LORDS of the EARTH XXVII

Turn 1

GM:

Jeff Morrison
1019 Ossington
Flint, Mi 48507
(810) 238-6425

PLAYER NOTES  READ THIS!!!!!

I was pretty lax on enforcing the CCR and Infrastructure Rules this turn; next turn will be different. If you have lands outside the CCR or an Imperial Size greater than your Infrastructure total, then I suggest reading rules 2.4.1 and 2.4.2

It is also UNWISE to have Leaders (lieutenants and allied leaders) running around with more than twice as many troops as your Monarch. Can we say Coup?

Also, all new children and Leaders/princes need to be NAMED. Failure to do so may result in unfortunate sickness and death for the character. <G>
 

TURN COSTS AND MAPS

Turns: $2.00
 Maps: I prefer to send maps out via e-mail, however if you need a paper one, contact me and I will see what I can do.
 

RULE ERRATA

Secret Empires are not being played, which means secret empire commands such as IL aren’t an option.

You must be Tech Level 5 to raise elite troops.

Table of Religious interaction:

T= Tolerant
H= Hostile

RC= Roman Catholic
EO=Eastern Orthodox
CP= Monophysite (coptic)
CC= Celtic Christian
AC= Arian Christian
JD= Judaism
BH= Buddhist
HN= Hindu
OP= Oceanic Pagan
EP= European pagan
AP= Asiatic pagan
AF= African Pagan
ST= Shinto
ZO= Zoroastrain
 
 
 
 
 

THE HISTORY
501-505 A.D.
Turn 1
 
 

CHINA and JAPAN

Mercenaries:
10i,5c,5s,5w,5t
 
 

TAKEDA SHOGUNATE
 

Shogun Nagao

Diplomacy: Yamato (nt) Aichi (nt)
 

“Japan is not big enough for two SHOGUNS!!!!” Roared Nagao. “It is the Destiny of the Takeda to rule”, with those words Shogun Nagao began his war council. As darkness fell over Edo he set forth his plan to his warlords for his grand campaign. It would involve much diplomacy and bold troop movements.
Leaving Prince Chuichi in Edo to take care of the day to day affairs of state, Shogun Nagao moved west into the region of Yamato. By early fall 504 the Shogun had convinced Yamato’s nobility to pay homage.
In the spring of 505  AD Lord Fuchida lead a column of infintry through Yamato and invaded Shimane in May, the small Moriata border army was quickly crushed. Finding little opposition Lord Fuchida pressed on into the Moriata homelands. It wasnt until mid july that the Moriata army met the invaders, in a all day battle the heavily outnumbered Moraita fought the Takeda invaders to a stand still, but their casualties were heavy. Both sides reorganized their forces and there began a slow series of march and counter march with the Lord Fuchida slowly pressing the enemy deeper into their homeland. Finally on August 14th , on a low hill a few miles outside of the capital, the moriata were trapped by Lord Fuchida, out of the morning sun the Takeda warriors stormed up the slope. Desperate fighting erupted all along the summit of the hill. By noon the center of the moriata line ruptured and the Takeda let out a roar as the enemy Battle standard fell amidst a wave of Takeda warriors. With their center ruptured the moriata line fled in panic. It was no longer a battle, it had become a slaughter. The Takeda chased the survivors all the way to capital and burst upon the city slaughtering any survivors they found.

In one short year Shogun Nagao had become the master of Japan.
 
 

MORIATA SHOGUNATE

Shogun Fujiwara

 Under the careful watch of the Shogun, builders had begun to construct a port city, on the Tsushima straight, in the moriata homeland. The shogun desperately wanted a port city, and so he put all his nations income and manpower into constructing his jewel the city Ueshiba. It was because of this desire that he neglected to maintain vigilance over the rest of his realm.
 When the Takeda army burst in Shimane, slaughtering his border Army, Fujiwara mobilized his Forces and combined several small armies under his command. With Prince Kuwan , his heir, and Prince Tara at his side Fujiwara moved out to crush the invaders. In early July the met the invaders near the Ymagushi-shimane border and a desperate battle ensued. Outnumbered over 2-1 the Moriata forces fought a valiant defense and were able to hold the invading Takeda forces to a stalemate, the moriata took frightfull casualties however. Needing to reorganize his forces and play for time, hoping his Ally Lord Hiro, would come to his aid,  Fujiwara began to slowly withdraw deeper into Yamaguchi drawing the invaders after him. After over a month of retreat Fujiwara’s forces were trapped near his newly built Capital of Ueshiba. Determined to resist , he formed his army on a low hill.  Fujiwara would command the Center, Prince Kuwan the right, Prince Tara the left. As Dawn broke the Takeda rushed up the hill, with the sun in their eyes the Moriata fought to push the attackers back of the hill top. Almost immedietly Prince Kuwan was killed when a Takeda spear thrust took him in the neck. In the center it looked as if Fujiwara might actually push the Takeda back but, as more and more Takeda were thrown into the attack, slowly the Moriata were forced to retreat themselves. By noon the moriata sheild wall is so stretched that it finnaly ruptures.  Shogun Fujiwara seeing the rupture leads his bodyguard into the breach in an attempt to plug the breakthrough. He and his men are overhelmed, fujiwara is hacked to pieces as his royal standard falls amidst the horde of Takeda troops. With their line shattered the Moriata army breaks and flees. Some troops make it Ueshiba, there Prince Tara attempts to rally the survivors. The Takeda burst into the city and and make short work of the defenders. Prince Moriata falls on the steps on the Imperial palace.
 With the moriata homelands conquered and teh Royal family ALL dead. The Moriata ally, Lord Hiro, declares his own Kingdom in Shikoku. The fall of the house of Moriata is complete.
 

