As made traditional in other LOTE games.

Lord:
Vagabond:

Summer of 1002 was a harsh summer, with very little rain, as a result agro production dropped more then 30%. While it caused people to tighten their belts there was still enough food to go around. A growing feelings among the druids is that it may be time to leave their home because of the harsh weather as of late

The fishing village of Thortix in Komiskoi grew to a level 1 city, and in that same region saw a massive hops and barley fields planted to bolster the high demand for "Celtic Beer"

To the Southeast a new star, grew in brightness till in 1005 it was brighter then all else in the heavens, except for the Moon and the Sun, the wise Druids saw this as an evil omen. 

Kiang’Si was colonized to 2 gpv, and the city of Jinan in Tsainan to lvl . A royal road was built into Hwai, and likewise from Honan into Tsainan.

Princess Lo Mei was out in Honan looking for some new cloths with her royal guards one July night in 1003 when something attacked her and her men. When the city guards managed to arrive they discovered that the bodies of the deceased all had a bright blue coloring to every inch of skin.

September of 1005 LoPan came down with a nasty illness, causing painful swelling of the lymph glands, and red spots on the skin, that by the time of his death 3 weeks later where black. Many blame this on the new star, called ‘Evil’s Eye’ by the peasents due to the eerie red color that it is

Minister Haung Go who was busy in Taiping working with Prince Lo Mein believed that he could the nation better then Lo Hung, decided that this would be the time to make a play for the throne. In the middle of the night he entered the prince’s room and took him prisoner and declared himself the King of China. Prince Lo Mein did manage to escape from his cell, but was caught before he could get out of the city.

Minister Hei Go tried to convince the military in Honan that he was a better choice as king, but the loyal military would have none of that treasonous talk and presented his head to the new king as a sign of their loyalty.

Count Hei Biao, who was busy with negotiations in Yun declared himself King, liking neither the upstart Huang Go, nor the pompous Lo Hung.

Hei Biao believing that he is a better leader the Lo Hung revolts and takes 2 regions with him.

Huang Go revolts and pulls the eastern regions of Liang into his sway.

Xi-Chang built up walls around all the cities who did not have any when rumors of possible horde activity reached his ear. While no attack was seen, many people still felt better that there were walls now.

The crowned prince Chow Lo’Ding was sailing on the Yangtze, returning from securing Hunan’s pledge of friendship when the boat started rocking. The sailors swear that something reached up and pulled the young prince into the river. More then likely he wasn’t holding onto the railing too tightly and when the ship rocked he fell overboard. His body was not retrieved despite everyone looking for it.

Open for new player

The motivated monks spent the whole 5 years working on converting the land holders to follow the Shinto church and had great luck, up to 60% now. Despite there great advancements Rokkaku could not manage to get even a young child to convert, T’sung Ohai faired even worse, while trying to convert a minor noble he was so offensive towards the native religion that he received a public lynching. His battered and broken body was brought by to Heian by the monks. Saka Kenji was able to convert an additional 12% bringing the total percent converted to 72%

Oda Heijo continued the economic boom in his nation the following cities where expanded: Heian to level 9, Koya and Edo to level 4, Kurlis, Yamana, Oki, Aikai, Kanto all to level 3, Kumamoto to level 6, and Asjika to level 3. A new city named Kamiiso on Kurlis was also constructed

Prince Van Qui-on married the lord of Mon’s eldest daughter in 1002AD cementing them into the Champa Empire. Bopha Chann collected the standing troops though out the nations and brought them home to Taowin, soon after he rode into Angor he came down with a nasty cough which took his life in 1003AD,

Taowin’s young bride died in childbirth in 1002AD, sadly the young son joined his mother soon after he was born.

The village of Kuantan grew to a level 1 city in the region of Johor, likewise the village of Bintulu in Sarawak expanded to a level 1 city

Open for new player

Samad  tired of the Gobi desert turned around and headed towards Europe (as if they did not have enough issues to begin with).

