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GM NOTES TURN 8

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

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

SE’s and Hordes:                  Be warned …… They can start popping now.   I will say this about both, I do not expect that I will have an overly active Horde world, things seem to be active without there being one Horde active at all times.  I am not inclined to have freaky SE’s but historical ones yes.  I will set SE goals be warned. 

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

1035 - 1039:  The Age of Turmoil

Mercenary Pool: 

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

Northern Europe:                                                   Jan Olavsen                 855                          1HI, 10I 

                                                                                Independent                                                        10W, 10XW

Mediterranean (Catholic)                              Zulicini                                   649                          2HC, 5C

                            (Catholic)                              Buliceli                                   969                          5EW

                            Non-Islamic                          Karakus                                 822                          1EI, 10I                  

                                Independent                                                                5W, 10XW

France, No. Spain & Germany                           Lord Argon                    858                          5HEI, 10HI, 10S

France, Spain, Italy,  Germany &                            Independents                                                      15I, 20XI

England, Scotland, Eire                                       Independent                                                        3C, 5XC

Any Nation w/ Med. Port                                              Horgan’s Free Co.                882                          5HEI, 10EI, 5S

Independents                                                                10C, 20XC

Independents                                                                5HW, 10W

Egypt, Morocco & Cordoba:                           Taureg Clan                        833                          3XEC, 20XC

Independents                                                                10XC, 10XI

Hungary, Serbia, Russia, Poland                G. D’Kolner                                 769                                6HEC, 10EC               

 REE

Independents                                                                3HI, 7I, 15XI

Independents                                                                5C, 10XC

Buhwayids, Egyptians, Yemen & Shiraz                Independents                (Moslem)                               5C, 10XC                                     

Central Asia                                                                                                                                         10XC

Buddhist & Lamanist Nations                                Monk Xain                        866                          5HEI, 10EI

India Proper                                                        Deccan Raiders                    824                          15XEC

Independents                                                                5I, 5XI

Independents                                                                5XC               

Asia (naval)                                                           Independents                                                      10XW

SE Asia &  China                                                Chou Yun                         888                          6EC

Independent                                                                10I, 20XI

Independent                                                                6C, 12XC

N China, Japan, Korea                                                Clan Wolf                                777                                40XC               

Clan Jaguar                                       852                                40XC

Clan Bear                                966                                30XC

                                                                                Independents                                                      20XC

No Red Monkey Contracts                                               Ju Jin                                      A55                         6EC, 6XEC

Africa: 

Shia:  Jerusalem +1 CL

Huge refinements in the Holy city of Jerusalem continue.  Pilgrims rave about the urban development.  The Shia are causing no one any trouble.

Egypt:  CL +1 Alexandria and Damieta, Petra (F), Thebes (EA), Sicily (FA)

The King assumed the throne peacefully in 1035 King Fasil al’Hakim is now the new ruler of the Kingdom of Egypt.  Another 3000 Cavalrymen where brought into the armed forces in celebration of Fasil’s peaceful ascension.  The very apt generals Mohamed and Omar defended their country from all intrusions, but mainly gambled and chased women since there were no evil intruders to slay.  

On the diplomatic front Fasil decided he had to get rid of some of his sisters one way or another.  It was not bad enough that his mother was still in good health and bossing him around all three of his sisters were older than he was and they were spending way too much time shopping and nagging him.  His sanity and the national coffers were suffering!  Desereta was shipped off to Petra……God they didn’t even have a city she complained so her brother had one built.  The Petra Lord was appreciative and took Desereta as his wife.  Nadra was shipped to Thebes and this opened up a whole can of worms.  King Fasil had forgotten the people of Thebes were Coptic. 

Village of Luxor in Thebes:  Dirt streets and Single story Clay and Mud brick structures make up this one horse town it is hot and humid and the desert sands cling to the skin.  The Coptic peoples have lived here years and they call it home but Princess Nadra thinks of it as hell.

Spearmen on horseback line the so-called street as the royal entourage makes it way to the “shack” that looks a bit bigger than the others.  Nadra feels ill and nearly throws up……she curses her brother as the bile wells up in throat again making it burn.  The procession finally stopped moving Nadra was thankful it had been a very long ride with little fanfare.  Her brother “the ingrate” didn’t even bother sending along gifts and she just knew that bitch Deserta was getting a city built for her…..she steamed some more.

Councilor Sa’id conferred with the locals, he spoke their language and everyone including Nadra entered the home of the Thebian Lord.   She was mildly surprised the interior of his home was apparently livable, praise be to the Gods.  All the amenities just on a smaller scale could be found within the Lords abode.  What was really nice was though was the Lord had a swimming pool.  Nadra had heard rumors of these but she had not actually seen one prior to this, she was actually impressed. 

Negotiations:

Justinian                  The King of the Fatimids wants what?

Sa’id                        You….. to marry his Sister

Justinian                  Oh really….My family is Coptic and been for centuries, he wants me to forsake my religion

                                And marry a Shi’a woman?

Sa’id                        You say that like it is a bad thing

Justinian                  And it’s not?

Sa’id                        Is she not pleasing to the eye?

Justinian                  Yes, she is very beautiful

Sa’id                        Does not she have a fine set of hips for child bearing?

Justinian                  I do believe she does

Sa’id                        Does not her family have great power and the ability to bring you and your family to prominence again?

Justinian                  Of course…..I will not however go against the will of God, the Shia cast the Coptics out of our Holy city of Alexandria and that cannot easily be forgotten

Sa’id                        No of course not, but that was generations ago and maybe this will help mend the fences time has not healed yet

Justinian                  I do not think it is possible

Nadra                      I will convert then

Sa’id                        GASP!  Good lord child be quiet!  Your father would have my head on a pike outside the capital.

Nadra                      Then so be it, I have decided to convert.  I will become a Coptic!

Sa’id                        No No No PLEASE reconsider, you are a woman you have lead a sheltered life I beg you rethink what you are doing.

Justinian                  I’ll take her!  Clerics!  Get to work!

Nadra                      My brother doesn’t want me hanging around the court now he doesn’t have to worry about it any more.  I have a new home and if he wants to come visit tell him he has to build me a city as big as the one that witch Desereta got!

Sa’id could do nothing but hang his head grief stricken.  Relations with the Coptic lands of Thebes improved ever so

slightly because of the marriage of Justinian and Nadra but there was no way the king would be happy about this.  In a

slight bit of good news for Sa’id he actually died before he reached the capital so he was not the one who had to inform

the king of his sister’s actions.  Death was not always a bad thing.                

Another bit of news arrived in the palace.  Apparently there were some not so subtle attempts by Naples to wrest control of Sicily away from the Egyptians.  Lubrizo de Benevito Apulian allied leader was seen circulating among the lesser nobles of Sicily swaying them to follow his leadership not that of the Fatimid.  Lots of money was being doled out.

Ghana:  Sudan (F), Gao (A) 

The king’s baby factory produced another 4 children without dying a mean feat especially since the last two came at the same time.   There was no better sign of prosperity in these lands (much like the Steppe) than to have a large family.  Mombega must be very powerful.   On the diplomatic front Mande and Kakaru both did a good job securing treaties…..Gold is a wonderful thing when mixed with some kind words.

Morocco:   Fez +1 CL & Fortified

The People of Morocco continue to benefit from the strong guidance of their King.  The lands of Zirid felt the great benefit of the king this cycle.

Sunni Church: 

Building Up instead of out once again.  The Sunni continue to form a strong foundation in the West.

Algeria:

Some defensive improvements as well as economical ones.

Tunisia: CL+1 Mahida, Fortified 

Lots of defensive military improvements this turn.

Hausa:  Bridge Nupe to Oyo, Oyo (F), Aquaba                +1CL

Butoo and Tumba guarded the lands from all intruders while the rest of the leaders of the empire diplomatically blitzed the weak willed Oyo.   The Oyo caved like a house of cards and not surprisingly they did not secure even one gold talent as they showed they were nearly as spineless as the men of Ilubator.  One last item of note King Nyambe saw his 76th year come and go.  He still is in reasonably good health though he no longer can throw the spear farther than his best warriors.

Kanem:                  Kreda (T), N’Jimi (C)

The King who managed to build the Central African Republic up to a level of prominence passed suddenly in his early sixties after an active night of drinking and festivities.  Kanem was one of the richest lands in all of Africa.  Only the core Egyptian provinces held more wealth than Kanem.  The Heir busied himself pursuing Berber lands.  The Kreda came willingly seeing the virtues of a more organized society but the N’Jimi essentially ignored the overtures of the Heir (now King Xerand) and his trusted aide.   Xerand returned to the lands of Kanem saying he had laid claim to the N’Jimi lands but all were doubtful if that would stick.  On a final note The Kanem army was finally constructed as 4000 men were brought into the ranks of the military.  

Kilwa:   

Langalibalele had a difficult reign.  Lang had opposed his father and never reconciled prior to his fathers death.   His rule had been made difficult at times due to the strains of growth.  The appearance of the Buddhist near his shores had been of great concern but they apparently had no ill intent, thankfully.  Lastly he had that horribly long name that annoyed the Gods.  All that mattered little one might suppose as Lang slipped off his mortal coil while enjoying one of his wives that he had yet to kill.  How appropriate a woman would be his downfall when he had lain so many (several at least) to rest because of problem pregnancies or birthing procedures.  So ends Langalibalele’s tenure.