KOREA

King Ura

Diplomacy: Shangtung (nt)  Parhae (nt)
 

 King Ura leads his host north into Parhae, which recently did homage to Korea. Wintering there  the King prepared for war with his enemies to the West, the Yen Kingdom of Liao-Yang.
 In the Spring of 502 AD King Ura crossed the border into Liao-Tung, the Lioa-Yang defenders responded by marching out to meet the Koreans. On may 12th, near a small hamlet, the armies clashed. The Armies were about equal in size, but the Koreans had more Cavalry and all of it was Heavy. The defenders were dug in however.  The Koreans massed their Cavalry in the center and simply sought to trample the less heavily armored infintry of the Liao-Yang. The intial clash saw them do just that, pushing the Liao-Yag center back. On the flanks however the Korean infintry was suffering horribly to the Lioa_Yang cavalry. The flanks crumble and flee, the Liao-Yang cavalry wheels and hits the Korean Heavy cavalry from behind. The Koreans rally and break free from the trap before they can totally be surrounded. King Ura is wounded in this desperate struggle to escape. The Liao-Yang pursue and chase the shattered Koreans back across the border.
 King Ura will recover from his wounds, but the Korean army suffered fully 10,000 casualties, some will live but many will never leave the fields of Liao-Tung. In comparrison, the Liao-Yang casualties were barely a 1/3 of the Koreans.
 
 

THE YEN KINGDOM OF LIAO-YANG (formally Po-Hai)

King Liao Xi

Diplomacy: Hsuing Nu ( EA )
 

 King Liao Xi put his son, Prince Lao Ti, in command and set off to the northwest to negotiate with the Hsuing Nu.
 Prince Lao Ti sets sets about preparing his homelands defenses. Long dull days of preperation follow. All that preperation pays off when the Koreans come riding hard out of Parhae....
 Prince Lao-ti is suprised by the news “werent our Diplomats supposed to secure Parhae for our empire?!?!” he shouts at a scribe. “Yes my Lord, however they werent due to go until the talks with the Hsuing Nu were complete” replies the scribe. The Prince sends messangers to shake the troops out of winter quarters and to muster at the Capital. A week later they meet the Koreans in Battle. Suprised by the number of Heavy Cavalry the enemy has, and that they are lined up opposite the center of his line, the Prince orders his Cavalry into reserves The koreans Charge and smash into the center forcing the infintry back. Once the Enemies Heavy Cavalry is fully engaged the Prince sends his Cavlry to double envolop the enemy, leading the right wing himself, the Liao-Yang Cavalry smashes the Koreans flanks scattering them. Then wheeling about the smash into the Heavy Cavalry from the Rear. The Koreans panic and fight desperatly to break out. For a few minutes it looks as if the Koreans will be trapped and then overwhelmed, they barely are able to burst out however, and flee with the Liao-Yang in pursuit. As evening falls the pursuit breaks of and Prince Liao Ti returns to the battelfield and to his Victory. A great victory in May of 502 AD
 The victory is somewhat overshadowed by the death of the Prince’s wife the following July during Child birth. His newborn daughter lives fortunetly.
 

