Lords of the Earth

CAMPAIGN TWENTY-FOUR

The Mongols

Turn 41

1201 ~ 1205 Anno Domini
563 ~ 566 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!

Order Form: Please use the standard excel order form from now on. I’ll update the site with a link to it next week when I get some time. This is important as it helps me process the turn more quickly. THIS IS NOW MANDATORY.

Non-Payment: some of you still owe me some cash. Although it may come as surprise that this is not my main source of income, I see it only polite that you pay for the occasionally night out. So, if you’re under zero next turn I’ll not process you orders.

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. I’ve greyed out repeated areas on the maps to make my life easier. However, this means some player nations are split across more than one map. I may increase the size of the main map but I’ll have to think on this.

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!):

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LORDS 24 WEB RESOURCES

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VARIOUS FEES AND LEVIES

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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 42 Orders due by: August 7th 2008

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

EASTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Leaders:	Mustafa of Rum M996
Troops:	45c,33xc,40i,5xt,5xw
AQRs:	i5, c6, s5, w3

The Varangian Rus f Kiew

(Orthodox Civilized Open Empire)
Izyaslav, King of the Rus

The postal road network was expanded with the route being cleared up to Chernigov. The necessity to build a bridge over the Dnepr caused the work to slow. Izyaslav married from the local nobility and was blessed with a daughter. Several large cogs were built and added to the nation’s fleet. The ships were then deployed on trade up the Dnepr. King Izyaslav was governing with governing his wide domain and tasked his aides to help in this task. The city of Novogorod-Seversk was built on the route between Chernigov and Saratov by local traders of Seversk. The Dnepr itself swelled in size during these years and became navigatable all the way to Tver.

The Western Roman Empire

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

While Theodotus saw to the defence of Thessaloniki, Alexander of Larissa raised a force of six thousand horsemen and gathered the remaining Roman army from Bosnia. He moved down to Serbia to protect the border from the Uighur and guide any fleeing Macedonians to Ochridia. Alexander blamed Theodotus for the abysmal effects of the Uighur invasion and now at the head of a mighty army declared himself emperor of the West Romans. He moved back from Serbia and arrived at the gates of Ochridia. John the Sturdy saw the way the wind was blowing and threw in his lot with the general, to hell with Theodotus and his brother Euthemius. Thedotus was left with the dominion of Thessaloniki and wondering how it had all gone so wrong. His brother still rotted in the Uighur jail. The princesses Eudokia and Theodora die within a year of each other in their sixties.

The Western Uighur Khanate

(Sunni Islam Civilised Open Empire)
Khagan Selim

In exchange for naval support it was rumoured that Euthemius, heir to the throne of West Rome, was sent to Egypt. Forts were built in Thrace and Macedonia. Khagan Ahmet crushed the rebellious Macedonians as they attempted to prevent the enslavement of their countrymen. Unfortunately, he did not survive to complete the task and it was left to Belim to settle the province with loyal Uighur families. Many of the enslaved Macedonians escaped as the Uighurs could not control them all. Ahmet’s adopted son Selim took control of the Khanate and moved the Uighur force of six thousand men into Thessaly where the undefended region quickly surrendered.

The Oriental Roman Empire

(Roman Catholic Civilised Open Empire)
Isaac, Emperor of East Rome

Emperor Isaac brought Paphlagonia back into Constantinople’s control when he marched on the province. His six thousand elite guard easily pushed aside the Rum force of two thousand assorted cavalry and infantry. Crisias’s force was almost wiped out and he retreated to Phrygia with Bishop Asculias, both men nursing wounds with their encounter with the Romans. The isolated fortress in Paphlagonia easily fell to Isaac. Moagaritos travelled to far Abisigia where despite their worship of strange and alien gods, the region promised tribute to Constantinople. He was even more successful in Colchis. One thousand spears were raised for Bishop Silvanus in Constantinople. Humbertopoulos assisted Prince John in the affairs of state before their demise from food poisoning at a state banquet. Old Theodora also passed away at the age of seventy-eight.

Elsewhere in Eastern Europe

Crisias of Turkiyi, battered by the Buwayid advance, takes his remaining government from Bursa and ships them to Kor by way of Paphlagonia. The city is declared the new capital of the Khanate. The Duchy of Poland consolidates its control over its lands. The Ests built a new city called Viipuri in the region of Kymia.