Ajuma ascended the throne and because he caught wind of some foul conspiracy by his hateful brother he avoided a serious coup.  Wanjala was put to death publicly and the Mombassa Chieftain became the right hand man of the new king.  In honor of the fine service the Mombassa chieftain had performed Ajuma, killing Ajuma’s brother, ordered the construction of a fountain and some other a sundry things in the city of Malindi.  Due to the stress of the assumption and the betrayal by his brother Ajuma had no luck siring any children this cycle.

Zagwe:  Soba and Axumopolis +1 CL, Kassala (NT), Alwa (F)

Well King Solomon was one not to be triffled with apparently.  He made quick work of the Alwa negotiations and then proceeded to Kassala and came away with a nominal agreement there.  Kassala a long time Coptic land would have liked some money thrown in for good measure but the NT agreement is not overly binding.  Maybe Kassala can get a swimming pool out of the deal next cycle.   The Queen sat at home waiting for her husband to return.  She was felt a tighter leash might be appropriate.  The Queen stood a vigilant watch of the lands and made sure nothing bad happened, it didn’t.  Lastly an effort was made to make the people more respectful of God but this effort was ineffective.

Ethiopia: 

Balanced builds some defensive improvements in the capital province as well as some rural improvements in Adowa

Coptics:  Gezira (F), Kosti (CH), Shoa (AB)

The Patriarch Mitsoutakis continued to improve the status of the Coptic Church in the Ethiopian highlands.   The Patriarch feeling he was in his waning years thought the high plateau with its clean air and it’s closeness to God might give him a few extra years to keep going, maybe he was right as he celebrated his 71^st birthday at the close of 1039.  It appears that Bishop Josephus should have visited the Ethiopian Plateau because as 1038 came to a close he passed from this world.  He did achieve high acclaim for his hard work quelling the angry feelings in Gezira with gifts and kind words.

Zimbabwe: 

Province of Roswi nearly cultivated!

Zulu Nation: 

Little urban improvement and saving workers for other projects.

Europe:

Bolgars: 

Built some light cavalry to add to their already decent sized force.  Waited for a visit from the Seljuks that they hoped wouldn’t put an end to the brief existence of their country.

Kiev:  Novgorod-Seversk Expands

With the Horde apparently paid off by the Patriarch the Rus continued their development.  The Patriarch sent a huge amount of resources into the nation to help on the cultivation project in Nieman.  The Rus also committed a good quantity of their resources to the Neiman project as well so now all that needs to be done is more man hours of work, there is always a need for manpower in Russia.

The new short-time administrator, Boyar Patternsky of the Rus state also determined that there was some reorganization of provinces called for so Mansura and Lithuania were released and Volhynia was handed over to the Galican Ally.  The Pagans were no great loss and since core areas were determined to be of more concern the loss of some Pagans was not something anyone would cry over.  It was also felt that this might get the Poles to relax a little bit and that would be a good thing.

Novgorod:   Port City of Vilna in Livonia

With the Horde apparently not enroute, though troops were sent to Kiev, the great northern kingdom applied its resources to the construction of the city of Vilna.  This addition would help solidify their hold on the lands North of the Dvina. 

Galica:  Volhynia & City of Vladimir

Acquired some agro from both the Rus and Novgorod.  Then incorporated the new province of Volhynia into their fledgling little empire.

Celtic Church:   Strathclyde (MN)

The followers of the Celtic Church continued to prosper under the guidance of the apt Glen Ross.  Sadly while securing a tithe from the Norwiegns Glen Ross died.  The venerable Glen Barney took over and continued the policies of the recent administration, which included ignoring the loyal followers of Wales and Ireland for some reason. 

Glen Barney before heading off to build a couple of churches in Norway did some research on the Druidical marking found in York.  The results turned up nothing out of the ordinary and everyone in the Celtic Church. 

England: 

King Athelstan was a warrior and a general.  He was very good at planning campaigns and deadly on the battlefield.  Athelstan had been trying to persuade the Welsh Lord Thweatt to relinquish the lands of Lancashire, which for some reason the English king felt was his by right.  Long time ruler Thweatt who had no liking for Athelstan and his very surly attitude (players note this is a reflection of Athelstan’s charisma) and was not about to give up lands he had made a serious investment in and a place many Welsh citizens had called home.  (Player Note: If you build PWB’s in a region this causes the population to grow, that population growth is a reflection partially of your government moving people into the area to support your programs thus the Welsh adding PWB’s is reflective of an increased Welsh population in the region).  Athelstan was enraged by this rejection and knowing he could probably crush the Welsh like an overripe melon he gathered his army and marched against them.

Departure from York:  Athelstan and Aelfric left York with an army of 10,000 men.  The army was well mixed with infantry and cavalry and both men though not popular with the army were very skilled.  On the way out of Northumbria the army attempted to launch an attack on Mercia.  When it was realized those large tracks of wilderness were the lands of Mercia not Gwynned the army reorganized and continued onto Wales.

YEAR 2:

Crossing the Border:  The English were prepared for a battle in the province but there was no enemy to be found.  Apparently the word of the English armies invasion had preceded them and the Welsh Army had withdrawn within the moderate walls of the capital.

News reaches England:  The word spread quickly that a war had broken out with Wales.  People were shocked at this development.   No one in the English home provinces of Sussex or Wessex liked the Welsh since they were hard to understand and had a bit of an attitude but attacking an ally was a bit shocking.  Rumors began to run rampant.  Apparently the King was insane and in a fit of rage had decided to launch the attack.  Some supported the King and argued that the Welsh had spread into lands gifted by the Danes to the Sussex throne and they had no rights to those lands.  Needless to say it was a controversial issue.  In the other provinces this was causing even more of a problem.  Cornwall rebelled outright as the very large Welsh population and no way were they putting up with this action.  Mercia and Anglia the former Danish provinces were ripped with unrest.  In the case of Anglia there was only looting and some smallish conflicts between nobles of Danish and English descent.    In Mercia the strife went to full-fledged revolt.

Back into Mercia:  Realizing that there was no way that the supply lines could be allowed to be cut Athelstan had to withdraw from Gwynned.  (End Year 2)  This did not make him very happy at all.  He easily scattered Lord Hastings and his rag tag army of dissenters (April & May 1037) and headed back into Gwynned (June & July 1037).   The province had to be reconquered because the Welsh on news that Mercia had rebelled had reclaimed their lands and harvested their crops.  They of course withdrew their army of 3000 Men back into the walled city when the English returned.  

Year 4:  Athelstan was furious now.  Good thing he didn’t eat a high fat diet because he would be on course for a heart attack over this ridiculous (in Athelstan’s eyes) turn of events.  The troops were put in place around the city.  An Active Siege was started.  It was not really an active siege though more like an assault since there was no blockade of the port.  Athelstan issued an ultimatum to the Welsh demanding their surrender and he would treat the people well as long as they swore loyalty to the King of England.  Now this is quite a humorous since the Welsh nobility had already sworn loyalty to the English Throne!  The Welsh leader Farfallen issued a statement from the walls refusing to reswear loyalty to a king who would betray the trust of a feudal arrangement.  He labeled King Athelstan “Black Tongue” which the Welsh people quickly adopted.  Thus the assault began.

5600 English Infantry (mostly regulars) and 1200 Siege Engineers, English Cavalry did not participate, versus 2400 regular infantry and 200 of the Kings Honor Guard and the City Wall.

April 2, 1038:  First Assault on the City of Caernareon

The first series of attacks on the city saw no real benefit to Athelstan.  He lost a detachment of Engineers as they got a little to close to the caldron of boiling oil and in fierce fighting in one section of the wall he lost a couple of hundred men but his forces killed nearly 4 times that amount before they breech was plugged.

May 12^th, 1038:  Second Push

When the first push came Athelstan had a real advantage.  He was a tactical genius really and he knew exactly what he had to do and Farfallen had no good idea where the push would come.  Farfallen had gotten a little lucky in the first assault by breaking even against a leader of obvious superior skill.  In the second battle Farfallen apparently had figured out exactly what Ahelstan’s objective would be so when Athelstan came with his big push Farfallen was waiting.  

Athelstan decided that the initial breech would be a great place to make an all out push.  Though it had been a month in which the Welsh were able to shore up their deficiencies he was sure they would break under his superior numbers.  He also felt that a push at essentially a single point would restrict the amount of wall defenses that could be applied to his forces as the Engineers did their work cracking the wall again.  Into the walls did Athelstan’s forces go.  The Welsh fought fiercely and rained down oil and spears on the Englishmen.  The light troops of the English helped some to protect the regular infantry and the Sappers but the damage was pretty heavy on those close to the wall.   A breech was once again finally secured and the English troops surged forward but unlike the April assault this time the Welsh had troops ready inside the walls as well, The Keepers of Gorsedd Arberth (Kings Honor Guard).  They absolutely butchered the infantry that came pouring through the breech.  Hundreds on hundreds of Infantry tried to make their way through the hole in the wall and into the city and finally the Welsh broke the English spirit and they were forced to withdraw.  In all 600 more Welshmen gave their lives and 1800 Englishmen perished in the attack.

June 1^st, 1038:  Final Push?

