Projects and Projeect Support: I seem to be having some problems with creating new national projects. Where possible I extended an existing project, where that was not an option I have left appropriate notes, I hope to have this resolved shortly.
Free Turn: As this turn once again took forever, it will be free. I thought that most of the chaos of moving to Kansas was behind me, but rotated though more jobs than I'd care to count, many at the same time while trying to fidn work. This very hectic schedule should be behind me for the most part, and once again I hope we are back on track.
MFP Production: MFP production stats have been simplified, the religious strenght and tolerance factors have been removed. They will now be applied as bonuses/penalties to magical actrivities, so high tolerance nations will get more effective use out of the MFP they produce, rather than actually producing more.
Names: I don't like having to wait a turn to name new leaders/children. As such, I would like potential names of new leaders/children to be in the notes. This is not a requirement, but as an incentive I will provide a small bonus to HC attempts if the child already has a name, as well as the possibility of a small bonus to a random stat if a new leader has a name waiting.
Due Date: Orders for the next turn will be due the 18th of June. Stat sheets for this turn will be out shorlty, MFP needs to be recalculated to reflect the new rule.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i7, w6, s6, c7 Troops: 10i, 2xi, 6c, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: None |
The empire was funding many projects throughout the realm, with efforts being expended to improve almost all aspects of government from the actual governing bodies, to espionage, religious, military, magical, and educational investments.
The walls around Ibusuki were torn down, and the city expanded. The walls were then rebuilt larger and better than before. Further efforts were also made to increase the revenue generated by the city, and it was rapidly becoming an important part of the Empire. The walls around Edo were also improved upon to the fullest extent the experts could devise.
Hei-An was a busy city as well, with the funeral and coronation ceremonies surrounding the death of the Emperor, to the celebration of the newly born prince, the activity was constant. In all the shuffle, time and resources were found to improve upon the city as well. Hikaru, the realms leading general died in Hei-An as well, though his death received little notice due to the attention being paid to the royal family.
The empire continued to grow in other ways as well. Trade routes were established with the Liao Kingdom, and the True and Righteous Sung Empire. While the road to Edo continued on schedule. In addition, Washi took control of a small fleet out of Daizafu, and sailed to Okinawa where he claimed it in the name of Michinaga (not knowing that Ishida was now the Emperor). He left a small detachment of troops behind, just in case, and returned to Daizafu, where he took command of the rest of the army located there.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i6, w7, s5, c4 Troops: 10i, 1xi, 10w, 10t Leaders: None |
(Hinduism Seafaring Open Empire)
Non Player Nation
Brunei King
Diplomacy:
(Oceanic Pagan Seafaring Open Empire)
Open For a Player
Moluccas King
Diplomacy:
(Hinduism Seafaring Open Empire)
Open For a Player
Airlagga
Diplomacy:
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i7, w5, s5, c6 Troops: 10i, 5c, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: None |
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Open For a Player
Jayaviravaman
Diplomacy: Lampang(ea), Nam Pung (fa), Tavoy (f) [new port city, in Mon, on Andaman Sea)
Expansion of the realm was a top priority, and investments, construction and diplomacy all contributed. Further investments were made to the running of the government, since an increase in size would necessitate an increase in government to administer the gains. These investments led to increases to the intelligence gathering abilities, as well as increasing the ability of the empire to conduct large scale arcane operations.
On the construction front, Angor Wat was expanded, and a wholly new city was founded in Mon as a port on the Andaman Sea. The city's name is Tavoy.
There were several different diplomatic missions. Emperor Jayaviravarman himself (after distributing his ships and much of his infantry to those who needed them) went on a diplomatic trek first to Siam, then to Lampang. Lampang's ties were strengthened, but there was no real change in relations with Siam, despite the promises of building a city there. Even the assistance of Chakor, one of his lieutenants did not help. Chakor, for his part, took a share of the infantry, as his path diverged form that of the Emperor after Siam. With his new bodyguard he traveled to Nam Pung after Siam, and there gained an oath of fealty from the ruling families.
Another lieutenant took his share of troops, as well as half of the Khemer navy to the port of Malacca where his attempts to sway the locals failed. But as he remained there, perhaps future efforts would succeed.
