THE EMPIRE OF THE SUN - Asiatic Pagan

Diplomacy: none

No turn submitted. No significant happenings in the Empire.
 

THE JADE DRAGON - Oceanic Pagan

King Shen Fong

Diplomacy: Szechwan (f), Anhi (ea)

Swearing revenge against the people of Hunan for their disrespect to his dying father,  but now was not the time for revenge. Shen Fong sets about putting his house, that of The House of Shen, in order. First, he marries a local noble woman, Liu Chian. While not the most diplomatic of men, Shen Fong was well liked, and was an able administrator. He ruled over his nation, and was blessed in the first year of his marriage with a lovely daughter. His wife became pregnant again in the year 7, but as she came to term, things were not well. She suffered often from strange headaches, and occassionally would have fits of jerking spasms. She went into labor a month early, and although a healthy son was born, Liu Chian did not survive the ordeal. Shen Fong mourned the loss of his beloved wife, and thought how cruel the fates were to take both parents and his mate from him so soon.

On the diplomatic front, however, The Jade Dragon made great headway. Shen Fong sent his brother, Shen Tzu to try to bring Szechwan into the fold. The people of Szechwan remembered Tzu, and welcomed him into their hearts. His reception was so warm that he was able to bring the region fully into the nation. Similarly, Mao Tzen travelled to the East to Anhui, where despite the slight language differences, and the extreme religious differences, they agreed to an economic alliance. The tail of the Jade Dragon has grown significantly longer, and with such size, it is sure to gain the interest of their neighbor to the North.
 

THE JINN DYNASTY  - Asiatic Pagan

King Lao Che-Jinn

Diplomacy: Hopei (fa), Chinling (c), Tsainan (nt)

King Lao Che-Jinn had wet his sword on the blood of the now extinct Middle Kingdom, and he knew he must now endevour to build a great nation in peace. He personally travelled to Hopei and had greater success than when he had sent underlings. As in most things, the King has learned that it is his greatness that guides the Jinn Dynasty, and when something important must be done, he should do it himself. He was able to get a commitment of feudal support from the Hopei people.

He sent other messengers to Chinling and Tsainan, hoping to establish a connection with the Jade Dragon for trade, and also to reach the Ocean to the East. While he had some success, the Chinling ruler was only willing to recognize a Jinn claim over the region.

The heir left the conquered region of Honan with a strong garrison, and returned home. Ming Che-Jinn, still an eligible bachelor, ruled the Kingdom from Shensi. His able administration kept the nation running smoothly. He also ordered the creation of what will some day be the jewel of the Kingdom, the city of Beijing on the Huang Ho River in Shensi.
 
 

THE KINGDOM OF PANDYA - Oceanic Pagan

King Sunratta

Diplomacy: Chera (f)

King Sunratta remained in Pandya to rule his growing nation. He sent Prince Maharatta to arrange a royal marriage with a princess of Chera. This and some gold convinced the Cherans that they would play a vital role in the future of the Kingdom of Pandya. They formally decided to fully give up their autonomy and become part of the Pandyan Kindom. The young princess went to Pandya, and settled into the palace in Travindaram. Within a year of the royal wedding, she was with child. Unfortunately, she came down with fever, and both she and the unborn child perished.

The King, frusterated with the general inability of his court physicians to do anything for his wife and unborn child, put consider resources into founding a center of learning in Pandya.
 

THE  KINGDOM OF KHEMER - Oceanic Pagan

King Haji Alamehli

Diplomacy: Surin (f)

Haji Alamehli dedicated a significant amount of gold to continue the advances in education that had brought his nation to where it was today. He looked out across the river, and knew that his was a great nation. He and his nation rejoiced as his wife gave him a son in year 6. They mourned with him as well in year 8 when she died after giving birth to a healthy daughter.

The King had his sons and advisor solidify his hold on Surin. For five long years, the three negotiated with the locals. In the end they were extremely convincing, as the region fully joined Khemer, and further extended the reach of King Haji Alamehli.
 

THE CONCLAVE OF THE GANGES - Oceanic Pagan

King Sudakkar

Diplomacy: Tarain (f), Jaunpur (f), Chandela (a)

King Hamani had some concerns regarding his neighbor. He hired a number of mercenaries, putting them under the control of his staunch ally, the Pasha of Jaunpur, to defend the nation against possible invasion. But he also sent diplomatic envoys down the Ganges to attempt to open trade with the Kingdom of Gaur. The Gaur King neither gave permission nor forbid opening trade. The Conclave will have to wait for the King of Gaur to officially sanction trade.

For several years, Sudakkar, heir to the throne of the Conclave, ruled the nation. His wife suffered a miscarriage in year 7, and no further pregnancies occurred. He then travelled to Jaunpur to meet with the King and the Pasha.

Meanwhile, Hamani continued his aggressive expansion plans. He, personally spent a considerable amount of time in Tarain, convincing the them that while their economic commitment to the Kingdom was appreciated, they could play a major role in the future of the Conclave. The regional leadership agreed, and Tarain fully joined the Conclave of the Ganges. Marari travelled to Chandela, where he tried to improve relations with that region. He was successful in forging an alliance with the Eastern edge of the nation. Finally, the King and the heir both went to Jaunpur to negotiate with the Pasha. It was during this time, in year 9, that Hamani became ill. The Pasha of Jaunpur had been a loyal ally, and attended him upon his deathbed. The Pasha swore to the King that not only would he abdicate his position in Jaunpur to allow the region to be brought into the Conclave, but he would guarantee that it was Hamari's son, Sudakkar, that sat on the throne.

So when Hamani passed from this world, it was the Pasha of Jaunpur who led the heir, Sudakkar, to Rajput and personally placed the crown upon his head. He was the first noble to bow on bended knee, and give up his title to unify Jaunpur and the Conclave. The transition of power occured without any controversy. Most suspect it is due to the great display of loyalty shown by the Pasha of Jaunpur. The Queen Widow retired to her family's estate in Uttar Pradesh with Alisha, her daughter, but her son stayed in the homeland to be raised in the King's court.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GAUR - Oceanic Pagan

King Merdic

Diplomacy: Palas (nt), Nadavaria (t, then revolts), Assan (t)

King Merdic grew a bit alarmed at the expansion of his Western neighbor along the Ganges. He ordered significant augmentation of the army. He received emissaries from the Conclave to begin trade, but Merdic wished to wait a bit before responding, so no trade route was established. He began construction on a great city, Merdic in Gaur. Before traveling to the South, he instructed his brother Merdic III to conduct a census of the Kingdom, but due to financial problems, this was not done. Merdic III took a local wife, but unfortunately, she died during labor in year 10. Of great concern was that the Queen began developed symptoms of consumption. She died while the King was away in the South.