Athelstan was hurting after the last attack.  He still only had one wall breech.  Morale of the troops left a bit to be desired.  Odds were starting to mount against him.  Sure he still had his cavalry contingent but they were not an effective fighting force against the walls of a city.  One more push made a lot of sense, Athelstan knew that Farfallen’s luck had to run out at some point and time and since Athelstan had numeric superiority it might only take one slip up for him to do in the Welsh capital city. 

Athelstan tried another spot in the wall were the defenders from a distance did not seem terribly prepared.  Thinking that the Welsh might load up in the weak spot in the wall maybe there would be an opportunity elsewhere.  Into the wall his army went again.   Again the English in their great numbers made some progress but just like the assault in May every inch of headway was made with a huge loss of life.   When Aelfric II fell to an axe blow to the neck the English fled in abject terror another 1800 men brutally slaughtered on the walls.   It was all Athelstan could do to keep his army in the province and together.  The attack on the Welsh capital had been a disaster.  Athelstan’s infantry forces had been brutally crushed and though the Welsh couldn’t push him from their home province they had given him a big black eye he would not soon forget.

Athelstan remained in Gwynned for the remainder of the cycle making it so the Welsh could not move out of their city and back into the province and nations are prone to do when the enemy wanders off.    Athelstan schemed and plotted with himself and his new aid, he cackled maniacally about the suffering he was going to inflict on the Welsh King when he finally got his hands on him.  It was all very unsettling but nothing remarkably new for the troops of Athelstan to experience.

Wales:    War with the foul English

Ireland:  Torshaven – Port City Faeroe Is.

Built up of some defenses at home since the Emerald Island was becoming more and more prosperous.

The Irish are appalled by the turn of events in Wales.  The English had been making similar kinds of request to them.  Not relinquishing of lands but wanting very much to integrate the Irish lands into England.  The Irish had of course rebuffed such ideas since they had no merit at all. 

Norway:  Agder (T)

The prince took over military duties for the kingdom.  Because he was also adept at diplomacy this was first attempted on his brothers in Agder.  He was very successful, apparently bringing 4000 men on a diplomatic mission is an effective parley method among barbarians.   Jaga Halsen the average was sent on a diplomatic tour de force along the Freya Bank.  While everyone was courteous because he came from Norway the locals made sure he didn’t hang around for long.  Peace continues in the land of the Vikings.

Orkney/Scotland:  Edinburgh +1CL

The kingdom of Scotland continues to prosper under Harwulf’s now generous rule.  In years gone by Harwulf was truly the “Ravager”.  Since settling in the lands of Scotland, after being chased from Norway by the Danes, he has been a good and honest ruler.  Passing his 60^th year Harwulf still was the defender of his lands while the younger pups were sent exploring.  The group did not return from their mission of exploration.  There is now a great deal of concern as to ascendancy.  One of Harwulf’s daughters died at only 25 and he has only two daughters left in his clan.  

Poland:  Masuria (NT), Courland (FA)

Diplomatic efforts in Eastern Poland seem to be coming along reasonably well as Marek and Janusz tackled their duties.  The King continues to expand the fleet in support of his ally the Baltic Trade Coalition.  Last but not least by any means a huge effort was made to tame the wilds of Little Poland.  A huge amount of headway was made and the people of the province were very happy. 

The King of the Holy Roman Empire showed up in the capital and brought 25,000 men with him.  The Polish King was ecstatic though the agro production was strained a bit feeding this civilized horde; least they had reasonably good manners.

Baltic Trade Coalition:

Huge amount of defensive installations were put into place in the Capital Province of Gotland.   The new arrangement with the Poles should keep the Norwiegns and the Rus away but you can never be too careful. 

HRE:  Jutland (F), Ulm (F), Ostend – Port City 

Elizabeth was tired of being stuck in the palace doing paperwork and having babies decided she needed some time to herself.  Fredrick of Lorraine was no babysitter either so he took off for Poland, Army in tow he used some poor excuse like the need to stop the Turkic horde or some such nonsense.  Elizabeth went to Ulm to get them to see the reason in returning fully to the Empire.

Conrad II was sent on a very lengthy journey to Dalmatia for some reason with 10000 men in tow.  Conrad was adept at military actions but arrived with only one year left in the cycle Queen Elizabeth was very happy there was no such thing as attrition otherwise this army would be a good amount smaller. 

With the Death of the illustrious General Mathias at the end of 1034 his son Fredrik Mathias assumed his role as commander of the army of Northern Italy.  He was not quite as brilliant as his father was when he departed this earth but at 23 he was a force to be wary of.  The army absolutely adored him due to his upbringing in their ranks, Mathias being a career military man always had made a point to have his son, once he reached age 8, travel with the army.

Von Ryan “Witch Hunter” was sent south with his 600 hardened foot soldiers to see if there were foul influences in Bavaria.  None were found he left his boys behind since this area was home and he journeyed farther south into Verona and once again found nothing.   Von Ryan waited around a bit for the fall of Venice and then investigated it as well, though some things of interest were discovered in this city that had been abandon by God 20 or so year ago and abandon by the Lords of Venice just recently.

Carinthia: 

Ack!  It sucks being Carinthia.  The Queen, Elizabeth was kind enough to send 10 Talents of gold to the Lord of the land, which amazingly didn’t go straight into his pocket and instead went to the improvements of the services in Trieste.

Bohemia: 

Conditions in Prague improved a bit and the Bohemians built about 3000 Archers to send south to help in the removal of the Venetian menace.

Bavaria:  Vienna in Austria

The Bavarian who had been saving up for the big cultivation project in Austria got the call to arms so heeding the call they mobilized both foot knights and the expert huntsmen of Austria and sent them south along with a contingent of foot troops currently being used as Garrisons.  The circumstances of the expedition was such that there was no call for cavalry men of any sort so they all stayed at home bored and drank a lot with the king.  In order to make sure the Austrian constituents didn’t get too upset over the cultivation project that had been canceled the City of Vienna was constructed in Austria instead.

Tuscany:  Venice (P)

It is only about the crushing of the Venetians and nothing else.  Many activities were carried out toward the goal see Venice crushed.

France:  Port City of Arras – Rebuilt, Riems built, Lyonnais (F) +1 CL Paris and Cherborg

Undaunted by the Feudal Allies that had become less supportive than they had been in the past, unscarred by the recent events that had nearly toppled the throne Henri pressed on.  The lands of Lyonnais became fully part of his realm after many years of diplomatic efforts.  Languedoc still resists but it is only a matter of time till the buckle to the pressure as well.  Urban development was truly the call of the day and the people were joyous because peace was always preferable to war.    News swept through the lands of the betrayal the English carried out against the people of Wales.   The King and his brother in law watched and took notes on the events and ramifications of the betrayal.  They were as shocked as everyone else when they heard that the English had been turned back at the walls of the Welsh capital.  Were the Gascon’s and Aquitaine capable of turning back the French armies?  Henri and Robert chuckled heartily about that.

Gascony: 

It was a great feeling to be free, kind of a scary one as well.  Gascony was well suited for their new found freedom though they had been preparing for this moment and so when it happened no one panicked.  The capital of the North Bordeaux was fortified and the army was reorganized to make things work a little better incase anyone got out of hand. 

Aquitaine: 

The lands of Aquitaine were anxious.  John II had lifted the Vassal agreement with France and that had made everyone nervous.    The lands of Aquitaine had long held close association with the powers that be in Paris so this was a bridge to be crossed ever so cautiously.   Both of Aquitaine’s cities got the full compliment of walls and nearly the whole army was moved to the capital province to make sure nothing really bad happened.

Leon:  Santiago rebuilt

Quiet turn as the army was shuffled around a bit and Portugal was defended against all intruders.  No one showed up but it was not a bad idea to be prepared.  The King began his penance by rebuilding Santiago and adding some beautification projects along the way.  It would be a while before the task might be completed but Francis and his country were up to the task.

Cordoba:  Road to Valencia

Many fortifications were constructed in the country in preparation for any potential intrusion by Christian nations.  The road network was extended to include Valencia.  Improvements were also made to the Valencian economy as Cordoba continues to get back on its feet.

Hungary: 

The only nation besides Germany concerned about the Horde was Hungary.  They mobilized forces got the generals in place and built defensive structures.  The horde did not show but Hungary was prepared.  Stephen II son of Saint Stephen married in a somewhat ordinary affair but the bride and groom seem happy and that is what really matters.  After nearly dying in 1036 Stephen’s wife did give birth to a baby girl in 1038, the experience of giving birth seems to have taken its toll on his wife though as this delivery was very difficult.

Serbia:  Ragusa (F)          

Ragusa had been a city in a bit of turmoil for a long time.  They had been in a lock down state for 20+ years and this had taken its toll on the people.  When the vast Venetian fleet arrived and the people who wanted to leave did so the people who stayed voted to capitulate to the Serbs who hey had close relations too for many years.

Montenegro:   watching the grass grow……oh wait they live on a big rock……hmmmm ok watching the waves crash on the shore.

R.C. Pope:  Burgundy (CA), also a handful of Churches

Gregory ruled over his vast domains watchful of any problems that might arise, none did.    Andrew was sent to Burgundy after he got done with his vacation in the Alps and there he began the process of building a Cathedral.  Andrew died during this process but the fine effort he put forth carried the job through to its completion.  The rest of the Bishops of the dominions of Christ carried out their tasks of building churches efficiently as well. 

