THE EMPIRE OF THE SUN - Asiatic Pagan

Emperor Tadayoshi

Diplomacy: Aichi (t), Shimane (nt), Saga (c)

The Emperor sent word out to his son, Miyoshi, and his advisor, Lord Naoyori, that The Empire of the Sun would eventually control all of the Island. The King left Naoyori to administer the Empire, while he, personally visited with the people of Aichi. He left for Shimane after receiving the Aichi Shogun's oath on bended knee to pay tribute to the Emperor. In Shimane, he was less successful. Prince Miyoshi was able to get even less from the people of Saga.

Tadayoshi spent a King's ransom on irrigation ditches and housing for his people. In a grand ceremony, the Emperor announced that Prince Miyoshi would be heir. Naoyori planned the entire event, in addition to his other duties. He was an able adminstrator, and the extra burden did not phase him in the least. Of note, Naoyori was able to assist the Empire's scribes in keeping track of the paperwork involved in holding the nation together, but he was unable to make up for the lack of leadership. There were grumblings in all the regions on the inland sea, including Yamato. But peace reigned... for the moment.
 

THE JADE DRAGON - Oceanic Pagan

King Shen Fong

Diplomacy: Taiping (a), Anhui (ne)

King Shen Fong remarried and as he ruled his nation, he tried to expand his family, but to no avail. His wife had two miscarriages during their first five years of marriage. But the nation did well in other respects. The threat from the North seemed to ease slightly, as trade routes were opened with the Jinn Dynasty. Shen Fong named his young son as heir, announcing that until his majority, his brother, Shen Tzu, would act as regent, if necessary. Tzu Po, a port city in Szechwan, was constructed, bringing in more income.

The King then set about consolidating his kingdom. He sent forth Shen Tzu to Taiping to bring them closer to the throne. In this he was very successful, as Taiping agreed to an alliance with the Dragon. Mao Tzen was unable bring Anhui any further into the realm due to differences in religion. In fact, he was killed in a religious dispute with some ruffians in the streets of Anhui. It is rumored that Shen Fong wept when he heard of his loyal friends death.
 

THE JINN DYNASTY  - Asiatic Pagan

King Lao Che-Jinn

Diplomacy: Hopei (f), Chinling (ea), Tsainan (f)

King Lao Che-Jinn continued to wield diplomacy like a sword. He was able to personally oversee Hopei's assimilation into the Jinn Dynasty. He was happy to hear of the gains made in Chinling and Tsainan. The latter most certainly assisted by a marriage to his son, Ming Che-Jinn. Ming had wed early in year 11, and as he oversaw the day to day activities of the nation, he was able to welcome his son into the world in the year 12. He was greatly saddened when his wife lost a pregnancy in year 15.

Ming was also able to arrange the opening of trade with the Jade Dragon. The immediate swell in commerce and jobs in Beijing led to a doubling of the city's size in 5 years, making it the largest city in China. Lao Che-Jinn continued to put well earned gold into the education system of the nation.
 

THE SUBLIME KINGDOM OF WU (Previously the Kingdom of Kwangtung) - Oceanic Pagan

King Minh-Wei

Diplomacy: Nanling (ne), Lingtung (ea)

King Loh was never a robust man. While a good tactician, he knew that he would never ride at the head of a great host. It stemmed from an illness he had as a child. Since the age of 7, he walked with a limp. But now he was King of Wu. And he set about organizing his small nation. He began by counting all the villages and livestock therein. Satisfied that he now had an accurate count of the population of Wu, he began ruling his nation. He and his wife had a son in year 12, but soon after the boy's birth, the King took ill. He had significant difficulty breathing, and began having such significant coughing episodes that he could not catch his breath. For two months he languished before finally succumbing to his disease.

Prince Minh-Wei was just leaving the region of Nanling when he heard the news of his father's death. He had already been disappointed to not be able to get Nanling to agree to any formalized relationship with Wu, but now to lose his father as well. After a brief ceremony where Minh-Wei was crowned King, he travelled to Lingtung. There he was able to gain a firm economic commitment from the region, before cutting his visit short to finish running the country in his father's absence. He also had a young brother to raise.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PANDYA - Oceanic Pagan

King Sunratta

Diplomacy: none

King Sunratta, entering his 5th decade, decided to work on the Kingdom of Pandya from within. He worked tirelessly to encourage migration to the capital, Travindaram. His success is evidenced by that city becoming the largest in Southeast Asia, and one of the largest in the world. The King also took another wife, a young woman from a local noble family. She blessed him with a daughter in year 12. He put significant investments into the education of the Pandyan elite.

The King ordered Prince Maharatta and Lord Suvabhuna to aid him in running the country. While the King was happy to see the Prince had a good sense of how to get things done, Suvabhuna was hopeless. In fact, were it not for the Prince catching many of Suvabhuna's mistakes and correcting them, the nation would have suffered.
 

THE  KINGDOM OF KHEMER - Oceanic Pagan

King Tajir Alamehli

Diplomacy: none

No turn received.

King Haji Alamehli died in year 14. Tajir Alamehli assumed the throne without challenge.
 

THE CONCLAVE OF THE GANGES - Oceanic Pagan

King Sudakkar

Diplomacy: Chandela (f)

King Suddakkar consolidated his hold on Chandela. He ordered his General, Marari, to lead the negotiations, but also arranged for the marriage of his son, Susandra, to the Pasha of Chandela's daughter. As a dowry, he sent some of the excess harvest to be sent to the Pasha. Once the King had named Susandra as heir to the throne, the Pasha realized that his grandchildren were likely to be Kings. He formally brought Chandela into the Conclave, and retired to his estates by the Ganges. The heir arrived in the capital in time to take up his new duties as commander of the entire Conclave military. Honorable work indeed for one so young. But with a lovely wife by his side, he certainly saw his future as bright.

The King was overjoyed when his wife gave birth to daughters in year 11 and 12. Further, after 5 years of negotiations, trade was established with the Tiny Fingers nation down river.
 

THE LAND OF THE TINY FINGERS (Previously The Kingdom of Gaur) - Oceanic Pagan

King Merdic III

Diplomacy: Palas (t), Nadavaria (nt), Assan (f)

Again, King Merdic added more soldiers to the nation's standing army, but he also agreed to open trade with his Western neighbors. One of the most significant changes that King Merdic ordered was a change in the name of the nation. For now the nation at the mouth of the Ganges would be called The Land of the Tiny Fingers, reflecting a unique characteristic of many of the peoples who were native to the nation. As time passed, the complicated matters of governing the nation became more onerous, and the King proclaimed that all business aspects would be centralized in Gaur.

Merdic III, heir to the LTF, was married to a local noblewoman, but despite several years of trying, they were unsuccessful in producing any children. Merdic III left for Nadavaria on national business.

Meanwhile, the King travelled to Palas to attempt to improve relations with that region. But unfortunately his visit was cut short by a tragic accident. While sleeping in his chambers, a cinder from the fire escaped and set the room ablaze. While tremendous effort was made to save the King, it was in vain. When the heir, Merdic III, heard of the news, he briefly returned from his travels in Nadavaria to pay his respects and assume the throne. The only good to come of this tragedy was that the King's efforts were not wasted in Palas, as they agreed to a tributary relationship with the nation. Merdic III returned to Nadavaria and was able to secure some form of relationship with the region. The most success was had by Sajva in Assan, where he was able to fully incorporate the region into the Kingdom. As time went on, despite King Merdic III's constant presence, there came rumblings that the river would create a large obstacle for the Nadivarians to be an intricate part of the LTF. As occurred 5 years before, there were rumblings of revolt. But this time, no action was taken... for now.
 

