Lords of the Earth 

CAMPAIGN TWENTY-FOUR (OLD WORLD) 

The Age of the Crusades

Turn 38

1186 ~ 1190 Anno Domini
547 ~ 551 in the year of the Hegira

Announcements and items of note

General Stuff: Please use my Paypal account (stephenbrunt@yahoo.co.uk) for all Lords’ 24 payments. If you cannot use this facility then please let me know and I will see what I can do about filtering US funds to my account. I may also stop using the throneworld email address due to the mass of spam I’m getting!

 

A note on Hordes and other NPNs: Hordes and normal Open Empire NPNs are very reluctant to attack Player Nations or other NPNs until such a time as their activation level (not known by Players) reaches a certain value or there are no independent regions available. At this time they will compare MSIs and determine if it’s worth attacking. At the moment we’ve got two hordes that are very close to this (the Eflaks and the Wadai). They have been spending the past few turns gathering strength and will soon be ready to strike. I’m letting you know this as it’s different to usual Lord’s play. Also when a horde or NPN attacks it will go for the richest nation first. In the case of NPNs this usually means adjacent nations, for hordes it’s the richest in its geographical area. For example, the Eflaks now stretch from Western Europe to Eastern Europe. The Wadai from Africa to North Africa.

 

Version 6: Lords 24 uses version 6 of the basic rules

 

The Map: The map now includes India as well as Europe, Central Asia and Africa. However, Indian nations are not yet available for play.

 

Tithes and Tribute: I think these are automatically updated by the stats program, so no need to declare them in your orders.

Control of the Papacy and Religious Orders: In Lords 24 we will not always have a player Pope (or Caliph etc for that matter) and the following rules are used to determine which player faction controls the Pope’s actions, Papacy Rules. I’ve also added some stuff about gaining support from their armies

How to make your GM happy (PLEASE READ! REALLY!):

Please send any and all Lords24 correspondence to lords24gm@throneworld.com or stephenbrunt@yahoo.co.uk .

LORDS 24 WEB RESOURCES 

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VARIOUS FEES AND LEVIES 

At the moment the turns cost $5 – please pay up of you owe

We are using the latest v6.3.5 of the basic rule book that can be found here

http://lords.throneworld.com/players/loterule/rules.html

Turn 39 Orders due by:  April XXnd 2008

Without further ado, the news for these years in Lords 24 history...

EASTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries

Leaders:

Mustafa of Rum M996

Troops:

23c,2hec,10xc,14i,4xi, 1xei,3ct,5rw

AQRs:

i5, c6, s5, w3

 

The Rum Khanate of Turkiye

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Crisias, Khan of the Turkiye

Three more elephant archer brigades were recruited from India along with eight hundred horse. The Turks gained increased expertise in counter-assassination. All of Crisias’ effort went into persuasion – the city of Chrysopolis in the newly conquered Paphlagonia was subjected to his attentions and an offer was made to marry the daughter of the local nobility. Chrysopolis was a loyal Byzantine outpost and although their loyalty was weakened, they still remained part of that beleaguered empire. Alp Arslan continued with the siege of Paphlagonia’s fortress and managed to quickly force surrender from the starving defenders. The rich lands of Isauria were persuaded to rejoin the Khanate after much effort from Rustum and Osmanli. Bishop Asculias’s efforts in converting the few Moslems in Lydia met with no success.

The Western Roman Empire

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Theodotus, Emperor of the West Romans

Four thousand cavalry were raised in Macedonia and given to the Bulgarian general Peter. The Emperor then commanded Peter to take the elite of the army of West Rome and banish the Uighurs from Thrace. Peter was very nearly successful but the overwhelming Turkish numbers forced him back from Thrace.

The Western Uighur Khanate

(Sunni Islam Civilised Open Empire)
Khagan Jirghiz

Jirghiz oversaw the building of a port fortress on the Mare Negri coast of Trace. The conversion to Islam was completed in 1187 when the entire Khanate took up the faith. Trade was started with the Eflak tribes through their border at Dubruja. Jengez had control of eight thousand men on the alert for any Byzantine or western intervention when Peter the Bulgarian descended from Macedonia in an attempt to force the Turks out of Thrace. Jengez was no match for the Bulgarians and killed along with his entire army. The Bulgarian force of twelve thousand cavalry suffered minimal losses. Heraclea fell easily to the Khagan’s force of twenty three thousand and the Byzantine general Stephanos captured. The population of the city were spared the sword but forced to accept Turkish overlords to govern their affairs. Jirghiz then turned to the Bulgarian threat. The overwhelming numbers of the Uighurs took their toll and despite Peter’s magnificent leadership, the Bulgarians were forced back to Macedonia. Their losses numbering eight thousand to the Uighur’s one.