The King had gone off to Palas to conduct diplomacy. He was somewhat successful in this venture. He also sent his his son and heir, Merdic II to Nadavaria to have talks with them. He had initially been able to convince them to become a tributary of Gaur, but in year 10, he, too, developed a consumptive cough, and passed away. The Nadavarians believing this to be an omen, and realizing that the King of Gaur was quite a ways away, with the river standing between them, decided that they valued their independence too greatly, and revolted. Sajva, the King's advisor was able to bring the Assam people into the nation as a tributary.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF JAVA - Oceanic Pagan

King Ompong Bata

Diplomacy: Palambang (a), Bali (nt)

King Ompong Bata builds a beautiful seaside city on the Riouw Sea. He ruled over his tranquil island nation, and was blessed with a son in year 6 and twins (a boy and a girl) in year 7. But in year 8, Oni di Toru, his wife, died while giving birth to another daughter. The child survived.

Despite this mixture of blessing and tragedy, the King continued to spread his influence outward. He sent his son and daughter to discuss politics with the chief of Palambang. For many years the two of them told of the greatness of Java and how Palambang would be a shining star in the nation. A star that would be seen by sailors the worldwide. The local Chief was swayed, and agreed to a formal alliance with Java. Captain Sandokan was sent off to Bali, where he was successful in getting the islanders to agree to provide tribute in word only to King Ompong Bata. Unfortunately, while returning to Java, Sandokan was swept off the deck of his flagship in a storm. The rest of the ships returned home safely.
 

THE KINGDOM OF EDROSIA - Oceanic Pagan

King Kellar

Diplomacy: none

King Kellar called his closest leaders to him in council. "We live in dangerous times. We must know what threats and opportunities surround us. For does the Golden Goddess Xuxa not warn that a man wandering on the beach with eyes shut will get wet?" With these words, the King sent his people out to the surrounding regions to look around. They brought back reports of the peoples in the surrounding regions, but not much of value was learned.

Meanwhile, at home, the Heir spent almost all of year 6 surveying the Kingdom. He was happy to report to Kellar that he can expect increased revenue as he found a number of merchants that were not adequately being taxed on their holdings. This pleased the King greatly. He was less pleased by his lack of success at having more children. Of note, King Keller did begin one of the most highly funded University systems known to man. Soon, the Kingdom of Edrosia will rise high above the clouds and take its place among the great realms of the world.
 

THE KARA-KHATAI KINGDOM - Asiatic Pagan

King Ormin

Diplomacy: Turkmen (a)

With much fanfare, King Ormin took a wife from the local nobility of Kara-Khatai and ruled his nation. He began a systematic counting of all the people in the Kingdom, and realized that he would be able to reap significantly more in taxes now. He also named his young son, Zengi, as heir to the realm.

Things looked good for this frontier nation, until rumors began regarding the new Queen's ability to have children. For two years, the Queen's handmaids gossiped of her unsuccessful efforts to give the King more children. Then towards the end of year 7, she became pregnant, only to lose the child in the third month. Now the whole Kingdom was abuzz with the news. It was not until the middle of year 8, when she successfully gave birth to a daughter that a calm settled on the rumormongers in Kara-Khatai. But in year 9 when she became pregnant again, those same voices that proclaimed her a desert, now described her as a fertile oasis. Unfortunately, during a very difficult delivery of a son at the end of year 9, she had significant bleeding and died, leaving the King a widower, again. The son survived.

Arslan, the King's advisor travelled to Turkmen, where he was able to secure a firm alliance with the local nobility.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PERSIA - Asiatic Pagan

King Cambyses

Diplomacy: Dasht' Kavir (a), Zagros (revolts), Media (revolts)

King Cyrus again sent his people out to gain better relationships with the surrounding regions. He stayed at home and governed his nation. He sired another son in year 6, but his wife succumbed to fever and chills during the delivery of stillborn daughter in year 7. This was a foreshadowing of ill times that were to befall Persia. For during the year 8, the King was to take to his bed with a cough that progressed until he began coughing large amounts of blood. There was nothing the court phyicians could do, and he passed from this world. And it is here that Persia's true problems began.

For two and a half years, Cambyses had negotiated with the desert folk of Dasht' Kavir. He had was incredibly successful, and secured an alliance with the region. His expertize in diplomacy shining through. But when he heard of his father's death, he immediately returned to Persia, as he did not trust his brother, Bardiya. This was with good reason. For Bardiya, upon hearing of the King's death, decided that he would leave Media and seize this opportunity to slip back to Persepolis and take the crown for himself. Unfortunately for him, his was slowed in the mountains, and Cambyses arrived first, establishing a firm control over the military. Bardiya was left without a country, and returned to Media, convincing the region to throw off Persia's yoke of repression.

Similarly in Zagros, General Gaumata believed he had a chance to seize power. But again, geography prevented him from gaining any national troops from the homeland. He, too, had to settle for life in exile in Zagros.

So Cyrus' line continues, and survives a challenge to his dynasty. For King Cambyses, it is a time of rebuilding. In this vein, Persepolis becomes the largest city in the world. Despite the short lived revolution, merchants continue to ply the silk road, and more and more traffic passes between Persia and Mesopotamia.
 

THE KINGDOM OF MESOPOTAMIA - African Pagan

King Jafar

Diplomacy: Abadan (ne)

King Yousef has shown that he can lead an army, now he must build a nation. As he went about ruling his Kingdom, he oversaw the building of another city, Hafar, in the region of Hahmar, and build up the government a bit. His wife gave birth to a son in year 6, and a daughter in year 7. Unfortunately, the King would not live to see the final stone laid for Hafar, for he was to die at age 48, one year prior to its completion. His son, Jafar immediately took the throne, without any difficulty.

Prior to assuming the mantle of King, Jafar had spent time with the people of Abadan, but the religious differences made convincing the Abadan ruler that Mesopotamia would look out for their best interests. He had to leave prematurely to be coronated in Jakal, and came away with no commitment from Abadan.

One of King Jafar's first orders of business was to officially send merchants along the silk road to the nation of Persia. His reign began in peace. His mother retires with his young sister to the countryside.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PATZINAK - Asiatic Pagan

King Stephin Onishchanko

Diplomacy: Taman (t)

King Stephin understands that he has a tough row to hoe. For to carve out a nation from the steppes is difficult work. But his people no longer wish to ride the plains, and he must find a way to struggle through these difficult times. To begin with, he personally visited the European Pagan region of Taman. He brought along Gunther his trusted advisor. But while the King focused on the diplomatic front, Gunther went among the people discussing theology. He was able to make inroads in several small villages, but in year 9, he succumbed to fever.

Meanwhile, at home, the heir ruled the nation. It was brought to his attention too late that the harvest was not being adequately distributed, and some AGRO went to waste. In looking into the problem, the Heir determined that those in charge simply were not adequately trained. He discovered that a number of things were not being done in the Kingdom. Not for lack of manpower, but for lack of training. It seems that the people were losing the skills that they had developed over the years.
 

THE KINGDOM OF CARCHEMISH - African Pagan

King Xeusiarch I

Diplomacy: Edessa (f)

At the beginning of year 6, things were looking quite good for Carchemish. Xeusiarch I had secured a valuable resource in Syria, and he sent his son, Mago the Elder, to assist his other son, Mago the Younger (who is usually refered to as Matho to avoid confusion), in garrisoning the region. The King began planning the building of a port city in Aleppo.