Tapomay, heir to the throne, remained behind during these missions, with an army and the rest of the fleet to defend the realm and rule in place of the Emperor. In 1039, he celebrated the birth of a son.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open For a Player
Annam King
Diplomacy:
Major investments in the taxation system of the government continued, as well as a large attempt to improve the military. The latter efforts were directed at all of the different forces at Annam's disposal.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Indravarman
Diplomacy:
Indravarman sent his son out to conduct a census, and conduct it he did. Though in the process he contracted a fever and died. Thus Indravarman outlived yet another heir, and while approaching seven decades he may yet outlive a few more. Previous investments in the infrastructure of the kingdom ensured that the king would not be overly burdened by having to carry the load of his son as well as his own.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Champa King
Diplomacy: Cochin (f)
The king arranged for a marriage between his son and a princess from Cochin, causing the two nations to be fully tied together. The marriage was followed shortly by the king's death, making the Cochin princess Queen of Champa.
The new king continued the major investments into government, but saw no real improvements made as of yet. This meant he still had to dedicate much of his time to overseeing the government.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i6, w4, s4, c6 Troops: 10i, 5c, 2xc, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: None |
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Sung Emperor
Diplomacy:
The Emperor rejoiced at the birth of a son after having taken a wife on his sixteenth birthday. An heir already for the young emperor was surely a good omen.
The primary work of the Empire was continuing improvements started in the past. The military was again one of the key recipients of effort, and the infantry quality was increased. The efficiency of the government also improved, a must with so large a realm.
The changes to society started years ago continued, but it would still be a long time before the changes really took effect. Master Tunghad been put in charge of overseeing these efforts, and did so until his death.
With the now somewhat more effective military, efforts were underway to determine more exactly the forces available to the empire. This project would be similar to the census of the entire population of most other realms, and so will be a time consuming effort.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
True Sung Emperor
Diplomacy: Chekiang(f), Hangchou(ea)
Efforts continued to consolidate control over the Empire, and those efforts paid off in Chekiang as well as it's port city, Hangchou. The True Emperor took a wife from Chekiang, and they had a daughter in 1039.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Nanchao King
Diplomacy:Lingsi(t)
The heir to the throne died, leaving his grandson as his surviving heir, his son already having died. This meant that the current heir to the throne was the great-grandson of the current long-lived king.
Diplomatic efforts in Lingsi led to the region becoming a tributary of the kingdom, as opposed to an occupied land. This actually reduced the income from the region, but freed the garrison for other tasks.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Ch'eng-t'ien
Diplomacy:
The road to the Western Capital from Nanjing was completed, aiding in the control of the kingdom. Large scale improvements were made to Bao Ding as well, and the hope of prosperity was renewed.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i7, w6, s6, c7 Troops: 10i, 5c, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: None |
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Mokchong
Diplomacy:
The army was expanded by two thousand soldiers under the direct command of the king. They were meant to be his son's personal army, but the death of the heir meant the king himself took control of the army. The heir's son stepped up as next in line for the throne.
Attempts to increase the ties between the temples and the king were made, but no real progress was seen. The university was also expanded as part of looking to the future.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i7, s6, c7 Troops: 10i, 11xc, 10c, 1xi Leaders: None |
(Sunni Islam Barbarian Open Empire)
Armenian King
Diplomacy:
People began to pour into Yerevan, and the King was hard pressed to keep the city expanding at a rate to deal with the influx. He did so however, and in fact made some additional improvements at the same time. The surrounding region was also the focus of attention as cultivation was increased to help feed the newly expanded city.
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Kashmir King
Diplomacy:
Minor investments were made in education and in each arm of the military. These were small, to hopefully pay off in the future, but prior investments meant that the infrastructure was improved, taking some of the burden off the King.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Hsia-Hsia King
Diplomacy:
Massive investments in government continued to prove unsuccessful, while the quality of the infantry was increased. The horseman remained the primary warrior of Hsi-Hsia, but it was nice to know that in a pinch the infantry could hold its own as well. There are some places horses simply are not effective.
Bad harvest continued to plague the nation, but starvation was rare. In fact, continued improvements to Wu Hai lessened the impact even more.
(Buddhist Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
King of Tibet
Diplomacy: Dhera-dun (un), Himachal (un)
The new king was hard pressed to hold the kingdom together, and in fact, the western regions of Dhera-Dun and Himachal severed their ties to the throne. Too far away to really contest the decision, the king sent an envoy to entreat them to reconsider. Mountain passes are treacherous however, and the emissary never arrived.
