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Lords of the Earth
Deus Vult!
Turn 006
(1125 to 1129)

 

WESTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:	92mi, 58mc, 8ms, 5mw
AQRs:	i4, c5, s4, w4

 

 

Kingdom of Scotland
( Edinburgh in Strathclyde )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Duncan III

Defense of the realm is upgraded, with Castle Haggs completed within Glasgow. Edinburgh castle has its own defenses strengthened and refurbished. Lothian sees three small minor fortifications dotting the land. Trade is the other push of Scotland this cycle, with fourteen more cogs built and pressed into mercantile service. Two new sea routes are opened with Swabia and Burgundy. King Duncan agrees for a yearly tithe of the income to be sent to Rome, and is awarded with more influence in the Papal States. Lastly, he increases the number of assassins and bodyguards at his command.

Duncan himself sees directly to the government in Edinburgh, but is crushed when his young, English wife passes in childbirth. Duncan also learns that Prince Angus of Lothian has died in his sleep while in Lothian founding a church (The project never finishes). Conelly protects the waters of the Viking bank with his fleet of twenty-three warships while Morgan does the same in the Irish Sea with his own eleven. Morgan succumbs to pneumonia during the winter of '28. The Feudal Lord of the Orkney islands continues to defend his realm.

 

Kingdom of England
( London in Sussex )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Reginald I

King Henry and four other leaders march into Gwynned at the head of 5700 men, easily sweeping aside the 1300 defending infantry. Henry then begins to loot the region, provoking a new revolt.For six months the Welsh disrupt the looting action, and though they are unable to destroy any English forces, they manage to capture William Tudor and John, King Henry's grandson, who was being taught about military campaigns by Tudor. Also, William of Northumbria is killed by the rebels in a lucky hail of arrows. (In response, the region of Northumbria declares a break in alliance, downgrading to a Non-Paying Tributary.) Angered, Henry sets about a military conversion of the pagans, again, provoking a revolt. But this uprising is crushed with a loss of only 200 men by the English.

At home, William Adeline educates his son Edward while founding Westminster Church in London. He Rules the nation, remarrying and siring two more sons. However, William would perish in the capital city. This would put his brother Reginald in line for the throne rather than William's children when King Henry joins his son in the afterlife a mere two months later. With the dynastic changes and military campaign, Marc Beaufort is unable to increase the treaty with Lancashire. Despite the changes, the city of York is constructed in Northumbria, with four cogs completed and set to Internal Trade with the new city. Twelve-hundred new infantry are added to the new King Reginald's forces.

 

The War of 1119
(County of Flanders vs. Duchy of Lorraine)

In 1125, Duke Gaston of Lorraine recruits 2700 Cavalry and 8 more field forts for the nation, and all leaders station in the region Lorraine awaiting an attack by Flanders. Count Derrick of Flanders picks up 1900 Cavalry and 300 engineers, then reacts out of Brabant in case of a counterattack by Lorraine. None comes. The Flemish Heir Philip, and General Griel collect 1000 cavalry and 100 engineers with the 9900 Mercenaries they had contracted for the offensive. They press into Champagne to attack. Duke Gaston reacts to meet them, along with three other national leaders at the head of 7000 Cavalry, and the Champagne garrison of 1000 Infantry and 3 field forts. The battle is a slaughter. Lorraine fields three leaders with good combat abilities, while Flanders has only slightly above average. While Flanders has more total units, Lorraine is almost all Cavalry, and thus stronger in the open fields. The entire Flemish host is decimated. Lord Stephan, bodyguard of General Griel gives his life so that Griel may escape being run down by the German horse and a cadre of Swabian hunters as he and Philip retreat to Brabant. All told, Lorraine sees a loss of 400 Cavalry and Lord Raymond. Flanders rounds out the cycle with another large bid for 5500 mercenary cavalry.

 

County of Flanders
( Ghent in Flanders )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Count Derrick I

More assassins are gained in time for the conflict with Lorraine. Elsewise than the war, ten merchant cogs are built and put to use with internal trade routes.

 

Duchy of Lorraine
( Heppenheim in Hesse )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Gaston I

Bernadette is quickly married to Ames of Champagne, promoting him to Prince and gaining the region fully while Nivernais is released from control, fulfilling the peace agreement with France. Lionel is recalled from the Popular Crusade so that he may join in the conflict with Flanders, even though this puts Lorraine in violation of an Imperial Edict.