The King sent Sidonius to Edessa to firm up the relationship with the Eastern border region. This he did most admirably, but it was little consolation for the terrible events that befell Carchemish. Expecting a counter strike against Syria, the King ordered the two princes to have the army on alert for any invasion. But no Jordanian army came North through Syria. It seems that a relatively small Jordanian army of under 3000 horsemen passed through Lebanon without a fight. King Xeusiarch I was not happy to hear that the government that he personally selected to rule in Lebanon did not even delay the Jordanian army!

Upon getting word that the Jordanians were marching for Aleppo, he sent messages to his sons leading the garrison in Syria. He then personally took command of the regional fortification of Aleppo, supported by 1 light warship along the coast. But the fortifications while certainly numerous, were just not of great quality, and the strong Jordanian cavalry easily overran them. The King received a sword wound to his abdomen defending the final fortification as it fell. He was able to slip away towards Cyprus and safety. As he left, he say the lone Aleppo warship being torched in the distance.

While the King tended his wounds in Cyprus, the Jordanians began systematically looting Aleppo. The good people of Aleppo rose up and struck back at their oppressors. At the same time, the two princes arrived with reinforcements. But not expecting an attack on the homeland, and certainly not expecting to arrive after the battle had already been fought, they had left enough troops in Syria to maintain control of the region. They arrived with just over 1000 infantry. This plus the almost 2000 infantry and under 500 cavalry of the freedom fighters of Aleppo were no match for the cavalry of the Jordanians. Especially once the Carchemish princes realized that the entire nation of Jordan was being carried in tow. When they engaged the enemy, they were not only fighting against the Jordanian cavalry, but women and children fighting out of wagons with farm instruments.

In a particularly bloody battle, where the Carchemish army was struggling to retake the treasury, Mago, the heir, was dealt a fatal blow to the head. In rushing to save his brother, Matho was also injured. He eventually escaped and returned to Syria.

After the last of the Carchemish army had been destroyed, the invaders continued their looting. The treasury was taken, and the Carchemish government was in turmoil. King Xeusiarch I quickly named Matho heir, and ruled from the temporary capital set up in Cyprus. But with the disruption of the Carchemish government, it came as no surprise that Cilicia revolted, and both Syria and Edessa gave signs of strain. Dire times indeed for Carchemish.
 

THE JORDANIAN KINGDOM - African Pagan

King Phineas

Diplomacy: none

King Phineas expected a second strike against Jordan from the combined armies of the Nile, Carchemish and Mesopotamia. He called his trusted general, Pilbee, to his side. "Our homeland is threatened. Our military is no match for another combined strike. We must strike before our enemies can gather their strength."

"Shall we retake Syria, your Majesty?", asked Pilbee.

"No, for they will certainly focus their forces their to cross into Jordan," said the King.

"But then what can we do?"

"Send out the word. We will gather every available man and boy. Levy heavy taxes on all the land. Gather as great an army as you can, and bring all the women and children. We will leave this land of our father's fathers, and we will strike at the heart of Carchemish! Then we will take boats to a far off land," the King replied.

"I will do as you say, my King," said Pilbee, "but our people no nothing of sailing... where will we go?... How..." Pilbee's voice trailed off when he saw the look in the King's eyes, "As you wish, your Majesty."

He hurried off to do the King's bidding. He ordered a mass conscription of every able bodied man to bear arms. The Jordanian people packed their meager belongings and gathered on the Western border of the region. Pilbee sent men to destroy all the pubic works in the region, to both provide some funds, and to deny them to their enemies. With a meager 2800 cavalry, the Jordanian people left their homeland behind, and crossed the border into Lebanon, arriving at the end of June in the year 6.

The people of Lebanon were a beaten people, having been forced into tributary status by the Carchemish military several years before. The puppet government attempted to raise an army to fight the Jordanians, but the will of the people was not there, and as they Jordanians did not stop to plunder their homes, they decided to let them pass.

At the end of August of year 6, the Jordanian army entered Aleppo. King Phineas spoke to his men, "Our army is not mighty, nor does it come with trumpets blaring and drums beating. But we are all that is left of a great nation. Let us bring down our vengeance upon those that sought to destroy us!" With that the Jordanian army descended upon the fortifications of Aleppo. Under King Phineas' leadership, they quickly overran the field forts in the region, and set fire to the one light warship on the coast. The Aleppo forts were no match for the well trained cavalry of Jordan. Although they never faced each other in combat, it was rumored that King Xeusiarch I was commanding the defense, and that he received a serious wound in the fighting. His body was never recovered from the field. Jordan survived the battle with effectively no losses.

Once the region of Aleppo was pacified, King Phineas gave orders to loot the region at the beginning of year 7. As his men began destroying irrigation canals and grain storage silos, the people of Aleppo rallied in an attempt to overthrow King Phineas' conquest. While this would not have been too alarming by itself, at the same time, a portion of the Syrian garrison arrived to liberate the Carchemish homeland. But the combined rebels and Carchemish army numbered only about 500 more men than the occupying Jordanians, and they were almost all infantry against the battle hardened Jordanian cavalry. This battle was over as quickly as the initial fight, with no surviving Carchemish loyalist. Even more important, a man later identified as the heir to the Carchemish throne was discovered among the dead. And General Pillbee believes that he saw a Carchemish prince being taken from the battlefield wounded.

On the whole, a magnificent victory for the Jordanians. They completed the looting of Aleppo, destroying the seat of power in Carchemish. The only downside was that once on the coast, the Jordanians were not able to secure any transports to take them across the water, and in Aleppo they sat.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF RHODES - African Pagan

King Laius

Diplomacy: Phyrgia (t, then revolts)

Both King Laius and Oedipus, his son, took wives in year 6. and over the next five years they were blessed with a number of children. For Laius, 3 boys and a girl, and for Oedipus, 3 girls. While ruling his nation, King Laius sent merchants to ports in Troy and Sicily, but both Thrace and Rome remained closed to him despite his efforts. Of particular concern, King Laius opened trade with his neighbor, Carchemish, but the land route was interupted during year 6, without explanation.

Laius sent his son, Gorgidas, to live among the people of Crete, and convince them of the ways of the true Gods. This he did, and was able to convert a number of villages in the region. His success is a tribute to the strength of his faith.

Rhodes also made a second voyage across the VERY high mountains into Phyrgia. Again, talks were begun. And again, Phyrigia initially agreed to some Rhodesian control. But once the Rhodesian representative had left the region, the same Phyrgian nobles that fomented revolt years before spoke out against any relationship with Rhodes. In the end, they won out and Phyrigia declared its independence.
 

THE KINGDOM OF TROY - Asiatic Pagan

King Alexander

Diplomacy: Paphlagonia (f), Galatia (a)

Alexander ruled his nation, and took a new wife from the Bithnian nobility. He produced 2 sons and 2 daughters, although his wife did lose a fifth child in the year 10. The King also sent out a large navy to patrol the Aegean. While they came within sight of some Greek naval vessels, neither side gave any indication of wanting to engage. The navy provided protection for a number of new trade routes that Troy opened with nearby nations.

