Lords 27

With the Western Romans seeking to gain Provence, the Gauls moved out. Taking the Vandals up on an offer of sanctuary, the Gaulish forces hired what ships they could, and moved to Tunisia, becoming a part of the Vandal state.

King Jar intended to travel on a diplomatic mission, but decided to get sick and die instead. Erik picked up the reigns without trouble, he was already running the government in his father's place. Skane is Militarily Converted to Celtic Christianity, which probably goes a long way in Denmark refusing to become a part of Norway. In other news, Norway increases to Tech Level 4.

Diplomacy: Burgundy [oc], Nivernais [oc], Ile De France [oc] (Paris [oc]), Vermandois [oc], Flanders [oc], Brabant [oc]

The massive amounts of slaves under the Croat Kingdom were put to work producing massive amounts of public works in Ile De France. Just in time for the Ulania and Black Rose Knights to show up... [See The Kingdom of Ulanni]

The Church saw to the immediate protection of Mother Rome, dispatching church agents and priests throughout Latium. Lady Fortune smiled upon the Church activities, as Roman Agents managed to reconvert the region of Latium to Roman Catholic. In addition, in another move, the Western Roman Army was also targeted, by not only Missionary work, but instigation of mutinies. They were both successful. The Western Army overthrew it's commanders, managing to kill Emperor Theodoric, as well as wound two other Roman Generals.

The now Catholic Forces then waited, throwing up a defense, and building a few more troops to help in the defense of Rome. Agro was stored in the city in the eventuality of a siege, and diplomatic efforts were engaged with the people of Tuscany. No progress was made there, however. Soon, word reached Rome of a massive force of Coptic Troops landing in Italy, and all waited for the eventual clash... [See The Monophysite Church]

Emperor Claudius, Restitutor Orbis, Redditor Lucis Aeternae, Defender of the true faith.

With the death of Theodoric, and the Roman army in the hands of the Catholics, Claudius could do little but wait for reinforcements from the Coptic Church. He didn't have to wait long... [See The Monophysite Church]

The Empress gathered her forces, 22,000 strong, and waited for the 10,000 Black Rose warriors. She then expected another force, the Mongols. Unfortunately, the Mongols never arrived, and the Empress was forced to send off her troops without their additional support. It didn't matter, the attack into Croat territory was a slaughter. Burgundy, Nivernais, and Ile De France all fell. The Croat King, Dalvigar, was captured during the taking of Paris.

Diplomacy: Burgundy [p], Nivernais [p], Ile De France [p] (Paris [p]), Vermandois [p], Flanders [p], Brabant [p]

The Knights left for war against the Croats, taking many of their lands. With the burden of pacification, taxes suffer. Without the Mongols to continue the campaign, and the need to garrison all the occupied Croat regions, the City of Stormgard was unable to be taken.

It seemed a small region in Asia Minor would become the focus of the war. Both sides saw Cilicia as not only strategically important, but also as a symbol. Many Orthodox defenses had been levied into the region, and it was the one place which had withstood the Zoroastrian assault. Its defeat or victory in the coming years could mean the complete breaking of Roman spirits, or the rekindling of the Orthodox pride if it were to stand once again.

While the Kristos, Orthodox Primate, and Byzantium herself scrambled to place more defenses in the region, Persia and the Farohars gathered the Zoroastrian host to confront them. It took nearly a year's worth of organization before they were ready to march into Cilicia. The Zoroastrian allies saw many initial successes, as they conquered and took many small but strategic villages on the way towards Lugdonensis.

The closer they got to the great city, however, the more the army was harried by local militia. They soon came to find that the Romans had stirred up the local Cilicians to rebel against the Zoroastrians, and in addition had posted general bounties on any Zoroastrian Officer. Xerxes was forced to slow his pace, to strengthen camp defenses against the militia assassins, after losing a few minor officers to the enemy.

Meanwhile, the Persian fleet was busy patrolling the seas on the lookout for the Byzantine fleet. Despite being joined by their Coptic allies, they were unable to find the Romans and force a battle, however they did manage to crush a small band of what turned out to be pirates. As such, they moved back to the Gulf of Cyprus and made ready to join the assault upon Lugdonensis when it happened. Back on the army front, Xerxes was next faced with a growing unrest within the ranks. Somewhere the rumor had started that Xerxes was pushing the army into Cilicia knowing that the many losses incurred would simply lighten the Imperial payroll towards the returning veterans.

