August 29, 2001

Turns will be due Thursday, September 20, 2001.

GM notes:

1) The next turn will be due a bit later than usual, due to a grant that I will be writing over the next three weeks.

2) Unplayed positions will not be entirely inactive. They will allocate funds based on a matrix known only to the GM. They may
respond to attacks, and may expand their borders. They may launch attacks on other nations if they are of sufficient MSI superiority.

3) There is a mailing group for LOTE 34 (LORDS34@yahoogroup.com).

4) From this point forward, all seafaring nations may use conduits. If at the end of next turn, a seafaring nation has not indicated that it is giving up its seafaring traditions, they will face revolt checks in any regions (over th 2 allowed) that do not meet seafaring criteria (island region or adjacent to seazone with either a port area or port city).

5) Trade via conduits: When a seafaring nation trades with another nation via a conduit, the number of seazones for the route is the shortest number of seazones that will connect the capitals of the nation either directly via sea, or via a continuous land connecion with a port city. In other words, count the seazones as if the conduit city is not there. The conduit simply extends the upper limit for the seafaring nation to establish routes.

Example: The Svear wish to set up a route with Sicily. They calculate the distance to be either 9 (if they go West from Ivarvold) or 6 (if they go East from Runhaven). Both are out of their trade range. But with the construction of Rognvald, they can extend their trade range by 4 from that city, and reach the Sicilians via the Eastern approach. The distance of the route is still 6 (not 2), and since Sicily does not have a conduit city that puts any Svear port in trade range, the Svear will be the only ones to generate MSP for the route.

You can not establish trade with another nation if they are out of your trade range, even if you are in theirs. They nation with the range must take the initiative.

As borders expand, the distance of a route may change. Please let me know if I need to change the distance of a route.

A nation may change which city services which routes. But all MSP for a particular route must be based out of only one city. If the player changes the city, then the MSP accumulated by the merchants of the first city is lost, and will need to be rebuilt.

6) NFP can be saved. If you save greater than your nfp replacement value, there is a chance for a recession (too many
unemployed people milling around). If you have a second recession while still suffering from recession, you will go into a
depression (very, very bad). It costs 1 agro for every 20 nfp saved.

7) Each slaving nation generates sNFP automatically. I am adding this to the garrison in the capital. This sNFP can be used for building nonmilitary units. If 50% or more of the construction of a city is with sNFP, it will be pacified, rather than friendly.

8) Allied leaders who are the lead diplomat in conducting diplomacy will not be able to get higher than economic ally. And if the allied leader revolts, he will take the region with him. If a region that has been previously dp'd by an ally is then dp'd by another leader, it can be made friendly (on a subsequent turn).
 
9) Summary of new rules.

a) maxtax is 2.5.
b) hands off trade is in effect. Please review your trade routes to see if any problems developed. All routes got 5 years added to them (don't ask why, just enjoy it).
c) PRAs and ROs have had their tax statuses adjusted.
d) cavalry units will consume 1.5 times more agro.
e) before being transfered between positions, agro must be "saved" (ie 1gp per agro, not finding God).
f) homelands do not count for IS.

11) Children can be given orders during the turn they turn 15 (heirs or princes or Kings). You will not know their stats, but they will be active the year that they turn 15. i.e. if they are 11 at the end of the current turn, they can be given orders for the final year of the coming turn. Regents will be replaced mid-turn by Kings who come of age.

12) Pacified and pacified tributary region are considered at war and hostile, respectively. It is not downgrading them to make them any other status. If you release them, they will be at war or hostile. Releasing them from pt or p will allow you to dp them normally, but you must first get them to uncontrolled before you start gaining any status. Any dp action on a pt or p region will add to the years of conquest, making it more likely that they will become t or f, respectively.

13) Sharing Technology: This has been done by a number of players, and I am getting lots of questions about it. To share technology, you must be trading partners. Primates and Orders may only share with their co-religionists. Religion and language severely limit how much can occur. Spending gold can help the action. But it is really not a lot of benefit, and the risk is that anyone trying to do steal tech or infiltrations on your nation on a turn that you share tech will get bonuses.

14) Leader Revolts: There are any number of reasons why a leader may revolt from the nation. They include: (1) ending the turn out of CCR, (2) being asked to do something dangerous out of CCR (such as launch an attack), (3) taking unexpected losses while out of CCR (such as in a failed raid), (4) by enemy intelligence, (5) as part of a dynastic failure, (6) as a result of combat, regardless of location, or (7) when a leader has many more troops than his King (including any garrisoned troops in the region that the King is in), is not in the same region as the King and believes himself to be better suited for the throne, regardless of location.

There is always some form of a revolt check before the leader goes against the King. If they pass, then it may not even get mentioned in the NEWSFAX. If they fail, any number of things may happen. Most of the time, if they are our of the nation, they will simply become mercenaries. Other times they will remain loyal on the surface, but try to seize control later. Finally, they may immediately try to seize the crown for themselves.

In a dynastic failure (where the King dies, and there is contention for the crown), the player will get whatever is the "better" position that remains, with any other nations that form being opened up for a player. But when a leader makes a power play against King, the player WILL KEEP THE KING'S POSITION in any resulting civil war, and the better part may get opened up for another player. If the leader is overwhelmingly successful and gains the whole nation during the turn that the civil war begins, then the nation will be offered to another player! The former player will not be allowed to take up a nearby position.

This makes it a bit risky to give someone a huge army without keeping the King with some troops. But again, it is less risky with a very loyal subject. One never knows.
 

NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADU...