On the diplomatic front, Troy had great success. Paris, the heir, who had recently lost his wife, agreed to marry the daughter of one of Paphlagonia's ruling family. Mingling blood with the rulers of Troy plus Alexander's words of encouragement were all that it took to bring Paphlagonia fully into the nation. Prince Aeneas was able to get Galatia to form an alliance with Troy, lending their military support if needed.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GREECE - European Pagan

King Zechariah

Diplomacy: Kyklades (f), Morea (f)

King Zachariah was a bit anxious about a military response from Rhodes, after the recent unpleasantness in the Aegean Sea. For that reason, he put ships out again under the command of Quentin, his brother. For 2 years Quentin sailed the Aegean. When his flagship was seen approaching the Kyklades with flags flying at half mast, Zachariah grew concerned that war had come to his land. Yet, none of the ships appeared damaged in any way. Perhaps they had again been victorious against the Rhodesians! But the truth was far less glorious. For there had been no battle with Rhodes, although they had seen some Trojan ships that were not hostile. The ships returned with the body of Prince Quentin, who had died of fever while at sea.

Zachariah had been in the Kyklades securing the entry of the island into the Kingdom of Greece. His son, Alexander had similar success with the people of Morea. For now Greece was becoming a large nation. Alexander returned home to his wife, but they did not produce any children.

An interesting event took place towards the end of year 7, when Luke returned from his travels in the East. He brought with him a number of people, who the King immediately met with upon his return to the homeland. The men (and they were all men) were dark complexioned, bearded and wore dark robes with shawls on their shoulders. It is unclear who they were, but the King was certainly interested in what they had to say.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THRACE - European Paganism

King Alexander Pogue

Diplomacy: Bulgaria (f), Constantinople (c)

King Alexander maintained his devotional liturgy. Praying for guidance for the future. He married a young woman from Thrace, and in the first three years of marriage, they have a son and two daughters. Alexander also gives permission for merchant ships from Sicily and Troy to trade with Thrace via Delphi. But most significantly, the blessing that Alexander was praying for finally came to him. He had a dream where he was floating through the air, holding a long string that was attached at the ground to his throne. This connection prevented him from ascending to great heights. And in the dream, he finally let go of the string and floated ever higher and higher, until he rose to the Hall of the Gods, where they bestowed blessings upon him greater than those given to any other mortal man. King Alexander Pogue, Ruler of Thrace had found his destiny.

But when he awoke, he realized that the time was not yet right. He continued to rule his nation, sending his son, Octorius, to find a wife in Bulgaria and then spend time bringing the region into the nation. This he accomplished, but was travelling so long, Octorius never had time to return to Delphi to begin his own family. Raymond traveled to the peninsula, to Constantinople, where after extensive discussion, he was able to lay claim to the region in the name of King Alexander.
 

THE KINGDOM OF KILOTSK - European Pagan

King Petro

Diplomacy: Lithuania (a)

King Petro knew that Kilotsk's old enemy Igor had significant influence in the North. But he also realized that he must extend his rule in that direction. He sent his trusted advisor, Vadamier to the ruler of Lithuania. "Offer him a marriage into the Royal House of Kilotsk. For then he will know that we are committed to his people, and his children's children will rule the entire Kingdom." Vadamier set off to do his king's bidding. Upon arriving, he passed on the message. The Lithuanian chieftain was very agreeable. Even the arrival of the Prince of the United Tribes of the Forest People could not sway his decision to lay his sword at the feet of Petro.

Petro meanwhile accepted the daughter of the Lithuanian ally as his wife. They had a son at the end of their first year of marriage. But during the second pregnancy, his wife took ill, and both mother and unborn child died, leaving the King to care for his young son. Realizing that were he to die himself, the Kingdom would be rudderless, he named his brother, Michael to be heir. Finally, Petro also ordered the construction of a city on the Dneiper, Tepes. It seems that the ruling family had defeated the legacy of the upstart Igor and his supporters.
 

THE UNITED TRIBES OF THE FOREST KINGDOM (UTFK) - European Pagan

King Vaspar

Diplomacy: Lithuania (ne), Kauyavia (ea), Meissen (c), Lausatia (ea)

The United Tribes have been blessed. The birth of twins (the son, Durin "of the Earth and teh daughter, Lorial "of the Forest) has been seen as a sign by the people... a sign of new life, new tribes, new prosperity. To capitalize on this, King Nikodemus sends his people out to spread the influence of the UTFK. Bluto, the Danzig ally, and Prince Vladjimir were sent off to Kauyavia and Meissen. The King was not initially encouraged by the stories he heard of their drunken revelries, but it seems that the Kauyavians enjoyed their Beer Garden diplomacy techniques, and they came away with strong economic ties to the region. Meissen was less impressed. Gwido had great success in Lausatia, as well. His son, Vaspar, was sent East to Lithuania to establish a common border with the people of Kiev. Yet, upon arriving in Lithuania, he found a representative of Kilosk already in conversation with the local nobility. Vaspar entered the discussion, but after it became apparent that Lithuania would carry the day, he congenially accepted the hospitality of the local nobility until he received urgent news that required his return to Poland.

King Nikodemus ruled over the nation. His wife bore him a fine son in year 6 at the age of 53! But the strain of that delivery severely affected her health. Over the next year she had a dramatic decline, and died in year 7. The King mourned her loss. But the nation required his attention. Realizing that the success on the diplomatic front was going to strain his government, despite his close oversight, he gave orders for the relationships with Bialoweza and Masuria reduced. He then went North to Danzig to meet with Bluto, who was returning from his diplomatic mission to discuss bringing Danzig fully into the nation. But when Bluto arrived, the King was not there. As the days wore on, Bluto became anxious. He sent messenger to Poland. It seems the King took ill on the road and was lying delirious in a small border village. Bluto sent messages to the King's sons, and rushed to his side. He was the last man to see the King alive. While Bluto knew that his good friend Vladjimir would make a great king, Nikodemus' last words were to ask Bluto to smooth over Vaspar's transition to King. Bluto followed his King's last command, and Vaspar was installed as the new King of the Forest Tribes without incident.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE SVEAR - European Pagan

King Thorfinn Ivarsson of Giants

Diplomacy: Halland (f)

Thorfinn frusteration was evident. It was not that he did not love his daughters, but the people needed someone for the future. Someone who could take the throne when Thorfinn's time on this world was through. Someone... like a son! But his beloved Helga had produced 3 daughters. But in year 8, when she again became pregnant, Thorfinn felt for certain that it would be a boy. In fact, Helga had grown so large, that rumors began flying that Thorfinn's forefathers must have been giants to produce such a big pregnancy. Even after the birth of twin girls, the association remained. But for the King, it represented a desparate situation. He called his two eldest daughters to him and addressed each one.

"Heidi, you are a gem. You were put on this Earth to marry and bear children. It is time that you leave my house and bear me grandchildren (perhaps some grandsons...). I will arrange for you to marry Halfdan Gunnarsson, for I know that you two have been close for many year." And it was true, Heidi had oft dreamed of marrying Halfdan, who was currently away negotiating in Halland. Halfdan becomes a prince of the room.