ZA PRIEST KINGS OF PEGU- Oceanic Pagan

King Airlangga Za, King of Pegu, Voice of the Holy Winds, Hands of the Faithful

Diplomacy: Thaton (a, then ), Nakhon (ea)

The poor people of Pegu were constantly fighting each other in neverending clan warfare. Then a holy man named Airlangga railed at the Za clan under his banner, claiming to hear the words of the winds. Within two years, he had consolidated his rule with diplomatic means, avoiding conflict whenever possible, and establishing a holy kingdom in the Oceanic Pagan tradition. He built up the public lands and married a princess from neighboring Ava, joining the two lands. Now he wishes to unify all his neighbors under the voice of the winds, without the use of force. All should hear the words, and follow the way... (From the teachings of Culleinasho, bard of the Clan Za)

Airlangga Za was to continue his nonviolent expansionist ways by sending representatives into the lands to the South. His son and heir, Airlangga Za II, accompanied him to Thaton, where the King arranged a marriage between his son and a woman from the leading clan. The Thaton ClanChief was so taken with the King's air of confidence, that he pledged his sword to him on bended knee. His other son, Haumsan Za, and his general, Oltatis, travelled further South across the mountains into Nakhon. Here they spent a number of years convincing the locals to join the cause of Pegu. Unfortunately, Oltatis caught fever and died in year 14, but the prince continued to negotiate for his father. The region initially agreed to an economic alliance, but later when the Eastern nobles of the region realized that Pegu was far across the mountains and the reach of Za only goes so far there was rumors of brushing off the yoke of Pegu. In the end, the persistent pressure of Prince Haumsan Za kept the region under the contol of clan Za. This conflict came to a head when One of the nobles struck Haumsan in the face and drew his sword. In typical Za fashion, the young noble did not strike back, nor did he take up arms. The rest of the Nakhon nobility seeing such an open display of bravery turned on the brash Nakhon noble and arrested him. He died in prison a broken man, and Nakhon remained committed to Pegu.

The only other activity of note was the death of the Queen of Za Pegu at the age of 34. The King mourned the death of his beloved wife.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF JAVA - Oceanic Pagan

King Ompong Bata

Diplomacy: Palambang (f), Bali (ea), Jambi (ea)

While King Ompong Bata continued to rule over Java, his minions scoured his realm to improve relations with other islands. Luito di Turo, the heir, traveled to Palembang. Here he was able to convince his father-in-law to cede full control over to King Ompong Bata, making the arguement that someday, it would be his grandchildren wearing the crown of Java. Luito's sister, Nam Outang travelled further West, and was able to secure an economic alliance with the region of Jambi. Captain Xu was able to get a similar commitment from the Bali people.

The death of the Queen was too fresh in Ompong Bata's mind to consider remarriage at this time. To occupy his time, he played with his many children, and organized a thorough counting of the peoples of Java. He immediately realized the financial benefits of such actions.
 

THE INDUS EMPIRE (Previously the Kingdom of Edrosia) - Oceanic Pagan

King Kellar I, King of the Scythians

Diplomacy: Sind (ea), Jats (ne)

"Come gather ye children to hear the tale of the origins of the Scythians. For our people are a fierce warlike people who came from the steppe regions around the Black Sea. They had migrated there from the birthplace of the Sun. They were named Scythian out of respect by the first peoples to encounter them, the Greek-speaking settlers on the Northern Black Sea coast. Our people are named for the scythe used to cut the harvest wheat due to our ferocity and ease with which our horsemen cut down opposing armies sent against them.

Several generations past, a renown Scythian warrior, whose name is now known only by our ancestors, awoke one morning to tell any who would listen that he had been visited by a beautiful Goddess in his dreams. She was tall, with hair like spun gold, eyes like lapis lazuli, and skin smooth and flawless like the finest ivory. She called herself Xuxa. She tasked the warrior to gather all that would follow him for a great journey.

Though scorned by many, and laughed at by others, the warrior rode through all the tribes of the Scythians, over the vast plains, delivering his message and encouraging people to follow him. He repeatedly told of his visit from the Godess. At night, he would sit around the fire and tell stories of the Goddess' vivaciousness, her dancing eyes, her warm smile and her lyrical voice.

Two winters passed, and the warrior returned to his home village, having collected a host of followers inspired by his devotion to Xuxa. The very night of his return, the Goddess visited the warrior again in his dreams. She told him that she would guide the Scythians of her tribe to a new homeland where they and their successor generations would rule forever. But only after many trials would they find their final destiny.

The next morning the followers of Xuxa gathered their possessions and began their journey. Guided by the warrior, they travelled towards the birthplace of the sun, to the East. For many years they endured the many hardships promised to them, but they endured. At last, after crossing a large mountain range, they came to the source of a great river. Teh warrior, now old and wizened, told that this river would lead them to the end of their quest. As they entered into a fertile plain, their promised homeland spread out before them.

Yet the valley was populated by a militaristic and arrogant people called the Edrosians. They lived at the mouth of the great Indus River, and worhiped the Gods of the sea who thirsted for human sacrifices. All attempts to send emissaries met with brutal responses. Yet the Edrosians easily repelled any attack by the noble Scythians. The Scythians were demoralized, and were running low on food. A once proud horse people were forced to eat their treasured mounts and  the old warrior was barely able to keep the others from abandoning their destiny and seeking a new land.

That night was the eve of the new year, and the old warrior took council alone by the banks of the Indus River. Inspired by the Goddess, the warrior waited until all the Scythians slept. He then crept from tent to tent (some say he was made invisible by the hand of the Goddess). Where ever he found them, the warrior gathered the most beautiful and comely young women of the tribe. He explained his plan, and while many wept, they agreed to bow to the will of the Goddess.

When morning came, the tribe found the most beautiful of the young women gone. When asked, the old warrior told the people that he had sent them all to the Edrosians to be sacrificed to the Sea Gods. He told them that to save them, the Scythians would have to fight the Edrosians and drive them from the land. The old warrior scanned the gathered warriors and said, "The paquitas (young women) made you all a gift before they left." He uncovered a large pile of shields, round and half the height of a man. For he knew that the Scythians had always fought from horseback, distaining the protection of a shield as a sign of weakness. Yet this had made them easy prey for the murderous arrows of the Edrosians. The Scythian warriors took up the shields and descended upon the Edrosians. They survived the onslaught of arrows, and drove into the Edrosians, searching for their kin. The battle raged throughout the day in desperate bloody hand to hand fighting, with no quarter given nor asked. In the end, the Scythians were victorious. The Edrosians would never rule in the valley again. The paquitas, the Goddess' chosen women, did not survive the battle, and although a thorough search was made, the old warrior's body was never found. It is said that Xuxa plucked him from the field to remain in a place of honor by her side for all time."

(edited from the writings of Festrill the Mouth, First Historian to King Pestic)

King Kellar I sent many dedicated leaders to expand the Scythian Kingdom. His son, Keller II's, efforts in the region of Sind were very successful. Keller II decided to learn to play the lyre to show his musical side and further increase his diplomatic abilties. The King's other son, Rahn, could not get the desert people of Jats to listen to him. The harsh conditions of the region and the language differences greatly hindered him. Lord Dengue had trouble of a different sort. He travelled to the Isle of Kutch, but when he arrived, there was no one there. While he sent messages back to the King that the land was fit for habitation, it was, as yet, unpopulated. With the obvious exception of mosquitos. While surveying the island, Dengue came down with fever. He passed on from this world to join Xuxa.

Meanwhile at home, the King set about building a great city in Edrosia. The Kingdom rejoiced as the King and his wife had twin girls in year 11. But there was some growing angst in Carmania, as Keller I's reach did not extend over the mountains. The region remained calm... for now.
 