Branist:    

The Branist improved their lot in life in some regard as the claimed firm control on Marsielle.  They owed the Pope and the French a great deal and they were happy to have finally settled in a home.   The Branist were a quiet lot and minded their own business.

Venice:    RIP?

1035:  Exodus

Orseolo was a brilliant man and he had deduced that there was just about no way he could hold off the construction of the land bridge to Venice and defend his other holdings as well it just wasn’t feasible.  His enemies had finally gotten him were they wanted him.  A tied down fleet in the Adriatic would be the death blown to Venice.   The Senate met and after a heated debate (insert DF Roll Here) it was decided that the ancient Oreselo (71) was still fit to lead so he did.  In the early months on 1035 the Venetian fleet gathered in the harbor along with a HUGE amount of transports.  From the German and Tuscan reports there were ships as far as the eye could see.  Evacuation procedures began immediately and efficiently.

While the fleet and the entire Venetian army were on hand the Germans held off on building the land bridge.  They watched patiently and finally the Armada departed.

Serbians watching Ragusa woke up one morning to see the sea had turned white with sails as far as the eye could see.

In Ragusa a similar event to that which happened in Venice occurred as many people fled the city after many years of self-imposed siege. 

1036:

The fleet sailed into the Ionian and toward Malta.   The Venetians took note of the ships of Naples anchored on the Maltese coast.  Several young captains under Oreselo were released to go dispatch the enemy.  The KoN fleet was caught off guard by the sudden arrival of the Venetians and they got underway as quickly as possible.  One Hundred Venetians ships swarmed all over the Naples fleet of 26 ships and 30 Transports.  Some of the ships of Naples attempted to put up a fight but it was pointless.  The defeat was complete and the King barely escaped with his life.   The Venetians reaped their reward as they captured a bunch of heavy transports some were full of workers/slaves who were supposed to build a port facility on Malta this cycle.

Stopping in Tunisia the Venetian fleet secured some food supplies and headed west.  Tunisia had for years supplied Venice with their agricultural needs and this cycle would be no different as the Tunisians supplied the Venetian fleet and saw them off. 

Stopping in Algiers the Venetians picked up even more dried grains and meats.  As well as some fruit, which would be critical in a long ocean voyage.   

1037:

On to Adgir, Orsoelo secured some navigational charts from the Moroccans.   Then headed to Gades, fresh water and foodstuffs were secured.   South the fleet went now stopping in Kwame and resupplying the Venetians were fortunate to have lots of money.  From here the tale gets fuzzy.  Legend and myth mix together but needless to say on departure from the Port City of Kwame the Venetian fleet was never seen again.  History will talk of the Venetians as valiant fighters that stood for many years against two of the most powerful nations in the world.  Their heroic effort will not soon be forgotten even if the nation has disappeared from the annals of time.

Greece:  Cyprus (P), Idlion (P)

Greece urged by the REE to assist in the elimination of Venice the Greeks launched and invasion of Cyprus and prayed to God that the Venetian fleet didn’t show up.  It didn’t and so everything went off without a hitch.  Because of the relations with the Cypriot Pirate and the Venetians the island had to be subdued but it was not that difficult.  In 1038 the Dynastic failure of the Roman Empire of the East opened the door for the Greek King Baris who is the Great Uncle of both Jovian and Valentin to make claims to the throne.   Since Baris had declared himself king of the Greeks this carried some weight in a few provinces see the results under REE.

E. Roman: 

Constantinople was a buzz with activity.  Emperor Basil III addressed the masses of well to do’s in an open-air forum.  Basil had and his family had come under some scrutiny for recent disasters at home and abroad.  The War with Venice was very taxing and had cost the city much in the way of merchant traffic.  Many merchant ships had also fallen prey to the Venetians so not as much cargo was coming in or going out to trade partners in the Med.

Basil III’s Speech:  (This was not sent by Dave)

Roman’s finally the time has come when Venice shall crater under the might of the REE.  It has been too long that we have battled this foe and it has be very costly.  Finally however there is hope for elimination of this foe.

clap, clap, clap 

I have been in contact with my allies Queen Elizabeth of the Germans and Pietro II of Tuscany and they have assured me that they will finally do their part in helping this war effort.  The assured me that Venice will fall! 

“Hooray!”   

On other good news my uncle has agreed to be subservient to my authority and aid me in eliminating the Venetians as well.  My other client states Serbia and Naples have also agreed to move with all their might against the Venetians.

Venice will be wiped from the face of the earth before the end of 1039 to God I swear this is my mission as it was my fathers and I will not fail my people!

“Basil! Basil! Basil!”  The crowd was overjoyed to actually hear some good news.

EVENTS PRIOR TO 1038

After a well-attended public speech Basil packed his bags and went to Dobruja.  He was concerned about the possibility of the Bulgars causing problems and he didn’t want to take a chance on Dobruja staying independent much longer.  Flavius also accompanied the Emperor.  Some Gold was sent along so that Lord Horribus could be set up with a nice rural estate in his retirement years.

Missionaries were sent to the lands of the Coptics Vaspurikan and Lazica.   Apparently the people of these regions are very devout and when the Missionaries tried to foist of Orthodox teachings, which are not radically different that the Coptic teachings, things got out of hand.  The Missionaries in Vaspuikan were killed as heritics and the missionaries in Lazica were sent packing in short order after being beaten up.  Such is the missionaries’ life.

Jovian tired of the horrible conditions in Allepo decided to travel to Edessa.  The people of Edessa had to be easier to get along with than those of Aleppo.  He was absolutely right.  The people of Edessa welcomed Jovian like a hero.   He was showered with gifts well fed and when he decided to marry one of the local magistrates daughters they were out of control with glee. 

Admiral Sixtus with a good-sized fleet, 30 top of the line heavy warships with a full complement of elite marines, had two tasks during this cycle.  Make sure that the Kingdom of Naples made it to Malta and protect the Aegean.  He was successful on both counts.  He was a bit miffed however when he got word that the Venetians went west and overran the Napoli fleet on their way only 3 or so months after he had left them.  The Adriatic was peaceful until 1038.

Prelate Visivius who was not the most astute “general” and Mercenary General Karakus journeyed to Dalmatia in support of the Serbian effort to seize Ragusa.  4400 troops in all also came along for the attack a nice even mix of Infantry and Cavalry not of course that the cavalry would be of any use since this was a siege action but they looked nice and showmanship is part of any good fight.

Heir Valentin stayed at home with his wife and attempt to have some more children and of course rule the nation.    Sadly Valentin’s wife died in childbirth and the child died shortly there after.  Horribus on hearing the news in Dobruja that his daughter had died was heartbroken, his daughter had given birth to three children who if the survived Byzantine politics would be in line for the throne.

A FATEFUL YEAR……1038: 

In March 5^th , 1038 while negotiations were going on with Dobruja Basil III passed due to complications arising from a winter cold.    This was a stunning development but Flavius was a competent leader and so he closed negotiations, made sure the king’s body was properly taken care of and headed back to Constantinople with a Bulgarian delegation, in early April.   

April 1038, by the time the King’s body had arrived the news of the kings death was a week old in the city.  Things were still pretty quiet in the Empire as the information had not made it to the four corners of the large nation. 

May 1038:

Still quiet in the realm but the news was spreading fast.  Valentin sent a message to Jovian requesting he return to Constantinople as a show of solidarity.  D’Kohlner was told to be watchful.  Messengers were sent to Leo in Italy and Visivius in Serbia.

June 1038:

News reaches Jovian in Edessa and he immediately marches to Aleppo knowing that if there is an excuse to revolt they will jump.  Remarkably they didn’t.   Jovian declared publicly that he was the rightful heir to the throne.  Jovian and Valentin are twins and Jovian swears his mother said he was the firstborn on her deathbed.  Valentin was always Basil III’s favorite and that is why he was named heir.  Uncle Baris also rears his ugly head as well.  As the self proclaimed King of the Greeks he declares the throne is rightfully his since he was Baris II’s younger brother and neither of Baris III’s children are fit to lead the Empire.

July 1038: 

The tide of events begins to crash on the shore of the Eastern Roman Empire.  Greece lights up as they now see an opportunity to truly proclaim themselves independent after many years of Roman rule.   The whole of Anatolia lights up as well as brother faces off against brother.   Flavius dies.

August 1038: 

Valentin stays put in the Capital where it is safe and negotiates a Treaty with the Bulgars.  Valentin sends D’Kholner long time personal General for hire into Macedonia to help quell the uprisings there.    Jovian is on the move as well.  Baras and the Greek Nation finish the cycle as normal since he was off grabbing Cyprus.

September 1038: 

Sixtus gives up the defense of the Adriatic since he is now positive that the Venetians will not be coming and returns to Constantinople.  Valentin is VERY relieved that Sixtus has shown up since he would have been a huge help to either side of the opposition.    Jovian in his Isaurian encampment near an old monastery is attacked by a Byzantine hit squad.  Fortunately for Jovian he had persuaded the agents that had been assigned to protect him to continue that duty and he was saved from a bad death at the hands of assassins.   Leo in Italy dies.

In Macedonia, the opposition agents of the Empire that did not take kindly to usurpers wiped out Greeks.  D’Kohlner camps for the winter.

1039:  The civil war continues

March 1039:

D’Kohlner marches on Thessaly. 

