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Lords of the Earth
Deus Vult!
Turn 008
(1135 to 1139)

 

WESTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:

 119mi, 47mc, 8ms, 5mw

AQRs:
 i4, c5, s4, w4

 

 

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

King Duncan continues to guide the workings of the government personally. He orders Glasgow expanded, the fortress inside reinforced. Trade is initiated with Leon and the Almoravids, five more cogs joining others in the press of merchant service. Logan sets up a patrol of the Viking Bank with thirty-four warships, taking advantage of new improvements in the quality of warships for the Kingdom. Dougal travels back to Edinburgh where he founds a church dedicated to St. Andrew. Keir of Orkney continues to keep vigilant watch over his islands.

 

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

Seven cogs, six-hundred infantry and the imposing Tower of London are all built in the capital city. The royal road projects now extend to york, and Northumbria is protected by a new pair of field fortifications. Reginald oversees this all while ruling from London and teaching young Henry the secrets of Administration. He also sires a new daughter. Edward travels to Leon, marrying young Teoda and fostering improved trading relations.

William Tudor and Eric of Mercia march into Dyffed at the head of 4700 mixed National and Feudal troop. The fighting is quick, and only a hundred men are lost, but among them is Erik. After the Pacification is complete, Erik's men march back to their Feudal Region. William continues and begins to Militarily Convert the region, which rouses another rebel army. This time he is caught slightly off guard and pushed from the region, losing 700 men in the process. By a stroke of luck, however, he catches the enemy commander. Leaderless, the region is unable to stop Tudor from returning to PAcify the region once again. With time remaining, Tudor attempts a second Military Conversion. Again, the pagans erupt into revolt. The first round of fighting is a complete stalemate, but the second, the locals are simply better suited to fighting in the wilderness than the civilized troops. Tudor retires in good order to Wessex, another 500 men short. On the positive side, young Richard learns much in the way of the fighting arts under Tudor's tutelage during the long foray.

 

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

Flemish investments in the military pay off with advances in Cavalry, Siege and Warships Quality. Ten light warships and 800 Infantry are raised. Count Derrick does not push the war, however. Rather, he travels to Ghent in the intention of founding a church. Soon after his arrival, he goes missing. Lorraine, if they are in fact responsible, does not take advantage of the situation and remains simply at the alert. With the surprise merger of the Duchies, the war abruptly ends. Though, Henry has the opportunity to press his war claims against the new Duchy if he wishes.

 

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

Derrick oversees the effectiveness of assassins improving, also taking time to order ten cogs built and pressed into Internal Trade in Ghent, replacing many of the ships lost to Swabia's piracy. Griel patrols the English Channel with ten warships, but no more attempts are made this cycle. Henry comes of age and assumes the role of Heir. He is soon delivered a demand for ransom, in return for the release of his father.

 

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

Gold is sent in upkeep to the Popular Crusade. Prince Ames reacts from Champagne with 6000 Cavalry. Dagmar patrols the capital with fifteen new light warships. A massive delegation of leaders from Swabia arrives, once again urging the Duke to consider a joining of the two nations. Gaston, still without an Heir, acquiesces and declares Duke Frederick as his Heir.

 

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

Quiet.
Henry, inspired by his brother the Duke, joins him in the Prince's Crusade. Lienster abandons its Tenuous ties.

 

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

King Henri marries Elise from Burgundy, forging a Military Alliance. He then raises an additional one-thousand infantry and cavalry before marching against Aquitaine

 

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

Burgundy joins forces with her French allies after conscripted twenty-four hundred new cavalry of her own. Perpignon city is walled and the forces march into Languedoc. Back home, Henri the Younger investigates the region of Burgundy.