It was dealing with this new unrest that Xerxes himself disappeared. The royal guard were found murdered at their posts, the Emperor's tent empty. An investigation of the scene found a single arrowhead lodged in the shoulderblade of one guard. It appeared to be of Roman make. Immediately the Persian officers looked for the next of command, and following Xerxes instructions, it landed upon the Zoroastrian Patriarchy's shoulders.

Once again the army bristled at this, and mutiny was rampant within the ranks. The Zoroastrian commander was unable to gain control of the forces, and the army abandoned the campaign, deciding not to waste their lives upon Cilicia, and instead return to Mesopotamia, and join the acting Emperor Balash in the capitol. This left the Farohar troops in a precarious position. They now believed that the defenses in Cilicia would outnumber the mobile troops left in the attack. As such, the Farohar commander withdrew from Cilicia, not wanting to throw away his forces on a reckless assault. Caution would be the best course of action in this case, there was trust that the Persian army would regroup, and likely be sent right back out to join the Farohars once again.

To the north, rumors began trickling in that another force was claiming the Persian throne with the disappearance of Emperor Xerxes. However, this new successor never actually materialised, and all Persian regions remained loyal to Balash, except for Abasigia, which had been pacified in recent years anyway.

A brief reprieve allows the Empire to consolidate it's forces, both in Cilicia as well as the main Greek lands of Byzantium. Heraklios was appointed Royal Heir, and took to the administrative efforts of the Government well.

The Orthodox Church threw its resources into organizing a massive intelligence campaign against the Zoroastrians. Unfortunately, Patriarch Tertulium would not live to see it's conclusion. His successor Pastor, took up the mantle of Patriarch.

Defenses were constructed in Cilicia, adding to the danger of the area. In other news, the Monk Dionysios was seen scouring the Greek countryside for ancient texts, perhaps looking for an inspiration in this hour of Orthodox need.

Forces were put on alert, and the Order waited for the inevitable fight in Cilicia. It passed them by, this time.

The Armenians expected to join with the Mongols and have their lands liberated from under the Zoroastrians. Alas, the Khan's forces never materialized. Taman was reluctant to join forces with a nation in exile, though did agree to a token marriage to the Heir, Pyrrus.

Slaves continued to be gathered, and this time they were put to use in Sviria, beginning the cultivation of the region. Governmental pressures were put on the Teutonic people to decrease their religious practices, but met with no real success.

A census was undertaken, and a large investigation was started in Muscovy for anything out of the ordinary. Nothing was discovered. A new port city, Desna now graces Chernigov. In New Seville, a rampant city fire reduced the capitol one level.

The Caliph only stirred to offer it's agents to the Romans in the conflict between the Romans and Sassanids.

Diplomacy: Saksiny [a], Ghuzz [nt], Kama Bulgar [f], Khirgiz [f], Tabolsk [nt], Tarhain [nt], Balkash [nt], Betpak [f]

A general call went up among the Emirate. Many longed for the old days of the nomadic lifestyle, and soon the Emir himself caught the fever. Many of the Emirate took to the steppes, while a few stragglers remained behind, creating the new Matirid Emirate of Alfold. The Emirate descended upon Central Asia, first finding an ally with the Khan of Saksiny. The Ghuzz were less responsive to the Muslims, merely allowing the Emirate passage through their lands. And in Kama Bulgar, the nomads their attacked. With the help of the Saksiny cavalry, the Emirate carried the day, and the defeated Kama Bulgars were absorbed into the Emirate. The Khirgiz would be the next to face the Emirate, and they two were crushed on the battlefield, their people being taken as well. They eventually faced a final foe in the people of Betpak, and were extremely successful in the warfare there, taking the people into their own.

Diplomacy: Alfold [hm] (Mecca [f]), Carpathia [t], Croatia [f], Dalmatia [t], Kiev [nt], Ialomita [t], Moldavia [t], Walachia [t]

Kedan takes control of the remaining Muslims, and starts the long road of maintaining a civilized empire.

Egypt's fleet was put to much use, ferrying Coptic troops to Italy. It then joined forces with the Persian fleet, hoping to sink the Romans. Closer to home, a bridge project was started connecting Egypt to Mansura, but of low news, Emperor Anubis dies in 623. His son takes over the reigns of power with no trouble.

The Patriarch was tired of he Catholics. The debacle in Rome would end now. Summoning up the Theban Forces, and conscripting a new contingent of warriors for himself, Venedictos waited for the Coptic Host to land in Italy. It took over a year to do so, but finally the forces arrived. When word reached him that Latium had reverted to Catholic ways, and the Roman army mutinied and joined as well, Venedictos readied for first a land campaign, rather than the seige of Rome they had in mind.