(Sunni Islam Nomadic Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Arsen
Diplomacy:
The cavalry quality was improved. While seeming simple enough, this meant the Seljuks were the best mounted fighters in the known world, and there were a great deal of them on horseback. Arsen was able to delegate a bit more of the governing, and so perhaps this new increase in superiority would be useful soon.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i6, w5, s6, c7 Troops: 15i, 2xi, 1hi, 9c, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: MA15 Manava, will not work for Gujerat |
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Rajaraja I
Diplomacy:
Tanjore was increased in size, and the postal road network was expanded to reach Kollam. In addition major investments continued to be made in almost every facet of government.
Diplomatic efforts continued, with Prince Carpimsutra marrying a royal princess from Dahala as his mission to join the two nations continued. Despite the marriage, and large offerings, no real change occurred in the relationship. The Dahalans remained friendly, but still fiercely independent.
Large numbers of mercenaries were hired, both mounted and on foot. They worked with the troops in Chola as part of the garrison. Their primary purpose as part of the garrison was not to defend Chola, but rather to assist Tramjin in training the Cholan army.
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
King Kedar
Diplomacy: Karnata (a)
Vivek announced his daughter's wedding to Kedar, elevating him to a prince of the realm. Intending to remain in Baroda, Vivek gave much of the army to Kedar as well to act as the defender of the Rajputate. Vivek did keep the elite core, and also assigned a small entourage to Ravi. Not long after the wedding Vivek passed away at the age of 63, while Nanda perished in flames at his cremation.
The death of the ruler and his wife left some doubt as to the proper successor, but none could make a claim more solid than Kedar. At least none that wished to face him and most of the army. And so while unpopular in some circles, the transition was bloodless.
Ravi was sent on a journey with a few hundred guards to strengthen ties to the outlying regions of Karnata and Belur. In the end relations with Belur remained the same, while an alliance was forged with Karnata. Relations with Dahala were also strengthened as trade was encouraged and a marriage was agreed upon in principle, though the Cholan activity leaves those plans tenuous at best.
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Dahala King
Diplomacy:
Diplomats in Kosala met with little success in improving the relations beyond where they had been, while Dahala itself became the site of continued efforts by Chola, and now Ahnivarta to gain favor. More progress was made in pushing the road through to Bijapur, another five years and it would probably be complete.
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Galandi III
Diplomacy: Rajput (nt), Benares (t)
Galandi continued diplomatic efforts in Benares, finding a wife for his son. The capital city fell more under the control of the Maghadans. However, this was not due to efforts by Galandi II, but more due to the fact that with his death Galandi III ruled Maghada, and at his side, another princess from Benares.
Diplomats were busy in Rajput, and Juanpor as well. In fact, a Royal Road was built from Maghada and into Juanpor, though the region itself showed little sign of budging. Efforts by Moharion and Trovar in Rajput were somewhat more successful. They managed to erode the control of the traditionalist Benares nobles, while beginning to exert some influence on behalf of Maghada. But the politics in Rajput were more complicated than that.
The Maghadan government was expanded in order to enable the newly acquired regions to be controlled. While back home improvements were made to Maghada as well.
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Tarain King
Diplomacy: Sahis (f)
Increased activity on the Ganges led to minor investments in the ability to defend the important trade routes. Many people were encourage to repopulate Sahis, and thus expand the Rajputate.
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Pradesh King
Diplomacy: Rajput (nt)
Prior investments in government paid off, and the reach of the King was expanded, as was his influence in religious matters. The King himself, and his assistant Samiz traveled to Rajput. While there they took advantage of the political chaos (and created some of their own) and actually managed to gain some influence over the region.
Forseeing the potential for conflict, a large body of over one thousand of the finest and best equipped horseman was assembled under the command of the heir who remained in Uttar Pradesh ruling the rajputate.
(Hinduism Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Ranjit
Diplomacy: Benares (un), Rajput (nt)
The political pendulum continues to swing in favor of Maghada, and the families supporting Maghada gained control of the capital. This would no doubt hasten the shifting of control of the rest of the Rajputate, as long as unrest could be kept from breaking out in the meantime. Control of Rajput however was much more interesting with Uttar Pradesh throwing in more diplomats, and finding noted success.