 

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

Alienor and three other leaders are in Aquitaine when the Burgundian and French allies march across the border. Their combined host is 9700 Cavalry and 500 Engineers. Alienor's forces only number 2600 Infantry and 500 Cavalry. As she is organizing, an assassin manages sneak into camp and break through her ring of guards to cut the woman's throat. The killer is captured on the way out and under torture proves to be of French origin. Amazingly, however, Alienor is not dead. Physicians manage to stop the bleeding, but she is extremely weak and must be carried on a litter. She immediately orders an evasion of the larger attacking force, but Duke Henri's cavalry has already pressed deep into the region, and cuts off the escape route. Alienor knows the battle is lost as soon as it is joined. She throws the infantry against the French King's men, buying her enough time to escape with the cadre of leaders. The two Hernis pacify the region in time for a an army of Aragon to ride in from the South and join with their forces.

A second prong of French troops pour into Auvergne just after battle is commenced in Languedoc, hoping to find the Aquitaine armies distracted. Awaiting them, however, are two leaders that had failed to React in time to the invasion of Languedoc. The 2100 French troops match off against 3100 Aquitaines. The first round is a stalemate, but the second allows John of France to push the defenders out of the region. Both sides suffer heavy losses, and France controls the region with only 800 men. Remy meets the remnants of Alienor's forces, and the troops under Duke William in Toulouse. They combine, and press back into Auvergne with 6500 troops. John is ready for them, and using his cavalry he manages to pick and choose the battles, striking in the early mornings. Two such strikes manage to overcome and kill Alienor and Remy, the Ally of Auvergne. Duke William decides to fall back to the homeland, less 1100 men. With the distance back to Paris so great, Auvergne does attempt to revolt from control, but John once again is in command of the situation and eradicates the rebels.

 

Kingdom of Aragon
( Zaragoze in Aragon )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Princess Maria, Regent For
King Adolpho I

Alfonso preaches in Navarre, but has made no progress by the time he returns to Zaragoze to sire two sons. Baldomero, meanwhile, has more luck during his efforts in Navarre. The King and Ortez March north into Languedoc, though Alfonso does not live past the march across the mountains. Saure takes 25 light warships raiding to the south. Newly crowned Alfonso II catches ill and passes, his sister Maria would step forward to Regent for her underage nephew.

 

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

Marc Beufort of England turns up dead in Lisbon. Investigations discern he was brokering a tentative alliance between the city an the English Crown. Also, an Almoravid leader is discovered in the region of Portugal, but the man flees before he is apprehended. The Postal Road in Old Castille is upgraded to a full highway. Francis escorts Princess Criba to Galacia, where he is able to cool the hostilities of the region with a marriage and generous gifts.

 

Almoravid Sultanate
( Seville in Andalusia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Abu Fallou, Regent For
Sultan Baqi ibn Ali

Twenty Light Warships are rebuilt after the scrapping by Sicily. Dab-al-Roca city is walled, in case the assault continues. Boulos gains an Economic Alliance from the region of Cheliff. Fallou descends upon Geb-al-Tarik with 1000 Infantry and 1500 Cavalry. He soon discovers that the local lord has declared a Feudal Alliance with Sicily. He destroys the 300 defending infantry and takes the region, including capturing a Sicilian leader. This prevents Sicily from landing later in the cycle in hopes of building a city. Sultan Ali reacts from the capital, but does not survive the rigorous mode of alertness. Fallou becomes Regent.

 

CENTRAL EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:
 13mi, 11mc, 6ms, 5mw
AQRs:
 i4, c4, s5, w4

 

 

Kingdom of Norway
( Christiana in Norway )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Prince Thorsson of Fjordane, Regent For
King Hrafn Youngblood

The Shetlands are finally converted completely. The Royal Highway is extended into Fjordane. Sigurd Rules from Christiana, but dies early in the cycle. Erik, the new King, arranges a Non-Paying Tributary alliance with Trondheim, but dies himself during the cold winter of 1138. Thorsson, Ally of Fjordane, is wed to Britta and made a Prince Leader. His lands become fully integrated into the nation. He claims Regency for young King Hrafn. Torgier Reacts from Christiana with fourteen Light Warships. He presses his seven Cogs into Merchant Service.