THE KARA-KHATAI KINGDOM - Asiatic Pagan

King Zengi

Diplomacy: Turkmen (f), Otrar (nt), Bactria (nt)

King Ormin dedicated his efforts to improving relations and expanding his frontiers. He went to Otrar in order to expand on the claimed status the Kara-Khatai had already made. As most know, the Otrar Sheik was a horse fanatic. He insisted that Ormin and he ride as they talked. Towards the end of year 11, they arrived at one small village. The two leaders engaged in a local game that was very popular. It consisted of riding at full speed and leaning down from the horse to grasp a wooden ring on a short stick. King Ormin while making his second pass lost his balance and fell from the saddle. He was caught in his horses hooves and killed. Despite this tragedy, the Otrar Sheik was impressed with Ormin's bravery, and he did agree to closer relations with Kara-Khatai.

When Prince Zengi heard the news, he quickly assumed the throne. As he had been taking care of the day to day matters of the Kingdom, the transition went smoothly. The years passed slowly for the young King. He knew soon that he should marry, but put it off to oversee the nation. It became hard to get all the necessary work done, so he decided to focus the government in Samarkand. He was also left to raise his young brother. His sister was sent off to live with distant relatives.

On other diplomatic fronts, Lord Arslan was able to bring Turkmen fully into the nation, and Prince Togetkin secured a commitment from the Bactrians. Arslan passed away in his sleep in year 14, peaceful in the knowledge that his last act was performed for King and Country.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PERSIA - Asiatic Pagan

King Cambyses

Diplomacy: none

No turn submitted. Nothing exciting occurred.
 

THE KINGDOM OF MESOPOTAMIA - African Pagan

King Jafar

Diplomacy: none

King Jafar had heard the news that the devils from Jordan had overrun the Carchemish homeland. Further, he had heard that they were slaughtering innocent people and burning and looting villages. Jafar decided that such barbarous behavior had to be stopped. He ordered the ranks of the army to be increased, then sent General Abhal with an army of almost 5000 cavalry to march on Allepo to liberate the people. Abhal marched the Mesopotamian army through Carhae (for the second time in 15 years). But this time, the people of Carhae rose up against them. Despite having half the strength, the Carhae militia was an able force. Unfortunately, they were no match for the entire mobile Mesopotamian cavalry. While General Abhal wished to get to Allepo as quickly as possible, he was forced to deal with the hit and run tactics being launched against him in Carhae. In the end, he lost a mere 200 men, yet was delayed an entire month. It would be a costly delay.

For on arriving in Allepo, he did not find any sign of the expected Carchemish and Nile armies. Rather he found a hardened Jordanian army entrenched. After describing the Jordanian looting of the homes and villages of Allepo to his troops, Abhal was able to drive them to a frenzy. The Mesopotamian forces engaged the defending Jordanians. Abhal recognized that the entire infantry contingent of the enemy was mercenaries, albeit well trained. He focussed his attack against them, in order to try to rout them from the field, allowing him to then turn his attention on the Jordanian cavalry. But despite doing tremendous damage to the mercenaries, his own cavalry was taking losses due to the sallies of the Jordanian cavalry. At one time, a contingent of his light forces managed to get behind the enemy lines to the baggage wagons and supply lines of the Jordanians. Given the stories of looting of the Carchemish people, people with whom the Mesopotamian troops felt a deep kindred, it is no surprise that the cavalry fell upon the Jordanians and reaped a heavy revenge in the name of Carchemish. But even with such successes, Abhal was forced to retire from the field, as he realized today was not to be his day on the field of battle. He returned home, with about 1000 less cavalrymen than when he left Jakal.

Jafar was not happy to learn of Abhal's defeat. In fact, Abhal was disgraced. Jafar was not suprised to learn that when Abhal returned to his home, he did the honorable thing. They found him hanged from a rafter in his room. The King continued to rule his nation. He eventually remarried, but in year 13, his wife died during childbirth. The infant did not survive. The one bright light in his life is the maturation of his daughter, Dehelia, who he began to rely on more and more to aid him in running the Kingdom. With all the increased trade coming from Perisopolis to the East, Jakal had almost doubled in size over the last 5 years.
 

THE MONARCHY OF PATZINAK - Asiatic Pagan

King Stephin Onishchanko

Diplomacy: Kuban (t)

King Stephin focussed his energy on the region of Taman. He sent a cadre of leaders to the region to try to convert the locals to the true Asiatic Pagan ways. They were only minimally successful. The King, himself, travelled to the region of Kuban to convince the nobility to follow the rule of Patzinak. The steppe Chieftain agreed to pay tribute to Stephin, who he saw as a great warrior King who would lead the steppe peoples to become a great nation. It did not hurt that Stephin arranged for his son to marry the Chieftain's daughter, potentially putting his blood on the throne.

Alexander Onishchanko and his new wife settled down to life together. Unfortunately, as so often happens in this dismal land, during labor, Alexander's wife had difficulty. In the end, both mother and child succumbed. Alexander was left to carry on ruling the nation alone. It should be said that the nation gained nothing from his actions, as he was such an terrible administrator.
 

THE KINGDOM OF CARCHEMISH - African Pagan

King Matho

Diplomacy: none

With the majority of the national army in tatters after the losses in Allepo, Carchemish was a nation ruled in exile. King Xeusiarch I was on the Island of Cyprus, receiving reports of the recent looting of his homeland. When an offer came from Queen Amohsis of the Nile to come to Carchemish's aid, Xeusiarch I was very encouraged. He made an effort to recruit some mercenaries to aid in the attack, but he was unable to hire any on the mainland. He sent his son, Matho, to help the Nile army in the fighting. But when Matho sent messages back to the King, the news was not favorable. It seems that the invincible army of the Nile was defeated by the Jordanians. Word subsequently came of a second attack against the Jordanians occupying Allepo, that was also repelled. If only the attacks were coordinated, the homeland may have been liberated.

After the failed attack, Matho returned to Syria, but at the end of year 12, Xeusiarch I sent for his son. It seems that he had started having bouts of coughing up blood. By the time Matho arrived, his father was incoherent. Xeusiarch I's advisors recommended that Matho assume the role of King, as the current monarch was not fit to rule. This took place without incident. But it is a fractured nation that Matho now rules.
 

THE JORDANIAN KINGDOM - African Pagan

King Phineas

Diplomacy: none

King Phineas knew that in the next few years, Carchemish would strike back. They would have to make a bid to reclaim their homeland. He also knew that the Jordanians had no where else to go. So he went about the task of making ready for the attack. He ordered the army of 2800 cavalry to defend key strategic points in the region. He also arranged to hire a number of mercenary foot soldiers to support the national army. Almost 4000 strong, the Jordanian forces did not have long to wait. As a last ditch defense, the King gave scythes, axes and pitchforks to the women and children, knowing that they would defend until the death, for if they did not it would spell the end of the Jordanian people.

He did not have long to wait. In June of year 11, an army appeared out of the South. Riders came to inform the King of their arrival. He left his tent to look upon the enemy. With no small amount of concern, he saw arrayed before him not the army of Carshemish, but rather that of the Daughters of the Nile, and a good number of mercenaries, as well. Even more concerning was the sighting of the personal banner of the Queen Amohsis at the fore of the host.