Manamar spent a huge amount of manpower improving the region of Utter Pradesh, and spent money improving the army and navy.

Ramitep takes a good long hard look at the books and discovers that the church doesn’t have any holdings in the richest areas of India. To rectify this obvious neglect of the rich he begins to raise churches in the richest areas of India to teach the rich compassion for the poor.

Biloen raised a church in Edrosia and on his way to raise another one in Edrusia he died peacefully in his sleep. Havar died on his way to Havar from old age. Mondova managed to raise a church in Kalinga and Bombay before being called to his next life.

The new star that appeared caused great worry. Many within the church are sure that this is a sign that Shiva is on her way, while others believe this is a blessing of some sort.

RaKah send a letter to governor Manam Warak of Guildenberg that basicilly informed him to pack everything up and get ready to move to a region named Vengi on the other side of the sea. While many were ready to leave the empire when they found out that the who region of Mon was being overrun by the foul Buddist they saw the wisdom of their king.

Rakah paved the road from Palas to Samatata and into Ava to get the whining merchants off his case.

Tahralipiti was expanded to a level 3 city, Raugoon to a level 2, and Rakahon was founded in Vengi

RaKah II went to Burma with his eldest daughter, a whole 15 years old, and married her off to the local chief to sweet talk him into joining the Samanid Empire. Aditya died while leading the men and women out of Guildenberg and to their new home. The loyal Governor took over and lead everyone to their new home, Rakahon in Vengi

Akdar ordered his men to build a new city in Bokhara to call his capital. The village who grew into that city was Baghlan. A new army was raised to guard the new center of the empire as well.

The Merc Raja was hired to help grew the empire as well.

Ogozud, Terror of the Sunni’s, Sacker of Baghdad, Get of Satan.
Diplomacy: None

Ogozud found the news of the dead Alan Merchant troubling. An extensive investigation into the matter of his death and the event leading up to it was launched. While technically in the nations without permission, Ogozud was not so harsh with the Alan’s when dealing about the dead merchant. Ogozud dead body was found one morning in 1002AD, slumped over his work desk. From the clues at the seane it appears he was strangled, however the ‘rope’ marks from the gorrot where icy cold to the touch, even 5 days later as Guzudun laid his father to rest.

1002AD

A real mess suddenly appeared soon after Ogozud’s death, Kirzim sided with Prince Kuzudim and begun trying to oust Guzudun and his loyal general Heledomade. Guzudun barely survived the assassin hired by those who stood against him. By the time he recovered enough to deal with them the duo had fled the city thanks to Heledomade’s ties to the military to keep them from joining with the rebel scum.

Knowing that they where outnumbered (having only managed to upsert 75,000 cavalry headed north to try to pursway the scorned Dzulugu to join their rightous caused (not knowing that he had been freed and had already made it down to Mansuria at the death of Ogozud. When they entered Armenia Sulan ibn Alzem Tahin approached them under a flag of truce.

"If you seek the foolish Dzulugz your previous master managed to free him, we last saw him heading south. We have heard of your revolt, and if you’d be interested in making a deal me and my men would be somewhat interested in joining you, if you are looking to assault Baghdad that is."

Dzulugz, cursed his poor fortune yet again while traveling though Sini towards Mansura, those that freed him have him 2 scrolls. The first with his orders to walk the land and then tend horses, the other a written report on what was said in royal court. His blood burned at the humiliation that he suffered. Little did he realize the change in his future was so near.

Enter Bokunutu he knew something was not right, women wore the close of morning, men talked in hushed voices. When he heard of the death of the old king he knew what had to be done, revenge would be his!

1003AD

The Trio now had amassed 75,000 Cavalry and 23,500, march for Baghdad

Dzuligz, having no nations troops realizes there is no way he could capture Baghdad and opts to set himself up as a King in Mansura.

1004AD

Guzudun, who wanted to chase the rebel’s down and hunt them like the worthless dogs they are, was surprised that General Heledomade’s advice was correct when he recommended waiting for the rebel’s would be the wisest course of action.