"Runa, you are the future of the Svear. For I will come to depend on you to lead our people when I pass on. I name you heir of the Kingdom of the Svear." And with that, a woman comes in line for the Svear throne for the first time.

It is with some irony that in year 10, Helga again became pregnant, again with twins. Yet this time, with a girl and a boy. But Thorfinn had no regrets as Runa immediately became a valuable resource, despite her young age.

Halfdan's mission to Halland was successful, and the region fully joined the realm. He did get a little confused by the King's orders in year 10 to proceed to Smalland to continue talks, since Smalland was already an intricate part of the Kingdom. He put it off to excitement over the birth of his son.
 

THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE - European Pagan

King Childeric I

Diplomacy: Vermandois (a), Ponthieu (fa), Flanders (ea, then revolts, then p)

In continuing the expansion of France, King Merovich sends diplomats to the Northwest. He even arranged a marriage between his son and the daughter of a Vermandois noble. For these efforts, he was initially rewarded. But the Rhine River is wide, and all of these new additions to the Kingdom soon began questioning their ties to France. It seems that while the King was a good long range planner, his day to day skills at running the nation were rather poor. Flanders was just too far away, and the region broke ranks and became independent. But Audefleda had brought troops in case Avalon pressed its claim for the region. He was a strong tactician, and realized that he could easily overpower the Flemish militia. Although the numbers were almost even, and there were some minimal fortifications, he had significant advantages in mounted troops. Within a month the fighting was over, and Flanders was pacified with minimal losses. Audefleda remained in the region to garrison it.

Despite his shortfalls, Merovich ruled France until his death in year 9. In the four years preceeding his death, his wife bore him a daughter and a son. He was followed to the throne by his son, Childeric I, without any challenge to his authority.
 

THE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE - European Pagan

King Gearald

Diplomacy: Holland (f), Friesland (f), Brabant (f)

King Gearald decided to make a major effort at consolidating Lorraine's holdings. He left Micheil, the heir, ruling, as he went to Holland. He made a quick decision, and arranged for a Friesian nobleman's daughter to be sent to Lorraine to marry Micheil, while Lord Angus went their to discuss politics. The King did not return for the wedding, as he was intensively lobbying the Holland nobility. Luckily for Micheil, she was a perfect match for him, and before long they had a son. The King, too, was pleased, because both his matchmaking and his diplomatic efforts had the desired effect; Friesland and Holland renounced all autonomy and fully joined Lorraine.

The King also had his other son take a wife in Brabant. Despite the difficulty in communicating due to the language differences, Brabant also became a permanent part of Lorraine. King Gearald now directly controls a significant part of real estate in Northern Gaul. But where can he expand to now? Time will tell.
 

THE KINGDOM OF BAVARIA  - European Pagan

King Ferdinand

Diplomacy: Bohemia (fa), Swabia (a), Tyrol (nt)

King Ferdinand continued his practice of spending time with the commoners. Although recently, he has realized that many of the peasants were growing potatoes rather than the variety of crops he usually found throughout the Kingdom. This became more evident, when at a great feast held in honor of the wedding of his son Gustav to a Bohemian princess there were 4 different potato dishes. When asked, Marcus, the King's advisor, told him that there were certain skills needed to successfully grow and harvest the other crops, and the peasants did not have the knowledge. The King did not understand the answer, for did he not enjoy these other crops in harvests past? It was very curious. Further thought on the matter was cut short by his learning of the death of his new daughter-in-law while pregnant.

The King again sent envoys out across the mountains. Bohemia again agreed to the protection of Bavaria. This time, the King ensured their continued loyalty by sending a constant stream of missives to the region, reminding them of their commitment. Bavaria also had greater success in the South and the West, gaining some concessions from Tyrol and a firm alliance with Swabia. Ferdinand decides that with his burgeoning government, he will have to create a centralized authority, and he adjusts his monarchy appropriately.

Once again, Ferdinand found himself blessing the Gods for his good fortune. His nation was growing, and his wife blessed him with three more children, including another son. It is good to be the King.
 

KINGDOM OF ALBA - European Pagan

King Dougal

Diplomacy: Holstein (f), Orkneys (fa)

King Dougal briefly traveled to Holstein, where he joined Aongus, his lead negotiator. Aongus had made arrangements for a young woman of noble birth to be married to the King. It did not hurt that the woman was the neice of the largest landholding clan in Holstein. This chief then immediately threw his weight behind Dougal and Aongus' bid to have Hostein join Alba. And so it came to pass.

That being settled, both men travelled to the North, the King to return to Strathclyde to rule the nation and Aongus to the Islands to the North. Both were successful in their own ways. The King had two daughters, and Aongus convinced the Orkneys to swear fealty to the crown.

The King also named his son Malcolm as heir, to much celebration and revalry throughout the Kingdom.
 

THE KINGDOM OF AVALON - European Pagan

King Mordred

Diplomacy: Wessex (f), Cornwall (fa)

With great ceremony and celebration, King Mordred announced that Gawaine of Wessex would be marrying his daughter Morganna. In addition, Mordred elevated Gawaine to the position of heir. The wedding was well attended by all the nobility of the Kingdom. The Kingdom of Durham even sent a representative. King Mordred then retired to Sussex to rule his Kingdom. Upon arriving home, he took a wife, and in the first three years of their union, blessed him with two sons and a daughter. But unfortunately, tragedy was lying in wait for Avalon. During year 9, the new Queen developed swollen legs and shortness of breath while pregnant with a fourth child. She soon began coughing up blood and gasping. Within days she had died.

But this was not the only event to haunt the royal family. For not 5 years after being named heir to the throne of Avalon, Gawaine was thrown from his horse while riding in the wilderness of Cornwall. He landed on his back, and crushed his rib cage. His life's breath left him quickly, leaving Morganna a young widow at age 24. She and her mother, the wife of the late King Uther, retired to the countryside of Sussex. At least Gawaine's mission in Cornwall was successful. He and Merlin had secured a feudal oath from the regional leadership. But at a high price. The only other news was that the people of Flanders sent news that they denounce Avalon's claim to their land, as The Kingdom of France improves relations with the region.
 

THE KINGDOM OF DURHAM  - European Pagan

King Egbert the Bald

Diplomacy: Gwynedd (a), Lancashire (f), Lothian (pt)

Again, Egbert the Bald orders his army to the North to do battle with the damned Lothians. But this time, he hires a number of mercenaries to swell the ranks of the national army. Under the command of Earl Gilbert Beringar, and assisted by John the Stout, heir of Durham, the army of over 3000 (less than half cavalry) marches North. Earl Gilbert led the mercenaries personally, while John commanded the national troops. They came upon a large number of infantry led by an able Lothian commander. But Earl Gilbert crashed into them with the mercenaries, causing general mayhem and dealing their leader a significant wound to the arm. As John outflanked the Lothian militia with the national troops, the regional defenses crumpled, and the day was won. Earl Gilbert remained in the region to contain the locals. He had traditionally been an open field commander, but these last few years have taught him a good deal about fighting in the wilderness regions. Unfortuntately, when the fighting was over, and the mercenaries returned to whatever hole from which they crawled, the Earl did not have enough troops to garrison the region, so he had to install a provisional government in the region.