A quick count revealed about equal numbers on each side. The Jordanians had several months to dig in and prepare, yet Phineas knew that the Nile Queen had never been defeated in battle. The battle was joined, with the Nile infantry advancing in the center. Phineas sent the mercenary infantry out to meet them, reserving his national troops to provide support. When enemy riders were seen on the flanks, the Jordanian cavalry was prepared to meet them. At one point, some Nile mercenary cavalry did manage to get close to the wagon trains. But determine Jordanian women and old men fended them off until the cavalry could repel them. King Phineas realized that if the battle continued, his men would surely falter before the Nile troops. In a daring move, he ordered the mercenary infantry to turn and run as if they were retreating, only to take up positions in one of the carefully crafted defensive points that the Jordanians had been long preparing. The Nile infantry took the bait, and came charging after the mercs. But when they realized that the mercenaries were now in a well defended position, and the Jordanian cavalry charged in from the trees on the left flank, the Nile regulars fell back in retreat. It was a grand day for the Jordanian army. As the Daughters of the Nile left the field, there was great rejoicing. But for King Phineas, it marked but one battle, not a war.

This was all two evident two months later, when another army attacked the Jordanians from the East. It seems that the Mesopotamians had come too late to aid the Nile forces, but were determined to test the metal of the Jordanian army. Again
the army facing Jordan was equal to the defending force, although the Mesopotamians were entirely mounted troops. King Phineas breathed a sigh of relief; at least they had not arrived at the same time as the Nile army. But soon the battle was joined. The Mesopotamian forces did great damage to the mercenary infantry, but at the expense of many of their cavalrymen. At one point, about 1500 light cavalry managed to outflank the Carchemish troops and descend on the wagon trains. Although the Jordanian women and old men again found themselves fighting for their lives, the Mesopotamian cavalry was able slaughter tremendous numbers of innocent Jordanians and burn countless wagons. Despite this, the Jordanian troops were able to rally, and the Mesopotamians eventually retired from the field.

The battle again was won, but at great cost. While a little less than half the mercenary infantry was lost, the national cavalry of Jordan only suffered a few hundred casualties. But at last count, about half the Jordanian people were massacred.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF RHODES - Oracle of Delphi

King Laius

Diplomacy: Phyrgia (t, then revolts)

A man arrived from Delphi, claiming to be a "Seer". When this man was brought before King Laius, he was not suprised, "So it has begun."

"As the Oracle predicted," replied the man, "I am here on the Oracle's behalf to aid your efforts to spread the word."

In a surprise move, the King of Rhodes announced that Rhodes, Troy and Greece were supporting the dissolution of the Kingdom of Thrace, with King Alexander of Thrace taking on the title of Oracle. Further, a new faith would be born of this union of different pagan nations. When word hit the streets, the new religion, The Oracle of Delphi, spread like wildfire throughout Rhodes. It seemed that the extremely pious Rhodesians had been waiting for such a sign from the Gods. While the religion spread far to the East and North, it did not move much further West or South than Rhodes, itself.

Meanwhile, the religious fervor did not detract from the needs of the Kingdom. Laius personally took control of the navy in patrolling the home waters, while Oedipus ruled the Kingdom for his father.

Gorgidas travelled to Phyrgia. He met with the same leaders that had supported the Rhodesian claim to the region over the past decade. And again, they pledged to send tribute to Rhodes. But once Gorgidas had returned over the mountains, the Phyrgian Liberation Front took aggressive action. In a series of village burnings, they turned the region away from Rhodes yet again. Despite the additional governmental support from Delphi, Oedipus was simply not as good at managing the Kingdom as his father, and Phyrigia slipped out from under Rhodesian control.

While Oedipus was not the greatest manager, he was successful at increasing the size of his family. After suffering a miscarriage in year 12, his wife gave birth to a boy in year 14. He also managed to open trade with Rome and the distant land of Morroco.

With the lack of penetration of the Delphi religion to the West, Laius sent Anaxis amongst the people of Crete. He was successful in converting a portion of the local European Pagans in the region.
 

THE KINGDOM OF TROY - Oracle of Delphi

King Alexander

Diplomacy: Thrace (a), Galatia (f)

Emergent messages arived from the King of Thrace. The King had often talked about his dreams, but it seemed that now the people of Thrace were up in arms. Alexander knew that his people were not overly zealous followers of the Asiatic Pagan faith. Moreover, he had spent considerable time corresponding with the Thracean King, and Alexander believed that the Gods spoke directly to that man. He knew that submitting to the spiritual will of Delphi would gain him access to the Gods beneficence as well. So King Alexander announced to his people that The Kingdom of Troy would officially convert to the new religion out of Delphi. Alexander was little prepared for the far reaching effects that this would have around the Black Sea. Regions far to the East had committed to following the Oracle.

The conversion had other benefits. For as a gift for his devotion, the Oracle of Delphi granted Troy the region of Thrace as a nonpaying tributary. Alexander immediately sent Prince Paris to further discuss the relationship with Octorius Pogue, the new ruler in the region. Octorius, son of the Oracle of Delphi realized that King Alexander would guide his region to greatness, and agreed to an alliance.

Prince Aeneas remained in Galatia, and convinced that region to fully become part of Troy. The Kingdom was rapidly expanding, and the King spent a good deal of time ruling from Troy. While doing so, his wife bore him a son in year 11. She unfortunately had a miscarriage in year 14, and died during childbirth in year 15. Paris' wife died from natural causes, as well. Tradegoods from Rome also began to flow into Troy.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GREECE - Oracle of Delphi

King Zechariah

Diplomacy: Macedonia (a), Epirus (fa)

Greece was not a very devout European Pagan nation. In fact, King Zachariah had a small contingent of Jewish clergy in Attica with whom he discussed religious issues. But such diversions only laid bare his desire for something more fulfilling. He will remember forever the day that Cantia Pogue, son of the King of Thrace, entered his chambers. His first words to Zechariah were "My dear lord, surely you must see that these monotheists are a slight against the true Gods. I beg of you for your soul and those of your people to abandon this false path and allow me to aid you in taking the first steps towards truth." For the King of Thrace, having given up his worldly roll as King, gave Macedonia to Greece as a gift.

From that point on, King Zechariah was a devout follower of the Oracle of Delphi. Soon, the words of Delphi spread throughout the Kingdom. Zechariah met with Cantia Pogue at his home in Macedonia. Cantia Pogue was taken with Zechariah's piety, and swore an oath of allegiance.

Alexander had been sent by King Zechariah to the mountainous region of Epirus. While Alexander was successful in obtaining a feudal oath from the local nobility, he was surprised to see that despite the widespread expansion of the Delphi religion in the area, word had not yet reached these mountains.

To celebrate his new found devotion to Delphi, King Zechariah laid the first stones on a city on the Ionian Sea, Athens. The city was built over 5 years, and represents the Western extent of the Oracle's reach into the Med. With Rhodes and Troy as coreligionists, Greek ships patrolling the Agean are ordered to render congenial salutes when passing ships of those nations.
 

THE ORACLES OF DELPHI (Previously The Kingdom of Thrace) - Oracle of Delphi

Oracle Alexander Pogue

Diplomacy: Delphi (hc), Bithnia (ch), Macedonia (ch), Thrace (ch)
 

King Alexander had long been troubled by the dreams that continued to haunt his restless nights. The world in ashes, a black cloud over much of the land. And riders.. riders spread across the horizon, driving the people before them in chains. He would watch as brave men stood and challenged the riders only to be cut down in a mass of hooves and steel. For no individual could withstand such an onslaught. Alexander would awaken screaming, "Enough. Make it stop!".

"ONE BY ONE THEY FALL. UNITE THE PEOPLE, AND THE DARKNESS SHALL RECEDE."

Alexander heard the voice, but he was alone in the room. When he looked down upon his palms, he saw seared into the flesh a sun pierced by a lightning bolt. And he realized he had been chosen by the Gods to unite the people. He sent missives to many of the Kingdoms in the region. The people of Greece, Troy and Rhodes were receptive to his message. Once all was ready, the day came to act...

Alexander saw the signs and felt the potents... the time was now!!! He turned to address his loyal family and lords of the Kingdom.