Commanding a score of 18,000 troops, along with 22,000 Theban troops, Venedictos was confident he could smash the 10,000 strong Catholic army, despite them being entrenched by over 25 field fortification. Using his cavalry as the main initiators, he smashed into Latium, ruthlessly engaging the Catholic troops. Using his numbers to his advantage, he was able to drive a wedge between the Catholic mobile roops and the forts. This allowed him to use the many engineers he had brought to engage and destroy the forts.

It only took three months to finish off the forts, and the rebel army lost a total of 4,000 troops before fleeing into the City of Rome. Now the Patriarch could set about his grand seige. Over the next few months, the remaining 30,000 Coptic forces camped and set about the Passive Seige. While they had more than enough troops to do so, the City of Rome had been well stocked by food from the Catholic Church, and come 625 is still well holding out.

Diplomacy: Adulis (Tokar [oh]), Funj (Soba [oe]), Cyprus (Nicosa [oh]), Crete (Agoruvix [oh])

The Vandals continued to improve upon the defense of their kingdom. Royal Princes were sent of to the Araian Church and Order for eventual placement within the ranks.

The Church helps oversee a Jewish loan paid off for Vandals. Royal road work continues from Kabilya to AL'Huats. Missionary work to Idjil and Sulimasi was entirely successful in converting the two regions.

Ethiopia helped transport troops to Italy, and join in the Roman Fleet Hunting. At home, improvements continued, cities expanded, and children were had. In Sennar, a Volcanic Eruption obliterated the region, leaving the City of Wad Medani a smoking ruin.

The Queen passed away in 622, Can Frou taking over as King without issue. Yoruba was economically improved, whilemany governmental officials lingered about on the beaches. Surely, this was heaven on earth.

Forces were put on alert, gold was shipped to the Coptic Church. Things were peaceful in the golden lands of Africa.

Uzototlai, High Protector, Captain of St. Cyril's Holy Corps, Guardian of the West, Master of the Great Shield.

Diplomacy: Akan [op] (Akan City [op]), Yoruba [op], Togo (Khazptioles [op]), Oyo [op], Benin [oe], Kwarafara [op], Kanem [op], Ngazargumu [oh], Ife (Zouthanos [op])

The Order continued to expand it's holdings. A little bit too fast for it's government to handle, and the Order suffered a decrease in tax revenues.

Diplomacy: Paphlagonia [colonized to hm] (Sinope [colonized to f]), Galatia [colonized to f]), Phrygia [revolts], Psidia [revolts]

King Ardishar was the recipient of a large amount of manpower and gold from the Zoroastrian nations. Using the gifts, he colonized both Paphlagonia and Galatia, sending his army to brutally repress the minor uprisings in each region. Unfortunately, with his concentration on matters military, and lack of dedication to matters governmental, many regions jostled at the Asian regime. Two regions successfully throw off the oppressing Zoroastrians, and Eastern Orthodox worshippers, long put under the sword by the Zoroastrians, regained control, and swore quick allegiance to more familiar masters, Byzantium.

THE GUPTAN CIVIL WAR

Hattu was faced with a difficult decision. He knew Khali had the support of the other Hindu Nations, and that it was likely a coalition of forces would move against him. Perhaps if an alliance with Ebhorta of the Udyana could be struck, together they could stand against the rest. Before he could follow this idea any further, however, messages soon began coming into his capitol from Khali. The Emperor was offering Hattu a deal. Asamakar had long been colonizing the Horn of Africa, and was willing to allow Hattu to take it as his own personal Empire if he returned the Edrosian lands to Gupta proper.

For many months Hattu thought of this proposition as more and more reports of the allied Hindu forces came to his desk. Finally he decided that it was his only way out of this mess, and he agreed. He would even help eliminate the Udyana rebels as a show of good faith. Hattu immediately began preparations, gathering up a coalition of scribes and officers to be sent back to Khali to rejoin the Guptan government. Hattu then oversaw the conscription of a new contingent of heavy cavalry and waited for the next move.

To the South, Bahudana, Emperor of the Asamakarans was busy himself. Heeding the call of their Guptan Allies, Bahudana was busily organizing his army and intelligence capabilities. Collecting up various mobile garrisons, he began marching his host to the Edrosian controlled region of Gujerat. Upon crossing the mountains, he and his assembled war council were greeted by the Edrosian People. As they marched through towns and villages, they were greeted with much pomp and celebration. His 30,000 man army was showered with gifts and praise until they were met by the Edrosian army, 33,000 strong. The two camps then settled in, working together to come up with a strategy to attack the Udyana.