But Egbert realized that he must also use peaceful means of expansion. So he sent his people out again to the regions of Gwynedd and Lancashire. They returned with good tidings. Lancashire is now fully incorporated into Durham, and the Welchmen of Gwynedd are firm allies.

The King meanwhile pined away for his beloved Emma, who had died in year 5. He knew that he would have to consider remarriage, for the good of the Kingdom. But news of more death would be forthcoming. For in year 9, the heir, John the Stout, who had shown himself most valiant in the battle of Lothian, ate some bad venison, and succumbed by year's end. The King was further shocked to learn that his 10 year old son was drowned after he fell into a lake. Bittersweet were the last five years for the Kingdom of Durham.
 

THE GREEN TRIBE - European Pagan

King Seamus II

Diplomacy: Lienster (f), Ulster (a)

Seamus I decided that he must remarry to assure that his line continued. So he travelled to Lienster and began negotiations with his ally both for the hand of his daughter, and to bring the region fully into the Green Tribe. The King was successful on both counts.

He sent his diplomatic trio, who had so successfully gained the trust of Lienster several years before, to Ulster. Here they again were able to bring about an alliance with the Tribe. But while talks were ongoing, word arrived that the King had taken ill. Seamus II arrived in Lienster to receive his father's dying blessing, and to receive the formal word that Lienster would join the nation. Seamus II returned to Connaught to be coronated King of the Green Tribe. This occured without difficulty. Seamus II, now King, began his rule by pledging a significant amount of the Kingdom's income to starting a center of learning in Waterford.
 

THE KINGDOM OF CATALONIA - African Pagan

King Pandro

Diplomacy: Aragon (t), Baelerics (c)

King Pandro realized that he must continue the royal line, so he arranged a marriage with a local nobleman's young daughter. He then settled in to rule his nation. Over the next three years, she bore him three strong sons. Things were certainly looking up for the nation of Catalonia. He prayed often to the Nature Gods that his parents so revered. He received a vision that showed him a great city in Catalonia. Upon awakening, he ordered construction of the city of Barce-lona on the coast of the Med. He made sure that the city was safe from attack as well.

Next, Pandro sent his brother, Puncho to Aragon, where he was able to secure the region as a tributary of Catalonia. Other diplomatic efforts in the Baelerics only yielded minimal results. Pandro also invested in the Catalonia educational system. Otherwise, things were peaceful in this Southern European nation.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GRANADA - African Pagan

King Sanchez

Diplomacy: none

No turn submitted.

King Alphonso died in year 7. While Sanchez assumed the throne without difficulty, there was significant mumblings again from New Castille and Andalusia regarding their relationships with Granada. Although New Castille remained loyal, Andalusia revolted.
 

IMPERIAL REPUBLIC OF ROME - African Pagan

King I. Claudius

Diplomacy: Tuscany (f)

King Romulus was besieged with requests to open trade with the IRR. Morroco, Sicily, Rhodes, Lombardy all sent representatives. Yet the King did not grant any trade requests initially. This was perhaps a mistake, for the King took ill in year 9, and upon his death, I. Claudius took over the throne without contest. But his attention was elsewhere, and he never got around to approving the trade petitions.

Before taking on the mantle of King, I. Claudius spent significant amounts of time traveling in Tuscany, learning about the countryside. But it was Mark A. who was able to continue negotiations with the Tuscans and bring them fully into the IRR. Vinceni went from Sicily into Spoleto and travelled the countryside picking up information about the region. A final note of sadness marked the death of King Romulus' 10 year old son in year 10.
 

THE DUCHY OF LOMBARDY - European Pagan

King Hubrecht of the many nuptuals

Diplomacy: Verona (f), Liguria (ea), Provence (fa)

King Hubrecht ruled his nation, and remarried a local woman from a good Lombard family. Unfortunately, his new wife died in labor. The King, realizing the need to carry on his line, married yet again from the Lombard nobility. This wife gave him a son in year 7, but died in childbirth in year 8. As one might imagine, concern arose from the Lombard clans regarding the dangers of marrying daughters into the royal family. But again the King remarried. This fourth wife was made of sterner stuff, for she was able to survive both the birth of a son in year 9, and the loss of a child in year 10.

The King also made great headway in bringing the frontier regions closer to Lombardy. Prince Fridrik convinced the local lord to swear fealty to Hubrecht. Prince Petrik, with the influence of his Veronan wife, was able to fully bring Verona into the nation. Finally, Liguria formally announced an economic alliance with Lombardy. It is widely felt that the religious differences between the region and the nation limited the talks. Hubrecht was extremely pleased.

The King also sent messengers South to the Imperial Republic of Rome to discuss opening trade, but Rome put off the discussions for the present time.
 

 THE SULTANATE OF MORROCO - African Pagan

Sutlan Hamir

Diplomacy: Zirid (a), Algeria (ea), Cheliff (ea)

King Hamir sent representatives to several nations, but the only nation that indicated a willingness to open trade was Sicily. But it was a start. He even attempted to contact the Nation of Songhai, but no response came from across the desert. He then gathered his military and ruled over his nation. He agreed to marry a woman from the ruling class of Zirid and began to try to expand his family line. Unfortunately, after a miscarriage in the first year of marriage, the couple went 3 years without issue. But then two daughters, born in year 9 and 10, were met with great joy throughout the Kingdom.

The King made efforts to increase his control over the newest regions of the Kingdom. After securing a wife for his father, Prince Momar, was able to get them to agree to a formal alliance with Morroco. His brother, Prince Faisal remained in Algeria, getting them to make an economic commitment to the nation. Finally, Lord Abbas was able to bring Cheliff closer to the Kingdom as well.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF SICILY - African Pagan

King Amherst

Diplomacy: Calabria (ea), Kabilya (fa)

King Amherst had learned his lesson. While the surrounding regions would certainly fare better under Sicilian rule, it takes some time to convince them of the fact. To press the point home, he sent his son to Calabria, a region which was openly hostile to Sicily recently, to spend 5 years and a bit of gold to help with negotiations. While visiting Calabria, Axeres fell in love with a nobleman's daughter. His courtship ended in their marriage, and the establishment of an economic alliance with Calabria. Across the Med, Arcam was fast becoming an extremely accomplished diplomat. After a number of years, he convinced the Kabilyan sultan to swear an oath of fealty to King Amherst.

Meanwhile, back in Sicily, the King ruled the nation, assisted by the heir, Achra, who helped his father administrate. But tragedy struck while the two were taking a break from the toil of government. In the spring of year 8, the King and his son were out falcon hunting. The heir apparent to the Sicilian crown was thrown from his horse, and struck his head on an outcropping of rock. He languished for several days without gaining consciousness before he passed away.

Despite this tragedy, Syracuse was fast becoming a center for international trade, as Sicilian merchants began plying the Med in all directions. Despite the previous interest shown by Rome, certain red tape issues delayed the start of regular trading between the two nations.
 