"You have heard the prophecies. You know that to halt the dark one's coming, we must make sacrifices. I am desolving the Kingdom of Thrace for the greater good to announce the coming of the Oracles of Delphi."

Although they knew this was coming, many gasped in surprise.

"The Oracles shall be the one ray of light that will hopefully be enough to dissuade the darkness in our people's future. To you, Octorius Pogue, my heir, my son, you will be given Thrace itself to guide in its transition. Await the Emperor, he will need your gifts, your knowledge and your strength. Help him find the path. To you Cantia Pogue, my general, my son, you will be given Macedonia to guide. Await the Merchant King. Help him, guide him, show him the true path. He will need your honor and courage to face the trials ahead. Scribes, to you I give the hardest task. Find the Pirate. Help him to help himself. He must grow and prosper. You must not fail. The others will come. I have seen it. I see the Barbarian coming closer and Nomad riding near. They will hear the call. The Bulgarians will always look North for the Barbarian and the Constantinoples to search the seas and lands for the Nomad. Raymond, as a new Seer, you know your course. Spread the word. Go my friends, go and spread the truth. May Delphi always be in your heart."

With these words was born a new faith. Taking its origins from three of the local pagan beliefs, European, African and Asiatic, word of The Oracles of Delphi rapidly spread. Alexander took on the heavy title of Oracle, and to his sons he gave the regions of Thrace and Macedonia, making them non-paying tributary. These regions were then given to Troy and Greece, respectively. He sends the Seer Raymond to establish a number of churches in the lands previously held by the Kingdom. Finally, the Oracle builds Delphi to greater glory, making it one of the largest cities in the world.

The Oracle's first word from on high was to express the laws of the faith. These describe the order of the religion, with the leader being called the Oracle, and the priests being Seers. The seal of Delphi will be a sun pierced by a lightning bolt. The ultimate goal is to protect the world from being ravaged by the Barbarian and the Nomad. The Gods will send signs and potents to guide the faithful. Only true faith in the panoply of Gods will bring salvation. Delphi abhors slavery of any sort, as freedom from bondage and coercion allows for complete submission to the faith. The faithful will hold learning and knowledge as sacred. Seers will be taken from both men and women, as the Gods call those based on faith not sex.

As word spreads across the land, several regions take to the new religion, with huge portions of the population converting to the Oracle of Delphi. Massive conversions in Serbia and Ludgorie set the stage for large portions of the people along the Danube to become followers of Delphi. While having a lesser effect to the West, several regions along the Mare Negri and Black Sea see the light, with regions as far East as Absigia having more than half their people praying to Delphi. Now the Oracle must continue to spread the true faith, or the Barbarian and the Nomad will reap their vengeance.
 

THE KINGDOM OF KILOTSK - European Pagan

King Petro

Diplomacy: none

No turn submitted. Not much happened.
 

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

King Vaspar

Diplomacy: Danzig (ne), Kauyavia (a), Meissen (ne), Courland (ne), Daugava (ne), Latvia (aw), Estonia (ne), Saxony (ne), Pomern (t)

King Vaspar took the reigns of the Kingdom from his great father. He took a wife from the region of Kauyavia, and in year 11 had a son. The following year, his wife gave birth to another son, but took to bed with a fever soon after the baby was born. She died within the week. Perhaps it was his his grief, perhaps it was the short length of his visit, but regardless, his trip to Danzig to meet with Bluto, Knight Protector of Danzig, did not go very well. Bluto, would not relinquish all control of the region to Vaspar. Vaspar settled for assigning Bluto with the task of defending the UTFK from all enemies, and he established the Danzig Guard to aid him in his task. Upon his return, he arranged for goods to be exchanged with Lorraine.

The diplomatic front was riddled with difficulty. Vladjimir was sent on a whirlwind tour of most of Europe. Despite some success in Kauyavia (mostly due to good will towards Vaspar's choice of a local woman for a wife), he was extremely unsuccessful. More worrisome was his conduct in Latvia was so poor (mainly due to the local ruler feeling he was rude to spend so little time visiting), that the region declared war due to the affront. Gwido was somewhat more successful in Pomern, but could not get the Saxons to agree to any formal relations with the UTFK.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE SVEAR - European Pagan

King Thorfinn Ivarsson of Giantstock

Diplomacy: Uppsala (t), Agder (t)

Thorfinn and his wife, Helga, certainly received a good deal of jests at their expense with the couple's propensity to have twins. The two continued where they left off, with Helga giving birth to a daughter in year 11. But halfway into another pregnancy, King Thorfinn Ivarsson, Ruler of Giants, realized that his wife's girth was again expanding more than expected. And for the third time in 10 years, she gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. This was followed by a girl in year 13. (GM note: While past twinning does not make the odds any more likely for future births, I am seriously considering adding a modifier to the roll <g>).

The huge Ivarsson family did suffer a tragedy, as Gerda, the King's young daughter died of fever at age 10.

The King sent Halfdan Gunnarsson to Uppsala and Finn Gillisson to Agder to secure these regions for the crown. He joked to his daughter and heir, Runa, that the nation needed more room just to house his family. Both men were able orators, and were able to secure tribute from each region. The King also ordered the construction of another city, Runhaven, on the Baltic Sea in Smaland.
 

THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE - European Pagan

King Childeric I

Diplomacy: Vermandois (f), Ponthieu (a), Orleans (ea)

Childeric I took over where his father left off. He expanded  the Southern edge of his realm into Orleans by sending Audefleda, conqueror of Flanders, down to negotiate. Word of Audefleda's harsh tactics in crushing the Flanders revolt obviously preceeded him, as they were very quick to commit to France. King Childeric I spent a brief time with his ally, the Count of Vermandois. But they were good friends, and the Count understood that his people would be better served under France's rule. He stepped down, allowing for the complete annexation of Vermandois by Childeric I.

Childeric I also opened trade routes with both Lorraine and Bavaria on the continent. And in what is widely seen as both a conciliatory measure towards Flanders and an attempt to get access to Northern sea trade, he ordered the construction of a port city, Gent, on the English Channel. On the domestic front, Childeric I and Queen Marie had a daughter in year 12.
 

THE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE - European Pagan

King Gearald

Diplomacy: none

King Gearald focussed on the internal workings of the Kingdom. While leaving his son, Micheil to rule, he organized the national army. He also came to an agreement with France regarding opening trade routes.

The royal brood grew to great size in a short time. The King had both a daughter in year 11, and twins, a boy and a girl in year 12. The Queen passed away in year 13 from blood poisoning, but the King remarried, and had another son in year 14. Micheil managed to have 2 sons and a daughter, and the prince was also blessed with 2 sons.
 

THE KINGDOM OF BAVARIA  - European Pagan

King Ferdinand

Diplomacy: Bohemia (a), Swabia (f), Tyrol (t), Austria (f)

Offers of trade flooded in to King Ferdinand. It seems that the entire world was discovering that Bavarian goods were desireable the world over. France, Lombary, and the UTFK all began sending their merchants. Ferdinand ruled over an ever expanding Kingdom. Unfortunately, his wife lost a pregnancy in year 14. He spend over a year tallying up the number of subjects in the Kingdom and recording them for his tax collectors. He also ordered the building of a sister city to Munich. The city of Frankfort was built in Franconia.

But Ferdinand's greatest successes were on the diplomatic front. For his name had been spread far and wide throughout the land, and the regions of Austria and Swabia were fully brought into the nation. Bohemia, home of the heir to the throne's late wife, formalized their alliance with Bavaria. Gustav, the heir, met another woman from Bohemia, and again was married.  Lastly, Tyrol agreed to send tribute to honor Ferdinand.
 