THE MIDDLE EAST

Mercenaries
Leaders:	None
Troops:	5c,7xc,10i,5xt,5xw
AQRs:	i5, c6, s5, w3

Heyrenik'un Armeniam

(Roman Catholic Barbarian Open Empire)
Anisha Amirspalar

Whilst Anisha Amirspalar and Prince Leo ruled Armenia, the Great Kars road was completed over the mountain from Thedyarbekir to Lazica. Fleets were put to good use on the waters of Lake Van. Iksanar spent these years showing the Vaspurakan ruling class the benefits of Catholicism, whilst missionaries were active in Psidia.

The Buwayid Sultanate

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Hashm ibn Sufyan

Hashm was blessed with two sons during these years. He raised a force of eighteen hundred elite cavalry in Baghdad and complemented them with a brigade of elephants from India. Mustafa of Rum was again employed in the Buwayid service. Along with the general a large force of over twenty thousands mercenaries were pulled into Hastor. Mustafa moved from Hastor, through Lydia, to Bithnia and thence to the walls of Bursa. The old Rum capital was easily breached and the forces were unleashed on the townsfolk. When there was nothing left to loot and the city stripped bare, Mustafa had his men torch Bursa and let his old home burn to the ground. Yahya persuaded the region of Abadan to fully accept Hashm as their sultan. More of the Christians in Cilicia were converted to embrace Islam. Scholars in Baghdad found the vast remains of an ancient city in Mesopotamia, could this be lost Babylon? The ruins attracted visitors from throughout the Sultanate and beyond, causing a great bazaar to spring up within it crumbling walls

Ar Rassid Imamat as Sa'Na

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Sheik Farouk of Sa’Na

Twenty-four thousand Ogaden warriors descend on Zeila looking for an easy victory. However, the defenders of the Adenese outpost were not ready to surrender and forced the tribesmen back to Djibuti after wounded the Emir of the Ogaden. One thousand tribesmen were killed. The Ogaden tribes return after taking Shoa from Funj to capture Ras Hafun from Sheik Farouk. Old animosities were forgotten in Kilwa as the lord of that region pledged his support to Sheik Farouk.

Al-Khulafa'ur Rashidun

(Sunni Islam Civilized Primacy
Kedar Safawan, the Righteous Caliph

The Caliph contemplated the glory of Allah.

Elsewhere in the Middle East

The Ogaden Tribes capture Djibuti from Yemen before attacking Zeila.

NORTH AFRICA

Mercenaries
Leaders:	Abu Benadin al’Gefara M544
Troops:	5c,10xc,10i,5xt,5xw
AQRs:	i5, c6, s5, w3

The Ayyubid Sultanate

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Saladin, Sultan of the Ayyubids

Saladin takes to throne and Haqikah returns to her chambers, hopefully never to take the reins of government again. Prince Jabril, Saladin’s brother is named heir. The royal road from Thebes down to Alwa started to fall into decay as Egyptian engineers could no longer safely maintain its surface. Old Pharnazes travelled to Alwa and convinced the local Emir to give support to Saladin’s cause. The Emir’s daughter was to be married to Jabril on her arrival at court. The Iman Hoseinni repaired the ties to Sinai and the Levant. Saladin was also to take a bride during these years from amongst the Emir of Levant’s family. Great numbers of men flocked to the new Sultan’s banner. As well as ten thousand cavalry and half that in infantry that were raised in Egypt, Saladin also took command of Pharnazes eight thousand warriors. A great purge was undertaken to rid the Sultanate of any Salernese influence and although many poor merchant was brutally interrogated, no sign was found of any influence from Naples.

Amir al-Bahri

(Sunni Islam Seafaring Religious Order)
Abd Al-Aziz, Grand Commander

Abd al-Aziz raised three thousand warriors for the Order’s ranks in Alexandria. More warships were commissioned along with transports to carry the Order’s brothers to far Sicily. Iman Abduhl oversees the building of a new Estate, created from the Oratory in Egypt. Saladin, Son of Abd al-Aziz joined in father in defending the seas for Allah. Abd’s attempt to raise a Preceptory in Al’Qadi met with no success. Old Ali dies while attending to the Order’s affairs in Alexandria. Hasan landed his force in Palermo and stationed the fleet in the city before moving out to conquer the rebellious island. Unknown to him, the Salernese had the same idea and were approaching from the east (see Salerno).

Ummayad Sultanat al Oran

(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Sultan of the Ummayad

Missionaries were active in Catalonia and saw good progress in conversion of the Catholic majority there. A young son was born to the Caliph by his wife Rana. Ishtmar was joined by Qadir al Badr in Santa Maria. Qadir led many discussions with the ruling nobility of Catalonia and was successful in showing them the benefits of Islam. Yoonus ad Din patrolled the seas off Oran, watching for Christian invaders.

WESTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Leaders:	Odo of Aachen M85A
Troops:	39c,31i,5s,5xt,10xw
AQRs:	i5, c5, s4, w4

Heiliges Romisches Reich

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Brandork, Holy Roman Emperor

The Emperor promoted his brother Laresial to become heir of the Empire. Marwin was dispatched to Spain with a caravan of gold for Aragon. The gold never arrived and Marwin was last seen leaving Provence. Provence itself was persuaded to rejoin the empire by the efforts of Eudes of Burgundy. Prince Brankoening was also successful in his effort in the rich city of Stuttgart. Closer ties were sought within the Vatican and the influence of the Holy Roman Empire grew in Rome. Churches were built with German gold in Hanover and Saxony.

Jarldom of Orkeneyjar

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

The highlands were cleared and finally put some good use in providing the island kingdom with much needed oatmeal. Sven, the heir to Orkneyjar died suddenly on the return from Ireland, much to the lament of his bride Colleen. Sven and Wulfgar had no luck persuading Hildegard to give up her independence but the princess Gretal and Harald gained the full support of Thule of Gronland. The princess Erin Svendatter was married to Thule to cement the relationship. It was sad to see such a beauty sailing west to the dismal lands of Gronland. Gronland itself was the base for Feric and Strom as they set out to explore west of the frozen lands. The fabled Vinland was found off the Labrador coast and the rutters to these far lands taken back to Kirkval. Sadly, Feric died on the voyage home and the great silver-tongued warrior was given a heroes funeral when his body arrived home.

Kingdom of Svear

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

Erik names his son Arnold as heir to the Svear throne.

Norman Kingdom of France

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Louis VII, King of France

Limousin was cleared and the fields cultivated with fine haricot vert. Louis marries from the French nobility but although he is blessed with two sons, they die young from the flux. Phillipe of Burgundy fared better and is blessed with two daughters by Princess Isabelle. The death of Bishop Abelard was a hard blow to the Kingdom as his clerks and scribes returned to Rome. Guy de Ponthieu dies while patrolling the western borders and his successor declined to offer anything other than gold to the Kingdom’s cause. Alain was struck down by bandits crossing the Pyrenees but his replacement was successful in persuading Auvergne to form closer ties with Paris. Fulques spent some time with young Roger, schooling him in the fine art of diplomacy before gaining military support from the Rhine cities of Metz and Aachen.

Principality of Salerno

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Ricardo II, Prince of Salerno

Ricardo rules the Principality from Naples. His ugly new Spoleto wife was not much to his liking and no heir was born during these years. Prince Kaspar of Savoy lands a force of four thousand mercenary cavalry on the eastern shores of Sicily while the transports go back for more men with Claudio Raneri he pushed into the island’s interior in an attempt to pacify the Sicilians. It was at this time that Hasan was moving out of Palermo and into western Sicily. The inevitable battle occurred when the two forces met and it was the Bahri that won the day. Kaspar’s mercenaries dispersed like smoke in the wind when confronted by the ten thousand warriors under Hasan. Hasan pushed Kaspar back to the shores and destroyed the beached Salernese fleet. It was all Kaspar could do to escape to Naples. The Bahri losses were light with less than a thousand warriors dead. Ricrado’s losses on the battlefield were offset with diplomatic gains in Lombardy, Spoleto, Romagna, Apulia and Savoy.

Saxon Kingdom of England

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

Richard marries his relative Nancy and is blessed with two sets of fraternal twins. The road from London is extended from Wymeswold to Caer Myrddin. Richard attended to the affairs of state, his new wife and the location of the nation’s trade fleets. Lord Bryce died of a heart attack whilst attending to the Kingdom’s books. He was replaced by Lord Ayken. Whilst Dunmore looked towards the defence of Cornwall, Lord Mercary oversaw the transport of Anglo settlers to Munster. The port of Dublin was raised and protected by low lying walls. Mercary and Bishop Wexford were both struck with the flux and died during these years. Mercary was replaced with Lord Esmund fresh from London.

Reino de Aragon

(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Pedro II, El Catolico, King of Aragon

While Pedro moves the army over to Asturias, Jaime takes a wife from the Valencian nobility. Although not blessed wife good looks, the young wife of Aragon’s heir provides him with a daughter and son. Pedro Martell takes stock of the Kingdom’s holdings and conducts a census of Aragon’s lands.

The Akramid Caliphate

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

Mohamed has limited success with the Catholics in Galacia, overturning some of the loss from the previous years. A fortress was built on the shores of the Andalusian outpost, facing into the Bay of Biscay. Mohamed also commissioned four light warships and ten triremes in Madiera. One thousand men were added to his army. Trade was instigated to Aragon and the merchants of the Caliphate told to put their affairs in order. Rithman concluded negotiations with the Talaveran to bring that region fully into the Caliphate. Meanwhile, Tavar and Prince Mohaman were successful in getting grudging support from the Count of Santiago. Mohamed himself was blessed with four children from his beautiful wife Lila.