The Rebel’s entered Mesopotamia in May of 1004, and there the royalist where waiting with 167,000 cavalry of various training levels, 9,500 infantry, 54,000 bow men and 100 small forts and castles with 3 leaders of their own (the Kings brother who was bringing slaves to Syria stopped what he was doing and returned when word of his fathers death reached him). The Royal’s had the advantage in troops and ground, but were they were truly outclassed by the military mind of Kuzudim. However just before the engagement a small note reached the rebels from within the city saying: Your not alone, we have taken some measures to help you, watch for us.

The engagement was harsh for both sides. The bows of the of the Buryat were sabotaged hindering their effectiveness somewhat limiting them to only killing 10,500 cavalry in the initial attack. The rebels managed to match the Buyrat in kills for the first hour or so, but quickly started to loose ground due to sheer numbers. Late in the evening the rebels knew they had to retreat there was no way they would be able to overcome the army against them. The night of the called retreat was full of chaos. In the middle the retreat suddenly the field forts who have been the death of so many rebels started to fire at the loyalist’s. In the confusion the followed Kirizim was killed by Guzudun himself, Guzudun in turn was wounded from an arrow fired from a fort, likewise Kuzudim lost his life from yet another fort arrow. Prince Bugzulwas killed by an Armanian infantry.

Sulan ibn Alzem Tahin managed to leave Mesopotamia with 6,500 infantry and 3,000 Cavalry and headed home. Heledomade let the rebels leave without chase for he had to find out why the forts fired upon his men. When they reached Baghdad he found that the walls where manned and where firing at him. It seemed that the Snake Allie had reverted true to form and was laying low after Ogozud’s death and subverted the siege troops that where left to defend the city (since they do so poorly in open field combat)

The siege of Baghdad was yet another mess. Tired of the battles and down right full of blood lust that would do a Viking proud Heledomade ordered an active siege on the fair city. His bow men that where left where enough eventually overcome the Siege troops in Baghdad itself and entered the city. Allie had managed to escape during the seige. Most of the city was undamaged, some city levels and public works where lost due to some looting done by slaves and free people alike (free money when no one is looking, you know the drill). Of interest was the fact that a large tower that some local Jew’s claimed their Rabbi owned, who apparently lost his life in the fire.

Heledonmade, promoted himself as regent until Guzudun eldest boy is old enough to rule

The following regions revolted; Ahaz, Bostra, Dash Kavir, Mand, Arbiliq, Media, Persia, Petra, Siani, Diyal, Kuwait, Syria, Mosil., and Jordon

Tired of living in the shadows he leads a few renegade troops of the Buryat and some remains of the great Abbasidian Empire. Edessia and Arabiliq who joined with Kuzudim rebelled against Sulan when he took over the nation

Not content to watch horses Dzulugu begins his own nation.  

Ak-Keem oversaw his small nation who Allah be praised has had no bad news to report, in fact very little of anything happened, except for Farmer Boris in Saksiny grew a 10 pound carrot.  

A new library was built in Kaupung to house the growing knowledge that the church has been collecting. No less then 7 bishops where dispatched to the Frankish Kingdom of Germany to aid in the last steps of the conversion before the Mongol’s could do more damage.

Hrafnkell mobilized for war, gathering 52,000 troops and marching into Fredricks-Fort in mid 1003 set to defend his allies capital from the rampaging hoard.

Angus turned up missing in 1003, late in 1004 he was found half-necked and babbling in the center of Stonehenge. Later he claims to have no memory on how he got there, or what he was doing.

The next morning the Book was missing as well as some loose jewelry and gems from the University vault. The door on the vault was found to have been unlocked somehow.

Henri spent his efforts on consolidating his regions and finding two fitting young ladies, one to be his new bride, and the second to be his son Robert’s wife, both were happily married by 1004AD.