KINGDOM OF ALBA - European Pagan

King Dougal

Diplomacy: Hebrides (t), Orkneys (f)

Alba had an aggressive diplomatic effort. It began with a royal wedding on the Island of Orkney, where Malcolm, the Alban heir, married the daughter of the Orkney ClanChief. While Malcolm and his bride returned to Strathclyde and he took up the day to day running of the country, a diplomatic effort, including the King, convinced the Orkneys to join Alba and bow to Dougal sovereignty. This same band of negotiators travelled to the Hebrides and amidst the cliffs of Skye, arranged to receive tribute from the hearty island peoples.

Back at home, Malcolm and his wife tried unsuccessfully to have children. But he was able to successfully keep the widespread nation together. Moreover, he oversaw the completion of a capital city, Scone, in Strathclyde, on the Viking Bank.
 

THE KINGDOM OF AVALON - European Pagan

King Mordred

Diplomacy: Dyffed (ea)

King Mordred continued to rule his Kingdom. Yet rumors of a curse on the Royal Family were heard being muttered by the commoners after the untimely death of Gawaine so soon after his marriage into the family. This rumormongering was only further encouraged after King Mordred remarried only to lose a child in year 12 and then both wife and unborn child in year 13. When the King remarried yet again, it was greeted with great joy at the live birth of a daughter in year 14. But again, in year 15, the Queen, pregnant for a second time succumbed on in the labor room. In order not to give in to the wide spread gossip, King Mordred married again (Perhaps a trend among monarchs in this nation? Time will tell.)

To celebrate what the King cited as a union that will last until the end of time, he ordered the construction of a great port city, London, on the English Channel. Meanwhile, Merlin was able to travel to the Western edge of the land and secure economic ties with the wild Dyffed people.
 

THE KINGDOM OF DURHAM  - European Pagan

King Egbert the Bald

Diplomacy: Gwynedd (f)

With the issue of Lothian settled, Egbert could focus on more local issues. One of his first orders of business was to order Earl Ifor ap Morgan to travel through the Kingdom counting all the noblemen, freemen, indentured servants and peasants that made up the different eschalons of Durham society. This he did with exacting accuracy, guaranteeing more gold for the tax collector's coffers. The King also had Prince Ethelred Prestcote go to Gwynedd to discuss with Huw Rhodri, the King's ally, about the possibility of Huw ceding full controll of the region to Egbert. Ethelred was able to convince Huw, and Gwynedd became part of Durham. In a lavish ceremony, the King named Prince Stephen as heir to the throne of Durham.

The King also remarried. But after a miscarriage in year 11 and the loss of his new wife and unborn child in year 12, the King grew concerned over the future of the nation. He remarried in order to continue his line, and in year 14 he had a daughter.
 

THE GREEN TRIBE - European Pagan

King Seamus II

Diplomacy: Ulster (f)

Times had been tough for the Green Tribe over the past 5 years. The revenues had not been as high as expected. King Seamus II continued to move across his nation bringing more regions under his control, rather than focusing on supporting the government. To fix this problem, he ordered Shaunassey to put his financial house in order. Shaunnassey was a lot of things, an able general, a good negotiator, but he was not a good paper pusher. His management of the Green Tribe led to even more losses, as gold seamed to hemorrhage from the Green Tribe treasury.

On a brighter note, King Seamus II married a woman from Ulster, and at Liam's and the King's insistence, the region formally became part of the Tribe. Seamus II continued to put money into the education system (specifically in the area of mathematics and accounting).
 

THE KINGDOM OF CATALONIA - African Pagan

King Puncho

Diplomacy: Aragon (ea), Baelerics (t)

Pandro had fathered a number of children, 4 sons, to be exact. And as if the fates were evening out the odds, his wife gave birth to twin daughters in year 11, followed by another girl in year 12. But entering his forties, Pandro was not in good health. He constantly complained of pain in his great toe, and his breathing became worse each day. When he awoke one winter day in year 13 coughing profusely, the Queen became concerned. The court physicians were called. Initially it was felt that he had the gripe, yet when his urine was found to taste sweet, the diagnosis was changed to dropsy. Regardless the treatment was a good sound bleeding. But despite significant amounts of bloodletting, the King's strength faltered. He died within a fortnight.

Significantly, Pandro had never officially named his brother Puncho as heir. There was talk in the air of civil war, for a number of people supported Puncho, while many wished for Pandro's eldest son to take the throne when he came of age if a few years. In the end, Puncho arrived in Barce-Lona, and with no open dissent was coronated King. The Kingdom remained at peace and in the first few years of his reign, even those who were not active supporters of the King came to respect his rule.

Pandro's wife was distraught over his death. She initially wanted to take all 7 of her children to return to the village of her family, but at Puncho's insistance, the boys were left in the capital to provide service to the crown. Puncho eventually elevated his eldest nephew to a position in court.

Prior to his death, Pandro had dispatched Puncho to Aragon to improve relations with the Western part of the realm. Puncho's efforts were well rewarded, despite his brief return to Barce-Lona to claim the crown. Economic ties were established with the Baeleric Isles, as well.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GRANADA - African Pagan

King Sanchez

Diplomacy: Murcia (fa), New Castille (ne)

King Sanchez had inherited a nation on the verge of disintergration. With the loss of Andalusia, Sanchez was forced to run around Iberia trying to convince local leaders that he could hold the nation together. He did this with a combination of calm diplomacy, some gold, and a show of military might. With the entire Granadan army in tow, he began in New Castille. But despite Sanchez' flowery talk, the region would not further commit to the Granadan cause. Sanchez had better success in Murcia, accepting the solemn oath of the Murcia Lord to support him. With a brief stop in the homeland, where he was married, the King moved West into the rebellious region of Andalusia. In the interum time, several local noble families had divided control of the region between them, none powerful enough to rally support to gain Andalusia in its entirety. When King Sanchez rode in with well over 3000 troops behind him, none rose to counter his claims on the region. The rebellious region was returned to the fold.

Upon returning home, he was greeted by the Queen with a new son. He also opened trade with Catalonia to the East. Unfortunately, with Sanchez travelling about the land, there was no one left to rule the nation. All of his hard work came dangerously close to being shattered by revolt, as all the lands now held by Granada had minor skirmishes that boded poorly for the future. Would Sanchez be able to keep this fragile nation together? Only time will tell.
 

IMPERIAL REPUBLIC OF ROME - African Pagan

King I. Claudius

Diplomacy: none

I. Claudius married in the year 11. He named Vinceni as heir. The King had a son in year 12. Unfortunately, the royal family would be rocked by Vinceni's death while supervising the construction of an irrigation system in Latium. The government was set back even further by the death of Mark A in a struggle outside a tavern.

Rome finally opened its borders to trade, and a number of nations began to send merchants to Rome. The nation increased funding to the national university, as well.
 

THE DUCHY OF LOMBARDY - European Pagan

King Hubrecht of the many nuptuals

Diplomacy: none

King Hubrecht and Petrik spent made tremendous efforts at governing the Duchy. They were able to significantly add to the creature comforts of the homeland, and erected the City of Genoa on the coast of Liguria. Hubrecht was extremely happy at the promise that Petrik showed. Both men had ample time to spend with their wives. The King's wife had a miscarriage in year 12, and several years later during childbirth. In what has become a somewhat grotesque ceremony, the King took another bride (although as the sixth in ten years, she was more pale than blushing. Petrik, on the other hand, had two daughters with his wife. She continued the tragic tale of Lombard Royal women when she fell from a horse and was killed. Petrik, in true Lombard tradition, immediately remarried, and was blessed with a son in year 15.

King Hubrecht began shipping goods to a number of his neighbors, as Campania and Bavaria began enjoying Lombard wares. He also sent Prince Fridrik amongst the peoples of Liguria to show them the way of the true Gods.
 