 

Duchy of Normandy
( Rouen in Normandy )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke William III

The numbers of spies and monks under control of the Duchy increase. The latter are used to Christianize the Irish in Lienster, with whom the Heir Henry arranges a Full Alliance with. Henry then sires a daughter, who does not survive infancy, and two sons. William's son Pierre is promoted to a position at court. Defensively, Charles reacts out of Maine with 1900 men. Francois also travels among the Irish, gaining a Non-Paying alliance from the Pagans of Ulster.

 

Kingdom of France
( Paris in Ile De France )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Philip I

Seven hundred cavalry see conscription for the King., who rules from Paris. On the peaceful side, Roche-Yves gains a full alliance from Orleans.
[See: The War of Four Margraves]

 

Duchy of Burgundy
( Worms in Burgundy )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Henri I

Flaurent manages to conduct a census of the realm.
[See: The War of Four Margraves]

 

Duchy of Aquitaine
( Toulouse in Aquitaine )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke William X

Joseph of Limousin founds the church of St. Benôit de Périgueux, but then begins a direct persecution of families with northern French blood. Rumors of hidden trials and burnings at the stake become commonplace, and some begin to petition King Philip of France for intervention as Duke William IX simply ignores their pleas. Duke William, meanwhile, pushes for an increase in the Tithe to Rome, then orders another two-hundred engineers and two light warships to be conscripted in Bordeaux. He reacts from Limousin first with two-thousand cavalry and eight-hundred mercenaries, then from Toulouse, where he perishes at the end of 1129.

Princess Alienor, returning to Toulouse after arranging a non-paying treaty with Languedoc, immediately begins to pressure her brother, the new Duke William X, to appoint her as heir to the throne, as William is currently childless. When she authorizes the hire of two thousand mercenaries in the capital, many wonder what she might do if her request is ignored. The new Duke William and three other leaders concentrate on Auvergne, and gain a Full Alliance from the region.

 

Kingdom of Aragon
( Zaragoze in Aragon )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Alfonso I

Prince Alfonso takes Lords Julio and Ortez back into New Castille, now at the head of 5100 Cavalry and 300 Infantry. This time, they manage to destroy the defending 1000 Infantry at the cost of their own 300, though Julio is among them. The Heir, Ramiro, marries a girl from Aragon, siring two daughters while ruling from Zaragoza, though one of the girls dies quite young. A combination of missionaries and preachers descend upon Aragon, and manage to completely reverse the teachings of Casilda in the region. Some breath a sigh of relief, for it is said that King Alfonso has granted the Reconquista permission to use force in keeping the Heresy out of further Aragonese lands. Strangely, two Tunisian leaders are discovered sneaking about in Navarre and are apprehended. With them is the Tunisian Princess Dara. King Alfonso, remembering his time in the New Castille prisons, treats her kindly for now, awaiting an explanation from her father.

 

Kingdom of Leon
( Cuidad Leon in Leon )
Casildan Christian, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Sancho II

 

CENTRAL EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:	5mi, 5mc, 5ms, 5mw
AQRs:	i4, c4, s4, w4

 

 

Kingdom of Norway
( Christiana in Norway )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Sigurd Jorsalfar

King Sigurd sees the number of Catholic monks increase, and the military reports advances in the quality of the realm's cavalry forces. Fjordane begins the process of cultivation, with a new postal road heading that direction leading from Christiana to Bergan. Magnus and Sigurd work in tandem to run the government and react out of the capital with their 3100 men. Old Age catches up to Magnus in 1126. Trogier upgrades the Feudal Alliance in Fjordane to a Full one while Olaf continues to find converts in the Shetlands.

 

Kingdom of Sweden
( Stockholm in Uppsala )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Inge I Stenkilsson

Sweden sees a large expansion in the government, the bureaucracy and infrastructure increasing, along with naval quality in the military. Visby and Stockholm are walled, with another field fort added to the defense of Uppsala. Across the nation, fifteen-hundred mixed troops are recruited for various leaders and garrisons. The Heir, Ragnvald rules from Stockholm, catching ill and passing in 1128. This leaves his younger brother, Amund, in line for the throne. Sylvester's diplomacy in Saarema is rebuffed. The diplomat dies during the negotiations, his 2 ships and 400 men sailing back to Visby. Jerker preaches in Kopparberg, and with the help of missionaries sees the full conversion of the region.