The artifacts being found in Gujerat, and the resulting trade led to the creation of a university in Jodhpur. Furthermore, the trade sparked by the finds helped to fund improvements in the region itself.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i5, w5, s5, c7 Troops: 14i, 7c, 10xc, 5s, 5w, 5t, 5ii, 3xi Leaders: None |
(Shi'a Islam Civilized Open Empire)
al-Basasiri
Diplomacy: Media (p)
Al-Basasiri continued to rebuild the government, and increasing the size of his empire. The latter came at the expense of Media, which his new general took using his portion of the Caliph's army. He set across the border with some ten thousand horsemen and another ten thousand on foot. The horsemen were all competent if not elite, but the foot soldiers were the rawest of conscripts. These conscripts suffered losses well in excess of one man in two, and the horsemen only faired slightly better in the chaos caused by all the untrained soldiers. In the end however, Media was taken and garrisoned.
The Caliph also used his influence with the church to encourage missionary work in Ahvaz, and much of the region was converted to Shi'a Islam.
(Shi'a Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Sulaiman
Diplomacy: Punjab (aw)
Slaves and plunder contributed much to the investments and improvements dreamed up by Sulaiman. These included increases in government efficiency and tax gathering, and a massive undertaking in Persia, building fortifications, public works, and increasing the size of Ishafan (while rebuilding the wall, albeit not as solidly as it had been).
Sulaiman's plundering of conquered regions continued, with Punjab falling to the sword this time. The fighting broke out as Sulaiman's troops began to loot the region of valuables. With Sulaiman's two thousand cavalry, eight thousand infantry, and assorted specialists, the fighting was quickly over as all three thousand resistance fighters were destroyed at a loss of only six hundred dead and as many wounded of Sulaiman's army. The opposing leader fought with great skill and determination, but the numbers were just too vast. Upon looting the people themselves were again next, and again this meant more fighting. Fighting an army almost twice the size as before Sulaiman was again victorious but his losses were likewise almost twice as high as while looting. After the enslavement, the slaves were sent with Ibrhiham to Kash, while Sulaiman continued to Und.
Mustapha's defense of Persia ended with his death, but his army was not needed to repel any invaders.
(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Sheba Emir
Diplomacy:
With the a greater surplus due to the recently completed cultivation project, efforts were undertaken to increase the learning and spiritual strength of the people by the emir. Sadly, he did not live long enough to see his efforts come to fruition, and his son took over the Emirate.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i6, w5, s5, c6 Troops: 10i, 10c, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: None |
(Shi'a Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Addaya
Diplomacy: Levant (a), Jerusalem (fa), Tunisia (a)
Addaya's Empire continued it's rise. Egypt was greatly enriched by the gold flowing in, and more was put to use working on government. Addaya even set into motion attempts to weaken the caste system the society was built upon, and began allowing the formation of guilds. All of this so that his newly born son would have an even grander empire to inherit.
Saeed, Grand Vizeer to Addaya, remained by the Caliph's side assisting him in running the massive government needed to hold such a vast realm together, while diplomatic efforts continued in Tunisia and Levant.
In Levant, the region's leaders became full allies to Addaya, but control of Jerusalem itself actually lessened slightly. Despite the lessening, the ties were still in place, and Jerusalem still respected it's obligation to Addaya.
In Tunisia, Taajudeen worked as a diplomat, gaining the alliance of Tunisia. He also attempted to improve relations in Mahida, but failed. While in Mahida, he met with the commander of the allied troops there to ensure that the defenses of the Western regions would continue.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i7, w5, s5, c5 Troops: 10i, 10c, 5s, 5w, 5t, 1ii Leaders: None |
(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
al'Amas
Diplomacy:
Minor investment in governments continued, and the investments were expanded to include the quality of troops as well as sponsorship the university.