April 1039:

Jovian begins to cross the mountains into Phrygia, capture of this province will secure his holdings in Anatolia.  He has also heard that the Psidians actually have a commander and are laying siege to Ankara (an unwalled city).  Might have something to do with 2000 Siege Engineers that have taken up residence in the province.  D’Kohlner begins the liberation of Thessaly.  The Greeks are poorly prepared to handle such a capable general and they withdraw almost immediately behind the mountains.

The Bulgars per the agreement move into Dobruja.  Horribus is forcibly removed and the current garrison joins the Bulgars army.  There are some defections but over 50% of the local militia is Bulgar so there is not much of a stink.

May 1039: 

Sixtus vigilantly defends the capital.  His elite troops are high effective in policing the city.  

Thessaly falls and D’Kohlner begins plans for moving against Attica.

Jovian is still crossing the rough mountains.

Prelate Visivius and Karakus show up in Macedonia and attack the province.

Valentin is furious over this latest betrayal.  Visivius came from one of the noble families in Thrace and they are quickly eliminated in a spot of revenge on Valentin’s part. 

June 1039:

D’Kohlner cancels his plans for Attica and rushes north to squash Karakus and Visivius.

Jovian clears the mountains and prepares to fight the Phygian defenders numbering about 1000 men.

Visivius and Karakus finish off Macedonia who once again raises the Greek flag.  Thesolanka still flies the REE flag and there is no way that the dynamic duo have any chance at all of getting Thessalonica to surrender so they wait for the arrival of D’Kohlner.

The Eastern Bulgars hot off reclaiming their homeland move on Bulgaria, which capitulates, Czar Simeon has reformed the Eastern Bulgarian Empire.  Though a mere shadow of their former self the Bulgars are a proud group and becoming a SFA of the Romans when soon Bulgar blood may be flowing through the Emperors veins is not a bad thing at all. 

July 1039:

D’Kohlner arrives in Macedonia to smack Visivius back to the farm.  Karakus is a sometime ally sometime enemy D’Kohlner held no grudge against him it was business and he understood that.

Jovian busily chased down the cowardly Phygians.

Bulgars began organizing their newly claimed lands.  Getting agreements in place with leaders and things of that nature.

August 1039:

Phrygians die a miserable death.  Some outright surrender as there are torn loyalties in the region still.  Some troops flee into Galatia.  The Psidian army mainly composed of Siege Engineers shows up in Phrygia.

Macedonia sees both sides square off against each other near the Axios River on August 3rd.  Camps were made and both parties prepared for the coming battle.  During the night there was quite a commotion in the camp of Visivius.  Karakus went to check it out and discovered the Visivius had been burned alive in his tent.  It was of course assumed to be an accident but Karakus had a sneaking suspicion it was something altogether different.  The next morning Karakus sent a messenger to the camp of D’Kohlner bearing the white flag of truce.  D’Kohlner accepted the surrender of Karakus and some of the troops of Visivius withdrew to the south some to the north toward Constantinople. 

September 1039: 

D’Kohlner holds in Macedonia as does Karakus.   

The end of the initial stages of the civil war comes to an end. 

Valentin holds some Northern sections of Anatolia and Northern Greece. 

The Greeks hold Southern Greece, plus their Island chain.  Athens is proclaimed as the new capital of the Greeks as it should be.   

Jovian holds most of Anatolia.

Kingdom of Naples:  Malta (PT)  NOW INDEPENDENT

The King was intent on showing his loyalty to the REE so when given the opportunity to move against Malta with the support of the REE fleet he jumped at the opportunity.  A lot of the nations military resources were devoted to this endeavor. 

After gathering his forces the King sailed south with General Falaise and a sizeable contingent of troops.  In the Ionian the Kingdom of Naples met up with the REE fleet.   The approach to Malta was unopposed.  The defenses on Malta were minimal at best but there were some troops in place as the local garrison activated at the arrival of the KoN and REE arrival.  Actually quite surprisingly they decided they did not want to be part of the KoN no matter what the REE envoy said.  Falaise unloaded the troops at the end of 1035 and began the campaign for the small island. 

The REE fleet returns to the Aegean since no Venetian ships have shown up.  The REE tired of the Venetians harassing their coastal provinces decided wisely to defend the Aegean.  

1036:

Falaise while finishing off the island gets to watch as the huge Venetian fleet passes by the Island.  Falaise concerned about the Naples fleet since the REE fleet had left.   His concern was not unwarranted as he approached the landing area he saw a sopping wet king by a fire and several masts sticking out of the water, nothing else.  The Naval defeat had been complete.  Falaise checked to see if the king was all right then cast a few slanderous words toward the Byzantines.  He then finished off the Maltese garrison and the island was secure.   It was a bitter couple of years on Malta for the army.  No one was particularly happy but without a fleet there were not a lot of options.   The King returned to Naples in a fishing boat confiscated from the locals.  Falaise stayed with the army.  Diplomatic efforts were attempted on the island leaders but that just seemed to agitate those who were recently conquered.

Activities in Sicily “See Egypt”

The Kingdom of Naples was rocked by the events that occurred in 1038.   The king was uncertain what would happen next and would have a very tough decision on whether now was the time to assert his independence and also who should be supported as the rightful heir.  Of course getting the troops back from Malta was a concern as well.

Patriarch: 

Several churches were built throughout Orthodox lands as the Archbishop Alexander felt continued expansion was a must.   The Orthodox Church was rocked with a series of deaths, infact every bishop of importance died during this cycle.  I will not go into the gory details but suffice it to say this was a very shocking development.     What happened next though was nothing short of remarkable.  Like a small miracle EVERY one of the leaders who stepped into the new roles as Archbishops was exceptionally charismatic.  Was this a precursor to a revitalized church that cared more for the people and less for the Roman politics?  Time will only tell but that movement had become popular among the clergy and it is the hope of many that the death of the old guard will pave the way for a less politically oriented church.

The events of 1038 set everyone back two squares.  Apt leadership among the clergy helped hold things together in Constantinople and abroad.   The new Archbishop of Constantinople cursed the ill wind that continued to buffet the REE.    At least the Venetians were no longer an issue, the Archbishop was thankful for that.   

Middle East: 

Seljuk Turks:  Caucus Tribes (F)

The Turks wandered into the Bolgar trade center and set up camp for a little while.  The reorganized there forces a bit and then moved on since the Bolgars are good tribute payers.  The journey of the Turks then lead them into a direct confrontation with the Caucus tribes who were very weak at this time so the submitted to the Turk and were integrated.  The horde carried out some extortion on some local rulers and ended the turn in Khazar.   Some of the horde member grumbled about the lack of raping and pillaging but Toghrid assured them that the time for looting and pillaging would come very soon.  Vast tribute was delivered to the Turk in Patzinik and no one even tried to assassinate any of the Turk leaders surprisingly enough.

Buhwayids:  Road Cedar to Damascus

The Buhwayids committed to a large amount of rural improvement and they also began work on expanding their road network.  Some fortifications were also put in place to ward off evildoers.  Sent money to their brothers on the Steppe.

Persia: 

Economic Development, socked away enough money to send some support to they Turk brothers on the Steppe.

Yemen:  Sheba (F)

The whole group of assistants to the king all died off at some point and time during this cycle.  The king was not bitter mind you since only one had the common sense of a horse.   Apparently the Caliphate of Oman has not forgotten the last visit by the Yemenese ambassador because during this cycle one of the Yemenese leaders fell victim to the blade in Oman.   In Sheba,  Al-Sheba was the victim of smoke inhalation as he saved a noble family from a burning building his deed will not soon be forgotten in these lands.  Lastly the bookish Al-ben passed while completing his audit of the tax system.  He will be missed since his one and only gift was his excellent administrative ability.

The King and the prince both attempted to increase the sizes of their families.  The King was not successful the Prince however managed to have a daughter and a son but it cost him a wife.       

Ghazi:  Bachluchistan (NE)

Fachim’s younger brother Wadi was to be sent to the hostile region of Carmania but when the boy turned 15 Fachim sat down with the boy and had a discussion.

Fachim    Brother it is time for you to take your role in the government

Wadi        I love accounting do you have paperwork for me to do?

Fachim    It is part of the job but typically that is clerks work

Wadi       I love numbers brother and sword fighting some

Fachim    I want to send you to Carmania, I want them to become part of the kingdom

Wadi        “burp” what?! No absolutely not. 

Fachim    You will do what I tell you to do

Wadi        Of course I will you have always been fair with me,  Will they expect me to bathe?

Fachim    YES! It is a diplomatic mission you have to look and act like you like them

Wadi        Will I get a big army to travel with me?

Fachim    No it is diplomacy with word not violence.

Wadi        Why should we be nice to them?  I hate them

Fachim    Ack! Shut up!  Fine you won’t go obviously you are better equipped for other jobs and this would just end in disaster.

Wadi        You want me to balance the government accounts now

Fachim    “Sigh”  Yes go see if you can go find the 2 gold talents that are missing out of our treasury

Wadi        Great I’ll get right on it!

The trip to Carmania was canceled and the king went about the business of running the country.  The focus of most of

the kings efforts was making sure that the Turks did not return.  They didn’t and everyone in the region was happy.

Edrosia: 

Began the road project from the coast to Baluch.  This could be very helpful if they good of the interior can be brought to the shore more quickly.  The capital city of Mansura was improved and some defenses were erected in Edrosia as well.  Can’t be too careful.                             