 

Kingdom of Sweden
( Stockholm in Uppsala )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Isak Ravenhair

Kopparberg abandons its Tenuous ties as a field fort and the port city of Gavle is constructed Advances in Siege Quality are reported by the military, which is busily raising eight-hundred Infantry, one-hundred cavalry, and two Light Warships. King Inge sails to Estonia where he attempts to negotiate the release of Nils, hoping to smooth the hostilities of the region. He bribes the lord of the region, but it backfires. When Inge begins to threaten full scale invasion, the Estonians seize him by force. His head is sent back to his ships. The new King secures a Full Alliance with Eemil of Kopparberg, then returns to Uppsala where he begins to plot his father's vengeance. Jerker and Olov React from the Capital.

 

Kingdom of Denmark
( Skjern in Denmark )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
King Karl Sverker

Still wary, King KArl orders four-hundred infantry and one-thousand cavalry raised. He then returns to the capital to rule the kingdom. One of the first things he does is order the construction of the Kiel Canal. Frederick defends the homeland with 6300 men. Johan is unable to spread the word of Christ into the pagans of Latvia.

 

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

Quiet.
Infrastructure, Siege Quality and Assassin Capabilities all improve. Gerhard Lieuwes of Friesland dies of old age, his son and heir rescinds all ties to Saxony.

 

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

Duke Henry Reacts from Nordgau, spending some time to appoint his grandsons: Henry as his Heir and Ulrich as Prince. He dies at the age of 83 after having Frankfurt walled and the Infrastructure expanded. Lieutenant Heinrich, second in command of the Reacting army, seizes control of the troops and marches to the capital. The new Henry, only seventeen, is unable to appeal to the soldiers. Heinrich seizes power, throwing Henry in prison and killing Prince Ulrich. Heinrich orders Henry to acknowledge him as the rightful Duke, but Henry refuses. One by one Henry's living siblings are marched into the courtyard of the prison. Heinrich then orders them slain, one each night, until Henry acquiesces. After his younger sister Sophie is brutally beheaded, Henry capitulates. After Heinrich is crowned, he wastes no time in executing Henry and his remaining five siblings. Only Richelle, safely married away in Prague, survives the massacre. The cities of Erfurt and Hanover immediately declare their independence. Heinrich marches the army against the port city, seeking to keep the trade routes intact. He launches four active siege attempts against the walls, and while killing most of the mobile defenders, he is not able to overcome the defenses. He loses seventeen-hundred cavalry in the process.

 

Duchy of Bohemia
( Prague in Bohemia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Emperor Stephen I

Sephen arranges a large wedding in Prague with Richelle of Thuringia. The two Duchies develop a very cozy trading relationship. Merchants and Traders shower gifts upon the couple, turning the wedding into a massive three-day festival. After the ceremony, Stephen returns to running the government, dedicating resources to the cultivation of Moravia. Václav Rozmberk Administers from Prague, but effects no real change during the time. In Kauyavia, a warband on the rampage from Danzig strikes into the region. The bandits surprise Burke, the Feudal Ally and brother-in-law of the Emperor, while he is negotiating with Petr Zerotin about increased ties to the Duchy. Both Burke and Petr are killed by the savages, and the Kauyavian government falls into turmoil. Its ties with Bohemia drop to Non-Paying Tributary as the local forces gather and destroy the raiders. Word reaches the Emperor that his sister, Teodora, is also among those killed, her body hacked and ravaged.

 

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

Moldavia is converted to Catholicism, also choosing to abandon its Tenuous ties to the Duchy. Krakow city constructed in Bochnia. The Postal Road continues to be extended, now reaching the border of Moldavia. Hubert rules from Regensburg, but quickly takes ill. The Duchy passes quietly to his son. Leonhard and Lt. Thorben gain an Economic Alliance from Volhynia. Leonhard gaining a new bride.
The rest of the leaders congregate in Slovakia on Reaction.

 

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

Warship Quality and Intelligence Capabilities improve. The postal highway reaching to Lombardy is finally completed, making the region beyond the mountains much easier to control. Appeasement is paid to both Burgundy and Flanders to some success. The biggest event is the agreement of Duke Gaston to join the two duchies together.