                    Infantry (200 men = 1 point)
                    Cavalry (200 men and 200 mounts = 1 point)
                    Siege Engineers (200 men = 1 point)
                    Warships (1 ship = 1 point)
                    Transports (1 ship = 1 point)
                    Field forts (1 fort = 1 point)
                    Walls (10 feet = 1 point)

THE EMPIRE OF THE SUN - Asiatic Pagan

Empress Ariko

Diplomacy: Kagoshima (f), Shikoku (f), Saga (f)

The Empress left on a whirlwind tour of the West. During that time, she held diplomatic talks with her ally in Saga. During the negotiations, Ariko realized that the recent years without her late husband had left her lonely. She decided to marry the Saga Shogun, making him a Prince of the realm. They then travelled to Shikoku to spend time together. The Queen took the opportunity to discuss some issues with the Shikoku ally, convincing him to integrate his region into the Empire of the Sun. She then returned home and late in the year 50, she had a son. She was 48 at the time, and is likely not to bear more children in the future. She sent a trusted to the West, as well, who was able to expand the Empire as well, adding Kagoshima to the realm.

Daimyo Hoja again departed to parts unknown in the South. He discovered an island called Kazan Retto and after going further South arrived at the Marianas. He returned home to triumph. The Empress was called him Hoja, the Explorer.

This time marked a period of rapid urbanization in the Empire. Two port cities were constructed, Nagasaki in Saga, bordering the Tsushima Strait, and Itashima in Shikoku, on the Inland sea. But the Empire also experienced some growing pains. The Queen had left with orders for her young son to become heir and rule the nation. But being so young, he was unable to tackle such an undertaking. So again, the more distant regions, even those recently pledged to the nation rattled their sabres. But while there was much talk, there were no revolts.
 

THE ANIMAL CLANS OF BO-HAI - Asiatic Pagan

Grandfather Golden Eyes Tiger, Elder of the Tiger Clan

Diplomacy: Yen (t), Lu'An (f), Liao-Tung (ne)

Golden Eyes of the Tiger Clan took on the title of Grandfather. He decreed that succession will be by order of birth, with gender making no difference. Moreover, were a woman who had married into another Clan come to the position of Grandmother, then her children (and their clan) would become the ruling clan. These announcements were met with varying degrees of happiness. While none of the clans were happy to think of a woman ruling over the Clans of Bo-Hai, they had already grown accustomed to the idea that Whispering Tiger would take over when Golden Eyes passed on. Most of the Clans were happy to hear that the Tiger Clan was not planning on maintaining power indefinately. As one may expect, members of the Tiger Clan viewed the announcement with less than pleasure.

Golden Eyes contined his father's plan of strengthening ties with the regions surrounding the Bo-Hai. Whispering Tiger remained in Lu'An and was able to get the region to fully join the Animal Clans. New Moon Snake went to Liao-Tung, but despite spending considerable time there, was not able to gain closer ties to the region. Finally, Gentle Rain made her way to Yen, where she was able to secure tribute to be sent to Tiger City.

Back at home, Golden Eyes ruled the nation. He ordered port facilities to be built in Tiger City, and continued to move his people towards a free economy from their agrarian roots. The Grandfather and his wife, Quiet Tiger, had no children during this time.
 

THE JADE DRAGON - Oceanic Pagan

Emperor Shen Tso

Diplomacy: Kiangsu (ne), Chiennan (ne), Kweichou (nt)

Emperor Shen Tso ordered Tzu Lang to be increased in size yet again. In addition, he built a port city, Tzu Chi, on the Huang Hai in the region of Taiping. The Emperor then ruled over his nation. His wife had a miscarriage in year 48. Shen Tso announced that Shen Tuan would become heir to the throne upon reaching his 15th birthday. There were celebrations throughout the nation.

The Emperor sent out a number of diplomatic olive branches, but had little success. In Kiangsu, Prince Shen Kwan's average diplomatic skills, and his lack of familiarity with the language made it difficult for him to be effective, despite spreading large amounts of gold around. Similarly, when he travelled to Anhui to convert the locals, it became apparent that he was not up to the task. In Chiennan, Li Xan could not convince the feudal lord to provide greater commitment to the nation, but in Kweichou, Li Xan had greater success in his diplomatic efforts.

But again, the region of Hwai was the site of armed conflict. Shen Tso sent the Warlord from Hunan with over 500 cavalry and 200 infantry along with General Li Tian who brought almost 500 light cavalry and took control of the garrison of over 1000 cavalry, over 2500 infantry and several hundred siege engineers. Their orders were to bring enlightenment in the form of the Oceanic Pagan religion to the people of Hwai. Upon the order being given, the region rose up in revolt. Despite outnumbering the almost 3000 Hwai militia, the Jade forces did not have the extremely well trained mercenaries to aid them. The battle was joined and immediately large numbers of the Jade forces began to fall. Li Tian was greatly affected by the carnage he witnessed. In fact, both he and the Hunan Warlord were about to withdraw from the field, when word arrived that the Hwai militia had broken off the attack. The Hunan leader was able to rally all of his soldiers, but there was a great toll on the Jade national forces. Li Tian had under 1000 cavalry, and 1200 infantry remaining. A third of the engineers had been lost, as well. But in the end, the Emperor's will was enforced, and the region began practicing the correct Oceanic Pagan rituals (at least publically).
 

THE JINN DYNASTY  - Asiatic Pagan

Emperor Wang Xu-Jinn, Fourth Emperor of the Jinn Dynasty, Guardian of the Forbidden City and Keeper of the Coral Throne

Diplomacy: none

Unemployment ran high in the Kingdom, but not much else of note occurred.
 