Chorasmia:  Cheleken Port City Gurgan Province

The King and all of Chorasmia was thankful that their brothers the Turks had chosen the peaceful path and of course punished Chorasmia’s longtime enemy Samarkhand.  Since the lands appeared to be safe the King ordered a city be built on the Caspian Sea in hopes that some trade might be garnered with other nations that might also border the great inland sea.

Samarkhand: 

It was a very unpleasant experience getting thumped by the Turks so tribute was sent in accordance with agreements.  On other fronts the King attempted to reorganize his kingdom after the recent beating he took.

India:

Tibet:   Lhasa +1CL

Huge amounts of troops were stationed on the Bengal borders in preparation for what was thought to be coming.  Some additional troops were added to the mountain Defense forces too.  Like all troops in the army of Tibet these forces were Elite.

Lamanist Tibet: 

The Holy City was now the equal of any in the world in size and beauty.  The expense to the primacy had been great over the last 20 or so years but the goal had been accomplished and the Holy Capital of the high Mountain Kingdom of Tibet was complete.  Some forces were added to the mountain defenses.  Discussions were initiated with Ceylon on the possibilities of converting. 

Punjab:  Provincial Fortress Sahis and Punjab

The Kingdom on the cusp.  Punjab was in some respects one of the most militaristic nations in the world.  They were

always prepared for a fight and this turn was no different.  Troops were mobilized everyone was at a state of alert.  As

Guardian to the Doorway to India the ever vigilant king of Punjab built two regional fortresses to enhances his defenses

The Horde did not come neither did anyone else.  The people of Punjab were thankful.

Shiva Church of Kashmir: 

Continued Conversion of Punjab

Kucha: 

 The primary concern of the Kucha was making sure that if the Horde came their way they would be ready.  They were but the horde didn’t come.  It is a good thing when the horde goes the other direction and there was much celebrating in the Kucha lands when they discovered that no attack would be coming this cycle.  A variety of institutional investments were made on the assumption that the Kucha lands did have a tomorrow to look forward too.

Manichaeans:   Holy City increased in size and beauty.

Paramara Alliance: Avanti (NE), Jhijhoti (C)

Diplomatic efforts in the recently conquered and highly independent lands went off with mixed results.  Avanti had no fondness for the Paramara Princes but they listened to their honey coated words because they had no choice.  In the end however the situation was still the same.  In Jhijhoti however they actually were a bit receptive to the message.  Maybe the people of this land had gained a level of respect for the Paramara Princes after the fierce war.    Food was stockpiled for a rainy day and about 2000 men were added to the military.

Bengal:  CL+1 Bihar, Prayaga and Tamaralipti

The City of Prayaga was rebuilt in the province of Jaunpor.  Heavy diplomatic efforts were undertaken in Jaunpor and though there was stiff resistance some progress was made, it is possible that the rebuilding of the city of Prayaga assisted this process.   The sister of the king was foisted off on a noble of low moral character in Jaunpur in order to aid the diplomatic efforts.  Prince Jish attempted to find a woman of noble blood but due to the real hatred the people of Kaunaj have for the Bengals he was unsuccessful. 

There had been some diplomatic sparring between the Tibeteans and the Bengal King but this apparently is not going to lead to violence as the Bengals apparently decided to back down from their insistance on the return of Assam.  Rumor has it that the Tibetans issued an ultimatum to the Bengal King Nadir if the claim to Assam was not relinquished by the Bengal’s that the Tibetan army would march.  That may be just a rumor though.  Nadir and Jish’s brother was promoted and it was thought he would be completely worthless till it was discovered he had an amazing ability to get things done in the government, the family was relieved.

Kashmir:  City of Osh built in Kush

W. Chalukya:  Baravasi +1 CL

The Western Chalukyan’s continue to protect their interest and leave everyone else alone.  Nasik’s agricultural output improved.  

Chola:   City of Matwada in Vengi, CL+1 in Vihilia, both fortified

The people of the kingdom were counted and everyone was happy because now they could pay more taxes and were much more likely to be counted on to help the nation run efficiently.   Many trade ships were built and numerous routes were established as the Chola seemed to awake from their slumber.

Sri Lanka:  Ras Hafun (T), Zanzibar (FA)

Cey Scar Face and Trimuri departed for Ras Hafun on their 10 warships.  The had three talents of gold and they were sure the tribesmen of the region would succumb to the lure of Gold.  After a great deal of time and effort tracking down the nomadic leaders negotiations began in earnest and they were reasonably successful.  Sadly both gentlemen who took this trip never made it back to Zaniport.   Zanzibar degraded when their “lord” did not return.

In the capital there was much talk of throwing of the curse of slavery and becoming more enlightened.  At this juncture it was all talk though.  Lamanist Buddhist priest were seen visiting the court of the king late in the cycle but no one is sure how the discussions went.  

Tripuri: Kalinga (FA), Chela (NE)

Kalinga was brought back into the fold after the diplomatic corp. jumped in and straightened the Kalinga out about the fact the new capital was very close to their lands.    Closer capital the happier Kalingans.   The Chelans where apathetic about the movement of the capital by the Tripuri, and it showed in the results of the diplomatic effort.   A huge amount of light infantry were brought into the military service it is estimated it was 6,000 but reports are sketchy about such things.    

Uttar Pradesh: 

After a rough war with the Kaunaj the Raj took a much-needed break.  The war had been very brutal but it paved the way hopefully for Uttar Pradesh to become a very powerful Northern Indian nation.  There was the Issue of being boxed in by their neighbors the Bengals and Paramara princes would have to be addressed but for the time being it was a period of rest.  Large amounts of troops were mustered to replace those units lost in the last war and huge amounts of defense emplacements were built in Rajaput and Uttar Pradesh.

Vashpal sent his best diplomat into Rajput to try to gain closer ties with them needless to say this had no affect since the people of the region are pretty displeased by the sheer number of men that were lost to them not that long ago.  No political marriage could be secured for the Raj’s Sister since there is no one of importance in the region that did not give their life in an effort to save their country versus overwhelming odds.

S.E.Asia:

Burma:  CL+1 Rangoon & Akyab, Port City of Songkhla in Kedah

It was a period of growth in the lands of Burma.  The people were content and urban areas were being built and growing as people moved from the countryside into the urban areas to become educated and try to make a better life for themselves.  Three daughters were born to the Burmese royal family one was the Kings daughter and 2 were daughters of the heir to the throne.  There was no lack of small children running around in the Kings house.

Champa:   War with the Khemer and the Nanchao

Khmer:  Champa & Vijaya (P)

A good amount of troops were built.  The King carted them off to war while the Vishnu Primate watch over the home land (the Khemer would probably be very thankful for this). 

April 1035:  King Moves North he know he got none of the regions mercenaries.  He is VERY thankful he had prepared for this possibility.   Champa lands all the Mercenaries, which show up in Vijaya and are ready to move out in April.  Chun Yun leads a very large force of Mercenaries to the south while the Namchao King heads north with a rebuilt army.  Vri Lomo moves on Phanrang.

May 1035:   Namchao arrives in Mison.  Yun arrives in Champa and begins looking for a spot to cross the Mekong. The Khmer king heads into Hmong along with the Nampung ally. VriLomo arrives in Phanrang.

June 1035:  Khmer king heads into Mison with the Mison and Nampung lord in tow. Yun suffers massive Cavalry defections the night before he crosses the river into the Khmer province.  He begins the crossing any way as he has hear that the Khmer province is poorly defended and he is not sure how many of his defections actually went to join the enemy.    

Battle of Mison:  This was a terribly lopsided affair.  King Namchao had hoped to catch the Khmer off guard while the mercenary army drove for the heart of the Khmer realm.  While 8000 men, 4000 Lancers and 4000 Swordsmen, being sent into Mison did cause a bit of a commotion the 10000 mostly heavily armored infantry, including 4000 Royal Guardsmen, really did a number on the attackers.  The Khmer’s 3000 Cavalry matched up well with the Champan cavalry force and the Champan infantry just got mauled.  It did not take too long to send the Champan’s into a full retreat.

Subjugation of Phan Rang begins. 

July 1035:  Closing of the Battle of Mison.  Hmong leader dies crossing the mountains and his troops return home. 

Yun arrives in Khemer province and is set on by assassins but they fail

Subjugation of Phan Rang continues.

August 1035:  Khmer King delivers the troops to the loyal Punareay.  3000 Siege Engineers and another 1000 Infantry.

Attack on the Khemer province begins:

Chou Yun and his personal Elite Lancer Units 1200 strong also accompanying him is an infantry force of 4000 swordsmen from the Zuhken Mountain Tribes and 8000 mixed bow and spearmen from the Bandit kingdoms.

Hand of Vishnu with 1600 Vishnu Warrior monks, 2000 Lancers and 4000 Light Lance also from the Bandit Kingdoms (it is all about the money after all)

Sept 1035:  Conflict begins in earnest in Khmer province and end is a draw.  Yun while a slightly better tactician is really suffering because of his lack of mobility.  The light infantry is just not moving fast enough to stave off the light lancers on a regular basis.  Punareay moves the army into position to invade Champa as the year ends for campaigning.

Subjugation of Phan Rang complete.

April 1036:  Punareay moves into Champa with his huge army.    VriLoma heads into Khmer.