 The last of the original Roman Catholic nations converts to the Norse Christian faith. Moravia revolted, but Brunn stayed loyal to the Kingdom

Things did not look good to begin with. First the lush fields of Bavaria the farmers in Thrace claimed that would be ideal for the Mongol’s were in fact covered with forests, his allies hungry and demanding gold, and his wife was demanding silk. Some days it just doesn’t pay to be the Khan I guess.

Tagis decided that this was not where they needed to be, so he ordered his men to move out and begin raiding anew. The Ally from Dzamin Uud challenged his right to rule, Tagis was winning, all of a sudden an assassin from the woods shot Jagun (heir who was 12 at the time) and Tagis. Dzamin, knowing his new allies came through yelled to his men to attack all those loyal to Tagis.

The battle was more confusing them anything else. Dzamin was out manned and his Norse masters never sent more help then those assassins. In the end Tagis won and those who were thinking of leaving where pushed into being more loyal to their khan.

Bavaria was raided (again), as was Austria, Bohemia, and Moravia. The Mongols end in Moldavia to plot their next move

Cedric rode to defend his nation from the Idrisids, while he returned he buried his son Jehone. 

Cedric was blessed with a visit from his Holy Father Irenicus in 1005, now maybe Lyonnais will get some help fending off the heathens to the south!

Ricardo stood looking over the troops under his son’s command. He knew that should things go as expected many may never return, yet they were willing to take such action to ensure that the Republic would earn a trustworthy ally.

"Men, to make sure there is no confusion  I will tolerate no looting, raping or pillaging in Swabia or Switzerland as my armies travel through. The Frankish Kingdom of Germany has asked for some help, and since they have always been honest and open when dealing with the Republic, we will not stab them in the back. If you remember our history many of our families where once part of the Frankish Kingdom of Germany back when she went by the name of the Eastern Franks, true we did revolt and formed the Austrian Kingdom for a few years. When they tried to reclaim Austria they tried to negotiate terms for a peaceful end, but to no avail. In the short war they were tough fighters, but fair. Most of our families stayed, however some like my own left. In many ways they are our brothers. With that in mind I have signed an alliance with our brothers the Frankish Kingdom of Germany. Also while you are out, do not mess with the Norse should you see them, they are allies of the Frank’s and as such should be treated as friends, despite the havoc they have incurred Italy in the past."

Diplomatic relations with the Idrisids where opened, some Roman’s were a little leery of this move, but Ricardo knew that should more ‘fires’ start he would need some allies that could be trusted.

Irenicus when visiting Rome tried to get an audience with the President. He was politely informed by the Roman Ministry of Foreign Affairs is that matters of state were keeping him very busy and while he would love to entertain the Pontiff he just could not get away from these matters at this point in time. However much to Irenicus ire Ricardo had offered all hospitality to diplomats of the Idrisids, Franks, and Norse Empire soon after the Pontiff had headed to Lyonnias.

Balisarius, the ally from Vaspurakan, passed away in the night while doing diplomatic work in Pontus. With the long history of service the people of Vaspurakan choose to become completely integrated into the Empire.

Emperor Alexander II received a rather frantic Minister of Finance late in the evening of July in 1003.

This news caused a massive hoarding of the ‘new’ money that was minted, the outer regions saw some minor rioting, but thus far nothing the local guards couldn’t deal with. So far the guilt party have not vet been found.

Irenicus saw to the expansion of the church in ways that have not been seen in almost 100 years. Irenicus’s attempt at implementing a 5% tithe of the Roman Republic failed due to the hard feelings that the Roman churches feel towards the Eastern Empire. The Kingdom of Lyonnais excepted the 5% tithe when Irenicus himself visited in 1005.

Irenicus’s only down side was in Verona where the worried Norse Christian people would not let him and his men enter the city, but were ‘kind’ enough to escort the monks who had been living in a church before they burned that church down. No holy relics where stolen or destroyed, other the church that is.

The Church officials seem to be worried about the bright dark red star that has appeared in the sky.

Erick worked on shuffling his nation’s holdings to better figure out who is paying their taxes and who isn’t Polovotsy was wooed into declaring itself to friendly. Novgorod was a boom in public works.