(Coptic Christian Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Mera
Diplomacy:
Magical efforts to continue bolstering food production in Funj failed, but even without the extra production there was more than enough to go around. This was the case even with lowered production in Sennar due to massive slave revolts that necessitated Mera lead the armies to put down the rebellion. In the end thousands of slaves were killed, and almost a thousand of the King's troops as well.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i6, w6, s4 Troops: 10i, 10xi, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: None |
(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Raschid
Diplomacy: Kilwa (f), Nyassa (t)
Raschid appointed Lord Wizard Vinokur as the Zanzibar National Wizard, left Bulawasi to oversee the census and set out to Kilwa to persuade the people they should be closer. It succeeded wonderfully, and he even had time to continue to Nyassa to begin reclaiming lost lands, with promises of tribute agreed upon.
Back in Zanzibar, Buwasi oversaw various clerks and the like conducting the census, and he saw to it that it was done properly, though it took a full five years to do so.
Vinokur had less luck however, dying before managing to actually accomplish much of anything in his new position.
(African Pagan Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Luwesi
Diplomacy: Kafue (a)
The increase in traffic into Kafue brought with it diplomats from Luwesi, who succeeded in forging an alliance with the region. In addition, minor attempts to improve the fighting prowess of the infantry, and specialist siege troops were made.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i6, w5, s5, c5 Troops: 8i, 9xi, 3s, 6c, 5w, 5t, 1ei Leaders: MB67 Skull General |
(African Pagan Civilized Open Empire)
No longer exists
None
Diplomacy:
The death of the king sparked a civil war, which engulfed the country, and eventually tore it apart. In the end, no family remained powerful enough to exert any control beyond a very local scale, and the Kingdom of Benin ceased to exist.
(African Pagan Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Mombega
Diplomacy:
More diplomacy and construction in Galam, with no finish to either. The king's son did come of age, and maybe the added hands would make the many jobs easier.
(African Pagan Civilized Open Empire)
Kumbayal
Diplomacy:
The time had come to expand the Kingdom, and the army was increased dramatically to do just that. Three thousand lightly armed skirmishers were raised, one third of these mounted. Another two hundred of the best trained and equipped horsemen were raised, as well as four hundred similarly trained and equipped foot soldiers.
In addition to the newly raised national troops, Kumbayal hired a major contingent of mercenaries with two thousand foot soldiers, and one thousand each engineers and cavalry. The Skull General himself was also brought to Songhai to lead the attacks. All of the involved troops were promised well in excess of the customary rewards, and the Skull General was even allowed access to the magical resources of Songhai.
The army now gathered, it was time to set out. The Skull General led the main force on foot, while Bima brought along the cavalry and Wulasa the newly raised foot skirmishers. The heaviest, and therefore slowest) troops were left behind with KUmbayal so the nation wouldn't be left defenseless.
Upon setting out from Songhai, the army travelled through Sudan and into Goroul, where the fighting was very brief due to the overwhelming size of the invading army. The defenders were swept aside, with only the loss of a handful of light horsemen under Bima's command who were caught scouting and separated from the main body. Approximately half of Wulasa's light troops were left behind as a garrison, and the army continued on.
Now on to the heard of the Hausa States, Hausa itself. Resistance was of course much more fierce, but the defenders were still out numbered, and in many ways out classed. Still, the Hausan general took the field with over four thousand foot soldiers and two thousand horsemen, so it was not an army to be taken lightly. The Skull General had fought these men before though, and used that to the best of his ability. In the end barely more than half a thousand Hausan soldiers managed the retreat to behind the walls of Zaria. The Songhai forces took losses as well, losing a thousand cavalry men, many of these the elite core of the Songhai force, and another thousand infantry, mainly mercenaries, but some more of the newly raised light forces as well.
What remained of the Hausan army, as well as their king had become holed up in Zaria. This was what the Skull General's mercenary siege engineers were for. The siege was launched, the Skull General was confident his troops would carry the day before too many months dragged out. The defenders made excellent use of the walls and were harder to dig out than had been anticipated. And the presence of the Hausan king and his son actively on the battlements served to boost morale. Losses were high on both sides, but it appeared that the defenses would hold. This would mean that the Skull General would be denied his plunder, and was unacceptable.
Calling upon his reserves of arcane power he threw himself and his armies back into the siege. But this time, he began to sow fear and panic among the defenders. The defenses began to crumble four months into the siege. The Hausa king himself was forced to lead a counterattack to clear the walls, and while successful, took a mortal wound in the process. This marked the beginning of the end, though the new Hasua king proved his worth and managed to keep the defenses fighting almost to the last man. By the time the walls had crumbled and he finally surrendered there were less than one hundred defending troops still able to even stand, and none of them were without injuries.