THE KINGDOM OF HOPEI

King Pei Wu

Diplomacy: none
 

 Having striven for many years to reach the middle path, and adhere to the Four Noble
Truths, Pei Wu makes the following proclamation: "The nation’s of China have wandered far from the Eightfold Path. Nirvana has never been as far from the people of China as it stands before us today. I plan to set an example for the people of China to follow, and begin today by shedding my titles and claims to lands. Suffering comes from a desire for power, so says the Holy Buddha. From this day forth, with every breath and action we shall bring the people of China back to the path, and eventually all of Asia will return with us." He then declares Pienching in Honan as the site of this resurgence in the Buddhist faith, moves the government to the city and decommissions his and his followers  troops to build public works in the city. Tithes are placed on the Buddhist nations, payment showing that they truly support the efforts of the clergy. He then declares that the lands of his nation are to be split among the surrounding nations. The Kingdom of Shensi is to take control of the bulk of these lands, administering the lands of Yen, Yun, Shan’si, Hopei, and Houma. Toba Wei will take control of Huang, and Bao Ding. The cities that lie in each of these provinces are to follow the lands.
 Things rarely go according to plan however, even for the faithfull. The troops under the command of the King and Royal Family obey and lay down their arms and follow the Royal family south to Pienching. On the way messangers begin to come in telling of revolt and chaos left behind. In the North, in the region of Yun, Lord Tang Xu has Declared himself King of Chi’an. In the west Lord Xhiu Fu has declared himself King of Huang Empire (regions Huang and Houma) less concerned with the remnant of hopei he musters his troops and awaits any attempts by the Toba Wei or Shensi to claim his lands.In Hopei Chaos reigns with the departure of the Royal family until Lord Xu Nu , admiral of the Imperial fleet, moves his fleet into the Capital city of Kaifeng. His troops quickly bring order and he declares himself King of Hopei. With swift action he brings most of the kingdoms former regions under control.
 Meanwhile the blessed Primate settles into Pieching.
 
 

THE KINGDOM OF SHENSI

King Si Lei

Diplomacy: Honan (fa) Szechwan (f)
 

 King Si Lei over saw the direct day to day affairs of his kingdom, in between meetings with Beaurocrats he pent time with his Queen. In January 502 AD she gave birth to a healthy son. Unfortunetly she passed away from the riggors of child birth.
 Prince Si Wan conducted a census of his fathers Kindom, then was informed his father had arranged for him to marry the daughter of an llied Lord, Lord Wan Ri, from Szechwan. Traveling south he arries in June, the wedding is held in july (502) much rejoicing and celebrating as Szechwan binds itself tighter to Shensi.  In july of 503 AD the princess gives birth toa healthy daughter
 News begins to flood in from hopei, the King  relizes he the Hopei provinc wont submit. He takes no immediate action and decides to consult his councelors and wait for his son to return from Szechwan before making a decision.
 In January 505 AD the princess gives birth to a healthy boy.
 

THE TOBA WEI

King Wei Han

Diplomacy: none
 

 King Wei Han oversees the day to day affairs of his Kingdom. A unobservant Monarch is a dead monarch or so the saying goes.
 The same can be said for idle troops, the King thought to himself. The solution, he thought, was to send his forces on raids throughout the steppes. Killing two birds with one stone. Keeping the nomadic hordes and his troops occupied. With that rational he sent most of hi Army, led by his son, Prince Wei Sin, criss crossing across the steps pillaging, and killing. Some gold was taken , though not as much as may have been hoped for. The steppes arnt the richest place in the world.
 Toward the end of 505 AD Prince Wei Sin leads his forces back to Wu Hai, just in time to see the Queen give birth to a son in November 505 AD
 

THE KINGDOM OF HUNAN

King Hu Shi

Diplomacy: Anhui (a) Hubei (t)  Kwangsi  (fa)
 

 “we must take advantage of the situation in Hopei to expand northeast, at the same time we must cut away unproductive regions to the south and west. Go see to it Lord Xhi Shu.” With that Lord Xhi Shu set about gathering  a mighty host, and then marching it off to Miao Ling. The local nobility wondered if war was at hand at the sight of such a large army. They need not have wondered for long because the army spread out and began looting taking everything of value they could get thier hands on, those who resisted were killed. Xhi Shu did his best to keep his men from wantingly killing or raping, but he was far from successfull. Mercifully he lead his men out of the region, the nightmare may have ended for Miao Ling but it was just begining for Ghangde. Not even trying to control his men , he let them have a free hand. The result was horrifying. Ever after Lord Xhi Shu was known as “shu the butcherer” in this area of China.
 While his warlord was carrying out his orders, the King had sent his son, Prince Hu Tii, to marry a Hubei princess in the hopes of cementing ties between the two nations.
 Two years later the King himself took a Abhui Princess to be his Queen. Anhui will be a valuable ally to the Hu dynasty.
 
 

SOUTH EAST ASIA

Mercenaries:
10i,10w,10t
 

THE KINGDOM OF BURMA

King Dei

Diplomacy: Samatata (c)  Pegu (nt)  Gtsang (nt)
 

 Apart from the mundane tasks of ruling his Kingdom, King Dei ordered the construction of a Fortress in the Burma region.
 The diplomats had some success in the important regions of Pegu and Gtsang.

And the Queen gave birth to a son in October 505 AD
 
 

INDIA

Mercenaries:
10i,5c,5s,5w,5t
 

THE KINGDOM OF LANKA

King Rajma

Diplomacy: Maldives (t)

 The king ruled quietly and over saw an education program aimed at spiritual awareness. He sent a diplomatic envoy to the island of Maldives.
 The only other newsworthy event was the sad loss of the Queen in child birth, her new
born son also died.
 