 THE SULTANATE OF MORROCO - African Pagan

Sutlan Hamir

Diplomacy: Zirid (f), Algeria (f), Cheliff (f)

Morroco was fast becoming a major stop for merchants throughout the Med. King Hamir arranged for several caravans of goods to begin making their way across the Sahara to The Daughters of the Nile, The Kingdom of Songhai and The Kingdom of the Lower Nile. Morrocan goods also began arriving in Rome, Barce-Lona, and Atlantis. With this increased trade came a need to focus the organization of the government in one place. Tingis became that place.

The King ruled from his palace in Tingis. His wife gave birth to a lovely daughter in year 11. But a miscarriage in year 13 left her extremely weak. The King knew that when she became pregnant again in year 15 that it would be risky. It proved to be extremely so. Neither mother nor baby survived the delivery.

Morroco became extremely unified, with Zirid, Algeria and Cheliff all fully entering the Sultan's realm. The future of the trading Mecca of Morroco appears good indeed.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF SICILY - African Pagan

King Amhearst

Diplomacy: Calabria (t), Apulia (ne)

The past antagonism between Calabria and Sicily again reared its ugly head. For although King Amhearst sent gold and invested in the local defenses, Lord Arcam's brief stay infuriated the local nobility. There was talk of completely removing Calabria from Sicily's grasp, but calmer heads prevailed. Nonetheless, Calabria lessened its ties to the nation. Arcam had similar luck in Apulia, where he was unable to get any concessions from the region.

The King remarried, but both his wife and Prince Axeres had miscarriages in year 13. There was great concern in the Kingdom given the lack of potential claimants to the throne in the future. Axeres hoped to eventually rise to the throne, but King Amhearst had given no indication of naming him as heir.
 

THE CHILDREN OF THE NILE - African Pagan

Queen Amohsis

Diplomacy: Ad' Diffah (fa), Ghebel Gharib (c)

Queen Amohsis announced in year 11 that the construction of a capital city, Ama, would be built on the Red Sea in Mansura. While the city was being constructed, she began organizing her army for another sortie to the East. She had 3000 infantry in the Nile army and supplemented this with double that number of  mercenaries. She made arrangements to meet up with another band of mercenaries to be hired and lead by Carchemish. But as she passed through the planned meeting point, there were no additional troops to be seen. Matho, the Carchemish heir agreed to act as second in command.. Despite the lack of reinforcements, the Queen decided to press on, relying on her exceptional abilities in war. When she arrived in the land of Allepo, she saw that the Jordanians had been preparing for her arrival. She recognized that the forces opposing her were both Jordanian regular army, consisting of about 3000 cavalry, and around 2000 mercenary infantry. Although she had a slight advantage in numbers, she would also have to face every man, women and child that made up the uprooted tribes of Jordan.

With calm proficiency, she began the attack. While the Queen brought the Nile infantry into the center, she had Matho use the mercenaries to outflank the Jordanians, relying on Matho's knowledge of the land to aid him. But the Jordanian defenses were too great. After a month of fighting, the Queen realized that her forces were not going to win the day. She had taken grievous casualties to the Nile army, and the mercenaries could not gain a hold on the flank. But after feigning a fallback, the Jordanian cavarly charged into her infantry and dealt them a heavy blow. The Nile army began retreating, and Queen Amohsis realized that she had met her first defeat on the battlefield. When all the bodies were accounted for, the Nile army was only 1/3 its original strength, while the Jordanians suffered under 300 casualties. Amohsis returned home in defeat.

In other happenings, the old Jordanian homeland, lacking any people to tend to the fields began its decay back to wilderness. There were some gains on the diplomatic front, but overall the Queen was not pleased. She shared Nehkbet's sorrow over the loss of her husband, and watched with growing concern over the overthrow of the Lower Nile government. She did order the construction of a new city in Mansura on the Red Sea, which she named Chethosk.
 

THE KINGDOM OF LOWER EGYPT (Previously the Kingdom of Thinis) - African Pagan

King Djoser

Diplomacy: Nubia (nt, then revolts), Alwa (revolts), Dongola (revolts)

King Tut felt that things were going well for the Kingdom. He issued orders for Djoser to continue to negotiate with the steppe people of Nubia. And he was happy to see his son, Keops, and his new wife, the lovely Nehkbet settle in Onn. They still had not had any children. The King formally recognized Onn as the capital city of Lower Egypt. He also took a new wife. But one night, while the King was finishing some business related to opening trade with Morroco and Sicily, a servant came in breathless, dragging the body of Keops. It seems that while riding back from to the Capital alone, the heir had been set upon by brigands. He had managed to ride another 20 miles to Onn, but was dead when they removed him from the saddle. The King and the nation grieved, but none more so then Princess Nehkbet. She returned in sorrow to her nation in the North.

As time went on, King Tut began spending more and more time with his young son Narmer, as he was coming into his maturity, and would likely become heir in the future. The King spent many days showing the young boy the intricacies of running a nation. Young Narmer is very adept, and is sure to become a great King of Lower Egypt. In the year 15, Djoser returned to Thinis, and sent word to the King in Onn that Nubia had agreed to a minor tributary status. The King was less than pleased. He had told Djoser that he wished the steppe region to pay tribute, and sent angry missives denouncing Djoser's abilities. So great was the King's rage, so intense was his anger that he began having pains in his chest. For at age 71, he was no longer a young man. When it became evident that the King's pain would not relent, he sent for his young son Narmer who had just come of age.

"I leave Lower Egypt in your hands. Trust Djoser, for despite my short temper, he is a good and true advisor. He will help you build this nation to the greatness that is its destiny." With these words, King Tut died in the arms of his son, now King Narmer.

But Tut had not counted on the effect his harsh words would have on Djoser. For when he heard that the King had died, he immediately seized control in Thinis. Taking the mobile garrison with him, he marched on Faiyoum. King Narmer heard of Djoser marching out to meet him with troops, and given his father's words, opened the city gates to him. Despite the loyalist army in Faiyoum and Onn outnumbering Djoser's troops, Djoser was a well seasoned veteran of both military and diplomatic tactics. He immediately took Narmer as prisoner and declared himself true King over Lower Egypt. The rest of the military, without a loyalist leader to guide them, quickly fell in line behind King Djoser. Several of the regions on the periphery revolted, and while the people of Aswan were not happy regardless of who held the throne of Lower Egypt, the Egyptian garrison held them in check. Djoser locked Narmer in the dungeons of Onn, and Nefertari, Tut's wife, and his 7 year old son, Imhotep, "disappeared". No one was too interested in finding out the details.
 

THE KINGDOM OF ASKUM (Previously The Kingdom of Zeila) - African Pagan

King Ischmik

Diplomacy: Danakil (c), Adulis (t), Aden (fa)

Ischmik orders a massive restructuring of the army. Prior to departing he spent time with his wife. She delivered a son while the King was on campaign. The King lead the army over the mountains from Djibuti into Harar. While he hoped to overwhelm the local militia given his 5000 infantry (albeit many were green troops), he was quite surprised at how easy it was to defeat the locl militia. He quickly set up a puppet government and moved on into Sidamo. Again, the local militia did not put up any substantial fight against his army, being outnumbered almost 4 to 1. Even when the army began rounding up the entire population and enslaving them, there was only token resistance. Upon returning to Harar, he again set about gathering slaves, completely wiping out the last remnants of resistance. It seems these people were destined to be ruled by others, as they do not have the backbone to fight for their freedom. In all, the army lost about 800 men, all inexperienced troops. Upon returning home, the King and his wife, Baoola, were again blessed with another son.