THE SUBLIME KINGDOM OF WU - Oceanic Pagan

King Yiu

Diplomacy: Lingsi (a), Annam (t), Ganzhou (ea)

King Yiu again sent representatives out to improve Wu's station in the surrounding regions. The heir, Prince Sui-Juen and General Man went to Lingsi. There they were able to convince the local Warlord to agree to a formal alliance with the Kingdom. Prince Wai journeyed alone to the fertile lands of Annam, where he secured tribute to Wu. Finally, Lord Sun gained economic ties to the region of Ganzhou.

At home, King Yiu ruled the nation. His wife had a miscarriage in year 48. Otherwise, the Kingdom remained quiet.
 

THE LAND OF THE GOLDEN LOTUS  - Oceanic Pagan

King Siduna, God-King of Chola, Lord of the Golden Mask and the Emerald Throne

Diplomacy: Vengi (ea), Malabar (t), Chela (t)

The King travelled briefly to Malabar to accept tribute from the region. He also took a new wife arranged during the negotiations. Upon returning home to the capital of Vishnayagara, he ruled over the nation. His wife had a series of miscarriages in years 47 and 48 before giving birth to a daughter in year 50. The King also announced that Prince Raputta would be heir to the throne.

Prince Saj journeyed to both Vengi and Chela. He was able to make significant headway in these regions. He also secured wives for himself and for the Crown Prince. Lord Suvabhuna took the navy, and journeyed to Seylan. But on the way across the Palk Strait, he passed away. He was 72 years old at the time of his death. The ships under his command were able to limp back into harbor. Trade was established with the North.
 

THE  KINGDOM OF KHEMER - Oceanic Pagan

King Besar Alamehli

Diplomacy: Cochin (f)

King Besar ruled over his Kingdom. His rule had generally been one of peace and prosperity for the nation. He sent Prince Afhala to Cochin with his trusted General, Jindu Pol Pot. While in Cochin, Jindu became sick with fever. He died in year 47 at the age of 73! The King fasted for a day in memory of the dedicated Khemer general.

But things took a turn for the worse in year 48. For King Besar died. Initially, there was no issue with Prince Afhala's rise to the throne. But after he secured Cochin as friendly to the Kingdom, he ordered Prince Tan to take all the troops in the region and return to the capital. This Tan did. But on the way, he realized that between the army under his command and that in the homeland, he had almost all the forces in the Kingdom under his command.

Upon his arrival in Khemer, he marched into Angor and declared himself in command of the city and region. Hearing of the Prince's treachery, King Afhala immediately returned to Angor to challenge the rebellious Prince. Upon arriving, he quickly assessed the situation. Prince Tan held the region of Khemer and the city of Angor. Cochin had agreed to fully commit to Afhala. The rest of the nation was in question. Afhala realized that were he to not act decisively at this point, it would mean civil war! Dressing as a palace guard, he entered the Royal Palace and contacted a few of the members of the military who he felt could be counted on to support him. He devised a plan.

The next day, the King, no longer in disguise, presented himself before the traitor, and called him such to his face. As the rebel rose from his chair to order the King arrested, the captain of the palace guard (loyal to the King), came up behind the Prince and slit his throat. Pandemonium broke out in the palace. But the doors leading out to the city and the region beyond at a signal from the King were closed and bolted. Before bloodshed broke out in the palace, the King spoke above the din.

"You are now and have always been my subjects. Let any man who swears to me upon bended knee be forgiven any past transgressions, and we shall heal our nation before the wound caused by Prince Tan festers into civil war."

This one statement by the King served to calm the brewing storm within the palace, as those who had followed Tan realized that they were being offered amnesty and that Tan was no longer around to follow. In twos and threes the soldiers in the court dropped to one knee. The King took them with him and entered the region, demonstrating that it was he who was in charge. The city and regional troops fell in line. Civil war was avoided.

The more peripheral regions, having no alternative faction to support, remained loyal to the King, as well. Over the winter months of year 50, the King quietly removed a number of high level military commanders who supported Prince Tan (amnesty only went so far, after all). He then promoted the captain of the palace guard who had provided high justice to the usurper a promotion to Jindu's old post. He also gave a position in court to one of old King Tajir's sons.
 

THE CONCLAVE OF THE GANGES - Oceanic Pagan

King Rana, Rightful King of the Conclave of the Ganges

Diplomacy: Gujerat (a), Vatsa (a)

King Rana continued his massive undertaking of linking the the nation by roads. Another postal road was built between the capital and the city of Patna in Chandela. In addition, the King ordered settlers to organize into an urban setting in Vatsa. He named the port city Mathura. The King then settled down to rule the nation. It was a time of peace and prosperity, especially prosperity, as the Conclave's coffers were filled to the brim. The King felt that he needed to invest in the future. He sent messages to his Eastern neighbor, and made arrangements to purchase the rights to certain waterfront property on the coast. Gold exchanged hands and the deal was done.

The King also wished to secure relationships with several of the more peripherally held regions. To that end, he sent Princes Saj and Apu to Gujerat, and Lords Tinuri and Guta to Vatsa. Both endeavors succeeded in securing strong alliances and the pledges of military support by each region.

Prince Apu also married. And there was much rejoicing.
 