With the city firmly in hand, the Skull General paused to reorganize his troops. Once regrouped, the enslavement of the population began. The inevitable revolt was put down handily, though six hundred men were knocked out of action, two hundred permanently, while putting down the four thousand plus citizens that put up a measurable fight. Since it was in scattered pockets the numbers were misleading. The lack of a quality leader or any organization drastically hindered the revolt. After the people had been rounded up, the troops proceeded to sack the city.
After the destruction of Zaria, the army turned back towards Songhai, leaving most of Wulasa's remaining soldiers behind as a garrison. But the direct route home was not the route taken. Instead they returned through Kurfei, turning it into a tributary of Songhai at the loss of another two hundred mercenary infantry and two hundred cavalry. Upon reaching Niamey, the city had no walls, and so the planned siege was cancelled, instead it was a simple attack. The city quickly became a tributary, just like the region, and the only losses sustained were more mercenary soldiers before the city surrendered.
With that the army finally reached Songhai lands again in Sudan. The campaign was expensive and brutal, but successful. The war wasn't the only happenings in Songhai, money was also used to improve the university, army quality, and government. In the matter of government, it was successful, and would no doubt help control the newly expanded kingdom more effectively. Kumbayal was also successful in increasing the spiritual involvement of his people.
(African Pagan Barbarian Open Empire)
Non-Player Nation
Ife King
Diplomacy:
The region of Ife continued to be rebuilt after the damage it had received.
(African Pagan Civilized Open Empire)
No longer exists
Nyambe
Diplomacy:
(African Pagan Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Kenyatta
Diplomacy: Kano (nt)
Another child was born while Kenyatta remained at home overseeing improvements to the region of Kanem Bornu. This time it was a son to carry the legacy of Kenyatta to the future.
Previous attempts to allow the king more control over religious matters were finally beginning to get results. While Messeli was sent back to Kano as a diplomat and this time was more successful, ensuring a small, mainly symbolic, tribute was sent back to Kenyatta in return for access to the resources of the king.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i6, w5, s6, c7 Troops: 10i, 5hi, 10c, 5s, 5w, 5t Leaders: None |
(Eastern Orthodox Barbarian Open Empire)
Svatapolk
Diplomacy: Estonia (ea), Latvia (t), Polotsk (f)
Svatpolk named Prince Mistislav his heir, and continued his efforts in Estonia while Mistislav brought his wife along and continued his diplomatic efforts by traveling to Latvia. Svatapolk was successful closely binding Estonia to Kiev. Mistislav was slightly less successful, but relationships were still greatly improved. In addition, Mistislav's wife bore him a daughter while in Latvia. Unfortunately Mistislav himself only lived for a short time after the birth before growing ill and dying. Igor was the third major diplomat, this time in the region of Polotsk where he completely cemented Polotsk into the Kievan empire.
Continued support from Constantinople helped ensure the government continued to run smoothly, and it was church functionaries who largely undertook keeping the realm together with the major leaders out expanding the kingdom. This oversight included many improvements and investments in the city of Kiev.
Investments were made in the military, while the rest of the new income from the census was used to improve the region of Poland itself.
(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Non-Player Nation
Andrew
Diplomacy:
Andrew's son took his place as his father's heir in 1037, and promptly assisted his father in quelling an uprising of students in Pest. For thee most part it was done peacefully and plenty of time remained to oversee improvements to Alfold. The uprising did cause Andrew to spend a bit to improve his infantry and siege troops in case it was not so peaceful next time.
(Eastern Orthodox Civilized Open Empire)
Basil II
Diplomacy:
Basil II remained in Constantinople overseeing the government of his massive empire. While there he continued to try to increase the efficiency of his government. Assistance from the Eastern Orthodox Church ensured that things continued to run smoothly. Nevertheless, it was still a massive task overseeing the governing of the Empire. The close ties to the church gave Basil an increase in the ability of the government to take an active role in spiritual matters allowing him to continue to benefit the church as it assisted him.
Also in Constantinople, Basil III and Alexander continued research into the magical arts. With Alexander gaining secrets of increased agricultural production using magic, and Basil III studying the more general underpinnings of the arcane. They continued to hold competitions in Constantinople so that they would have a continued source of new ideas and promising magicians to assist in the research.