Meanwhile, Khali was busy as well, cultivating other allies amongst the Hindu nations. Pegu and Java were both quick to join the Guptan cause, but to his regret, the Temple of Kali and Sword of Shiva both declared their neutrality in the issue. No matter, Khali was able to secure another deal that he thought would give him another strong edge, even beyond the agreement with Edrosia. His forces assembled in Jaunpor, and his messengers began the arduous task of coordinating the multinational force.

The first military act was actually done by Java. Shipping up a large amount of naval support, the Javans descended upon the Ganges river, looking for any Udyana shipping or warships to destroy. When none were found, the naval forces contented themselves with heavily patrolling the river, their standing orders to prevent the Udyana troops from crossing the river. When the patrols started, messages were sent to the Asamakaran and Edrosian allies to initiate the next stage of attack.

Edrosia and Asamakara made the first charge, pushing into the Udyana region of Chitor. There, they quickly took control of the region and hunkered down, expecting a possible Udyana counterattack, nothing was forthcoming, however. Simultaneously, a small contingent of 1,000 Guptan cavalry, led by Lord Eshasula, left Jaunpor and descended upon the region of Vatsa. Knowing that Asamakara and Edrosia prevented a reaction from Udyana through land, and the Javan's prevented a reaction across the river, the small liberation force was able to regain control of the region without trouble. The force then moved into Chitor, officially retaking the reigns of control of that region as well.

The three forces then pressed into the region of Tarain, once again finding no resistance. The small liberation force of Guptan cavalry took control of this region as well, then set off north, taking Sahis, Und, and Punjab in sort order. No hostile forces were encountered, even in Punjab where it was believed that a score of field forts had already been employed. All the regions and cities fell back under Guptan control. All that remained of Udyana were the rich regions of Rajput and Uttar Pradesh.

From here, a slightly more complicated maneuver was made. In a two-pronged simultaneous attack, both Rajput and Uttar Pradesh were attacked. Edrosia and Asamakara descending upon Uttar Pradesh, while Gupta and Java stormed into Rajput. The latter force of allies encountered no resistance whatsoever, and quickly reclaimed control of the region. The allies to the Northwest, however, soon found the Udyana army encamped outside the city of Thanesar.

When the Udyana forces spotted the combined Asamakaran and Edrosian armies, they quickly mustered up, falling back into a more defensive position within the city. Bahudana and Hattu settled in, ringing the city with their own army, pausing to come up with a plan of attack in sieging the city. On the second day of planning, Ekani, heir to the Asamakaran throne was on his way to the command tents when he heard the sound of fighting. He and his honor guard rushed to the tent to find his Father's guards slain, and a group of cloaked men carrying off the unconscious Emperor.

With a cry, he and his guard gave chase, and the unknown kidnappers were forced to turn and fight. It quickly became clear, however, that these men of shadows were not used to open fighting, and Ekani's guard were able to cut down the enemy men. Ekani rushed to his father's side, who had come to during the fighting. Bahudana's face was grim as he was helped up by his son, "We have been betrayed. Those are Edrosian men, we must ready our forces quickly lest we be set upon on both sides." But already the sound of combat began to filter across the fields.

With the failure of the kidnapping, Hattu ordered an immediate attack, sending his prearranged messengers to Ebhrta in Thanesar to signal the attack. The Asamakaran troops were beginning to respond as well, but Hattu was not worried. With his Udyana allies he would outnumber the Asamakarans more than 2 to 1,and with the advantages of friendly soil to the Udyana, Emperor Bahudana didn't stand a chance. He ordered his men to be cautious, all he needed to do was buy time until the Udyana could erupt from the city.

And indeed, in Thanesar, the city gates were already opening, and as more and more Edrosian and Asamakaran skirmishes started, the Udyana host made it's move to the field. The troops waited until the other two forces were completely engaged, and when it was clear their would be no distanglement, they began their march... To the South. Hattu's face went pale when he saw the Udyana army marching away. With a sick feeling he issued orders to his men to assume more traditional fighting form. This was no longer a stalling tactic, but a full fledged battle.