Elsewhere in Eastern Europe

The Grand Duchy of Moscovy comes into being, claiming the lands left by the Rus if Kiev when they pulled back from their far-flung borders. The Great Bolgar Khanate is formed from the tribes left in the Uighurs wake, stretching down to the Caspian Sea. While not occupied with Uighur and Islamic aggression, the Byzantine Emperor saw fit to expand his overseas territory into Lybia. Slovakia, Torki, Khazar and Urkel all join the Khan of the Eflaks. In Poland, Pinsk, Prussia, Lithuania, Volhynia and Lausatia all rebel as Duke Ziemowit tries to control his wayward subjects. Control over Lithuania is re-established and the postal road out to Bialoweza is completed. A new road is started towards Danzig.

 

 

THE MIDDLE EAST

Mercenaries

Troops:

 5c,5xc,9i,5ct,5rw

AQRs:

 i5, c6, s5, w3

 

Heyrenik'un Armeniam

(Roman Catholic Barbarian Non-Player Nation)
Hieriea Amirspala

A time of contemplation and planning.

The Buwayid Sultanate

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Sufyan ibn Awud

Sufyan raised two thousand elite cavalry in Mesopotamia and a further two thousand light supporting cavalry. Ten light warships were commissioned in Antioch. Gains were made in the quality of the Buwayid infrastructure. A postal road was completed between Raqqa and Ahvaz. The Sultan oversaw the affairs of his lands and was blessed with a daughter in 1188. Omar moved to Fars and gained some support from these lands before his death in 1187. Abdul-Nur was unsuccessful in persuading the Cilicians to join the Sultanate due to his early death in 1187. Abd-al-Raziq also died this cycle but saw some gains in Shiraz after the city pledged minimal tribute to the Sultanate.

Ar Rassid Imamat as Sa'Na

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Sheik Ibraham

Gains were made in the Imamat’s infrastructure. The Sheik’s proposed expedition into Kilwa was cancelled due to lack of rutters to the Cape of Delgado. Eight new warships were built in Jakhaila and eight hundred foot raised in Aden.

Al-Khulafa'ur Rashidun

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Mustafa, the Righteous Caliph

The Caliph was prepared to lend his considerable aid to increasing the size of Al’Qadi, Madiera and Mahidia. Worried about the defence of these cities and the loss of their walls, the Akramids and the Ummayads declined his offer and only Al’Qadi under Ayyubid rule was increased. One hundred new light warships were built in the dockyards of Antioch and crews found for the captured Byzantine triremes. Grain was sent to the Akramids and gold to the Buwayids and the Cypriot Order. Missionaries were active in Thrace, Isauria and Dobruja and the Caliphate managed to convert the Uighurs fully to Islam. Mosques were built throughout the Iberian Peninsula and out into southern Arabia.

 

 

NORTH AFRICA

Mercenaries

Troops:

 4c,10xc,10i,5ct,5rw

AQRs:

 i5, c6, s5, w3

 

The Ayyubid Sultanate

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Haqikah, Widow of Badr III, Regent to Prince Jel-laddin

Old Prince Zahid died in 1186, leaving his troops in the Palermo garrison. The infrastructure of Mansura was greatly improved as was that of the Levant. A port fortress built in Sicily, on the Ionian Sea, and further fortifications were dotted along the Sicilian coast as a deterrent to Christian invaders. Badr also raised four thousand light infantry and commissioned thirty triremes in Alexandria. The clergy of the Sultanate was increased and some converts made in Sicily and Adulis. Badr himself died in 1188 and control of the Sultanate passed to his wife, Haqikah, while his eldest son Jel-laddin was still in his minority. The old Sultan still managed to sire two sons before his death. The lands of Syria and Lebanon, along with the cities of Tyria and Damascus were reduced to allies. The royal road down from Al’Qairah to Mount Sinai was completed. Mankides al Greki gained further support from Mount Sinai as the city pledged military support. Faruq Dharr sailed to Sicily to deliver reinforcements to Prince Zahid. He returns to Alexandria to protect trade routes. Mashara has no success in persuading Kurman to join the Sultante.
 