 

Kingdom of Denmark
( Skjern in Denmark )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Canute V Lavard

King Canute continues to transfer goodwill monies to Sweden and Novgorod, thus is quite angered when Swedish saboteurs are caught trying to damage Danish Naval Prowess. In addition, rumors of active Saxon agents continue to be heard. Fed up, Canute orders a massive construction project to take place in the south of Denmark along the border with Holstein. A series of massive ditches, fortresses and walls spring up along the border over the next five years, utilizing new advances in Siege technology. Canute then marries his daughter Elise to the Lieutenant Karl, and declares him his Heir without issue. In LAtvia, Edwin is unable to convince the Latvians to any agreements before he dies from a riding fall.

 

Duchy of Saxony
( Leipzig in Saxony )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Otto III

Prince Ordulf is recalled from the Popular Crusade and appointed to a position at court, and like Lorraine, putting the realm in violation of the previous Edict. Ordulf is granted 400 Cavalry and two Cogs, then ordered to accompany his sister Eilika to Tuscany for a Royal Marriage. The party first attempts to explore the Rhine River, but Ordulf is lacking in the skills necessary. Both ships are damaged and lost (with the men on board) but Ordulf and Eilike manage to wash ashore in Augsburg. They continue to Pisa to arrange the marriage, and coordinate between the unsavory networks of both realms.

Duke Otto spends time collecting the army, settling in Obodria after spending a bit of time with the Duchess, expanding the networks of spies for the Duchy. Two cogs are constructed, one being used for mercantile activities. He orders the North Sea maps inked. In the East, Count Wichmann arranges a Feudal Alliance with Pomerania. Lothair, sent to Rome years ago, gains a prominent Bishopric, then shortly after ascends to the Red, putting him in line for the Papacy itself.

 

Duchy of Thuringia
( Wurzburg in Nordgau )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Henry V

Support monies are sent to Popular Crusade, in accordance with the Edict o fthe past. Duke Henry and Lord Ernst react from Nordgau with 4000 Cavalry. but no trouble spills over to his realm.
Henry the Younger sires another son in Wurzburg, while Otto continues to Administer effectively from the city.

 

Duchy of Bohemia
( Prague in Bohemia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Vratislaus III

Vratislaus takes Spytihnev aside. "Our family avoids meddling in affairs beyond our realm, yet events in Lorraine continue to threaten the stability of Christendom. If the Holy Roman Empire falls to warring with the Franks, who should recover the Holy Land from the Saracen? I fear it would be irresponsible to continue our isolation. For this Imperial election, I have decided you shall pursue the position of Emperor. I have raised you to be direct, honest, and honorable with all men. Remember this should you win." So saying, Vratislaus transfers the Shroud of Turin to his son. As the election proceeds, many of the electors are overcome by the effects of the shroud, feeling the touch of the divine under the Savior's gaze. Spytihnev wins the election, and becomes Emperor Stephen I. In Kauyavia, Pavel is unable to increase the Feudal Alliance.

 

Duchy of Bavaria
( Regensburg in Bavaria )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Welf II

Missionaries are successful in converting the Pagans in Goryn, but then upset by the regions treaty with Kiev. The government expands completely, with the bureaucracy and infrastructure improving. While Galich sees the beginnings of a cultivation project (along with becoming friendly to the Duchy), Bochnia's own project is completed. Prince Zelig sees to the defense of the realm, reacting from Bochnia with 3600 men.

 

Duchy of Swabia
( Augsberg in Swabia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Prince Handel, Regent For
Duke Frederick III

Handel rules from Augsbug, siring another son, then sends the whole court to Lorraine, seeking a merger with the Duchy. Marriages, money, a vote for Emperor and defense of Hesse with 3500 men are offered. While Gaston seriously considers the merger, at the end, it is not to be. Simon Ruppel and Erich von Basel catch ill during their trip to Lorraine, leaving the 3500 troops in Hesse leaderless for the moment. At home, military increases are ordered, with eight-hundred infantry, five-hundred cavalry and five light warships gained in Augsburg. Swabia sees the addition of two field forts.

Margravate of Tuscany
( Pisa in Tuscany )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Margrave Cosimo I

Twenty-five hundred more troops are conscripted for the war against Burgundy, and an increase in Siege quality is gained. Cosimo, joined now in marriage to the Duchy of Saxony, sees to the government from Pisa.