Elsewhere in Western Europe

La Serenissma was not deterred by the Hungarian invasion, the Venetians swiftly set up outposts in Ilyria, Petropolis, Malta and Athena. The gold mines outside Oslo soon ran dry and the city was abandoned. For some reason the Norwegians saw fit to expand into the wilderness of Oopland. Hungary made gains in Banat but at the expense of angering the Magyars. The Pope saw fit to expand his holdings in Bologna and Vincencia. Missionaries were successful in Dalmatia, turning the region Catholic. However, ground was lost in Epirus and Attica while good progress was made in Crete and Lybia. La Milice du Anacletus raised Order Houses in Hainaut, Auvergne and Brittany.

AFRICA

Mercenaries
Leaders:	Magabune of Kilwa M5A6
Troops:	10c,20i,5xt,5xw
AQRs:	i5, c4, s3, w1

Usama-Yoruba Onium of Ibo

(African Pagan Civilised Open Empire)
A'Damana, King of the Ibo

A’Damana was aided by his heir Bhatamai in ruling the lands below the desert sea. He ordered Itogo and his thirty thousand spears to defend the nation against the ever present hordes to the north and west. Tyano and Ubaya were dispatched to Sudan and Songhai in an attempt to heal the damaged relationship the Ibo had with these provinces. The lands of Garou and Bani were cleared and cultivated during these years. Iboan spies were active amongst the herders and warriors of the Air Emirate and the Adjou Aba. It was the Emirate that caused the greatest concern to A’Damana when it became obvious they were massing on the Sudanese border. The Adjou were actively engaged in Takrur and Adjoukt to be a threat in 1202. Before Itogo could gather his forces, the Emirate crossed the border into Sudan and started to subjugate the population there. Itogo moved north from Gorouol and met the Emir’s force of twenty six thousand warriors. The Emir was struck down by Iboan assassins before he could finish his conquest of the Sudan. The Emirates forces were in disarray when Itogo caught them in Sudan. However, the fighting was fierce and although they forced the Air to retreat to Kurfei, the Iboans lost nearly ten thousand men. The Emirate’s losses were almost double that. Undeterred, the new Emir of Air attempted to gain Hausa in 1203. Itogo moved down to Hausa and engaged the invaders. This time Itogo’s forces were defeated and he pulled back to Gorouol. The Emirates losses were light but the Iboans lost nearly eight thousand men. In 1204 Itogo pushed back into Hausa as the Emir was crossing the border into Gorouol. On more familiar land, the Iboans had the advantage and again the Emir was forced to retreat to Kurfei. The Emirates losses were around two thousand men to the Iboan three. The Emir had one last attempt at Gorouol 1204 but the battered and exhausted Itogo met and defeated the invaders easily, again forcing them back to Kurfei. This time the Emirate’s losses were the greatest with nearly four thousand dead to one thousand Iboan warriors. Fate was cruel to the Iboans as their defeat of the Air Emirate was to go uncelebrated as forty five thousand Adjou warriors struck Songhai in 1204 while Itogo was busy in Gorouol. The province easily fell to the invaders and they pushed on into Ghana. Again the invaders easily took the province in 1205. Bhatamai took a wife from the Iboan nobility was not blessed with children. He took control of the kingdom on his father’s death in 1205. Kumbai-Salah revolts from Iboan control and decides to defend itself against the Adjou. Aba.

Elsewhere in Africa

Adjou Aba captures the cities of Takrur and Adjoukt before moving into Songhai and Ghana. The Air Emirate unsuccessfully attack the Iboan lands of Sudan, Hausa and Gorouol before taking Daza easily from the Kanem. The Sahal Sharifs are joined by the Batha Tribes and the Haraze Raiders before taking Soro from Kanem and Wadai from Funj.

Central Asia

Mercenaries
Troops:	6c,11xc,11i,5xt,5xw
AQRs:	i5, c4, s3, w1

Elsewhere in Asia

Glorious Khwarzim refused to pay the Mongol tribute and faced the full force of the hordes attack. For two years the valiant Khwarzis fought of the Mongols before finally succumbing in 1205. Khiva soon fell to the invaders and a puppet government was set up in the nation. The Ghazni continued their advance south and built a new city called Bamiyan in Hazarajat. The Guardians of Anuradhapura were created in Ceylon to fight the growing power of the Hindus.