The Cypriot Pirates

(Sunni Islam Seafaring Religious Order)
Ladrow, Grand Commander

Over three thousand light infantry were raised in Alexandria and twenty ships commissioned there for Ali. Prince Abd Al-Aziz remained in Egypt to oversee the affairs of the Order. He married Najli, the daughter of Ali, and managed to sire a son. Prince Hassan ordered the construction of a new Preceptory in Alexandria Ali look towards defence of the Order by patrolling the Gulf of Cyprus out of Alexandria. The Imam, Abduhl, oversaw another Preceptory build in Egypt. A Order House was build in the city of El’Gitar.

 
 

WESTERN EUROPE

 

Mercenaries

Troops:

 35c,5hec,12hei,28i,4s,4ct,14rw

AQRs:

 i5, c5, s4, w4

 

Heiliges Romisches Reich

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Frederick Barborossa, Holy Roman Emperor

Barbarossa continued to oversee his growing empire, siring two sons with his wife Sventa. Brankoening’s efforts to gain closer ties with the Duchy of Burgundy met with no success but the efforts of Bruno in Bavaria, Muttaer Kramer in Bremen and Marwin in Lausatia were successful and those lands gained closer ties with the empire. A postal road was built from Thuringia down to Franconia whilst Franconia saw a great influx of German settlers.

Jarldom of Orkeneyjar

(Roman Catholic Seafaring Open Empire)
Wulgar Bjornson, Jarl of Orkney

Old Bjorn finally passed away at the age of ninety-two; some say he was waiting for his wife, the formidable Mathilde, to go first so he could relive the excess of his youth! The desolate region of Poitou was given to the Normans confirming the Orkneys desire to avoid continental entanglements. On Bjorn’s death, his son Wulfgar becomes Jarl and names his brother Sven Bjornson as his heir. Hildegard Domnalldatter is persuaded to assist in the affairs of court. The old Jarl of Iceland, Sven Olafson, also dies during this cycle. The Faeroes were fortified and Wulgar, along with his wife Bjork, saw to the garrisoning of the island and the city of Thorhavn. Wulfgar then travelled to Iceland to collect the Icelandic fleet of over eighty light warships and a small marine force. The garrisons of Iceland and Thingvellir were rationalised and Wulfgar returned home to Kirkval to oversee the defence of the Jarldom and the increase of his family. Sven, aided by Harald, persuade the lord of Armagh to ally with the Orkneys. Meanwhile, Feric and Strom attempt to persuade the inhabitants of Clonfert to move north, out of the reach of the Saxons in Munster. The gentle persuasion had little effect so the city was sacked by the Vikings and left in ruins for the English.

Kingdom of Svear

(Roman Catholic Seafaring Open Empire)
Erik Gustafson, King of the Svear

A time of reflection in the northern lands.

Norman Kingdom of France

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Fulbert, Regent to the young Louis VII, King of France

A new city was built in Limousin called Limoges. Nearly eight hundred foot were raised and assigned to Bishop Abelard as he moved to take possession of desolate Poitou from the Orkney Vikings. Two sons were born to Fulques as he oversaw the Kingdom.  Gains were made in the quality of the French intelligence services. Fulques dispatched the eloquent Alain down to Languedoc to persuade the impoverished Burgundians to form closer ties with their northern neighbours. The marriage offer to Princess Marie came to nothing as she died of the flux before Alain set off south. Despite this setback, the Burgundians were only too pleased to pledge a full alliance with the French.

Principality of Salerno

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Amadora Castillo, Princess of Salerno

Ricardo Castillo dies in 1190 and his wife Amadora takes over until Ricardo’s son comes of age. Missionaries were active in Sicily and Palermo and met with some success in the city. Castillo himself had manged to complete the census of Salernese lands before his death.  Migual Urbano, Antonio Soliesti  and the Bishop Benigni were active in Verona. After much negotiations, the city-state promised to provide Naples with a yearly tribute. Urbano died in 1188 after slipping from a carelessly parked gondola.