 

The War of Four Margraves
(Margravate of Tuscany vs. Duchy of Burgundy)

Conrad begins a dual march into Burgundian Territory. He takes Prince Ludovico and 3100 Infantry, 2100 Cavalry and 400 Engineers to trek across the heavy mountains into Lyonnais. Shortly after the movement begins, French assassins cause a small rockslide to fall upon the Margrave's convoy. Conrad is brutally crushed and killed. Ludovico takes command and finishes the march. Claude-Louis of France reacts into the region to protect his Burgundian Ally, bringing 2300 Cavalry and 400 Engineers. The Tuscan troops are tired after the long march over the mountains, and their supply is stretched thin with the distance so great back to Genoa. Finally, the elite forces of the French show their colors, and make short work of the Tuscans. Ludovico is killed in an early press, and the Tuscan army completely routes. Nine-hundred of them make it back to Savoy. France loses only four-hundred.

Meanwhile, Duke Henri of Burgundy had set up a defense in the region of Provence. Calling 200 Infantry, 4800 Cavalry, 500 Engineers and 3 Field Forts to his banner. Lords Leopold and Guido, one of the highest military minds in Italy, cross the mountains with 2500 Infantry, 1600 Cavalry and 900 Mercenaries. Guido quickly realizes the situation is grim for his forces, being outnumbered and in hostile territory. And again, the Tuscans are tired from crossing the mountain border. But Guido was confident in his drastic advantage in tactics, as the Burgundian Duke had little battle experience. As fate would have it, this would decide the conflict. Once the battle was met, Guido found a highly defensible position in the eastern hills to encamp, then set about directing the Italian forces to intricately flank the Burgundians. Duke Henri simply ordered his men to suicidally charge the center. No general in his right mind would ever commit this order, but as noted, Henri had little battle experience. And this is where Guido lost the war. Knowing that any general would see the folly of attacking the center, he could only watch in horror as the Duke did the unthinkable. The light Italian center was swept aside, with Guido and Leopold cut off from all contact with the army. In an instant the morale of the Italians broke, and the entire army scattered. Henri would spend the next year scouring Provence for pockets of Italian soldiers to isolate and destroy. None returned to Liguria but the two ignoble generals.

With two seemingly major victories under his belt, Duke Henri sues for peace. He sends the Tuscans 15,000 crowns, 15 tons of goods and foodstuffs, a map of the Rhine River and young Prince Laurent as a Royal Hostage. The Appeasement is accepted by the battered nobles of Tuscany, and the war comes to an end.

 

Serene Republic of Venice
( Venice in Verona )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Doge Vitallo Michele

Brasi and Bornese begin a systematic investigation of the Republic for any groups with Muslim ties or connections. Though nothing is found in their searches in Venice, Verona, Romagna; Bornese begins a heavy investigation into a small university in Forli that is partly funded by a merchant in control of the lucrative trade with the Fatimid Caliphate. Bornese is heavy-handed, and angers many of the students in his hunt. When Bornese institutes a strict curfew, they erupt into a riot, and Bornese flees to the Mayoral Complex away from the mob. The students continue their march to the building, overwhelming the small guard and throwing the mayor's court into prison. Bornese manages to bribe his captors for release, and returns to Venice. He blames the situation on a "direct and thorough corruption by Islamic sympathists." Most in Venice simply blame his botched investigation.

Thirteen new warships, four cogs, and a field fort in Slovenia are raised. All three cities of the Republic have their walls fortified, and lastly the spies of the realm are increased. Doge Vitallo and Prince Santengelo lead the navy of 84 ships in patrols within the Adriatic Sea, but encounter no enemy fleets.

 

Duchy of Apulia
( Naples in Campania )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Roger I Borsa

Roger uncovers more evidence that Sicily is behind the murders of his children, granting him more justification for hostilities. After the investigation, Roger remarries a young bride and is pleased to learn of advances in the quality of the navy and cavalry.

 

Norman County of Sicily
( Palermo in Sicily )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Count Simon I

Count Simon appoints his second son, Roger, to a position at court. The boy immediately shows a grasp of military tactics far beyond anyone in the nation. By age 19, he has written his first great work. A treatise and interpretation on the newly ended War of Four Margraves which earns him the respect of the Sicilian military. Roger urges his father to allow him to join the Crusades, as he is anxious to cut his teeth in real battle against the saracen. Meanwhile, Robert, George of Antioch and Manfred sail the fleet of 75 Warships to the Gulf of Lyons and blockade Marseilles in support of their Tuscan allies. This effects six trade routes coming out of the city. The effectiveness of assassins, and the number of spies for the realm increase.