 

Duchy of Swabia and Lorraine
( Augsberg in Swabia )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Duke Gaston I

Champagne, too distant from the new capital, falls from control.

 

Margravate of Tuscany
( Pisa in Tuscany )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Marco Vincenzo, Regent For
Margrave Godfrey IV

Cavalry Quality and Intel Effectiveness is improved, with eleven-hundred infantry, five-hundred cavalry and ten cogs being raised. Agro is sent off to Sicily. Cosimo sees to the government, taking time to work on an Abbey in Tuscany. He dies mysteriously before he can complete it. A distant cousin of the family would step forward as Regent for young Godfrey. Guido reacts from Savoy with 2000 Cavalry. Leopold is discovered sneaking into Cheliff, but manages to evade capture and return to Pisa.

 

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

Vitallo Michele and two other leaders set sail from Venice with one-hundred and four warships. The force meets up with Sicily, but on the first night the ship carrying Prince Bornese is destroyed by ... something. Survivors from the wreckage claim the maw of some great beast had swallowed it. Roger of Sicily, excited by the prospect of vanquishing a sea-monster, sets out hunting for the creature. Eventually, after other captains explain it was probably simply a whirlpool that did the ship in, the fleets sail to Tunis. While they are off adventuring, the religious Capabilities are improved and Brasi gains a full alliance with Carinthia. Upon his return, Vitallo Michele succumbs to old age. The young Adrianno Grazi is elected Doge.

 

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

Four field fortifications are erected in Campania, two more in Apulia. Intel effectiveness sees improvement. Catanzaro city is charted and built in Calabria. Leonardo is unsuccessful in taking a Census.

 

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


Ten cogs are pressed into merchant service, a further ten set to fishing duties from Palermo. The Gulf of Lyons and Ionian Sea Rutters are inked and given to the Prince's Crusade. Count Simon, bowing to the popularity of Roger and his success against the Damascene fleet, appoints him his Heir-Apparent, over his older son Robert. Robert accepts the change grudgingly, and concentrates on adding three more daughters to his family. Seventy-nine Warships merge with the ships from Venice and twenty-fuve from Aragon, The group descends upon Tunisia.

 

EASTERN EUROPE

Mercenaries
Troops:
 28mi, 12mc, 5ms, 5mw
AQRs:
 i4, c5, s4, w4

 

 

Kingdom of Poland
( Warsaw in Poland )
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Damien Garowski, Regent For
King Boleslaus IV

Quiet.

 

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

Turku abandons its Tenuous ties. Four-hundred infantry and two-hundred Cavalry are built for Ivan. Five Light Warships and six Cogs raised in St. Petersburg. Both Dmitris see to the Government in Novgorod City, though the Younger has no real effect. Both Lieutenants move back to the Homeland, Reacting with 3500 Infantry and 2200 Cavalry. The Boyar succumbs to old age at the end of the cycle. His son is passed over in elections, and Arseniy Zoya becomes Boyar.

 

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

Improvements ar reported in Siege Quality, plus Intelligence and Religious effectiveness. Five Cogs are built in Kiev. Walls are quickly built up around every city. The Grand Prince rules from Kiev City, but gains an infection at the end of the cycle which spreads to his heart. When news reaches Borislav during his diplomatic mission in Turov, he becomes grief-stricken and angry. He ultimately goes on a tirade against the Turovite Prince, resulting in an increase in tensions. Pyotr gains a Non-Paying Tributary Alliance from Pinsk. Vasyl is unable to increase the Alliance to Goryn. Leaders make progress preaching in Pinsk, Seversk and Goryn. The Feudal Allies react from their Regions.

 

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

Budapest is expanded and rewalled. Five Cogs pressed into her Internal Trade. Almos arranges a Feudal Alliance with Ialomita, gaining a bride for King Kolos in the process. Miklos and Danos bring Bakony back into friendly status with the Kingdom.