Farther from home, Adrianople was greatly improved upon, while the walls in Nicomedia and Heraclea were dismantled to allow for continued expansion of the cities.
(Eastern Orthodox Civilized Religious Primacy)
Jeremias
Diplomacy: Polotsk (ch), Smolensk (ch), Kirivitch (ch), Attica (ca)
Missionary work continued in Chernigov and Pskov and was expanded to attempt to broaden support in Calabria. Efforts in Pskov were successful, converting the city. THe efforts were no doubt much bolstered by the presence of Jeremias himself. Efforts in Chernigov met no real success, while those in Calabira found a small increase in support, but the people still primarily looked to Rome for their spiritual guidance.
Jeremias took seriously the Church's expansion into Kiev, and personally worked to tie the government of Kiev to the Church. Tithes flowed from Kiev thanks to his efforts. While at the same time the church lent its support to the government both with manpower and moneys of its own. Jeremias oversaw the establishment of churches in the regions of Polotsk, Smolensk, and Kirivitch before continuing to Pskov to aid in the conversion attempts there.
Alexius left Constantinople to look to the West, where he consecrated a new cathedral in Attica.
Back in Constantinople research into practically everything was underway, with noted improvements in both the capacity for missionary work and, surprisingly, the potential quality of the foot soldiers of the Church's army. This would enable the Church to more effectively raise an army of its own, should it be needed. Georges and Dositheus continued their research as well.
| Mercenaries: AQRs: i7, w6, s6, c6 Troops: 11i, 10c, 10s, 8w, 5t, 1ew, 1hi Leaders: None |
(Sunni Islam Civilized Open Empire)
Al'Mansur
Diplomacy: Aragon (f), Toledo (t, Andalusia (f), Portugal (ea), Lisbon (fa), Morroco (fa), Valencia [region] (fa)
Al'Mansur was a busy man. In addition to ruling the Caliphate from Cordoba, he found the time to go on a diplomatic journey of over a year. This led him to Toledo and Aragon. His hurried efforts did more harm than good in Toledo, but in Aragon the people who had been conquered half a century ago finally came fully into the Caliphate. It took generations, but with the prodding of Al'Mansur, it happened.
In order to undertake this journey Al'Mansur disbanded the infantry of his army to provide labor in the ongoing conversion to an Agrarian economy, and left his cavalry behind with Crown Prince Abbas in Cordoba who remained prepared to drive off any attackers.
Also back in Cordoba great changes were underway. Prior investments increased the infrastructure and beuracracy of the government as well as improving the Caliph's ability to both order and protect against assassinations and other such activities.
Vizier Saul, one of the wizards who advised Al'Mansur was sent on a diplomatic mission of his own. he traveled to Andalusia, where like the Caliph he provided the last push to bring a region into the kingdom after having been conquered more than half a century ago. His efforts continued to Portugal where he made great progress tying the trade in the region to that of Cordoba, and attempted to do the same is Lisbon, but spent too little time in the city and actually dramatically worsened relations, though the city still recognized it's bonds of fealty. In payment for his service, He was then allowed Morroco as his personal fiefdom where he remained to carry out his duties.
Vizier Mufrik was also given a fiefdom, in this case the region of Valencia to rule as a vassal state of Cordoba.
(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Open for a Player
Henry II
Diplomacy: Old Castile (a)
Henry II travel led to Old Castile and the two became allies.
(Roman Catholic Seafaring Open Empire)
Giovanni
Diplomacy: Spoleto (a), Campania (f)
Giovanni ruled the Duchy from Venice while showing Marco, his heir, the intricacies of government. He disbanded the transports in his personal fleet as well as some thousand cavalry men to pay for current and future improvements to his realm. Tensions between the merchants of Venice and Rome began to surface as the clergy frowned upon the materialism displayed. Or, in the eyes of the merchants themselves, the Church frowned upon the wealth belonging to the merchants and not the Church.
Further improvements to the Duchy would come by diplomacy, and Frederick and Rudolpho were sent out to expand the control of Spoleto and Campania respectively. Campania fully joined the Duchy, and an important alliance was began with Spoleto.