 

EASTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:	10mi, 5mc, 5ms, 5mw
AQRs:	i4, c4, s4, w4

 

 

Kingdom of Poland
( Warsaw in Poland )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Boleslaus III

Poznan City built on the Vistula in Little Poland and connected to the capital by a new Royal Road. Boleslaus rules from Warsaw, siring three healthy children. Radoslaw and Tomasz gain a complete absorption of Danzig into the Kingdom. Dariusz upgrades the Abbey in Poland to a Monastery.

 

Feudal Republic of Novgorod
( Novgorod City in Novgorod )
Eastern Orthodox, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Boyar Dmitri Oreshek

Vistula River and Viking Bank rutters inked and sent to Kiev. 1300 Infantry and 200 Cavalry are added to the the army, with five warships and six cogs to the navy. Dmitri rules and defends from the capital with 500 engineers. Ivan and Dmitri the Younger React from Novgorod with 4400 men. No one sees any threat.

 

Principality of Kiev
( Kiev City in Kiev )
Eastern Orthodox, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Grand Prince Yaropolk II

Missionaries manage the conversion of Pechneg. Yaropolk sees to the government, and the training or Borislav in the arts of administration, but the boy is unable to catch on. Turov, Pinks, Goryn and Tver all see national diplomats. Only Goryn, however, agrees to an increase of alliance. And that only to Non-Paying Tributary.

 

Kingdom of Hungary
( Budapest in Alfold )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Bela, Regent for
King Kolos I

Almos preaches in Wallachia. Bela returns to Alfold to Administer the realm. Lazlo moves to Bakony to counter to Bogomil heresy, making small progress. The allies react from their regions.

 

Kingdom of Croatia
( Osijek in Croatia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Dmitar I

The qualities od Infantry, Siege and spies all improve this cycle. The shipyards of the nation work almost to capacity, producing 40 cogs which are pressed into merchant service. Dmitar sees to the government, siring an impressive four more sons during the cycle before himself dying in 1129. Petar expands his family as well, with three additional children. Milan continues to embezzle and abuse the government in Ilyria by his Administration. Vesik is still unable to convince the Mayor of Nish to renounce the Byzantines. The Feudal Allies react from their regions.

 

Byzantine Empire
( Constantinople in Thrace )
Eastern Orthodox, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Emperor Alexius I Comnenus

T he Emperor and two other Roman generals stand ready to react to a materialized Muslim threat with a reactionary force of 3000 cavalry in Thrace. No one is yet willing to test his might. Hashshashin agents, however, continue to be ferreted out as they attempt to gain footholds in minor government offices. John rules effectively, arranging two marriages with the Grand Principality of Kiev. Once to increase trade, the other to form a Defensive Pact. Reports of increased capabilities in Siege, Cavalry and spies please him. Germanicus continues to station in Asia Minor with his 6000 men, reacting out of Buthynia. Petros commands 50 (fifteen newly constructed) ships in his patrols of the Aegean. The Feudal Allies react from their regions.

 

MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

Mercenaries
Troops:	22mi, 16mc, 6ms, 5mw
AQRs:	i4, c4, s4, w4

 

 

Rum Seljuk Sultanate
( Trebizond in Pontus )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Kilij Arslan

The Sultan decrees that his sons Khusrau and Ufuk will, in the Turkish tradition, wrestle in three matches with the winner being granted a position in court. Khusrau quickly wins the first, pinning Ufuk to the ground and almost breaking his arm. The second match is a testament to fortitude, as it lasts nearly an hour with both men gaining and losing advantages, but Khusrau manages to defeat his young brother once again. Ufuk demands that the third match be held so that he may defend his honor. Ufuk manages to overcome his brother, trapping his arms then ramming an elbow into Khusrau's neck, collapsing his throat. Ufuk holds his brother in place as he chokes to death. Kilij rewards Ufuk the position. This replaces the Khan from Alan, and that region rescinds its Feudal Alliance. Both Kilij and Rukn take on new brides from Ponuts, though neither man is able to sire more children between ruling and defending the region. The Feudal Allies react and defend their regions.