Second battle of the Khmer constant ambushes and harrying of supply lines forces Yun to take a defensive posture.   The Vishnu having heard from their civilian sources that an army is coming up from Phan Rang press the issue with Yun.  The Hand catches Yun in the open on level ground and unleashes all his cavalry on the infantry laden defenders.  Yun puts forth a best effort to have his medium lancers protect the infantry.  It is to no avail as once the infantry were pinned down by the swarming cavalry the Royal Guard moved in and the mercenary army was broken.  All Yun could do is withdraw.

May 1036:  Punareay engages the Champans on their own turf.

Vri Loma begins a half-hearted attack on the Khmer province.  His troops are fresh but he has NO cavalry forces.

The Vishnu army swept Vri Loma away in pretty short order.

June 1036:  Champan King having only Cavalry forces and hearing the news of Yun’s failure decides to go out in a blaze of glory.  He sets up on a battlefield full of summer flowers in bloom.  He allows the Khmer to get situated on the far side of the field and he then orders his men to charge the Khmer kings banner.  The King had not returned home because the battle in his homeland prevented it.  Into the Imperial Guard did the 2000 fearless men charge none survived but the Buddhist will remember them well for their undying devotion to the defense of Buddhist lands.  Thus end the Champan Saga on the field of flowers.

The rest of the cycle was a mop up operation as the Vishnu and the Khmer forces took care of business.

Vishnu of SE Asia:

Supporting the Khmer Kings endeavors abroad the Vishnu vigilantly defended the Holy City.

Malay Confederation:   CL Melaka

Urban Growth in Melaka as well as some rural improvements were the Maylay’s top priorities.

Java: Timor (F)

Much of the cycle was spent in on giant anxious moment hoping nothing bad would happen while the kingdom waited

Waited for the heir to come of age.   At the start of next cycle he will be ready to rule.   In an effort to placate the

Masses upgrades to the infrastructure were initiated in several areas.  This kind of behavior by and advisor made the

people very happy since it meant graft and corruption were not running rampant.

Asia:

Bandit Kingdoms of Hunan:  Waiting, plotting and scheming as bandits always do. 

Shanan – Zhou:  

ZhenZu had accomplished his initial goals in a timely fashion and for that he was happy.  The situation in the North was very precarious as the Steppe barbarians were destroying the once great Sung, Zhenzu knew there was still bite in the wounded Monkey but the precarious mental heath of Cao would probably cause untold troubles in his realm even if he won.  All armies stood at the ready waiting for intrusions that never came.  Apparently the Bandits and Jaingnan were both waiting for something.  Zhenzu was apathetic about what, as he knew it was only a matter of time till their lands paid him tribute.  

Jaingnan:  Waiting

Sung Imperial Domains:  Anhui

Prince Chou Tiberum older and wiser returned to the lands of the Sung he left ten plus years ago.  The lands were in convulsions because of the crazed Chan Cao.  The Steppe nomads were terrorizing the countryside and they  needed a savior.  Chou might not have considered himself a savior but he was able to travel to the lands of Anhui where the Imperial Estates still remained and he lead the province to independence.  The commander of the rather large provencial garrison wept when he saw the sight of the imperial banner approaching.  The people of the province rejoiced and all signs that they had been under Chan Cao’s rule were removed.

Clan Iiachi:

The Iiachi king sat waited and watched.  There was great turmoil in the north and south and he was concerned his nation might fall victim to the tumultuous environment. 

Buddhist Primacy:  Port City of Xing-Tao in Chej Do

Many Buddhist monks showed up on Chej Do Island as the Koreans expected.  The Monks worked diligently for several years founding a Buddhist City around the fortification that the Koreans were constructing.  It was quite a cooperative arrangement and when completed the Koreans occupying the fortress would look down from their walls into the Buddhist community and watch them go about their business.  It was much like the child who watches the ants build a home, as the Buddhist community always was active in the waking hours.

Chou Ding III was asked by Buddha to complete a nearly impossible task.  Build 4 monasteries in one Cycle.    Chou thought Buddha was mocking his resolve and so after assigning the lesser tasks to his subordinates he grappled the responsibility.   He started in Anhui…. the environment was brutal as the lands were wracked with unrest and there was just no chance for him to get the men and materials available to construct the Monastery.  Undaunted he entered into the city of Chiang-ling where he met up with Chou Tiberum.  Chou sat with the leader of the Buddhist church and discussed the evils of Chan Cao.   Chou Tiberium had some issues with the early Buddhist support of Chan Cao but Chou never forsake the religion of the Sung and so he helped Chou Ding III gather the resources to build a Monastery in the city.  Bringing Budda to the people was very important in these trying times.   An abbey was constructed in Hupei and the Monastery was built in the provincial city as well.  Finally off to Hunan and Szechwan.  Things went well for the now exhausted Chou in Hunan but on arrival in Szechwan he had almost nothing left.  The last Monastery was just getting under way when he died tragically in his sleep.  He had given what he could to Buddha but only two Monasteries were completed of the four. 

The Newly appointed Head Monk Kwan Chek was given his new appointment and busied for the entirety of the cycle, as was the Buddhist way.  Sadly for Kwan he met an untimely death in Sufhiene trying to convert the heathens.

Nanchao:  Annam & Tonkin (P), Laos (T)

The lands of the Nanchao were renown for their intrigues.  The Royal family had been long been hateful toward each other and it all came to a head January 13, 1035.   On the night of the 13^th, the King his brother who was the Heir and the King’s son Han were all discussing the future of the Nanchao.  The King and his brother listed to Han several years ago preach for an attack on the Zhou, then the Bandits and this year it was the Champan’s who had taken a serious beating over the last couple of years at the hands of the Khmer.  The Brothers listen and then denied Han his request to seek glory as had been done several times before.  Han stormed out fuming over this latest slight.  Han had not shown all his cards though since he knew the old fools would not agree once again to his brilliant plans.  He took out the parchment signed by the Khmer King and read it again.  The lands of Laos and Annam were to become part of the Nanchao domains.  Fools…The next morning the King and his brother were found dead by mysterious circumstances.  Though the situations was suspicious, nobody bothered to investigate much.  Han’s brothers were promoted and the generals were summoned to swear loyalty to the King, which they did as Han was holding most of the army under his control and business got back to normal.

Han instructed the Generals to prepare for war, which they did and in 1036 the army crossed into a virtually undefended Annam.    Resistance was swept aside some effort was required to take the city but that also was don in and efficient manner and the new King was happy.  The reports of the tenacity of the defenders and their actually numbers were exaggerated back home to make Han appear to be a conquering hero.   The aging General Choung went to Laos after the smashing victory and sealed some diplomatic arrangements with them thus the conquest was complete.

Hsi Hsia: Houma, Shentung and Tangchou (P) 

The Hsia Heir was ordered to stay at home and tend to matters, which didn’t make him very happy, but he knew it is what he had to do as the kingdom was rowing by leaps and bounds.  Kuluki did have the pleasure of getting married and becoming a father while he made sure the empire functioned properly.  Though the society of the Hsi was inherently violent all aspects of a nation were important, Kuluki did his part.

8000 Siege Engineers were equipped for the trek into China.  Prince Suluki would be at the helm and he teased his brother about the fact that he was given the honor of going to war and Kuluki had to stay home.   The many brave men marched off toward their unknown future at the hands of the crazed Red Monkey.  There would be only honor or death for these men because they had the responsibility of clearing out the vast nest of fortifications that littered Honan.  It would be a very unpleasant experience that was for certain.

The king absorbed the provinces gifted to him by his steppe brothers the Liao, and waited for Suluki to arrive.  Suluki’s forces would be critical and the Khan of Wu Hai knew it.  He was a bit disappointed when the Liao showed up with less troops that expected but he was confident that combined the Red Monkey Chan Cao could be subdued. 

Liao:  Shansi EA, Tai’yuan (T)

The Liao decided mercenaries dying for a cause was much more preferable than good Liao citizens so the attempted to hire Monk Xian, unsuccessfully, and a bunch of light Cavalry, successfully.    Liao General Chengelay arrived on the scene and the Liao with their 15,000 mostly Cavalry Army and 4000 Siege Engineers combined with the 14,000 all Hsia Cavalry force and 14,000 man anti-fortification force.

INTO THE LAIR OF THE RED MONKEY:

Year 1:

Chan Cao Cackle maniacally.   He reveled in the opportunity to smite his enemies time and time again, he knew soon that the Liao and the Hsia would come and there would be a great battle which of course he would win in Brilliant fashion and with his great Victory all of Northern China would bow before his might.  Chan Cao had ascended above all others now and viewed him self, in some sick way, as a God.  His complete loss of Buddhist spirituality was pretty disturbing to all those around him and when he ordered all religious institutions in the region and sacked the people got quite upset, unfortunately for those who opposed Chan Cao will they were put to death and hung outside the provencial cathedral in many tortured poses.  It was very grisly sight.  Those who tried to flee the province were also put to death as Chan Cao had pretty much completely lost all grip on reality.  His elite guard in their red tinted armor and on their black as night steeds rode down all who would attempt to flee the realm as well, there were dead everywhere. 