THE LAND OF THE TINY FINGERS - Oceanic Pagan

Queen Matrika Sankata

Diplomacy: Palas (fa), Nadavaria (ne)

King Sajvala made the announcement official. Matrika Sankata would be the next ruler of Tiny Fingers. There was some grumbling about the posibility of a woman on the throne. But the King was in the prime of life, and the talk settled down (GM: note the dark foreshadowing <g>). The King returned to the capital and ruled over his nation. He ordered a new port city built in Palas. It would be on the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

He sent Princess Matrika to Palas with orders to negotiate with the locals. He arranged a marriage between Matrika and one of the Palas noblemen. The Princess did as she was told, but received an urgent message towards the end of year 47 to return to the capital, for the King had taken ill. She arrived to find the King on his death bed. Within a week, Matrika Sankata was installed as Queen of the Land of Tiny Fingers. The disgruntlement that met the announcement of her selection as heir was not heard again, perhaps due to the large numbers of highly trained troops who fully supported the Princess, now Queen. The new Queen continued ruling in King Sajvala's place. She ordered the new city in Palas to be named Sajvala after the dead King.

Despite her early withdrawal from the talks in Palas, she was able to convince the local leader to swear fealty to the crown. General Chuck, leaving his troops behind, went to Nadavaria. But he died the year after the King, and was unable to get closer ties with the region. A large amount of gold was received from the Conclave of the Ganges in exchange for rights to construct a city in Tiny Finger lands in the future.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF JAVA - Oceanic Pagan

King Toru Moru

Diplomacy: Timor (a), Luzon (ne)

After settling in as King of Jave, Toru Moru took stock of the financial situation. The King of Java was furious. He knew that his cities and regions should be generating much more income than they were. There had to be a way to squeeze more from the island nation. He decided that before his tax collectors could bring all that was due to the crown, they needed to know what there was in the Kingdom. He personally spent five years conducting a census. He was pleased to learn that his coffers would be fuller than ever. During this time, Siriwuaya had grown in size. This King also ordered the construction of a new port city in Perak, called Melaka, on the Mallaca Strait.

He sent Captain Plutarch to Timor to conduct negotiations with the locals. He was able to secure an alliance with the Timorese. During the negotiations, Plutarch arranged for a wife for the King from among the local noblewomen. Prince Jalan Luito went to Luzon. But not knowing the language, and not understanding the fierce independence of the Luzon people, they refused his advances.

But as time passed, it came to light that the island nation had expanded beyond its means. Without the King actively taking part in the day to day running of the nation, there was difficulty in holding several of the regions to the East which did not have the connection of the conduit cities. Bali's people had no desire for independence, and remained loyal. The new Timor ally had a choice to make. But having just agreed to serve King Toru Moru, he remained faithful to that pledge.
 

THE KINGDOM OF INDUS - Oceanic Pagan

King Nahen, King of the Scythians

Diplomacy: Abadan (pt), Fars (fa), Surashtra ( )

Tax income continued to plague this small nation. While King Nahen had spent years overseeing the government, he was not able to do everything that needed to be done. But the King continued to try to gather as much tax revenue as possible. He simply needed more help. But none was forthcoming, and the peasants continued to withhold the crown's share of their gold.

While the King could not increase the treasury, he certainly was able to increase the royal family. He married a local woman in year 46. She became pregnant immediately, but died giving birth to a healthy son. The King remarried, and his new wife gave birth to a daughter in year 47 and a son in year 48 before a miscarriage in 49 and a difficult delivery in 50 where both mother and child perished. During this time, the King ordered the beginnings of a postal road to be built between Edrosia and Sukkur. Through negotiations with the Kingdom of Punt, he took control of the Abadan as a pacified tributary. While there was some local mouthing off about exchanging one tyrant for another, the regional government loyal to Indus retained control, due in large part to the shared religion between the region and nation. Of course, governing such a place made even more headaches for the already stretched King.

Lord Farinallan went up the coast to Fars, where with some heavy diplomatic wrangling was able to convince the region that being associated with Indus was much more in the regions interest than with the Persians. The financial troubles of the Kingdom had obviously not reached the Persian Gulf. He was able to gain a feudal alliance, much to the anger of the Persian diplomat. Prince Amiran was able to bring Surashtra fully into the nation.

But Nahen knew that he was able to hold the Northwest by luck alone. Already there was grumbling from Fars that perhaps Persia, despite the religious difference would have been a better choice.
 

THE KARA-KHATAI KINGDOM - Asiatic Pagan

King Orion

Diplomacy: Transoxania (f), Singanakh (a), Kush (ne), Tadzik (a), Uzebek (nt)

The great city of Samarkhand doubled in size under the watchful eye of King Orion. Orion ruled over his nation, while his wife gave birth to a son in year 48. She had a miscarriage the following year, but Orion now had a son to carry on the bloodline.

There was again a plethora of diplomatic activity in Kara-Khatai. Lord Arslan went to Singanakh where he was able to gain a firm alliance with the region. He fell ill towards the end of year 50, and passed away. Prince Zoltan convinced the people of Transoxania to fully join with the Kingdom, while Lord Riff's entreaties in the lands of Kush fell on deaf ears. Lord Quon and Prince Garth made headway in Uzebek and Tadzik, respectively. Otherwise the Kingdom was peaceful and prosperous.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PERSIA - Asiatic Pagan

King Ardavan

Diplomacy: Zagros (nt), Fars (ne)

King Mithras worked incessantly to bring the Kingdom of Persia to the level of greatness that such a Kingdom deserved. He continued to invest in the cultivation of Tabaristan. He left Prince Ardavan in Persepolis to take care of the nation to the best of his ability. The King went off to Media, where he spent time converting the locals to the Asiatic Pagan traditions. He was able to win over a small number of converts.

