediately.

Peris                 The Prince strode in and bowed.  Father what is it you need.

Raj                   I have decided that you are 17 and you need to prove to me you can rule a kingdom

Peris                 Excellent father what proof would you like

Raj                   I want you to go slaughter the Satava Raj and his whole family for nearly killing me

Peris                 Consider it done

Raj                   Wait

Peris                 What else would you like father?

Raj                   Go subdue the Kakatiya and the Chela too, see if you can find Vjay

Peris                 Yes sir I will do so right away

Prince Peris his Second in command Managij (not much of a leader but the men loved him) gathered forces and met up with their Feudal Ally in Kakatyia.  The Kakatians were not overly happy to find out they were a staging ground for and invasion of a neighbor but they just made every effort to stay away from the Anhivarta troops. 

Invasion of Satava:  The Prince was ready he had lots of troops this should be a cakewalk.  3000 Cavalry. And 2500 Infantry including some excellent Satpura Heavies.  The Karnata Prince suggested that the troops move into his lands and then attack so they wouldn’t have to cross the mountains but the Prince would have nothing to do with it.  He was going to attack and he was going to attack now! 

The Mountain Pass:

Over the wall they went.  The Satavans had been preparing their defenses for several years and so it was not a big surprise at all when the Anhivarta came.    The battle would be fought in the mountain passes where apparently the Satavans had prepared for the intrusion.    Initially the skirmishes were brief the Anhivartan’s would find a small barricade and they would just push their way through.  Things were getting tough though as they reached the middle mountains.  Initially there was an ambush of the mountains.   While passing through a narrow gap the lead unit of Deccan Light Cavalry got caught in a small rock barrage followed by a quick strike of some Satavan light infantry.  Before the main column could react the light infantry was gone.  Two hundred horse and men lay dead in the valley it was brief and very brutal.   Everyone knew what would be in the cook pots that night and for the next couple.  The Prince was pissed but there was little he could do about it. He pressed on pushing his men very hard.  He switched to Deccan light infantry as the lead units, didn’t want his cavalry killed off he had lots more fighting to do. 

Last Line of Defense, Only Line of Defense:

Finally the Forces hit the last impasse the Satavans had rolled up about 2000 Infantry into a corridor about 200 yards wide.  400 Heavy Long Spearmen filled the center.  Most of the Infantry Light Short swordsmen.    The other thing the Satavans had working for them was their fieldwork some trenches had been dug to make it so the Anhivarta would have to use their infantry for the battle. 

The Prince placed 400 of the Satpura Heavies in the center to match the Satavans and then he put another 400 on each wing keeping on in reserve.   The prince also assigned some of his cavalry to run close support so that if a cracked developed even the slow moving cavalry might be able to push their way in and engage.   The troops marched forward…….the Satavan light hit the flanks with sling bullets, which had no affect on the heavies but were annoying .   The Anhivarta remained disciplined and advanced; some would say it was the constrained quarters the Prince would point to his excellent leadership capabilities.   The lines met.   Lots of men died.  The placement of the heavy infantry on the wings to beat up on the lights was not terribly effect.  Seems that the Satavan Light infantry were very agile and even in the constrained environment manipulated the situation to their advantage by dropping back behind some higher earthen emplacements and stabbing down at their heavier opponents that were slow to ascend.   As the day drew to a close the Satavans were all dead including the Satavan Lord who had been leading the defense.  They fought to the man and died it appears.  The exacted a pretty heavy toll on the Anhivarta infantry corp. taking out a full 3 units of the Satpura heavy and another 600 Deccan light and a cavalry unit that got caught between a entrenchment full of spears and several units of Satavan infantry counter attacking.  It was bloody but the Prince was victorious.

Aftermath:  Satava fell and a small garrison of Deccan Light Cavalry occupied the province.

Some how the exerpts from the other two pacifications got lost but the Cavalry of the Anhivarta carried the day in both Chela and Kaktiya.  

The Prince return home triumphant and the King was happy.