While the King was out collecting slaves, Lashik, the royal heir, was married to a local woman, and set about ruling the Kingdom. His wife had a miscarriage in year 12, and they were otherwise unsuccessful at expanding their family.

Meanwhile, General Tarik moved up along the coast, making some diplomatic gains in Danakil and Adulis. Prince Mishamamish travelled to Socotra to look around, but was unable to find much of interest. He was able to convince the Aden shiek to swear loyalty to King Ischmik. Upon gaining control of Aden, Prince Lashik begins a ferry service across Bab Al Mandab.
 

THE KINGDOM OF IFE - African Pagan

King Krulda, Lord of the Niger

Diplomacy: Nupe (nt), Yoruba (ea), Kwararafa (t), Togo (c), Oyo (f)

King Krulda continued his aggressive expansion policy. He sent Gimbasi to Kwararafa, where he was able to improve relations to tributary. Bu-Wani travelled to Nupe, where he arranged for the Nupe tribes to offer words of tribute, but no financial relationship. The King sent the Oyo Chief to Togo, hoping that he would have greater luck in negotiating with them as they were still at war with Ife. The Oyo Chief was a wonderful speaker, and he was able to bring peace between Ife and Togo. Further, the Togo Chief agreed that the ancestral rights of Ife did justify some claim over Togo. Perhaps the Oyo Chief would have even made greater progress, but he developed a diarrheal illness in year 13, and died in his bed. Upon his death, the region of Oyo fully joined Ife. King Krulda, himself, went to Yoruba. It had been many years since last he ventured into this region. When last he visited, he had angered the local chief so greatly that it took many year for the hostility to die away. But now Yoruba was a fief of Ife, and Krulda hoped to get a greater commitment from the region. He spent many years in Yoruba before returning home to Ife. He was rewarded for his efforts with the region committing to strong economic ties to the nation.

On his return home, King Krulda learned of the death of his son, Manaba, heir to the throne of Ife. In year 13, while ruling the country in his father's absence, Manaba had been bitten by a deadly snake. None of the local physicians could save him. In memory of his son, Krulda invested gold into the education system of Ife.
 

THE KINGDOM OF SONGHAI - African Pagan

King Mansa Masu

Diplomacy: Gorouol (f)

King Mansa Masu realized that he needed to act and act quickly. For the nascent nation that his father had built had shattered before his very eyes. So he ordered the formation of a number of military units and pushed into Sudan, the rebel region. Not surprisingly, many of the people still remembered the fair rule of Mansa Mansa, and there was much support for the Songhai troops. So much so, that the local chieftain who took power abdicated, and the region returned to Songhai control.

The King then led his army into Gorouol, where he spent a number of years talking with the local nobility. He was able to convince Gorouol to fully join Songhai. There was some grumbling about how far away Songhai was from the region, but Mansa Masu was able to keep the region in line.

Meanwhile, the King sent Hogani Mtoto to the West to gain some slaves from the region of Segu. But with the King so far away to the East, Hogani Mtoto saw his chance. Taking his small army with him, he bolted for greener pastures. The King's anger was great, but he could not pursue his renegade general as he was still tied up with negotiations in the East. The King also sent merchants across the Sahara to open trade with Morroco.
 

ISI List for Turn 00003
 

#  Nation Name                MSI    ESI   Player Name     TV    EMail Address

1    Duchy of Lombardy                       68.2         3         D. Salter                  1.2        salterdj@aol.com
2    Conclave of the Ganges                  59.8         1         R. Miles                  1.0        rmiles@dellnet.com
3    Kingdom of Bavaria                       57.9          7        M. Stadermann        2.3        staderma@email.unc.edu
4    Daughters of the Nile                     58.1         34        M. Holy                  1.6        holyman@blight.com
5    Kingdom of Troy                           55.6         10        M. Bailey                1.6       elinmrk@home.com
6    Kingdom of Greece                       55.2         20         R. Otts                   1.3        robertotts@yahoo.com
7    Jade Dragon                                  53.8           5         K. Ditto                  1.8       shadowkitsune@earthlink.net
8    Jinn Dynasty                                  54.1           8         T. Joyce                  2.2       joyce_tim@hotmail.com
9    Za Priest Kings of Pegu                 52.7         15         (R. Reid)                 0.7       MrRussellReid@aol.com
10  Kingdom of Lorraine                     52.2           4         (T. Finton)               1.6       khan_tim@yahoo.com
11  Sultanate of Morroco                    50.2         12          B. Karn                   1.3      waywatcher@sprynet.com
12  Horn of Africans                            50.1         30         S. Mathers               0.3       stevenmathers@yahoo.com
13  Kingdom of Ife                              48.5           6          L. McGucken          1.6       liam.mcgucken@focusedE.com
14  Island Kingdom of Java                 48.3          13         J. Chacon                1.3       globales1@hotmail.com
15  Kingdom of Durham                      47.2          26         J. Browning             0.7       jb@syclone.net
16  Kara-Khitai Kingdom                    46.1          21        (D. Inglis)                1.8        pugslote@yahoo.com.au
17  UTFK                                           45.5          32        N. Inglis                   1.4       QCBC@optusnet.com.au
18  Kingdom of the Svear                    43.2          25         J. Morrison              2.0      rebel@blclinks.net
19  Kingdom of France                        41.0          11        C. Caliano               1.5       Khaosra@aol.com
20  Kingdom of Mesopotamia              40.9          29        P. Flinton                 2.4       pflinton_lords34@hotmail.com
21  Empire of the Sun                           39.8           2         H. Jensen                0.3        hjensen@infernicus.com
22  Pandyan Kingdom                         39.5           35        A. Novak               1.8        dreux2@home.com
23  Island Kingdom of Rhodes             40.4           22        A. Inglis                  0.9       alex_i@optusnet.com.au
24  Kingdom of Songhai                       39.8          14         G. Hill                    0.7       hillg@ibm.net
25  Indus Empire                                  38.0          27         E. Morgan              1.1       solar_imperium@usa.net
26  Kingdom of Khemer                      38.3          18         (W. Rawson)           1.3      William_Rawson@vanguard.com
27  Kingdom of Catalonia                    37.0           31         J. Cochran              0.9       jcochran@unique-software.com
28  Kingdom of Persia                         36.4           17         D. van Tassel          2.5      donv@bcn.net
29  Kingdom of Kilotsk                       35.2            23        (B. Carter)              1.3       revmidni@home.com
30  Island Kingdom of Sicily                34.6            16         D. Patterson           1.1       dpatterson@computertech.com
31  Kingdom of Alba                           34.9            36         L. Colmar              0.7       lcolmar@throneworld.com
32  Land of the Tiny Fingers                 34.2            24         J. Marshall            0.8        james.f.marshall@gte.net
33  Kingdom of Granada                      32.8            28         R. Cash                0.9        Granada034@hotmail.com
34  Kingdom of Lower Egypt               32.0            33         M. Gagne             1.3        grallon@hotmail.com
35  Kingdom of Avalon                        31.1            19         D. Vulcan             1.3        erekose@erinet.com
36  Imperial Republic of Rome             29.0              9          M. Helmsing        1.3        helmsing@coredcs.com
37  Kingdom of Carchemish                 24.2            39          (E. Allen)             0.7        tgroove@earthlink.net
38  Green Tribe                                    23.9           38           R. Olexsak          1.4        sakzilla@uswest.net
39  Kingdom of Patzinak                      20.7            40          S. Bochenski        0.7        sboche@mindspring.com
40  Jordanian Kingdom                        17.7             41         K. Larsen             0.3        klarsen@azstarnet.com
41  Sublime Kingdom of Wu                16.8             37         K. St Louis           0.3        kstlouis@bolt.com
42  Oracles of Delphi                           14.2             42          B. Terry               0.3       amajaral@aol.com