Prince Ardavan effectively ruled over the Kingdom. Under his rule, the capital of Persepolis grew in size, as did his family. His wife had a daughter in year 47 after a miscarriage the prior year. A second miscarriage occurred in year 48, and another pregnancy proved too much for her in year 49. Despite giving birth to a healthy boy, she died. The Prince remarried and his new wife had a daughter in year 50.

In foreign affairs, several events occurred. The first was the dissolution of the newly signed Silk Road Treaty. Although neither side broke any of the conditions, the Mesopotamians had fled their homeland. This provided numerous possibilities for the Persians, although the lands the Mesopotamians left behind would not remain fertile farmland for very long. The other news was that Kaspon and Prince Farzeen travelled to Zagros and Fars, respectfully. The former agreed to ties with the nation, but in Fars, Prince Farzeen discovered that the Kingdom of Indus was courting the region as well. He came away empty handed.

In the year 50, two events occurred, the second the direct result of the first. The winter of year 50 was particularly harsh. Sweeping winds and dust storms caused massive loss of livestock. This had some effect on the food supply of the nation, yet the surplus was still enough to get by. During one of these storms, King Mithras had was caught out in a small village. He made an attempt to return to his camp, and was found dead hours after the storm abated. The nation mourned. The heir easily stepped into the Kingship, and was able to not only maintain order, but was able to keep the new regions of the Kingdom. King Ardavan announced that King Mithras' 21 year old son would be heir.
 

THE KINGDOM OF MESOPOTAMIA - Judaism

Queen Raina, Queen of the Wandering Jews

Diplomacy: Carhae (revolts), Mesopotamia (migrates), Hahmar (migrates), Mosul (migrates)

"Gather the people."

Such words had not been heard in Mesopotamia since before the eldest of the eldest were born. It was the ancient call to move that had brought the people of Mesopotamia to some of the most fertile lands in all the world. Now generations upon generations later, the call was repeated. For Queen Sanam, mother of the rightful Queen Raina, realized that when Rhodes and Punt return, they would be unable to stave off the eventual enslavement of all the Jews in Mesopotamia.

The people gathered early in year 46. Large numbers of light infantry were organized, although lack of time and funds restricted their training to a minimum. In fact, the time was in such short supply, that the people did not even let their bread fully rise before having to depart (but that's another story <g>). Much of the grain was saved for the future. Sanam only hoped that almost 5000 footmen would be enough for the task ahead.

At Lord Kameel's urging, Sanam made an offer to the mercenary leader who had so recently taken part in the invasion of the nation. But Garallen of Indus would go where the gold was, and he agreed to lead the Mesopotamian army in their journey. And so in year 46, it began. Crossing from Hahmar into As'Summan, the Mesopotamians suffered greatly traversing the desert. There were concerns that they would be attacked, but Garallen assured the Queen Regent that the sheer numbers would defeat any local army. Even so, any attrition to their ill trained force would make the end task that much more difficult. Next they passed through Jabal Shammar, Safajah , Madina and Asir, before finally leaving the desert and entering the wilderness of Yemen and finally, getting to Aden. As they passed through each region, they risked attack by the locals. But in each instance, the size of the Mesopotamian migration, and their lack of aggression avoided any attack. It took just over two years to make the journey!

But now Sanam's daring plan would be attempted. For she planned to strike back at the heart of Punt, the homeland of Zeila. But when Garallen reported to Sanam that the ferry system across the Bab-Al-Mandab could only accomadate a few men at a time, she grew concerned. For if there was a large force on the other side, they would be able to pick them off as they arrived. But there was no place else for the people to go. She ordered Garallen to begin ferrying the troops. The first 400 infantry arrived in April of year 48. About 200 could be moved across per month. Yet on the far side, the slowly accumulating Mesopotamian army met no organized resistance. Garallen could see fortifications in the distance, but no army came to meet him. As time went by he became more confident. After two years, he had moved all but 400 men when Punt ships were seen off the coast. (SEE PUNT).

In the aftermath of the battle, Queen Sanam, the Regent, was left with only a few hundred men, and the entire nation of Mesopotamia occupying the region of Aden. The attack on Punt failed, and the whereabouts of Garallen unknown. But her people still survived. As her daughter, Raina, came of age, Queen Sanam passed on to her the crown of a very troubled nation.
 

THE MONARCHY OF PATZINAK - Asiatic Pagan

King Nicklas Onishchanko

Diplomacy: Torki (a), Crimea (ne), Taman (a); Goryn (hs), Volynia (hs), Bochnia (hs), Gal (hs).

King Alexander success at raiding over the last several years caused him to overestimate his abilities. He planned to go raiding again, this time to the West. But unlike previously, when he and Lord Helx marched his army through the steppes he met armed resistance to his passing. The first attack came in Levedia, while bringing slaves to Crimea to help build a port area. But the King's forces, about 4500 cavalry kept the attackers at bay, and managed to get the slaves through. He did lose 800 men. But in Atalzuko, the steppe people again rose up. King Alexander lost another 800 men, only managing to avoid greater losses by capturing the local leader of the attackers. He was quickly executed. The army, now much smaller was able to move through Pechneg without trouble, and began sending raiders into Goryn. They then entered the region without challenge to have access to other nearby regions. In quick succession, Volynia and Bochnia were raided successfully. But while carrying off loot from raids into Gal, the King's men were surprised. They fought hard, but the forests were difficult for the horses, and after retreating, they found not only had they lost another 1000 men, but that the King was wounded. A slight injury, but the sight of the King's injury dealt a great blow to the raiders' enthusiasm. They began to head home. The King tried to evade enemy forces on the return route, but this time he was attacked in Pechneg. His meager forces fought valiently, but in vain. In year 48, two packages arrived at the court in Patzinak, the heads of King Alexander and that of Lord Helx.