The two forces managed to regroup, each side lining up opposite the other, the defenseless city of Thanesar behind them. And then, with shouted orders and commands, the two forces engaged each other The fighting was brutal, but at the end of the day, Asamakara's council of generals were better able to control the field than Hattu and his lone lieutenant. Hattu was forced to retreat, leaving 12,000 dead on the field. Asamakara lost slightly more, 12,800, but retained the field. A great chorus of cheers erupted as the Edrosians fled back to Chitor and hunkered down.

Bahudana quickly assessed his situation. He was still slightly outnumbered by the Edrosians, and he had lost one of his advisors, a Bishop from Kali, in the melee. Discussions were still ongoing on whether or not to pursue when disheartening news came. A huge host of cavalry was fast approaching from the North. The Mongols were descending upon India. As Bahudana learned of the numbers of sheer cavalry coming his way, he knew he didn't stand a chance. His only hope was to press into Thanesar, and try and take the combat to the streets where his infantry would be more effective.

The Asamakarans stormed the empty city, where they began setting up defensive works. Bahudana also learned that the Udyanan forces had mutinied out from under Ebhora, who had locked himself away in the city and refused to come out. He had grown terrified of the war, and would not even come out to plan with his generals. One night, assassins had crept in and killed Ebhorta,and the army decided then and there to return to Khali. the Guptan Emperor. Before they could move, the Edrosians had showed up. Once the fighting began, the Udyanans took the opportunity to rejoin their Emperor to the South.

Finally, in 625 the Mongols arrived. Horde after horde of cavalry circled the city, and Bahudana knew he was doomed. The host of Mongols outnumbered his troops 4 to 1. As he prepared a final speech to give to his men, he saw a small group of horsemen come forward under a flag of truce. Quickly, Bahudana turned over command of his troops to his son, Ekani, and rode forward to meet the small group.

Soon, Khan faced Emperor. The two men studied eachother for a long quiet moment before Khan Margun asked Bahudana a question. "Do you know this man?" Gesturing to another robed figure amidst the riders. Bahudana nodded, as the man was Lord Eshashula, the Guptan commander who had ridden North, now apparently a prisoner of the Khan. "And are you his ally?" Murgan next asked. Bahudana nodded again, "I am. And Asamakara will fight to prevent you from further entering Indian lands." The Khan grinned at that, his eyes twinkling. "Your gods smile upon you this day, King. For we are allies of the Gupta as well. Let us celebrate our coming, and plan to smite our enemies!"

"Sire, a rider approaches!" interrupted the meeting, and all eyes turned towards the approaching figure. Swiftly coming up to the congregation, horse and rider both exhausted. The rider addressed the assembly, very short of breath, "Treachery... Emperor... Kidnapped..." Bahudana waved one hand, "Atempted kidnapping. And we've driven the Edrosians back to Chitor, Hattu will be dealt with." The rider just shook his head, "No.. no... Emperor Khali has been taken! The Pegu have betrayed the alliance and attacked!"

And indeed they had. Sensing an opportunity to strike back at the Guptan Empire which had conquered them years ago, King Srijivada decided to attack. Mustering his forces he swiftly advanced along the road system linking Pegu to Gupta and set about conquering the provinces of Assam, Guar, and Palas. At the same time, Khali had been abducted from his chambers at court. Luckily, the Pegu army wasn't interested in the port cities, so Gupta still controlled many of their trading bases in the East.

However, there was a kink in Pegu's plan. Champa had been wary of the Pegu from the get-go, and had foreseen the possibility of a Pegu betrayal, and Champan forces had been on alert for such a contingency. When word reached the Champan King, he ordered his men to move out, first striking into the region of Nakhon. They paused briefly to level a passive siege of Bangkok, but being unable to blockade the port city, were unsuccessful in taking it.

The Champan forces then moved to Thaton and Pegu, where his forces encountered a strong scattering of field forts. 2,000 of his 22,000 man force was lost in destroying the forts. Additionally, a failed raid into the region of Mon cost the forces another 1,000 cavalry. The main army then camped in Pegu, setting up defenses, while the two feudal allies from Laos and Preikuk laid an active seige to the Pegu capitol. Unfortunately, the small group was unable to overcome the walls, and limped back to their provinces with only 600 infantry remaining among them.

Margun looked forward to the upcoming conflict to the East. The Mongols would reap their joy in Edrosian blood.

In 623, the Black Dragon and Shaolin make their move and attack into Shengtung. Hu and Honan forces sally forth to react to the invasion. As the forces line up, the Black Dragon and Shaolin have the advantage in numbers: 15,800 and 12,600 cavalry respectively. The Hu and Honan forces consist of 13,600 and 9,200 cavalry. Rushing at eachother, the combat begins. The first engagement allows neither side to gain the advantage, the huge armies coming to a stalemate. Pulling back and regrouping, each side has lost roughly 5,500 troops.