 

THE ASAMAKARA EMPIRE

King Bindusara

Diplomacy: Anhivarta (fa) Pawar (nt) Kakatiya (c) Vengi (t)
 

 King Bindusara rules, and conducts a census “we must know the true size and wealth of our nation.”  The king also orders Prince Maropi and Lord Kutro to travel to several neighboring regions and convince them to submit to the Asamakara Empire. Prince Maropi married a Vengi Princess. Unfortunetly the Vengi refused to bind themselves to the Asamakara to the degree the diplomats had hoped.
In June 502 AD his Queen took ill, and quickly died from a fever. There was much mourning in Kalyani.
 

THE GUPTA EMPIRE

King Kumara

Diplomacy: Assam (f) Uttar Pradesh (f) Chitor (f) Vatsa (f) Gujerat (f) Surashtra (f) Tarain (a) Saphis (a) Ajmer (fa) Avanti (fa) Jats (fa)
 

 King Kumara declares “we must restore the Gupta to its rightfull place as supreme power amongst the nations of the Earth, but to do this we must build it upon a firm foundation”. The King laid out a series of diplomatic initiatives and military reorganizations to his councilors.
 Prince Chandra led a large group of diplomats throughout the empire, endlessly and patiently convincing the local nobility in each region the wisdom of closer ties with the crown. He was very sucessful in strengthening and increasing stability in large sections of the empire.
Part of these negotiations was a dynastic Marriage between Prince Erata and a Surashtra princess.
 On the military front major troop movements were the order of the day as the Gupta army was reorganized and redoplyed to meet its ever changing needs.
 

THE MIDDLE EAST

Mercenaries:
10i,5c,10lc,5w,5t
 
 

THE SASSANID EMPIRE

Emperor Kavadh, King of Kings, King of Persia, Babylonia and Parthia, the Overlord of Arachosia, the Holy Arm of Ahura Mazda, the Sassanid, Heir to the
Achaemenids

Diplomacy: Shirvan (a)  Abadan (ea) fars (f)  Tabaristan (ea)
 

Emperor Kavadh orders a city built in fars, this port city will hopefully bring about economic prosperity via trade. The port city will be named  “Kavadh”. The Emperor and Empress have a son in January 502 AD.
The Emperor sends out diplomats to several regions within the empire, to shore their ties and strengthen the Empire.  The most important of these being Fars, the sight of the new imperial city. Prince Khorsu, the heir, and a Princess from Far were married in April 501 AD the wedding was a joint celebration with the ground breaking fo the new city. The prince made a trip to Shirvan for some talks witht eh local nobility before returning to the arms of his new bride in the capital. They had a son in feb 503 AD.
The Eastern outposts were on full alert when reports of the Khazar horde’s rampage through central asia reched them, there were great sighs of relief when the horde stopped right at the boundries of the empire.
 

THE KINGDOM OF KARA-KHITAI (Khazar Horde)

Yakub Khan

Diplomacy: None

 The Khazar Horde, rumored to be several hundred thousand strong,  burst out of the steppes and overran Otrar in April 501AD. The local king did his best to resist but he had no chance at all and him and his men were massacred. After the slaughter, Yakub Khan divided his Khazar tribesman, sending some southwest with his son Prince Yozeph and the Khazars Ghuszz and Vasi allies, the rest lead by Yakub Khan surrounded Tashkent and began a passive siege, the city finally surrenders in Oct 501AD. With the city under his Control the Khan sends his hosreman back and forth over the land brutally enslaving the regions populace, with all the local nobility dead few have the courage to resist. Khazar tribes move into the area and assume the leadership and settle the best lands.
 Meanwhile the rest of the Khazar and thier allies rode furiously into Kara-Khitai, the King od Samarkhand was more prepared than his neighbor in otrar. Retreating behind the walls of samarkhand, the King sent messangers to the Khazar, all were killed on sight. Prince Yakub and the rest of the Khazar tribesman take up a passive siege of the city, he tells his allied leaders “ Go and make swordland for yourself amongst these people, spread my fathers realm far!” with that the Ghuzz and vasti out to conquer. Samarkhand holds out as long as it can, but the situation is hopeless and they finally surrender in july 502AD. The nobility are slaughtered, and the people enslaved some resist but by september of 503 the region is pacified and then colonized by the rest of the Khazar tribes.
 The Ghuzz and Vasti crush bactria in August 501AD, the Vasti enslave and colonize the region, the Ghuzz meanwhile head south into Transoxania. The vasti have accomplished teh colonization by September 502AD, pausing for winter, they then head into Turkmen, again the poor region is crushed in march 503AD. Leaving a garrison the rest of the vasi move northwest into Khwarzim they crush the Kwarzim army in may 503AD then passively siege Khiva, which surrenders in March 504AD.
 The Ghuzz had rode into Transoxania in Oct 501AD the region put up almost no struggle. It was enslaved and the resettled by the Ghuzz tribes. This was completed by may 503AD.
 Yakub Khan declares the creation of the Kingdom of Kara-Khitai and establishes his capital in Samarkhand.
 