 

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

Warship Quality is gained. Zara City is expanded, while Solin is constructed along the rocky shores of Dalmatia. Six Light Warships and four-hundred Infantry are conscripted for the military. Religious Strength is raised, with Radovana and Dragomir sent to Rome along with a small tithe. King Petar raises his own son and namesake to a position at Court. He is unable to teach him the wars of Ruling the government. Milan founds a church in Ilyria, while Batist does likewise in Osijek. Count Vilmon Administers effectively from Ilyria.

 

Byzantine Empire
( Constantinople in Thrace )
Eastern Orthodox, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Prince Nikephoros, Regent For
Emperor Probus I

Eight field forts are constructed in Attica and Bythinia, mostly in the former. Three fortresses are erected, defending the Capital, Athens and the Kykaldes islands. Two-thousand Cavalry and twenty Light Warships added to the military. John and Petros work the reigns of government. Petros siring a new son in the process. A sever storm would catch bote men in the bay during routine business and sink theirs and many other ships. The Feudal Ally of Morea marries the Princess Ariadne, then travels to Kiev with 2000 Cavalry, where he helps defend the fellow Orthodox realm. With the death of both Emperors, Ariadne secures the regency for her new husband, despite his far-away location. Germanicus and Xylokarabes react from Constantinople with 9000 Cavalry. Akiliades patrols the Aegen Sea with 90 Light Warships.

 

Volga-Kama Bolghar
( Bolgar City in Bolgar )
Sunni Islam, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Asyur Khan

One-hundred cavalry are raised, while the Religious Strength is lowered. A Bridge Anchor is completed in Suvar. Aynur Khan completes a Census, then rules from Bolgar City. Ilgiz and Bulan march into Mordva with 1000 Infantry and 1000 Cavalry. They begin a twelve-month battle with the local 1500 Infantry. By the end of it they are victories, though Ilgiz is wounded, and 800 Infantry have been lost. Manar takes 1000 Cavalry, along with the Feudal Ally of Nogai and attacks into Saksiny. This skirmish takes even longer, with the Nogai Feudal Ally perishing in the combat.


 

MIDDLE EAST AND PERSIA

Mercenaries
Troops:
 10mi, 6mc, 5ms, 9mw
AQRs:
 i4, c4, s4, w4

 

 

Khwarezmid Empire
( Khiveh in Khwazim )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Shah Qutb ad-Din Muhammad I

Seven-hundred Infantry conscripted with twenty-five Cogs built and pressed into Fishing Fleets in Khiveh. Royal Road snakes from Khiveh to Bactria. The Shah completes a Census of the realm. Ala Aziz arranges a Non-Paying Tributary alliance in Bokhara, by wrangling a second wife for his father. He is then himself wed to Humeira of the Great Seljuks, negotiating a Defensive Pact with the Southern neighbor. Aban al Hishir travels to Samarqand with young Cara, before returning to effectively Administer in Konjikala. Dharr al Hassan is also on escort duty, taking Badra to the Great Seljuks and marrying her off for increased Trading rights. the Feudal Allies react from their regions. The desert of Kul'Sary slip from control.

 

Qarakhanid Khanate
( Samarqand in Kara Khitai )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Jibrail Khan

Missionaries convert the Pagans of Frunze. The Shah-a-Zinda Shrine, a large series of Mosques and Madrassas, is erected along the Silk Route in Kara Khitai. Porcelain and gemstones from the far east use used to enhance the beauty of the structures. Bactria sees two Royal Road segments completed, one to the neighboring Empire of Khwarezmid Empire. Jibrail first concentrates on the creation of a Census. While he finalizes the specifics of great task, he does not manage to complete the project before moving on to other business. He visits his wife in the capital, siring a new daughter. He then moves to Kophat Dagh with Ulugh Beg. He secures a marriage, and a Tributary Alliance. Muhammad takes over the Ruling of the government. He receives a young bride from the Khwarezmid Empire, negotiating a Trade Treaty. The pair sires three children, though one young boy dies very early, and the second is rather sickly as well. Hasan Jalal defends the region of Otarsh with 1000 Infantry. Sallah ibn Foud is put in charge of coordinating the bodyguard of Muhammad, then reacts from the capital for the remainder of the cycle

 

Great Seljuk Empire
( Esfahan in Persia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Ahmad-e Sanjar

Royal Road between the Capital and Qom is completed. Another begun to the border with Media, though the mountainous border has increased the cost of the project. The Sultan and his son, who proves to be an effective Administrator, see to the workings of the Government. Kilij and Nizam manage to negotiate nowhere with Media, mainly due to competition with the Rum. Da'ud of Khvor accompanies them for protection. Jaud of Dasht'e Lute defends his Feudal Region.