Saxon Kingdom of England

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
John, King of England

Gains were made in the quality of Saxon cavalry, intelligence and clergy. The cities of York, Land’s End and Portchester grew in size while many Cogs were put to use on trading between England’s many ports. English missionaries were active in the far north, bringing the Shetland islanders closer to god. Edward spent his last years ruling his kingdom from the Tower of London before dying peacefully and handing over to his son John. Cornwall was brought fully into the Kingdom through the efforts of Prince George. The Duke of Mercia died supervising the defence of Munster.

The Akramid Caliphate

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Mohamed, Caliph of the Akramids

Fortresses were raised in Salamanca and Talavera and a new city built in Salamanca called Lyssa. The garrison of Seville was increased by eight hundred men. Mohamed becomes Caliph and takes over from his uncle in defending the Caliphate. His brother Price Mohaman followed him to the Akramid court. Tavar’s efforts in Sardinia came to nothing when the Spanish invaded and converted the island to Christianity. Rithman continued the diplomatic push in Salamance. Imam Suliman and Akbar gathered a large part of the Caliphate’s army from Mohmed and with this force of over six thousand gathered up the garrisons of Andalusia, Granada and Estremadura before moving into Leon. The Count of Leon was mercilessly butchered and his forces destroyed before his subjects were made to convert to Islam or die. Next the city of Leon was easily overrun and sacked before the Imam moved back to Andalusia.

Elsewhere in Western Europe

The religious order Le Milice du Anacletus moved out into France with houses being built in Nivernais, Nerdone, Orleans and Limousin. Sardinia was annexed by Spanish forces and then forcibly converted to Catholicism. The same was done in Gefara. The city of Olbia was constructed from loyal Spaniards of Norse extraction. Postal roads were built out into Aragon and Old Castile in an attempt to better govern the Kingdom. Pope Urban oversaw the construction of churches in Spoleto, Apulia, Liguria and Genoa

 

AFRICA

 

Mercenaries

Troops:

 20i, 13c, 5s, 5w, 5t

AQRs:

 i5, c4, s3, w1

 

Usama-Yoruba Onium of Ibo

(African Pagan Civilised Open Empire)
M'Bwanza, The Curious, King of the Ibo

Gains were made in the quality of the Iboan assassins. Large works were constructed in Niete to further increase the prosperity of those lands. M’Bwanza raised a great army of twenty thousand spearmen and assigned them to his son, A’Damana. A’Damana already had a considerable army of ten thousand spearmen and together with the new recruits set off to conquer Songhai. They were met after crossing the border into the Songhai lands at Goroul by the Songhai army of five thousand cavalry and four thousand spearmen. The Songhai leadership was poor and their troops outnumbered but they managed to fall back in good order from the Iboan onslaught. They were pursued into Goroul City and finally eliminated.  It was just a matter of time before the rest of the Songhai lands fell to the invaders. Sudan, Segu and Ghana as well as the cities therein fell to A’Damana Only Songhai itself held out and their besieged king offered surrender terms.

Elsewhere in Africa

The Adjou Aba convince the Alwil Bedouin to join them as they take control of the lesser tribes of the Adwaghost and the soft farmers of Senegal. The Coptic Emirate of Air push into the desert sea by claiming dominion over Tahoua. The Ayyubid Bedouin, pushed to breaking by Spanish and Byzantine greed burst out of the deserts of Lybia only to be subjugated by the mighty Wadai. The Wadai themselves move further into the desert by claiming Agades and Ghat-al-Barket. Sennar is enslaved and settled by loyal Bedouin.

Central Asia

Mercenaries

Troops:

 10i, 5c, 5s, 5w, 5t

AQRs:

 i5, c4, s3, w1

Elsewhere in Asia

 

The mighty empire of the Phoenix Sung expands outwards into Ganzhou, Nanling and Lingtung. Communications to these remote areas is provided by newly built roads and the clearing of land for rice paddies. Goryeo is forced northwards in the desolate regions of Ch’in, Chi-jing and Sikhote. Some gains are made in the island of Hokkaido. Samatata and Kalinga are taken and brutally converted to enlightenment by the Thatonese. The Shogunate of Minamoto claims the islands of the Kazan Retto. Iwo Jima is built on the greatest of these volcanic rocks.