MONOPHYSITE CHURCH

Patriarch Romarius

Diplomacy: none

 Church officials quietly go about their duties. Never drawing attention to themselves, but with subtle effectiveness they began to gain influence in the Roman Empire.  They preach tolerance to those who will listen, they obviously fear the Empire is attempting to expel them.
 Patriarch Romarius leads a group of church officials south into the lands around Ethiopia where the endeavor to lead the pagan africans ,bordering Ethiopia , into the ever loving grace of the almighty.
 

EASTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries:
10i,5c,10lc,5w,5t
 
 

THE EASTERN ROMAN EMPIRE

Anastasios, Vasilevs, Avghoustos, kai Avtrokrator Romaion

Diplomacy: Levant (f)  Aattica (f)  Syria (f)  Ad-Diffah (fa)  Dobruja (fa)  Pamphyla (fa)  Sinai (fa)
 

 The Roman Empire has been the bastion of civilization and culture in the western world for centuries. A light in the barbaric world, Emperor Anastasios is determined that it would continue to be so for centuries more. If he can build the right foundation then perhaps he, or more likely one of his heirs, could reconquer the Roman world in the west.
Would that heir be Ioustinos , commander of the exkoubitores (palace guards) , whom Anastasios had recently adopted and made heir with the title of Kaisar? Ioustinos was sent off to Syria, there he was to strenghten the ties of syria to the empire. An important task, and one fit for a future Emperor. Syria was not only important because of its strategic position in the Empires defense of the eastern frontier against Rome’s ancient enemies in Persia, but also because other than Greater Armenia, it was also the northern most point of the Monophysite sect of Chriatianity. The Emperor, being a devote follower of the Orthodox church, was doing everything he could to remove the monophysites from the areas held by the Empire. A divided Empire cannot stand, besides it was his Godly duty. With this in mind the Emperor had also arranged for Kaisar Ioustinos to also marry a Syrian Princess. The Princess agreed to convert to the Othodox faith, and an Orthodox Priest performed the Wedding in Damascus in May 503AD. It was also noted that Orthodox missionaries had accompanied the Imperial party from Cosntantinople. Even with the Imperial marriage it seems the missionaries had few, if any, converts.
While this was happening in Syria Anastasios had issued orders for his generals to restructure and modernize the Imperial army. The army was retrained and reorganized, and then redeployed. The Imperial army has ever been a formidable foe, and will likely remain one for some time to come.
In february 504AD Kaisar Ioustinos , now back in Constantinople, announced an Imperial holiday in celebration of the birth of his son, Alexandros. There was much rejoicing. A mere 14 months later the anticipation of more rejoicing was turned into mourning as the birth of a daughter resulted in the death of not only his wife, from complications in child birth, but his new born daughter as well.
Church officials from both the Orthodox Church, which has Imperial favor, and the Monophysites were very active in lobbying Imperial officials. In a stunning turn of fortune it quickly became apparant that the Monophysites , through their untiring efforts, had gained in influence so much so that they were on par in that area with the Orthodox church.
 

THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

Patriarch Milorius

Diplomacy: none
 

 Patriarch Milorius sends letters to the various Christian Churches insuring them that he has nothing but love for them “We are brothers in Christ, are we not all Children of God?” All of this rhetoric about good will and peace seemed dubious when it was learned that the Catholic officials in Rome had uncovered a person sent by Patriarch Milorius to infiltrate the papacy. Patriarch Milorius claimed to not know the man, and denied any underhanded activities.
 When reports began to reach Milorius that the Monophysite influence with Roman officials was becoming as Strong as the Orthodox Church’s he sent a letter to Patriarch Romarius in Alexandria “ Brother let us not tear asunder the Empire, let us each sheppard our flocks as God directs us. We in the Empire and you, brother, in Africa. Surely you can see how God has opened the way for you to convert the africans I myself have sent out many emessaries of the true faith to far realms into the barbaric North, and west. You likewise should do so in africa”
 

EASTERN AFRICA

Mercenaries:
10i,5w,5t

THE KINGDOM OF ETHIOPIA

King Kaleb

Diplomacy: Kordofan (c)  Dongola (c)  Thebes (nt)  Sennar (c)

 King Kaleb sends out his lord and princes, and even himself, to engage in talks with the chieftens of neighboring regions. They meet with only minimal success.
 Several regions of his kingdom nearly rebel, and his royal counsil advises him his time might be better served by by taking a more direct interest in the day to day affairs of his nation.
 
 
 

WESTERN AFRICA

Mercenaries:
10i,5w,5t
 

THE KINGDOM OF KANEM

King Anabornu

Diplomacy: Hausa (a)

 The king sends out his officials, a huge group, to go to Hausa and convince them to ally with Kanem. They Suceed!!!
 Meanwhile the King remains behind and expands his family. In February 502AD he has a daughter. In june 504AD a fine son is born. Sadly his wife dies in August.
 