 

Rum Seljuk Sultanate
( Trebizond in Pontus )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Sultan Rukn Mas'ud

Siege Quality sees improvement. Two-hundred Cavalry built for the Sultan who runs the government, appointing his son and heir to a real position. Prince Ufuk quickly sires four children, though one dies very young. Izzedin keeps a wary eye on the loyalties of the pagan steppe-lords, who busy themselves with defense and reaction drills. Malik makes a diplomatic tour to Tabaristan, El Burz and Media. The first two regions aren't interested in ties at the movement, but it is the competition with the Great Seljuks which results in a stalemate in the latter.

 

Atabeg Sultanate
( Mosul City in Mosul )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Prince Abir, Regent For
Sultan Hadi

Seventeen-hundred Cavalry, one-thousand Engineers and a Fortress in Arbiliq all see additions to the army. Protection Money is sent to the Sicilian fleet. T he Sultan marries three new brides, expanding his family greatly. All the baby-making must have been too much for the Sultan, for he dies of a heart attack in 1139. Prince Salaman and Lt. Ibrahim join forces to wrest control of the Sultanate from Quinn's underage Heir. Aazad, a loyal Lieutenant is thrown in prison. Prince Abir marches quickly back from gaining a Non-Paying Tributary Alliance with Diyala to confront his brother. He is able to gain control of the army, and capture and execute the two rebel leaders. Aazad is released from his cell. The Lieutenants react from Mosul City with 3000 Cavalry. The Feudal Allies of Circis and Palmyra use their Cavalry to defend Cilicia and Aleppo respectively. A Defensive Pact is arranged with the Abbasid Caliphate. A Trade agreement also materializes with Tunisia. With the Dynastic turmoil, Diyala and Palmyra abandon ties to the government. Edessan rebels manage to kill the garrison commander, but stop short of taking the regional fortress.

 

Abbasid Caliphate
( Baghdad in Mesopotamia )
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Caliph Al-Mustazhir

Five-hundred Infantry and nine-hundred Engineers are built up. The Caliph completes a Census, then sees to the government. Al-Mustarshid begins to preach in the Dharan desert. He makes good progress. Abd al-Rashid seeks out an alliance with Diyala, but is outdone by the Atabeg diplomats. With the Atabeg dynasty in turmoil, however, there may be a second chance for talks. Sayf al-Din reacts from Abadan with 400 Infantry and a company of Engineers. Abu al-Qasim runs into interference from a Damascene diplomat in Kuwait, and is likewise unable to make headway with the region. Two Princes come of age and are appointed to official positions.

 

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

Infrastructure improves for the government. 600 Cavalry, 500 Infantry and 500 Engineers built. Tutush transfers much of his army to his son, then rules from Damascus. Ismayma Administers from Petra. Abd-al-Haqq travels to Kuwait, competing with the Abbasids for an alliance to the region. Sulayman is unable to react quickly enough to prevent a minor raid of Lebanon by the Prince's Crusade.

 

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

A Royal highway is completed into Sheba. Emir Rabi builds 10 new cogs, using them to ship resources to Zeila, where Beylul city is constructed. Four of the cogs are then pressed into fishing and trade service. Hassan manages to gain a Full Alliance from Zeila. Sabah gains a Feudal Alliance from the desert of Zufar.