The military in Polovotsy got a rude awaken to thunder in 1004, the Kashgar hoard ran to within miles of the boarder and then turned away.

Zygmunt, a young Earl in Kauyavia known for his hatred of the ‘white snow Devils’ of the north grew tired of waiting for the next Norse raid. In 1001 he and his large (compared to the other Polish armies) army headed north into Pomerania and camped on the shore of the Baltic sea, setting up a trap for the Norse. When the locals heard of this they flocked to him and asked to join. Word of the uprising spread like wild fire, Lausatia pledged their full support without Zygmunt even being seen there.

Zygmunt did see military action, even though not against the evil slave-driving Vikings he had been expecting. In Poland the local Eastern Orthodox priest was preaching that Poland should not side with Zygmunt, but rather form their own nation and stay true to the faith as opposed to the false teachings of the Catholic Church. When word of this reached his ears, Zygmunt was enraged. Gathering all his troops and he stormed into Poland and started putting men to the question of their faith. Every Orthodox male was forced to convert or suffer death by hanging. Poland’s minor nobility was split as to what to do, some fearing the Vikings more then eternal damnation converted and sent troops to help Zygmunt, others lead their troops to the field and died like men, a few escaped for a short time to Little Poland

Little Poland also was put to the sword but there the nobility was fully behind Zygmunt’s actions.

While slave raiding in Aquatani the whole of the Lyonnais military struck. While they had the advantage in surprise that’s about all they had. The Battle of Cortez happened just outside that city. Mulay had his bloodthirsty 25, 000 Heavy horsemen who where already busy collecting slaves when Cedric road in and attacked with 15,000 Infantry, 1,000 light Cavalry, 2,500 Heavy Cavalry and 7,500 Cavalry. Mulay had managed to get the majority of his men on the field to fight off the Franks, when they broke and started retreating the Idrisids attacked with renewed vigor. Cedric managed to escape, but his son, and crowned prince died on the field that day.

Prince Tahman body was found in Sicily, his broken body had been run through by what appears to have been tusks, other then that and a strange feeling of wrongness in the area he was found no signs of elephants or any other tracks where found. In Sardinia Princess Fatima was found, her body ice cold to the touch and her whole body blue from the cold, the funny thing was it was July when she was found.

The prince Ibrahim ibn Akeem, a charismatic young man, was sent to the Norse Franks court to establish a good relationship with their new neighbors. The Princess Layla who was originally going to accompany her brother was, well lets just say she was caught in a compromising situation and has been condemned to work in the university of Fez for a indefinite amount of time. 

Ali sent out messages to the growing number of Moslem nations making a case for a Jihad against the heathens in Baghdad, the very same devils that sacked Mecca must be punished for their evil acts.

The thought of making a temporary peace with the Followers of Christ has started to grow among many of the faithful.

Ali send many holy men to Fez to expand the city for the Idrisids, and increased the churches sway there, causing the Abby to grow into a Monistary

Open for new player

The holy men managed to convert Ezrum 100% to Coptic Christian. Thebes is now at 83% and Reichtag a lowly 40%. The city of Brandy grew to a level 9 city, Faxum to 5, Erivan to 6, and Falcon to 3.

His Holiness Emperor Alex announced that no Coptic followers will be raided for slaves while preaching to the people of Erivan. This announcement was greeted with cheers and a few jeers as well. By the year 1004 the whole of the city converted over. However while leaving the city a beggar lunged at him and slashed his throat. The Guards tried to save the king but they where unable to stop the bleeding. The Moslem beggar managed to escape capture.

By 1005 AD Aden saw 2,500 Heavy Bowmen, 2,500 Light Cavalry, and 4,500 Infantry wander in from the desert.

Prince Bahboo before he died near the ruins of Jerusalem send a brief note to Alex, rumor has it he had discovered something. The ally from Reichtag died as he was about to slave raid Transkei, his son stepped forward to serve in his fathers place.  