After the province was pretty much destroyed Chan Cao decided that the Holy City was built to honor Buddha NOT the invincible Chan Cao so his storm troopers set about destroying all the items of religious significance in the city.  Many were fleeing across the river when the Korean warships first showed up in the area.   It was a treacherous swim but getting away from an insane madman made the risk worth the chance.  The small Korean fleet was quickly destroyed by the Black Fleet of Chan Cao, everyone was surprised he had ships weren’t they the GM cackles as he was happy he built those last turn.  The Cao fleet was loaded with archers that were peppering all the would be escapees and all the Korean sailors as well.  No one escapes the wraith of Chan Cao!

Tsainan, Kaingsu and Shangtung all revolt and go independent.

Year 2:  The Invasion

Attackers:

Liao

Emperor Sheng-tsung & General Chengaley with 1200 Imperial Guard Calvary, 6000 Heavy Lancers, and a smattering of auxiliary units and 4000 Engineers.  In addition the much traveled 5000 Mercenary Horse Archers.

&

Hsia

Khan Li Te Ming  & General Suluki along with 2000 Imperial Guard Cavalry (in the finest armor Chang’An Steel recently stolen from it now dead owners), 5000 Heavy Lancers, 5000 Light lancers and 2000 Veteran Horse Bowmen on some remarkable steeds.  The First Engineer Corp also came 14000 Strong including 4000 heavily armed Swordsmen with Shield and Armor.

Defending the province:

Chan Cao   & Sub Commander Gi along with a series of 100 Field Fortifications (50FF, don’t freak out) 7400 Imperial Guard Cavalry, 2000 Imperial Guard Infantry, 4000 man Imperial Missile troops and the Bear Clan with its 8000 Horse Archers.

Initial stages of the battle were somewhat hit and miss.  The huge amount of Siege Engineers and their complementary Infantry units were primarily occupied with the field forts in the regions, which they were not really having any problems handling.

Chan Cao was not very happy about the large amount of Siege Engineers he was seeing and the Attackers were not terribly excited to see the Bear clan in full force.  All those light cavalry would be tough to deal with though the Hsia Veteran horsemen and the 5000 Mercenaries that the Liao brought balanced the table pretty well.

The dance had began and the players were all on the floor.  Assassins attempted feebly to off Chan Cao and were unsuccessfully.  Spies from the allies attempted to support their leaders but had little affect as the countryside was locked down by the Tyrant Chan Cao and swarms of troops from both sides.  Now in the heavily cultivated lands of Honan there are not lots of options for interesting battle grounds, there is no lack of wide open spaces and so the armies eventually decided to have at.  July 7^th, 1036.  It was hot and bit wet, it was going to be a messy and probably bloody battle, as obviously it would degenerate in to a melee. Horse archers left early in the morning with full quivers.  The two sides light cavalry contingents completely negated each other out as the sparred back and forth and ended up away from the battle field with empty quivers and each taking about 2-3000 in losses.  Back at the battlefield.  Both sides were a little frustrated at the fact that the light units had essentially wandered off ineffectively.  Chan Cao with his inferior numbers waited thumbing his nose at the allied leaders. 

2000 Imperial Guard Infantry were in the center and immediately behind them were the Missile troops.   On each flank were Cao’s Guard Cavalry looking I must say VERY impressive.  They had a certain fearsome quality about them, probably due to the red tinted armor, that made the allied soldiers not to excited about fighting them.  The allied generals conferred.    Li Ti-Ming drew the Long straw and he opted for the honor of taking on the Guard Cavalry so he split his forces accordingly.  Sheng got the dirty work, charging the center; he was definitely not looking forward to that.

The allies lined up, Sheng launched his attack on the center as the Hsia horse on the flank trotted forward……Cao waited patiently as his missiles poured down on the Liao push in the center.  Sheng was cut down but the charge did not halt as Chengelay carried the push forward.  Cao’s imperial guard was edging forward wanting to slam into the flanks of the Liao charge but Cao held them back.    The Liao hit the Imperial guard very hard but they did not buckle they were very resilient and the missile troops dropped their short bows and pulled their spears from the ground and rushed in to fill the gaps in the center of the line a big melee ensued.  The Hsia hit full stride now.  There had been hope that the Imperial Cavalry of the Red Monkey might collapse in on the center if things went poorly for the Infantry, which it did not.    

Li headed for the flanks and the RM Imperial cavalry counter charged.  Li had about 2000 more men per flank than Cao and he was very happy about that.  The collision was tremendous as both Li and Cao, who was with the Cavalry, forces collided head on.  Anyone who fell of there horse was almost assuredly dead as the heavily armored horses on both sides stamped and reared in the confusion that is a cavalry melee.   Li side decidedly at a slight disadvantage moral wise and strength wise began to falter a bit and so the banner was raised to bring in the light lancers.  Forward the rolled into the existing confusion raising the spirits of the beleaguered Hsia forces.

In the center it was all the Liao General could do to hold things together.  His forces were getting chewed up by the infantry and so he summoned in the auxiliary units in hopes that the tide would swing.  A stalemate continued on the wings as the armies continued to hack each other to pieces.

The Auxiliaries arrived in the center and there was renewed hope, as this battle also became a stalemate.  Many, many, bodies littered the field already and now it was just a matter of time till someone broke……..Finally after at least another 15 minutes of heavy engagement the Red Monkey center broke.  Apparently only a small handful of the Imperial Guard remained and the Imperial Missile troops just couldn’t hold the line any longer.  Chan Cao was livid!  How could this be he was invincible he was sure of it.  Cao pressed one last time to break the stalemate on the wings as he exhorted his men on.  Gi managed to push back the Hsia troops on his flank but the Liao who have not forgotten their Steppe brothers were on them immediately.  Cao just could not shake Li.  The Infantry fled and the Hsia troops on the Left flank withdrew and tried to rally. 

Cao now began to press Li very hard……Li’s troops were at the breaking point and there was essentially nothing Li could do so he engaged the insane General Cao in personal combat.  On the Left flank the Liao were having a difficult time managing against Gi, apparently they were pretty disorganized after battling the infantry for seemingly forever.

Cao relished this opportunity to prove how superior he really was.  Li was a mere mortal and a Lamanist at that, pathetic in the eyes of Cao.  Li was ready to end this fight it had gone on way to long and cost him many more men than he liked to think about, he had been watching Cao when he could and he knew he was Cao’s equal with a sword this would be a good test for both men.  The fighting in the area seemed to almost come to a stand still as the men, Li and Cao, began exchanging blows.  Li hit Cao in the shoulder, which dislodged him from his horse.  Cao now on the ground shouted insults at his horse for betraying him and dumping on the ground like that.  Li could hear the troops shouting and some noise off in the distance just as he moved for Cao.   Cao took advantage of this distraction and removed Li’s leg with a clean blow that cut through armor bone and plunged into the horse killing it too.   Cao’s blade Bone Dancer had worked its magic again in dispatching yet another foe.   This would have been all great as the Hsia began withdrawing apparently on the scene with 2400 Elite Lancers and 2400 Elite Horse archers commanded by Ju Jin had arrived.  Ju Jin hated Chan Cao with a passion and even more now that he betrayed the Buddhist faith.  He helped rally the Hsia, which Suluki was having a difficult time with and then engaged the left wing under Gi and started hammering them with Hsia assistance.  Suluki charged over to the area where his father lay and the Red Monkey commander sounded the retreat.  All armies were in very poor shape, the province was devastated but the Red Monkey was in full retreat.  Cao’s grip was broken. 

The Fleet fled under Admiral Win’s guidance.  It is not known whether Cao was with him on departure or not.  Cao and his son slipped through the cracks, though a madman like Cao is sure not to stay out of site for long if he lives.  General Gi surrendered the city of Kaifeng to the allied armies.  The luster was diminished as it was no longer a Holy City but is was still a prize worth having.

The Red Monkey is no more as Anhui revolts.

Korea:  Fortress Chejudo, Sikhote Cultivated

The Koreans continue to place a high importance on the works of Buddhism.  There is no greater thing than to be a friend of Buddha in Korea.   The Koreans assisted their brother to the west, the Liao, against the Red Monkey and were paid well for their efforts.  <Any rural improvements were carried out this turn mainly additional clearing of land and irrigation systems to assist in the development of a greater agricultural population. 

Japan:  Edo – Rebuilt, Kobe +1CL, Kwanato (NE),  Hokkaido (F)

The Queen took her chances and had a couple of children this cycle while she ruled.  In other news diplomatic overtures to the north bore fruit though that is going to be the last marriage to someone in the Hokkaido clan for quite a while seeming everyone in Hokkaido is in some way related to the royal family.  In a bit of bad news?  The project to colonize Okinawa did not go well.  Apparently no one bothered to organized transports for the NFP’s and gold to be shipped to the Island so nothing was done.  On a side note it was nice to finally not be fighting some kind of civil war in the realm. 

Shinto:  upgraded lots of facilities, +1CL Hei-an

Did good Shinto work and didn’t bother anyone.

Australia:  Eha-Rana Cultivated

Horray for the King he has brought cultivation to the lands of Eha-Rana as well as much in the way of infrastructure and education.  The King is a great guy!

New Zealand:  Hotikika (NT), Otago (NE)

The First High Explorer Departed again for parts unknown.  He return a year and a half later with only his beat up flagship.  He returned none the less thus he got the pick of the women in the city as a gift from the king for a job well done.  That is of course after the king returned from his marginally successful diplomatic trip to the south.  He really wished he had gotten to spend more time with the Otago they knew how to have a good time even if they were pretty stubborn at the diplomatic table.