 

AFRICA

Mercenaries
Troops:
 8mi, 6mc, 5ms, 5mw
AQRs:
 i4, c4, s4, w5

 

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

Intel Effectiveness improves. Agro shipped to Sicily. Thirty-five Warships and a thousand Cavalry are constructed. Basaam comes of age and is appointed as a Prince leader, replacing his uncle Jarakel. Hatmas and Basaam patrol the Gulf of Cyprus with 53 ships. Tarek al'Ali defends Egypt with 2500 troops. The Feudal Allies defend their regions.

 

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

Religious effectiveness is gained. Missionaries convert the freed slaves in Funj. Alwa and Adulis see the charter of new port cities. . The King rules from Soba, siring another son. Merkurios gains a Full Alliance from Adulis. Zacharias continues to work on the Pacified city of Dunquhla. Isreal collects Suenkur and Barak from Constantinople and returns to Funj along with holy men of various faiths. Suenker begins organizing them in Soba and holds debates and discussions regarding the mix of beliefs. The King tolerates this. Lt. Afrimer explores the Red Sea, but loses four newly built ships in his attempt in the Gulf of Oman. The Feudal Allies react in tandem.

 

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

El-Jezair city is expanded, the fleet as well by ten light warships. The Emir rules from Tunis. Kalaq ibn Yahya escorts Princess Ibrah to Mosul to be wed. Mahir is set upon and badly wounded by a gang of thugs while investigating Algeria. Hamzah explores all the way to the English Channel.

The Heir, Radwah, and his fleet of 52 ships sails out to halt the Catholic allies, he is quickly set upon by two sets of Venetian assassins, but his bodyguard easily counters the attacks. The Aragonese Ships immediately break off to do some raiding, while Venice keeps most of her fleet in reserve for the battle. Still, the formidable Roger of Sicily has a distinct advantage, almost doubling the defending numbers. Radwah actually manages to outmaneuver the Sicilian military genius, but just doesn't have the numbers to see the plan through. He limps back to the safety of the walls with 11 Tunisian and 9 captured warships. Meanwhile, the Aragonese fleet is turned back from raiding Tunis, but gains very minor loot from Bone and El-Jezair. After regrouping the fleet, and learning that Barosso of Venice is one of the casualties of the battle, Sicily attacks the shipping of the capital city. Once again, the merchant traffic is stripped clean.

Upon his return, Radweh would perish of wounds sustained during the fighting. A year later his father would die, leaving Kalaq to take the realm. Kalliq is seen as little more than and ogre and tyrant Hamzah begins collecting a loyal group and soon challenges Kalaq for the Emirate. The uncharismatic Kalaq is unable to stop him. Hamzah assumes power and eliminates the old royal family. Kabilya and the city on the Balearics rebel from control. The former is unable to defeat the local garrison.

 

 

SECRET ORDERS

 

The Popular Crusade
Roman Catholic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Grandmaster David the Pious

Agents found two cells. The Grandmaster founds one lodge, but fails a second. Prince Micah of Bavaria Administers, then fails to found a Cell. Prince Heinz of Heinz of Thuringia gains much status for the order in his home nation, but has no success in Lorraine before his death. Richard the Bold founds a Lodge and a Cell. Charles Hendricks founds a Cell, but is unable to gain any status in Burgundy.

 

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

800 Infantry, 11 Warships and 2 Cogs built. Monks found a cell. Justicar Eustace levies a Tithe upon England, but fails to found a cell later in the cycle. Primas Stephan takes 30 warships and various troops, raiding the regions of Lebanon and Merrekesh, though neither region produces much in the way of loot.

 

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

Agents found a cell. 400 cavalry built for El Cid. He founds a cell, then turns his attention to the Casildans. Angered at the loss of structure to the spreading religion, El Cid vows to include the heretics in the Reconquista. Age would catch up to him at the age of 62, leaving the ominous threat on the minds of the new leadership. Ramon Berenguer founds a cell and a temple during the cycle. Diego Rodriguez preaches in Aragon, making progress against the Casildan spread.

 

The Hashshashins
Sunni Islamic, Tech Level 004 - Civilized
Old Man Faqih

Quiet.