(Roman Catholic Seafaring Open Empire)
Svien Forkbeard
Diplomacy:
After the defeat of the Navy, Svien was sure that the time had come to protect Denmark itself, and so raised almost two thousand more soldiers to defend his realm, and kept the navy in port. Let the Swedes sail, they would tire of it soon enough. Sadly, without the navy bringing fresh troops to Lund, it at the surrounding region suffered heavily at the hands of the Swedes. Lund was sacked and burned, and Skane severely damaged by looting, not only ensuring no money flowing to Denmark, but slowing the process of cultivation as well.
One bright spot was the successful increase in Svien's ability to order large scale magical support.
(European Pagan Seafaring Open Empire)
Olaf Tryggvason
Diplomacy: Gronland (fa)
Olaf Haraldson set out with most of the fleet. Leaving a handful of infantry behind in Odinsborg he sailed to the Shetlands where he picked up Leif the Lucky and his eight hundred men. From there they sailed to the Irish Sea and began raiding. Ulster was first to be raided, then difficulties struck in Connaught, and not only were no slaves taken, but the loss of several hundred men were incurred before a retreat could be made. From there Munster was next where things again went well. Gwynned was another debacle, but a retreat was made before any real losses were taken. The constant raiding was forcing the parties to go farther and farther inland, and so it was becoming more dangerous. Lancashire was next, followed by Lothian and Strathclyde after which the fleet returned home to Odinsborg.
While this was going on, Merlin Oleson went to Gronland to conduct diplomacy with the very few inhabitants. This went poorly and ties were actually reduced, though the tribute that had been being sent was so small as to be negligible in any case, so the reduction in status was of little practical effect.
Olaf Tryggvason remained in Odinsborg with his wife and oversaw the efforts of the last groups of slaves in improving his nation. He also stopped in occasionally to see how the newest research in the magical arts was going and was quite pleased by the progress.
(European Pagan Seafaring Open Empire)
Olaf II
Diplomacy: Kopparborg (t), Gotland (ea)
Olaf set sail with his fleet and part of Slettu Einar's forces and sailed into the Skaggerak again. While there he shut down all shipping out of Denmark, attempting to goad the Danes to action, but they were content to sit in harbor and drink while the Swedes sailed about at will. Meanwhile Slettu after giving control of his navy to Olaf II, took his army, and that of Jamtland and Kopparborg, and went back to Skane, where he conquered and looted the region. As the army had previously been defeated, this wasn't the heroic feat it sounded. Nor was the sacking and burning or Lund. Heroic or not, it helped pay and feed the troops, and would cover the expenses involved in the blockade.
Back in Birka, Anund celebrated the birth of a son, while ruling in Olaf's place and organizing the defenses along with the feudal levies from Vasterboten and Gotland. He also sent Thorfinn on a diplomatic mission where he was successful in increasing relations with both Kopparborg and Gotland.
(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Edmund
Diplomacy: Anglia (f)
Athelgar II left London to travel to Anglia with Cedric at his side. Their journey found Athelgar a wife and added Anglia to Edmund's kingdom. Back at home research into specific applications of magic was the main focus of effort, though no real breakthroughs were achieved.
(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Henry
Diplomacy:
France was relatively quiet, the death of Phillip being one of the only noteworthy events. Some minor investments form the past paid off as well.
(Roman Catholic Civilized Open Empire)
Henry
Diplomacy: Franconia (f), Holland (t), Swabia (t)
Michael was sent to Franconia to push for even closer ties on behalf of Henry, and was quite successful there. His magical skills were useful, but it his success was more due to the effort and time expended than anything else. While there he persuaded Franconia to become a full member of the Holy Roman Empire.
Matthias remained in Holland where his efforts were much less successful. The alliance fractured, and Holland while still offering tribute moved farther away from Alsace and Henry. Karl also remained where he was, Swabia in this case, and continued diplomatic efforts. He ensured tribute flowed to Alsace, in the case of Swabia, this was an improvement.
(Roman Catholic Civilized Religious Primacy)
Open for a Player
Paul
Diplomacy:
The Death of Sylvester II in 1039 led to Paul being chosen as the next Pope. This interrupted his research into the magical arts, while the ensuing confusion also disturbed the research of John. Missionary work in Croatia and Dalmatia went well, while similar works in Epirus met with failure.
The unease between the church and the Venetians was a cause for concern for the new Pope. But with any transition there are going to be difficulties.