W. Chalukya:  Tons of ships rolled off the assembly line as the Chalukyans decided to join the trade game.  Aside from that things were quiet.

Chola:  There was a single-minded purpose in the nation.   Get Pandya!  Well not in a bad way of course, the Pandean military was not to be trifled with though the Leadership was not thought to be hostile or aggressive.    The Prince Andra and the king’s advisor traveled to the Pandean lands and to the city of Korkai to meet with the Newly proclaimed Raj.   The Raj was cordial and listened to their endless banter about how the Buddhist would attack them and how the streets would run red with blood if the Cholans were not granted dominion over Pandya.  The pleas fell on deaf ears.  Where was the proof of an immediate threat from any nation?  Where were the gifts to show the wealth the Cholans could offer if the Raj relinquished his throne?   Seeing that they had hit a wall the two compatriots decided to try to beat the system, Lord knows they had plenty of time to kill.   

The Prince Andra and his advisor hit the streets.  The traveled all around town trying to rally support for their cause their attempts hit home with some that would listen.  Others laughed at them.  Generally the people were completely happy being independent.  Undaunted by this the Prince and his Aide went out into the countryside where they met with rich land owners.  Many conversations were had and some progress was made, of course everyone was subservient to the Raj of Korkai so no one was sure how great of an aid they would be. 

Finally after much hard work the Prince and his aide were allowed to once again meet with the Raj of Korkai.   

Raj of Korkai            Greetings again oh persistent ones.

Prince Andra            Thank you for seeing us again.

Raj                   Thank you for coming, my advisors tell me you can be persuasive when you try, is that true

Prince               When I try certainly

Raj                   Why should I really join with the Cholans?

Prince               Because Pandya will become the Cornerstone from which a great empire is built

Raj                   And the gods will bless me on my passing and the sky will weep

Prince               That is not for me to say sire, my father bid me speak only the truth and I will be successful in Pandya, stray from the truth and you will surely fail

Raj                   Your father’s advice is wise.  Tell me more

Prince               Your kingdom cannot expand without war, it is unlikely that you can fight and defeat the Cholan nation and I fear that the Buddhist would be very difficult to beat on the sea.  Where does that leave you?  In a rich province lead by a leader that aspires to attain the unobtainable.   It is a sad fate for mighty peoples.

Raj                   I fear we are not as week as you might think but you are correct in assuming that we would prefer to avoid conflict as well.  Tell your father this.  I will agree to be a SFA of his for a period of 25 years.  If at that time my offspring or I deem the Cholan nation to be an honorable one then the Pandya will join with your nation as a full-fledged member.  We will pay the appropriate tribute until then and if there is a conflict my soldiers and one of my generals will assist the Cholan nation in defeating their foes.

Prince               I will pass along the message.  I think my father will be most pleased by this arrangement.  You should have your answer with in two months of our departure. (Or next cycle to you and me)

The Prince and the advisor could barely hold back their enthusiasm.

Pandya:  The Independent – sort of

Ah to be a powerful little state in Southern India.  Knowing that everyone wants to rule over your lands.  It is good to be important.  Pandya was very well defended so there was no fear of attack (hopefully).   Unfortunately Pandya had very little in the way of a navy.  They began rectifying that this cycle as a dozen warships and some trading vessels rolled out of the shipyards.  With the coming of increased trade from the nations of India the City of Korkai grew dramatically.  The Cholans came a calling, this time they brought the full diplomatic staff. 

Ceylon:  The Island continued to remain peaceful and the commander of the navy continued to explore hither and yon.

Uttar Pradesh:  Times were tough in Uttar Pradesh.  The king was blocked in.  All directions were impassable apparently except to the immediate south so he ordered his faithful servant into the wilderness known as the Avanti lands.  Enroute unfortunately the king’s advisor disappeared.  The King busied himself with other activities.  The Kings wife died during a pregnancy and the child died with her.  It was very tough cycle for the Raj of Uttar Pradesh.  2000 Men were brought into the military.