Another series of battles begins, once again the bloody melee resulting in a stalemate, the Hu and Honan losing 3,200 cavalry each while the Black Dragon and Shaolin losing only 2,800. One Honan charge does manage to capture a Shaolin general. The armies then clash one final time, the Honan force being completely wiped out, and the Hu losing another 2,000 cavalry. However, they manage to barely carry the day, and force the Black Dragon back into Shensi, costing them 1,600 cavalry. The Shaolin suffer an equal amount, but among them is the remaining Shaolin leader.

The Black Dragon consider making an alternate attack into Honan territory, but soon receive reports that a great host of Hu warships are patrolling the Huang Ho, and would make crossing the river a dangerous plan. Additionally, with no Shaolin leaders remaining, the Shaolin troops would not accompany the Black Dragon, seriously lowering the amount of men in the attack.

"Walric. You have been chosen to lead my people to a new promised land. As Moses did before you, you must cross through desert and plains to a land of milk and honey. Your life has not always been honorable, yet from this point forth, you will serve me, the One and Only God. Go now to the Danes and the Merovingians. Each morning the sun will warm your right cheek, and each evening it will warm your left. Go to the edge of the Great Sea. In this you will serve your God."

Having received the word of God, Walric returned to his people. He stirred the meager palace and made plans. The next morning, Walric word was sent out to the Danes and Merovingians…

"To the true believers of God Almighty who have suffered much and who have traveled across the world to this new land. We have been deceived. Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we have been tempted by the serpent. And that serpent is Rome!!! The land of our forefathers is now overrun by Celtic Jackels. The Holy City itself is a den of sin. The Pope has strayed from the path of God. For is his role not as shepherd for the flock? Does the Seat of St. Peter not have a mandate to guide the Catholic faithful to the gates of Heaven? But the Holy See in Rome has betrayed those of true faith. The Pope failed to hold back the Croats, he failed to protect us from the Celts, he failed to keep the WRE from losing its faith. Moreover, Rome lost faith by bowing before the heretics in Constantinople. By compromising the Roman Catholic dominance over all Christianity, the Pope has lost his spiritual domain.

But I have been blessed with a message from the Lord. We, the Danes and Merovingians are to be God's chosen people. We will be allowed to return to the Garden of Eden. But we must face adversity to demonstrate to God that we are repentant. God has chosen me to lead you to the Garden. From this day forth, we sever our ties with Rome. Never again will the Devil have sway over God's chosen people."

With this, the Nordic Orthodox Christian (NOC) Church was born. Walric further defined the tenets of the church to include a more strict adherence to the Bible, both old and new testament. The role of the NOC Church would be to regain entrance to the Garden of Eden, and to spread the word of God, by all means necessary. For this would bring about the greater Glory of the Lord.

For all of their travels, there was no evidence of any other human soul in this new land. Where were the Albans? Or could there be others, men, angels, or devils, altogether? Dagobert thought with a pang how Europe could have been like a paradise on earth, had not the Evil One entered the Armorican court and unleashed a plague of heathen. And even as he thought on what a garden he had left behind, King Walric, friend to his family for generations, came with calm resolve to the Merovingian council-the Dane had had a vision…

The Merovingians were moved, and wept with joy. God had first led them safe from the wreckage. Now, He had truly chosen them for blessed lives, even as the Israelites had been chosen before. And the Garden of Eden, said Walric, lay South…

TROOP CONVERSIONS
Infantry	200 men
Cavalry	200 men and horse
Siege Engineers	200 men
Warships	2 ships
Transports	2 ships
Field Forts	2 forts

Religion	Troops
Orthodox	10i, 5c, 5xc, 10w
Roman Catholic	5xc
Arian Christian	5i
Islamic	5c

Religion	Troops
Arian	5i, 5c, 5s, 5w
Coptic	5i, 5c, 5s, 5w

Religion	Troops
Coptic	5i, 5w
African Pagan	5i

Religion	Troops
Hindu	5i, 9c, 5w
Mahayana	5i

Religion	Troops
Celtic	10i, 10c, 5s
Roman Catholic	10i, 10c, 5s
Coptic	10i, 10c, 5s

Religion	Troops
Hindu	24i, 20c, 18s, 5w

Religion	Troops
Mahayana	16i, 58c, 5s, 5w
Therevada	17i, 48c, 5s, 5w

Turn 25