Crowned heir Oscar was sent to the Arabian Peninsula and to gather more slaves, and if he should find the troublesome horde to crush them like the fleabags they are. Of course he found them, as they where one the look out, and yet again the forces clashed near Al Ghaydah. The Omansi waited until Oscar and his men where in the middle to the slave raid to attack, but Oscar was told to expect that so the Omansi only managed a slight advantage.

The Omansi Sultan, Amir Al-Fahl, had 14,500 light Infantry, 25,000 light Horsemen and 14.000 Cavalry. Oscar had 7,000 Bowmen, 13,500 Infantry, 3,500 heavy Cavalry, 7,500 light Cavalry, and 5,000 of the famed Boliafna heavy bowmen. The bow fire killed 3,500 light horsemen before the lines engaged. Oscar was so out of his league not only in military tactics, but being a desert his men had no idea how to effectively fight in a group with the sifting sand. In the end Oscar and 6,500 Infantry managed to get back to the boats.

After his resounding defeat, Oscar was sure his father would at least strip him of the crown, if not have him killed. In desperation Oscar decided the only way out of this was to go to Faxum and overthrow his father. When he landed in Brandi he learned, much to his sorrow that his father had escaped him by dying to a filthy Moslem knife. Quickily he rounded up his men, and either killed, imprisoned or bribed them to keep silent about his planed coupe de ta, yet the rumors still circulate.

Dogambia and Gambia where Cultivated.

Tusyam is not 10% Sunni.

Coby managed to get another 20% of the lords of Marampa to convert. In fact his speeches of Allah has resulted in people from near by regions to come and listen. Bombi and Susu both have converted 2% just from his activites within Marampa

Talen took some time off to play with his children and plan the growth of his nation.

Monks of the church spent much time doing good deeds to strengthen the nations catholic tendencies.

Paul ordered a census to be taken so that he could report to Abraham how many faithful live on the other side of Africa. The city of New Rome, seat of the growing Faya Empire expanded to a level 3 city.

In 1003AD Mathew, founder of the Faya Empire passed out during dinner and never opened his eyes again. Paul, Mathew’s grandson and heir took the crown.

Abraham spent most of the churches resources building his web out so that he could assist the Faya Empire.

Harry started by taking his small military and forcing all the areas that follow him to convert. This did not do over so well and he got a spear to the gut for his effort. His sidekick, Shaka took over and continued his old friends plan and converted all the regions.

Grey Cloud  ordered some parks to be built in the capital so that his children could do something other then climb over him all day.

 Hidden Elk laid low and enjoyed his small nation

 Raging Elk died in his sleep in 1002 and his son took over raiding the regions along the Snake and Ohio river

 Ipai was colonized to a 1/2 region. The cities of Angel Valley and Chumash were expanded to level 2, while Shining Sea, Big Bluff, and Twin Peaks where all expanded to level 3 cities.

The capital of Odette was expanded to a level 5 city, and saw many parks and statues raised for the people.

Cap’n Crunch and Tikitikatika where sent out in a hush-hush mission, only Tikitikatika came back ‘alive’. He no longer seems to be as bright as a carrot now. Something bad happened to him, that much is sure.

Oblong spent his time in the city of Emily poking around, and managed to find a few copper pieces laying around

D’Argo was given the Empires newest fleet (what with the old fleet stranded in Africa with no leaders) and sent to Africa, once there he pulled out a strange blue gem that had a reddish flash when pointed to the north. D’Argo and his troops followed the pulsing, stopping in Mali and Ghana to meet the locals, having Tea with Akeem, and followed the Gem to Harvik. There they where firmly told to stay in their boats until King Hrafnkell returned from his glorious crusade.

Nobunga yet again proved his inability to conduct a successful diplomatic mission spending 2 years in Tepuztec and was unable to get then to agree to anything more then an Economic treaty. Copil had much better success in the forest’s of Tamaulipec.

Military advancements where seen by the infantry troops.