THE KINGDOM OF AKAN

King Barang

Diplomacy: Yoruba (a  Ife (fa)

 King Barang announced that he will build a new City , to be his capital, called Akan City. It will be a port city on the Grand Bassam Sea. He declares that his younger brother, Prince Bashar, will replace their uncle, Prince Hasta, as heir.
 The king then issues orders for the demoted Hasta to go to Togo and engage in diplomatic talks, while the King and prince Bashar travel to Yoruba and Ife. In yoruba the King marries the Daughter of the local Chieften securing the alliance. Ife prince Bashar marries as well.
 Word Reaches the  King in Ife, while celebrating his brothers wedding, that after being demoted Prince Hasta vowed revenge and swore to the Gods that he will over throw Barang and yet be king himself.and then dissapeared. Upon hearing this the king flew into a rage and sent messangers out that Hasta was to be arrested on sight. Because of this the planned building of a city in Togo cannot take place since Hasta never went and negotiated for it with the leaders of Togo.
 

THE KINGDOM OF AKWAR (formerly Ghana)

Ghana Kunta

Diplomacy: Boure (nt)  Adawara (nt)  Galam (nt)  Takrur (c)

 Ghana Kunta tells his son, Prince hawan, to look after the day to day affairs of state. In the meantime Ghana Kunta reorganizes his army. And sends off diplomats to several western regions.
 In the sumemr of 503AD a messanger arrives in court with a Messanger carrying a basket. The basket is presented to Prince Hawan, the Ghana still busy in the field, in the basket is the head of the spy sent to infiltrate the Mossi royal family. The messanger gave his message “A gift from King Kurr, he hopes to give you several such gifts in the future” Prince Hawan ofcourse killed the messanger.
 

NORTH AFRICA

Mercenaries:
10i,5c,5s,5w,5t
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE VANDALS

King Wihtred

Diplomacy: Sicily (f)  Baelerics (a)  Cheliff (c)  Zirid (c)  Merrakesh (c)

 King Wihtred oversees the day to day affairs of his nation. He arranges for his son, and heir, Prince Octa to marry the Daughter of the Chief noble in Sicily. Prince Bassa finalizes the arrangement and sends the lady and escort to Carthage for the wedding. The lady arrives in June 501AD. Prince Octa , a devout Arian, demands a Arian Christian wedding. The Princess, a Roman Catholic, agrees to convert. What choice did she really have after all? Its not long before the Princess is pregnant and the happy couple have their first child in may 502 AD, a healthy son. The following April she gives birth to a daughter. But tradgedy, or is it fate, strikes in 504AD in june she dies in child birth, the baby, a boy, lives however.
 Lord Caewlin took the Vandal navy on a grand tour of the Mediterrainian sea. First to cyprus shocking the Romans when the Vandal fleet first appeared, it soon became apparant to the Romans that they would not be raided. The fleet next arrived in Alexandria. After explaining, to a very reliefed, Roman commander that the fleet was simply here to protect the recently established Roman-Vandal trade route, Caewlin was allowed to enter the harbor. Caewlin , with a small bodyguard, explores the city, looking much more like a tourist than a Vandal warlord. After sight seeing a bit, the fleet again sets out. This time moving toward sicily, then up the western edge of Italy. The Large navy, its warships painted white, and with white sails, hovers outside of Genoa’s harbor showing the Flag as it were. Caewlin finally puts out to sea again, this time ehaded for the Baelerics for some talks.
Meanwhile Dux Alahara had been sent from algeria westward along the North African coast on some diplomatic missions for the crown. He was shocked beyond beleif when, in the middle of their own talks, some Orthodox priests arrived demanding an audience with the Lord of Chelliff. As he was leaving , the priests were let in after him. A couple months later when he arrived in Zirid for talks the Lord of the region invited him to a banquet that night, he was again amazed to discover yet even more priests, they had been invited to the banquet as well. It seems they ahd been there for some time and discussed with the lord various religious teaching during the feast. It was onvious that many of the lesser nobles and guests had already been one over to the Orthodox message. As a devout Arian Alahara was aghast. After the feast he sent a messanger off  with this new to the king.  As the months passed as he moved across the rest of north africa he didnt see anymore priests, thank the savior.
 

WESTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries:
10i,5c,5s,5w,5t

THE KINGDOM OF REGET

King Meirchon Gul

Diplomacy: Friesland (nt)

 The Northern Britons have ever been vigilant to keep a close eye on the Picts, King Meirchon is no different than his ancestors. Having other ambitions at the moment however, he hops by building a Fortress in Lothian, the fortress including a fortified harbor on the North sea, he can afford make the Picts rethink any plans they may have. Naming the fortress “Dyn Baer” the king gave a speech expressing how this new Fortress represented British might, and the might of the Coeling Dynasty.
 The rest of the Kings time was spent with his Queen. In february 502AD they have a Daughter. In April of 503AD however the Queen dies in child birth, sad as this is, the King takes some comfort that the child survives, a fine son.
The Heir, Prince Cynfarch Oer, meanwhile had bent sent on an important diplomatic mission. Sailing across the North sea he arrived in Friesland, only to have a Danish diplomat show up a few days later. The Dane was none other than Prince Hrothgur the heir to the Danish throne. Many months passed, as summer turned to fall and then winter, as both heirs did their best to woo, and convince and charm. But it was an event the following summer that really decided the issue. On a hot july morning (502AD) a Pictish raiding force burst upon Friesland causing much havoc and ruin. It  was not lost on the local ruler, and was reinforced by Prince Cynfarch, that for the picts  would prefer to raid over in this part of europe, near the Danes, than to raid the brits. Taking this as a sign of Reget’s strength Friesland agreed to give homage to the King of Reget, but refused to pay tribute. Its a begining thought Cynfarch as he watched the dejected Prince Hrothgur leave in disgust.
 
 
 
 

THE KINGDOM OF POWYS

Diplomacy: none

 King Cuneglas orders his warlords to raid the hated Aenglish invaders, the first warband was lead by Prince Arthwys. The burst into Anglia only to find the region undefended. Unbeleiving, yet certianly going to take advantage, they plundered and killed and left many villages burning as they departed. Following close behind them a second warband, this one lead by Lord Brugyn, rode in and pillaged the areas Arthwys misse. The Angle peasants suffered heavily.   Easy gold at his enemies expense always made the King happy.
 The Queen died in 501AD as a result of complications from child birth, the infant child did not survive either.
 

THE KINGDOM OF DUMNONIA

Diplomacy: none
 
 King Artorius over saw the day to day affairs of his Kingdom. And life was peacefull and uneventfull, except for one matter. The Aenglish invaders. They had come when the Roman legions had left a century before, and they had been a nightmare for the Britons ever since.
 Artorius was determined to stem the tide of their advance and push them off the Island. Young Prince Cadwy is put in command of the bulk of the Dumnonian army and sent east. He has orders from the King not to make a heavy push if the Defenders are dug in. Advancing into Kent he finds the Angles are indeed dug in “well by the Christ, I did not come here to just leave” so the young and impetuious Cadwy attacks. The Angles took position on a hill and threw up some hasty earthen works. This doesnt stop the Dumnonian infintry from charging up the hill to clash with the Angle Shield wall. For over an hour the two shield walls batter eachother the sound of dying men is deafening. Finally the Dumnonians are hurled back. Retreating back down the hill they are followed by the Angles who sense victory and charge after their enemies. The Dumnonians Infintry turn and form a shield wall. The angles crash into them, its at this moment, with the angle army engaged, that the Dumnonian Cavalry, which Cadwy had held in reserve, struck. They crash into the Angle flanks shattering them. The angles flee, the slaughter is intense. Most the shattered angle army makes it to the capital, London. The Victorius Dumnonian army moves out over the countryside, securing their conquest of Kent.
 

THE KINGDOM OF AENGLAND

King Aelle

Diplomacy: Holland (a)

 Aelle, Bretwalda of Aengland, feared the Celtic nations might unify against him. He called in all his warlords and their troops “we must defend Kent. Let us prepare”
 The Angles also send emmisaries across the sea, to Holland. “we must have allies to fight the accursed Britons” Aelles son, and Heir, Prince Coelwulf arrives in Holland and after many long months the Lord of Holland pays homage and become full allies of the Angles.
 Back in Britain the Angles fears were realized when a Dumnonian army invaded. The Angles , lead by King Aelle, took position on a hill and threw up some hasty earthen works. This doesnt stop the Dumnonian infintry from charging up the hill to clash with the Angle Shield wall. For over an hour the two shield walls batter eachother the sound of dying men is deafening. Finally the Dumnonians are hurled back. Retreating back down the hill they are followed by the Angles who sense victory and charge after their enemies. The Dumnonian Infintry turn and form a shield wall. The angles crash into them, its at this moment, with the angle army engaged, that the Dumnonian Cavalry, which Cadwy had held in reserve, struck. They crash into the Angle flanks shattering them. The angles flee, the slaughter is intense. Aelle is able to lead the survivors back to the capital, London. As if the defeat in Kent isnt enough, reports begin to filter in to Aelle about how Anglia was plundered from end to end, first by Powys, then by the Picts from Albion. “Has Wotan abandoned us!?!?” shouts Aelle.
 