Prince Nicklas, who had been in Tamen after securing an alliance with Torki, returned briefly to Patzinak to be crowned King. He then returned to his efforts in Tamen, gaining an alliance there, as well. Lord Jorge spent year 46 in Crimea, but took ill and passed away in December. An attempt to send missionaries into Taman backfired, and several of the Asiatic Pagans reverted to European Pagan.
 

THE KINGDOM OF CARCHEMISH - African Pagan

King Mathison

Diplomacy: Lebanon (a)

Carchemish kept its people on alert, as word of the massive migration of Mesopotamia came to the capital of Kadesh. But when the Mesopotamians appeared to head South, tensions finally eased in the small nation. King Mathison was able to establish more trade routes, as far North as the distant Svear, and as locally as Rhodes.

More significantly, the expansion of Carchemish which had been stiffled by years of war, now regained its momentum. Prince Matrik, heir to the Carchemish throne, travelled to Lebanon. There not only did he gain a wife to further the royal blood line, but he gained an ally for the Kingdom. It did not hurt that Matrik married the ally's sister.

Back at home, the King's wife had a difficult delivery in year 46. The child, a son, lived, but the Queen did not. Mathison, still young, remarried, but his new wife had miscarriages in years 47 and 48.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF RHODES - Oracle of Delphi

King Agis

Diplomacy: none; Thinis (pt)

King Agis had plenty on his plate. The recent successes in Mesopotamia were drastically offset by the loss in Thinis. The King realized that this time he must send an overwhelming force to show the Amen-Ra followers along the Nile that Rhodes could not be triffled with. But the great general, Prince Phillipedees, was halfway across the world in Abadan. The King quickly wrote to King Lashik in Punt. While the strange ruler of the Southern Kingdom was certainly not a devout follower of Delphi, as Agis was, he had proved to be a dependable ally in the Mesopotamian fighting. Agis arranged for Punt ships to transport Phillipedees and the remainder of the Rhodes army back to Egypt.

While waiting for Phillipeedees' return, the King arranged for numerous mercenaries to take Rhodian gold for the Thinis attack. He also ordered Onn, the sacked Holy City of Amen-Ra, to be rebuilt, renaming it Raphia. The King was shocked to learn of the death of Atlante, the Oracle, who had been born in Rhodes. The entire nation mourned. They were again shocked to learn of the heresy spread in the North by Hilde, Atlante's sister. For a devout nation such as Rhodes, these events spawned numerous tidings of the coming of the Barbarian and the Nomad (the two ancient evils of Delphi). These theories were further supported by a large earthquake that rocked the island region of Crete. The aftershocks were felt in Atlantis, though damage was limited to the epicenter. It is unclear whether the earthquake helped or hindered Prince Agamemnon's efforts at converting the locals. He was able to gain a few of the Cretans to OD.

Once he returned to Egypt, Prince Phillipedees travelled home to Atlantis, where he took command of a vast fleet of warships. With these ships and the hired mercs, he and Lord Periander moved up the Nile and attacked Thinis. Phillipedees was able to easily subdue the region, losing one heavy warship and 400 mercenaries (half cavalry, half infantry). A puppet government was installed, and the Prince returned home.

Meanwhile, King Agis ruled the nation. He was married to a local noblewoman, who had a son in year 47 and daughters in year 48 and 49. Trade routes were opened to Carchemish, UTFK and the Svear. The Seer of Delphi was sent with a couple of light warships to the Gades to monitor the Catalonia/Granada conflict, but only saw some Moroccan ships which paid no attention to them. He then returned to Atlantis. Some scholars were sent to the new Druidic Library, but language differences made the trip useless.
 

THE KINGDOM OF TROY - Oracle of Delphi

King Hector

Diplomacy: Pontus (c)

King Hector was not considered by many to be a very pious man. Therefore it was viewed with no small surprise when he sent numerous members of the Royal Family to reside in Thrace under the Oracle's tutelage. All of old King Paris' children, Achilles, Aneas, Priam, Cassandra and Icarus were all sent to Thrace. It was from these children that he learned of the Oracle's death and the betrayal of Hilde. Penelope, Paris' remaining daughter, left the palace to return to her mother's people.

The King ruled over Troy, and was married. His new wife had a miscarriage in year 48, and died during childbirth in year 49. The child, a son survived. During this time, the King saw Troy continue to grow. He also arranged for port facilities to be installed in Thrace.

Prometheus, heir to the Trojan throne, and Anticles, advisor to the King, travelled to Pontus. There they laid claim to the region in the name of King Hector. Prince Theseus remained in Bithnia. Due to the increasing size of the Kingdom and the difficulties managing such an enterprise, Hector decided to hire more scribes, and center the government in Troy.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GREECE - Oracle of Delphi

Queen Delphinia Zecharias

Diplomacy: Bulgaria (a)

Queen Delphinia focussed the nation's diplomatic efforts in the region of Bulgaria. Lord Zander travelled to the region and spent several years among the Bulgarians. He was able to gain a full alliance from the region. Meanwhile, the Queen ran the nation, and Prince Robert after spending some time with his wife (who had a miscarriage in year 46), oversaw the Greek army.