THE CHILDREN OF THE NILE - African Pagan

Queen Amohsis

Diplomacy: Ad' Diffah (nt), Sinai (fa); Petra (pt), Levant (pt), Jordan (p)

"Out of the shadows of our past came our forebears, who guided us through woe and ruin, to the Land of the River.  There we found peace and plenty again.  And there the wise dominion of womankind was established once more, in remembrance of the days of bliss in Golden Atlantis [ed note: this appears to be a reference to a place unrelated to the current Atlantis in Rhodes, although the similarities in name may suggest a common origin or mythos].   And there also we found a people, short and brown and superstitious.   Nile they called their land, between the desert and the Inner Sea, and they received us with awe.   And they told us about the River, which they called the She-Serpent, the Life-Giver.  And we told them about Ama, the Great Mother, and both became one and the same in the mind and hearts of the little ones.

And it came to pass that a great people of fierce warriors entered the lower reaches of the Land of the River.  They came with bronze and fire and ravaged all they could see until such time as the Children of Nile, gathered together, met them in the plains of the marshes, where the River becomes many.  There the Thinites, as they call themselves, felt the might of our queens who called forth the Wrath of the Great Mother and caused the River to overflow.  And there Thot, supreme leader of Thinis, abased himself before the people of Nile.

But Nefer, first among the queens, and wiser than most, foresaw a day when the strength of the tall warriors might be needed - for things were moving again in the wider world.  So she forgave the deaths and rapes and mutilations and offered a compact between the two peoples.  So long as the Thinites would not cross the boundaries of the Delta, the queens would relent from punishing them and would offer their friendship and guidance."

(Translated from the Chronicles of the Two Lands. As one might assume, this work has been ascribed to the great Daughter of the Nile historian, Iltellayu)

This ancient chronicle of documenting the origins of the People of the Nile is often cited as the nucleus of the relationship between the Daughters of the Nile and the Kingdom of Thinis. For generations, these people have lived in peace and harmony, sharing the bounty of the Nile River. But in the age of Queen Amohsis, a new and closer bond will be formed. For these two Kingdoms, so alike in their dependence on the river, so different in their persona, will bind their futures together, in the blood of their children. For Queen Amohsis announces to her people that her daughter, Princess Nekhbet will marry the heir to the Thinis thrown, Prince Keops. There union is to establish diplomatic and national ties, under the name Egypt, The Great House. In this house, Ama's daughters will rule the North, and the Thinites will rule the South.

But before any such union was to take place, Queen Amohsis knew that there was unfinished business to the North and East. She bidded her time for 2 years, where she and her consort, Unis, attempted without success to further the royal line. During this time, she made contact with a number of mercenary soldiers, several of whom flocked to the Nile in anticipation of another campaign. Tety, the Queen's advisor, spent two years reviewing the previous campaign to Jordan, Levant and Petra. She was able to glean a number of tactical pointers that she shared with the Queen. The Queen met Princess Nekhbet who had travelled to Sinai and convinced them to become feudal allies. They then set out to reclaim the rebellious regions at the beginning of year 8. They crossed the Sinai Desert, and again entered Levant. The army, composed of almost 5000 infantry (two thirds of which were national troops) and 1000 merc cavalry, crushed the Levant militia, which had not fully recovered from the Queen's last visit. She suffered no losses. She spent several weeks reestablishing a puppet government, before moving East to her prime objective, the homeland of Jordan.

But upon crossing the border, she immediately realized that something was amiss. For while 5 years ago, her army had come this very same way and attacked a number of farms and villages, she had assumed that they would have been repopulated by now. In fact, as she moved further into the region, she had a growing concern that someone may have already destroyed the Jordanians. Moreover, on her previous campaign, the fields throughout the region had been watered by a series of sluices cut into the land to divert water to the crops. Now these were no longer present. There was evidence that they had been destroyed. She grew more certain that the Jordanians had, in fact, been wiped out, when she came to the center of regional power, and it was completely demolished. Yet, if the Jordanians had been wiped out by another nation, where had the people gone? Why is this cultivated land beginning to show signs of returning to the steppes? Where are the conquerors. And who were they? For who other than the Daughters of the Nile or her allies would have the military capability to wipe out the Jordanians (in fact, Amohsis was not sure that her own army could do so).

Nonetheless, the region was hers, and she left a garrison of 200 men. The rest accompanied the Queen to Petra, where again, they easily overpowered the local militia, making the region tributary to the Nile. The army lost several hundred mercenaries, but no national troops. The Queen understood that the intelligence provided by her advisor had certainly saved the lives of a number of warriors, and Tety was amply rewarded.

The Queen returned to Mansura, and Princess Nehkbet travelled on to Faiyum, where she met Prince Keops and they were married, forever to intertwine the fates of their two nations. The two spend year 10 together, but did not produce any children.

Princess Khapri during this entire time, had been charged with maintaining the integrity of the Kingdom, which she did admirably, finding that she was an able administrator. Even the more distant region of Jordan remained loyal (the lack of any local populance helped). Tety, meanwhile, had gone to Ad' Diffah, but was unable to convince the local tribal chief that the Daughters of the Nile would provide ample security for their people. Despite this set back, Queen Amohsis again proved her prowess in battle, and took part in creating the most significant alliance in human history to date, that of Egypt, The Great House.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THINIS - African Pagan

King Tut

Diplomacy: Nubia (c), Alwa (c), Dongola (c)

"As the Great River  flows through the desert, so does Light Giver shines on the Two Lands.  As the daughters of Nile rule in the Upper Kingdom, so do the sons of Thinis in the Lower Kingdom.  It is thus that King and Queen, under the watchfull eye of Ra, have gathered in Onn, the First City, to bring peace to their peoples and order to their domains.

It is henceforth proclaimed that the Delta and the Desert, the Lower Land and the Upper Land, shall be joined in holy alliance.  They shall be known as Egypt, the Great House.

Both kingdoms shall be ruled separately, each in its own fashion; Womankind holding the crooked scepter and the White crown in the Delta and Mankind the Flail and the Red crown in the Desert.

It is furthermore decreed that a female of the Royal House of Upper Egypt shall meet in holy wedlock with a male heir of the Royal House of Lower Egypt to seal the union of the Two Lands.  The female scions of that union shall be raised in the court of the Queens while the male heirs shall be brought up with the kindred of the Desert King."

So have spoken Amhosis, Queen of Nile, High priestess of Ama the She-Serpent and Tut, King of Thinis and Blessed Son of Ra the Light Giver.

Let it be written and let it be acomplished.

With this statement, a new era begins for the Kingdom of Thinis. For in establishing Egypt, The Great House, King Tut has brought about what will likely become known as the most signiicant alliance of the current age. To celebrate the union of the Kingdom of Thinis and the Daughters of the Nile, Tut ordered the construction of a city in Fayoum called Onn. It is to be built on the shores of the Nile River. This being done, he ruled over his nation. The King remarried a woman of noble blood from the region of Fayoum. While she had a miscarriage in year 6, she provided him with a daughter in year 8 and a son in year 9. Unfortunately, both she and an unborn child died during a lengthy birth in year 10. Once again, the King was a widower.