THE KINGDOM OF ALBION

Diplomacy: Shetlands (fa)

 Prince Brude had traveled to the outer isles of the Pictish kingdom, gathering  4000 Pict warriors he sets sail from the Orkneys, down the coast through the viking bank and north sea, they arrive in Anglia, intent upon raiding, to their suprise the region has already been raided heavily farms burned, crops trampled they take what they can and leave. They skip down the coast planning to raid kent, an even greater shock greets Brude. Kent is occupied by Celtic Dumnonia, hard times indeed must have fallen on the Angles. Crossing the Channle, and up the coast they arrive in Friesland and raid it heavily, much damage was inflicted by these tatooed warriors. Sailing North they raid the Southern end of Norway, adger and mordland, heavily loaded with gold, wine and other booty they sail back across the viking bank headed for home.
 In Albion King Brust was actively involved in the day to day ruling of his lands. Sending out Lord Malcom to the Shetlands, he hoped to secure their allegience. He was reasonably successfull, however the Missionaries sent to the Shetlands by King Brust were found dead, their throats cut. Political ties are one thing it seems however that the people of the Shetlands prefer the old ways.
 Aneila , Sister of the King, who is married to Prince Talorc had a Daughter in 501AD and son in January 504AD, and then another son in 505AD. The Pictish have a matrilinear succession of Kingship, so Aneila has done well to produce 2 new sons.
 

THE KINGDOM OF ARMORICA

King Riwal

Diplomacy: None

 Things were quiet in this celtic Kingdom, peace reigned and the people went about their lives.
 
 
 

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pope Symmachus

Diplomacy: none

 The Catholic Church was very active. The Pope had sent out church officials to the Gothic people in spain and had some good success in winning souls to the true faith.
 Church officials were also active amongst the Frankish court, reinfocing Catholic Doctrine to the recently (496AD) converted Franks.
 In Britian the Catholic Church only had one foothold left on the Iseland, the Kingdom of Dumnonia, and after that kingdoms great victory over the pagan Angles, Catholic missionaries were reported to be working amongst the Angles a fair number even converting. Praise be to God.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE GOTHS

King Osoric

Diplomacy: Granada (a)

 The Goths set out to get a port, Prince Alaric went south to Granada, there he was Married to a Granadan Princess. This having been arranged by Lord Turpin and Prince Harde. This ensured an allaince with Granada.
 Immedietly after the marriage Prine Alaric marched off, having not spent much time with his new bride. Picking up regional garrisons as he went Alaric was building an army. Marching into southern Gaul the Goths raiding Limousin burning and killing as they went. Then counter marching the Gothic army again crossed into spain and raided Austurias and Salamaca, hauling away much gold.
 Meanwhile the King had been busy over seeing his antions day to day affairs, but was blessed by the birth of a daughter in november 501AD.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE FRANKS

King Clovis

Diplomacy: none

 All was quiet in the land of the Franks. The only news worthy event was the sudden death of the heir, Prince Hervis, in may 502AD. He died in his sleep at the young age of 28. Young Prince Pepin will most likely become heir. He tried to look dutifully sorrowfull at the funeral however.
 
 
 
 

THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK

King CaenWulf

Diplomacy: Holstein (t)  Danzig (fa)  Halland (nt)

 King CaenWulf leads a royal party south into the region of Holstein which is part of the Saxon tribal confederation. King Caenwulf has negotiated a treaty with the local Saxon chieften, part of which includes a Royal marriage between King Caenwulf and the Chieftens daughter. The marriage leads to Holstein and Denmark having closer ties, and with the birth in may 505 AD of the Young kings first child, a son.
 The kings younger brother, and heir, Prince Hrothgur immedietly departed after the wedding on a diplomatic endeaver into Friesland. Many months of negotiations between the leader of the region and Hrothgur and a Prince of Reget were ruined when a Pictish raiding force convinced the Friesland chieften that Reget was surely a stronger nation since the picts would rather raid near Denmark than Reget.
 The Danes however had better diplomatic success along the coast of Germania by securing the allegiance of Danzig. They also built ties in  Halland.
 

THE KINGDOM OF ITALY

King Theodoric, the goth

Diplomacy: swabia (fa)  Tyrol (fa)  Bavaria (nt)

 The King adressed his nobles “Lord Ulpris , take your fleet to the land of the dead pharoahs and raid their tombs and monuments for gold and precious jewels. The pharoahs certainly dont need them anymore, perhaps you can return to Genoa with the bellies of your warships lined with riches”  pointing to Lord Vepgenus “Ride with my best cavalry to the land of Bavaria and negotiate an alliance between our peoples. Tell them i’m on my way for a visit with their neighbors to the west” the King then turns abrubtly about and glares at his son “Ethwulf! You have grown lazy in the luxory of your position. It is time you performed your duties, proceed to the region of Tyrol and attempt to negotiate an alliance between our peoples. Take these three cohorts of heavy infintry as personal protection and a display of our nations strength. Stay as long as it takes. Only when it is done, and an agreement met may you return to the luxory of Ravenna.”
 Teh diplomacy goes well for the King, and his nobles. However Lord Ulpris’s raid into the land of the dead pharoahs goes poorly, as the king had severly under estimated the regions strength. Lord Ulpris was driven off and returned safely to Genoa empty handed.