Kaunaj:  Defenses were improved in all provinces, the university was expanded and the province of Avanti became a Feudal Ally.    Avanti agreeing to anything was a pretty big coup.  The Kaunaj Advisor though had skill well beyond that of most non-Indian men and thus he was able to persuade the Lord of the Avanti wilderness to join the nation in some semblance. 

Elsewhere in the kingdom.   There was an odd influx of Bengali Monks moving though the capital during this cycle.  With the spread of the Hindu faith this wasn’t terribly surprising but it was odd that all the monks were from Bengal. 

In Rajaput at one of the forts that dots the landscape there was an attempted break in.  No one know for sure who the assailant was or what they what they were even doing since there was no one of importance at that particular fort at the time.

Bengal:  More troops another 2000HC in fact rolled off the assembly line.  It was impossible for Bengal to hide the sheer numbers of men being enlisted into military service.   Defenses in several provinces were improved as well.  On the diplomatic front Assam got a visit from the Bengal King.  That is all it took to secure the land as rightfully the Bengals.  Monks were sent out into foreign lands to do the work of God and king.

Hindu:  Spreading like a scourge throughout the lands. 

Everything was good in the Hindu Primacy again this cycle.  The leaders of the movement have perpetuated its rapid growth.  As its influence approaches the Moslem lands it appears to have lost a little steam though.  The leadership is exhausted from the frenetic pace set by the Hindu Gods.  

Burma:  Ava was heavily fortified this turn and the coastal Province of Samatata was brought in under full control.

Pegu:  A new port city was constructed in Mon to help facilitate trade with the Southern Islands, Thon Buri.  The King of Pegu personally visited Arakan again and he came away with full ownership of the lands.   Burma was approached about closer ties but the Burmese are enjoying their independence and politely asked the Peguese Emissary to leave.

Khemer:  Ill Tidings

Early in the morning of January 1005 the Khemer Prince was shuffling home after a night of drinking, still mourning the loss of the Siamese princess (apparently).  It was a cool morning and the tiles on the staircase up to the Princes chambers were apparently slippery with morning dew because the prince tumbled down them and broke his neck!   This was a devastating loss and the entire nation panicked.  There was not heir!  The king was 57!  The King threw all other responsibilities to the side and consulted the wise men.   This lasted for about a week.  At the end of that time it was announced that a Hindu Priest would become the aid to the King and that the King would seek a new wife.  The priest presented the King with his new wife a hearty, big-hipped woman from Mons was to be the Kings new spouse.  She was well designed for child bearing and the king accepted the guidance of the Hindu Priest in this matter.   The country had no real problem functioning.  Apparently everyone was sitting around doing nothing anyway.  At the end of the cycle The King had a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter.  The Hindu Priest may have saved the country.  

Champa:  Fresh off the Victory against the Annam the King was busy at work making peace with his enemy.   A great deal of effort was put into bringing the Annam people into the fold.  The King was reasonably successful.  It helped a great deal that his son took an Annam bride.  She was not from a high ranking house but a good one.  The marriage bore a daughter by the end of the cycle.  

Nanchao:  The revitalized Nanchao Dynasty springs into action.  Actually all they really did of note was make their nation a nicer place to live.  That is not a bad thing.

One other minor thing of note the second in command of the military passed and in his place King Exildur put the most Honorable man in the nation.  The Nanchao are not known for their loyal tendencies (this is not a comment on the player BTW) and so this was a very positive move. 

Tiger:  In a move that pleased the Tiger to no end the Sung granted financial subsidies to aid in their development.  This helped double the growth of House Iiachi.  Praises to the Sung are frequently heard in the streets of the newly constructed city of Shaoguan in Lintung.   The province of Gouagxi was grabbed in order to secure the defensive mountain barrier.

Sung:  Empire of Heaven (?)

Not sure about that but they do seem like pretty nice folks, the Tiger in the South certainly think so as do the Nanchao.    Peace and harmony permeated the domain of the Sung.  Projects to beautify the land were implemented.    The prince’s wife passed which saddened the kingdom.  She was very beautiful and in passing left the prince with a daughter.