Lord Nathaniel and Prince Sampson patrolled the coast, defending the increasing trade that flowed from Greek ports. But again, Rome resisted entreaties to open trade with Greece. The Greeks mourned the passing of the Oracle of Delphi.
 

THE ORACLES OF DELPHI - Oracle of Delphi

Oracle Xander Pollus of Delphi

Diplomacy: Attica (ne), Rhodes (mn), Isauria (ne)

Atlante's attention wandered from what the Seer Xander Pollus had been saying.

"... outward appearances, they still maintain slaves. What are you going to do about it?", Xander finished her sentence.

"I am sorry, Xander. I have a terrible headache. Could you repeat the last part?", asked Atlante, the Oracle. For it was true, headaches had been a more common problem for her. Only now, it was not often related to a particularly vexing problem. In fact she had woken one day feeling week on her left side. She brushed it off as her body returned to her control within hours.

"Punt, Oracle, Punt. They continue to traffic in slaves! Even your own Rhodes has condoned this by invading the Mesopotamians lands and allowing Punt to take the Jews as slaves. It is against the teachings! And you know that I am not the only one who feels this way. Seer Hilde has openly spoken out against Punt in Egypt. What are we to do?"

The Oracle sighed. While it had been a great achievement to have convinced the rather strange King of Punt to convert to OD, the issue of Punt slaves was still... an issue. She knew that the likelihood of problems within the Church significantly increased as time passed without the slaving practices of Punt addressed. "I am quite familiar with the teachings of Delphi, Xander, as I am of Hilde's speeches. I have decided to send her away from the area for a bit. I will deal with it when I return from Attica," she promised Xander.

When Xander left, Atlante had an episode of massive pains shooting through her head. After 15 minutes, she pushed aside the discomfort and began preparations for travelling to Attica to build a cathedral. Xander Pollus, meanwhile, journeyed to Rhodes. Seer Hilde, Atlante's sister, was again sent out into the world. This time to Lorraine. Atlante used local missionaries to attempt to convert the people of Egypt, but they were unsuccessful. In the year 47, while working on the cathedral in Attica, Atlante had a severe bout of headaches and became unable to move her left arm and leg. Her speech was affected, as well. For two days she remained thusly, but on the forth day she did not rise. The Oracle was dead.

Word spread like wildfire. There were only two Seers with the authority to claim the title of Orace, Hilde, sister to Atlante, and Xander Pollus. Both were devout, though in different ways. Hilde, perhaps fueled by her upbringing in the very religious nation of Rhodes, had a distict connection with the more orthodox side of OD, vehemently speaking out on the occassional lapses in conditions in Delphi. Xander, having spent more time in Delphi, recognized the necessity of political expedience. Those in Delphi were certainly more familiar with Xander. When it was announced that Xander would become Oracle, there was a collective sigh of relief from most of the OD nations (other than Rhodes, which would have relished a stricter interpretation of the tenets of Delphi).

But the greater shock came when word arrived in Delphi from Lorraine. While Seer Hilde had initially brought enlightenment to the Kingdom of Lorraine, upon her sister's death, she began espousing heresy in the regions of Champagne and Hainaut. But the recent conversion to OD left few willing to listen to her rantings. In a distant village in Hainaut, she met a gruesome end, when several recent converts to OD recognized her words as being counter to what they knew to be the words of the Oracle. She was hanged from a tree and left there. When Xander heard of this, she sent a contingent to find the misguided Seer's body and have it returned to Delphi for proper funeral rights.

The upshot of the confusion resulting from the death of the Oracle was that the cathedral in Attica did not get built. And while Oracle Xander was able to complete the monastery in Rhodes, her subsequent trip to Isauria to found a new church was unsuccessful. Xander now faced the prospect of guiding the Church in the future. She now understood Atlante's headaches first hand. She elevated Justine of Rhodes up from the ranks of acolytes to seer.
 

THE KINGDOM OF UNITED LITHUANIA-UKRAINE (KULU) - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Nicholas II

Diplomacy: Rhzev (t), Novgorod (ne), Veposkava (ea)

King Nicholas II did not hold court for most of year 46, but upon his return, he was most active, especially with the Queen. She bore him a daughter at the end of 46, then twins, a boy and a girl, in 48. Unfortunately, during a difficult delivery in 49, she passed away. The child, a son, survived. Nicholas II realized that he represented the Eastern most frontier of the DOG faithful. It would certainly be helpful to have the ear of the primacy. Perhaps a few gold coins, for building churches and the like of course, would be in order. A shipment of gold was dispatched to Himmelskstad.

The King was not satisfied with Prince Geoffrey's efforts recently in Novgorod, so he ordered him to spend five years in the region, to gain better relations with the region. But Geoffrey's command of the Norse language made him unsuccessful in the attempt. Prince Boris had better luck in Rhzev, as did Lord Dominic in Veposkava. Dominic took ill in year 50, and as the winter months got colder, he could not shake his illness. He died in December.
 

THE UNITED TRIBES OF THE FOREST KINGDOM (UTFK) - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Nikoli, Bearsticker

Diplomacy: Latvia (ne), Bochnia (c), Prussia (ne)

Nikoli was pleased. The finishing touches to teh GLOD (Great Library of the Druids) were being carried out. New trading partners were being found across the sea. The capital of the UTFK was declared to be in Lorian, and a new mighty fighting force would be eastablished. This 1st Legion will defend the hub of the Empire. Who can deny that Lorian is not the hub of the Baltic?