But his grief was somewhat tempered by the wedding of his son and heir, Keops to the lovely Princess Nehkbet of the Nile. Their wedding, which took place in Fayoum in the beginning of year 9. The celebrating carried on for a month and a day, as the people took this as a sign of good times to come and a pledge of harmony on the Nile. To date they have had no children.

Meanwhile, both Lord Djoser and Prince Imhotep were sent on an exhaustive diplomatic itinerary. But after crossing the Nile into Nubia, Imhotep wandered off from the camp to relieve himself. The Prince's personal guards heard his screams and immediately followed his cries. But when they arrived, they only saw a trail of blood. They immediately called for torches and began following. They found his corpse 300 meters to the North, having been killed by a lion. Djoser immediately called for the beast to be stalked and killed. Djoser tracked the lion for five days, and finally came upon the beast and slew it. He then ordered the creature skinned and the carcass burned to the Gods. He then wrapped the body of the King's son in the pelt and returned it to King Tut along the Nile, wrapped in the armor of his enemy, as befiting an honorable man who died in the service of his country.

This event perhaps could have been seen as a sign of things to come. For Lord Djoser struggled through the difficult terrain of Nubia, then moved on to Alwa, and finally Dongola. In each region, he spent almost a year, trying to convince the local chieftains and shieks to join Thinis. Yet, he was not of the steppes, and the tribes were not very trusting of outsiders. He was able to lay claim, and no more, to each.
 

THE KINGDOM OF IFE - African Pagan

King Krulda, Lord of the Niger

Diplomacy: Oyo (a), Yoruba (fa), Kafin (ea)

King Krulda decided that a more focussed approach to the expansion of Ife was needed. To this end he sent his warchief, Gimbasi to Kafin to spend considerable amount of time negotiating with the local chieftain. He was well rewarded with major economic concessions being made to Ife. He then made arrangements for his two sons, Manaba and Bu-wani to travel to Yoruba and Oyo, respectively, with instructions to find wives among the local chiefs to smooth over diplomatic talks. This was extremely important in Yoruba, where hostile feelings still existed between the regional leaders and Ife. But when Krulda named Manaba heir, and the Yoruba chief realized that his sister would be married to the eventual King of Ife, his tone softened, and he agreed to a show of feudal support for King Krulda. Similarly, the marriage into the royal line was enough to make the region of Oyo agree to a full alliance.

In Ife, Krulda ruled his Kingdom, and had a son in year 6. Unfortunately, his wife died in childbirth the next year. The baby did not survive. But things were going well for Ife. Krulda toured his nation, taking stock of what was contained within his realm. He realized two things. One, that he should be getting significantly more income than he was (he immediately directed the tax collectors to this issue). And, two, that the people were not as productive as they should be. When he asked a farmer why he was carrying his produce to market instead of using a wagon, the man replied that there was no one for miles around who had the skill to fix a broken wheel. How could there be no one with this knowledge? The King could not understand...
 

THE KINGDOM OF SONGHAI - African Pagan

King Mansa Mansa

Diplomacy: none

No turn received.

King Mansa Mansa dies in year 6. While Mansa Masu assumes the thone, Sudan revolts against his rule.

ISI List for Turn 00002
 

#  Nation Name                MSI    ESI   Player Name     TV    EMail Address

1  Duchy of Lombardy          59.7    4    D. Salter       0.3   salterdj@aol.com
2  Kingdom of Greece          55.9   11    R. Otts         0.3   robertotts@yahoo.com
3  Island Kingdom of Java     49.8   21    J. Chacon       0.3   globales1@hotmail.com
4  Daughters of the Nile      49.2   35    M. Holy         0.3   holyman@blight.com
5  Kingdom of Bavaria         48.0    5    M. Stadermann   2.1   staderma@email.unc.edu
6  Kingdom of Durham          48.1   26    J. Browning     0.3   jb@syclone.net
7  UTFP                       46.7   32    N. Inglis       1.0   QCBC@optusnet.com.au
8  Kingdom of Troy            46.2   24    M. Bailey       1.3   mbailey@juniper.net
9  Kingdom of Thinis          45.7   29    M. Gagne        0.7   grallon@hotmail.com
10 Imperial Republic of Rome  44.9    8    M. Helmsing     0.9   helmsing@coredcs.com
11 Conclave of the Ganges     44.1    1    R. Miles        0.7   rmiles@dellnet.com
12 Jade Dragon                41.2   17    K. Ditto        0.9   shadowkitsune@earthlink.net
13 Kingdom of Thrace          40.0   31    B. Terry        0.9   amajaral@aol.com
14 Kingdom of Lorraine        39.8    6    T. Finton       0.7   khan_tim@yahoo.com
15 Morrocan Kingdom           39.1   20    B. Karn         0.9   waywatcher@sprynet.com
16 Jinn Dynasty               39.2    2    T. Joyce        0.7   joyce_tim@hotmail.com
17 Kingdom of Edrosia         38.2   30    E. Morgan       0.3   solar_imperium@usa.net
18 Gaur Nation                37.8    9    J. Marshall     0.3   james.f.marshall@gte.net
19 Kingdom of Ife             38.4   18    L. McGuchen     0.9   liam_mcgucken@focusedE.com
20 Kingdom of France          36.7   28    C. Caliano      0.3   Khaosra@aol.com
21 Empire of the Sun          35.7   19    C. von Albrecht 0.3   sdobbyns@aol.com
22 Kingdom of Catalonia       34.7   27    J. Cochran      0.3   jcochran@unique-software.com
23 Pandyan Kingdom            35.0   34    A. Novak        0.9   dreux2@home.com
24 Kingdom of Khemer          34.2   14    W. Rawson       0.9   William_Rawson@vanguard.com
25 Kingdom of Mesopotamia     33.2   25    P. Flinton      1.8   pflinton_lords34@hotmail.com
26 Kingdom of Avalon          32.7   13    D. Vulcan       0.7   erekose@erinet.com
27 Kingdom of Carchemish      31.8    7    E. Allen        1.0   tgroove@earthlink.net
28 Island Kingdom of Rhodes   31.0   23    A. Inglis       0.9   alex_i@optusnet.com.au
29 Kingdom of Songhai         30.8    3    J. Ceder        0.7   ceder@pophost.eunet.be
30 Green Tribe                29.9   37    R. Olexsak      1.1   sakzilla@uswest.net
31 Kingdom of Granada         30.2   22    L. Vanderlinden 0.3   loganv87@hotmail.com
32 Kara-Khitai Kingdom        29.1   33    D. Inglis       1.8   pugslote@yahoo.com.au
33 Kingdom of Persia          27.0   10    D. van Tassel   1.8   donv@bcn.net
34 Island Kingdom of Sicily   25.5   15    D. Patterson    0.9   dpatterson@computertech.com
35 Jordanian Kingdom          21.6   38    K. Larsen       0.3   klarsen@azstarnet.com
36 Kingdom of Kilotsk         21.8   12    B. Carter       0.3   revmidni@home.com
37 Kingdom of the Svear       15.4   16    J. Morrison     1.3   rebel@blclinks.net
38 Kingdom of Alba            14.8   36    L. Colmar       0.7   lorne@lcolmar.freserve.co.uk