Buddhist:   The Buddhist expanded, not quite as feverishly as the Hindus but rapidly.

Everything went well and many a tithing an agreement was established.  Only the Tagnuts declined because of the Llamist Buddhist leanings.

Liao:  All quiet in the Liao Kingdom just as they like it.   A Road was constructed between Liao Tung and Luan, and the Sung call them barbarians.  Some infrastructure work was done and on the whole everything functioned properly.

Tagnuts:  The His-Hsia would go leaderless no longer.  The HsiHsia did what they thought was best they built a bunch of Field forts in hopes of maintaining control over their cultivated provinces and they built a bunch of public works to increase their income.  All in a good days work for the barbarians of Northern China.

Korea:  Sikhote was turned into a tributary this cycle and in the big news Cheju Do was colonized.  This strategic island could become a key possession of the Koreans in the future.

Japan: Build, build, build!  We must be the preeminent power in Asia the Emperor Michinaga declared!

So they did 3 of the 4 cities in the Michanaga land grew in size.   The Prince and is loyal servant Takeda really wanted to travel to Hokkaido but since the king was hording all the ships for some special purpose they had to stay at home.  Ishida suffered the same fate.

The Kings wife of many years nearly died in childbirth in 1007 (the child did die) so the Emperor gave up on having additional children.

Java:  Interesting times in Java.  The City of Golden Gate is prospering creating this was a great event in Java and they have surged ahead of their Island Neighbor the Srivijayan in trade and the King was heard boasting of this to all who would listen.  King Beoane knew it would only be a short while longer till his crafty adversary built a city on Hainan Is. And matched his ability to travel into the northern seas.

The King decided he needed to go exploring sadly for the king he thought to highly of himself to talk to and one before setting a course for uncharted water.   He had heard the Japanese were to the North of Taiwan and by golly he was going to find them.  After about a week he decided fortunately he was on a fool’s errand and he turned back before anyone got killed.   (Note to all who read this section…. if you would like some assistance traveling down arrows and you are not in you homeland, ask some of the locals before leaving port)  The King returned to Java where he attempted to enlarge his family.

Elsewhere in the Islands:   Otresani entered the Celebes Sea, on his way to Sabah, his 20 light war ships in tow.  On the horizon he saw some ships…so he sailed closer.  The bore a strong resemblance to Sriva ships but there was something very odd about them.   Otresani was pretty poor in combat, some would even say inept so when it became apparent that there might be some kind of confrontation he fled immediately.  The warships pursued  (?) for a short time then disappeared at nightfall.

Upon arriving back in Sunda he immediately reported to the King. 

Sire something very strange is going on near Sabah.

What would that be Otresani?

I am not sure sire but I saw what seemed to be a fleet of 20 Srivijayan warships in the area and they acted hostile.

That is odd we have over the years had out differences and some times come to blows but we are both primarily trading nations.  It would be very odd for them to take action against us.

Well Sire I am not sure they were Srivijayan ships though sire they just looked like them.

Good work Otresani.

Srivijayan:  After a fairly disastrous first turn the Sriva King thought he had figured out the slave raiding game.  Ships and troops well suited for the jungles were built.   The very skilled Prince Airlagga was put in charge of this effort.  The King wanted to make sure this effort went off with out a hitch.   Slave raiding again was attempted.  This time against a weaker target and it was as successful as could be.  Though disappointed with the number of slaves obtained the Prince got the most out of the effort he could and he took the slaves to Hianan Island to aid in the construction of the city there.    On Hainan Is. Progress was very slow, slaves didn’t seem to work as hard toward achieve the goal as the regular workers, not terribly surprising.  

On a Separate note the King visited Luzon but took no gifts and made no promises to the very difficult to negotiate tribes of this land.  Even though the king spent a good deal of time here it was to no avail the tribes of Luzon would not budge diplomatically, least they didn’t decide to eat the king.   The King did recognize the preeminence of the Buddhist Theocracy and decided to pay them homage.