 

Atabeg Sultanate
( Mosul City in Mosul )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Kerbogha

Lyssa City is built along the royal road in Carhae, and it is immediately walled. Shortly after, a fortress is built to protect the highway. Mosul sees more walls on the city and its fortress, plus another five field forts added to the region. The realm concentrates on two things: reactionary forces ready to repel any invaders, and a delegation to Damascus with the Sultan, who arranges a marriage and Defensive Pact with the Southern Neighbor.

 

Sultanate of Damascus
( Damascus in Petra )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Tutush

Tutush sees to the capital, siring a son and seeing increase in Infantry Quality and assassins. Prince Fahmir preaches in Socotra, gaining a foothold that future Imams might be able to exploit. He catches ill on the island, and passes late in the cycle. Ismayma continues to effectively Administer from Petra, he is surprised by reports that Crusaders have sacked a small town in the east of the region.

 

Fatimid Caliphate
( Al-Qahirah in Mansura )
Shi'a Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Caliph Ahmad al-Musta'li

Suakin downgraded to a simple Feudal Alliance. Missionaries continue to work in Lybia. Government infrastructure and assassin capabilities are gained Twenty light warships constructed and granted to Jarakel, who patrol the Gulf of Cyprus. Tarek upgrades 3400 cavalry to heavier elite versions, then defends Egypt.

 

Nubian Kingdom of Makuria
( Soba in Funj )
Coptic Christian, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Basileios I

Alwa cultivation is completed, putting the northwestern region in closer communication with the capital. Three fortifications built in conquered Shoa, with 500 Infantry and 4 Light warships conscripted for the general military. Georgios finally dies a broken man in Constantinople, leaving his brother Merkurios in line for the throne. Many suspect Basileious will intervene and appoint his grandson Asybos to the position soon. Merkurios eases tensions with conquered Shoa, while Simon is active in Dunquhla. Tzacharias gains an Economic Alliance from Adulis. David tries to map the Red Sea, but his initial foray is unsuccessful.

 

Emirate of Yemen
( Sana in Yemen )
Shi'a Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Emir Aasir

Government infrastructure increases in the capital. The colonization of Madina reaches a critical point, and many old Sunnis are displaced from Mecca. The city becomes predominantly Shi'ite and friendly to the crown. Five hundred cavalry and five light warships are built in Sana. Berbera commits to a full joining with the Emirate, though Zeila remains uninterested in increasing ties. Aaqil would rule from Sana, dying of age in 1126, leaving the Kingdom to his younger brother.

 

Emirate of Tunisia
( Tunis in Tunisia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Emir Yahya ibn Tamin

Twelve hundred cavalry are conscripted with a few hundred mercenaries hired to round out the defenses of the capital. Assassin capabilities are expanded. Emir Yahya rules from Tunis, siring two more healthy sons and appointing Kallaq as Prince. Radwah scours Tunisia looking for secretive cults, but turns up nothing. Miraj, already an old man, does not survive his capture in Aragon. Lazim al-Gefara defends his Feudal Region.

 

SECRET ORDERS

 

The Popular Crusade
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Grandmaster Ulf Samuelson

Quiet.

 

The Prince's Crusade
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Primas Hugh

Monks found a new Lodge, as does Primas Hugh. Government infrastructure is gained, with four warships, two cogs and four-hundred men recruited. Commander Baldwin, Justicar Stephen and William Cleto of Normandy manage to sneak into the region of Petra and commit a quick series of raids before fading back into the Gulf of Cyprus, evading two Muslim fleets in the seazone.

 

The Reconquista
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
El Cid Compeador

Cavalry quality is advanced, justin time for a new conscription of five-hundred. El Cid's Son, Diego, joins his father in the order. El Cid fails to gain support for a new Cell, then he and his son move to New Castille where he begins to infiltrate the prison where King Alfonso of Aragon is being held. Before El Cid can complete a daring rescue, Aragonese forces conquer the region, and Alfonso is released. He does not forget El Cid's efforts, however, and grants the order sweeping rights to use force to halt the teachings of Casilda from spreading outside of Navarre. Ramon Berenguer preaches in Catalonia, turning back some of the teaching of Casilda.

 

The Hashshashins
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Basha'ir

Government infrastructure and warship quality sees improvement, with two cultic temples raised.