NIkoli decides to send his own daughter to become part of the Holy Order of the Druids. Barbarella is to be sent to Himmelskstad to train as a cleric with the primacy. The King hopes that the Great Line of Nikodemus will do well to further his visions, and what better emissary than Nikodemus' great grand daughter.

Much of which King Nikoli wished for came true. The great library was built. Lorian became the capital of the nation, although trade was a bit slow in coming in. The 1st Legion was garrisoned in the capital, Lorian. And Barbarella went off to live with the Druids. The King ruled over his nation, and in year 48, his wife gave birth to a daughter.

The King then travelled to Prussia, but was unable to get them to give up their independent ways. Similarly, attempts by Prince Durin to make any headway in Latvia fell on deaf ears. Prince Kamal had some luck in Bochnia.

Lord Balthazar who had served Nikoli and his father before him, spent time training the 1st Legion, then moved to Poland to defend the nation. But Balthazar was an old man. He died in year 49 at the age of 69. The Druid Gimli made surprising progress in converting the heathen masses in Masuria.

Many visitors came to the new GLOD. Representatives from KULU brought many books to fill the shelves. UTFK scholars pounced on them. Rhodes and Alba sent visitors as well, but they did not glean anything.
 

DRUIDS OF THE OLDE GODS  - Druids of the Olde Gods

Lilith, Gothrithar of the Druids, beloved of the Gods

Diplomacy: none

Lilith, Gothrithar of the Druids, had a busy agenda ahead of her. She first travelled from Denmark to return to Himmelskstad in order to arrange a tithe to be sent from France. But in her haste, she neglected to clarify several key items, and by the time her scribes had realized this, she had gone to Rhzev. The Druids in France did not begin sending the funds. In Rhzev, she and Aelfgifu tried to aid numerous missionaries to convert the region. While the entire region now followed DOG, Lilith was not sure if her contribution had any effect. Whe then returned to Denmark, where she again tried to get converts to the religion, but was unsuccessful. It did not help matters that there was a rebellion going on in the region. But cooler heads prevailed and Alba was able to secure ties to the region in the end.

An event that caused quite a stir in Himmelskstad was the arrival of  six soldiers wearing KULU armor. These men renounced their violent ways and pledged to become Druidic monks. Since the founding of the Holy City, this was not an uncommon occurance. It was traditional that the possessions of those becoming monks would be given to the church, usually to be sold for gold. But what made this episode different (and the cause for much gossip) was that when servants were taking the offered arms and armor away, one of the shields (which required two men to carry) dropped, and became dented. It was rumored that with the paint chipped off that the underlying metal was revealed to be gold. While the Druids in Himmelskstad would not comment, rumors began flying. A 15 year old UTFK Princess named Barbarella arrived in Himmelskstad to be an acolyte of the Druids.

Lilith was happy to hear that the GLOD had been completed. The new library in the Holy City would certainly reap rewards for the primacy as well as the UTFK. Reknown learned men from UTFK and KULU came to share knowledge. Some Albans arrived as well, but their accent was atrocious, and nothing could be learned.

After helping Lilith in Rhzev, Aelfgifu returned to Himmelskstad, where she came upon Dimitri of UTFK. Dimitri was the son of King Vespar and had been given unto the Druids to raise as their own. The young man had been investigating a number of the writings of Velhoija (who you recall was the High Druidic Priest at the forming of the DOG, and acted as regent until Lilith came of age). Velhoija is oft remembered for his controvertial secular policies in Denmark, and for questions of financial improprieties. But what is often overlooked was his extensive writings which were taken from his dreams and visions and believed to be prophetic. One such passage that had caught the eye of Dimitri was as follows:

The Words of Velhoija

140. I know that I hung, on a wind-rocked tree, nine whole nights,
and to Gods offered myself to myself;
on that tree, of which no man may know its spring.

141. Bread no one gave me, nor a horn of drink,
downward I peered, to runes applied myself,
wailing learnt them, then fell down thence.

142. Potent songs nine, from the framed sun I learned
of Bosheva, Ostroma's Isle, and a draught obtained
of the precious mead, drawn from spring of Tigil.

"Very interesting, Dimitri," said Aelfgifu, "but to what does it refer?"

"This was part of Velhoija’s prophesying, where he wrote out the dreams and visions that he had. This was part of a dream where the sacred knowledge would be discovered," explained Dimitri, "The tree referred to is the “first tree” or “world tree”. It supposedly reaches into all the worlds, and past and future, so no man can know where it came from, as no man was alive when it came forth – it comes from the Spring (ie, at it’s base is a well or river.)

 The second stanza talks of the fact that there was no-one there, no-one to offer food or drink.

The hint to it’s locations comes from the “framed sun” – the gate of the sun, where it comes into the world. ie to the far east, at the end of the land… Once he “fell from the tree” he was able to drink from the spring or the well it came from (and gain knowledge).

But here Velhoija left names and directions: Travel to the far east, and learn the nine songs. Does he mean nine languages? nine different cultures? – Possibly a path to follow: He says that he learned the location from the Sun – so that the Knowledge of the final location must be available there.. From here find Bösheva and the Isle of Ostroma. From here you can find this “precious mead” in the Well of Tigil – and the tree that grows above this spring is the World Tree."

Aelfgifu was intrigued. She began to study the passages with Dimitri. Soon she became driven to follow the instructions provided by Velhoija to the Well of Tigil and the World Tree. She gathered a number of volunteers, forming them into a band of about 200 men, lightly equipted and with Dimitri beside her began her quest.

Aelfgifu, Dimitri and their less than merry band of men began their search in the region of Vespokava, where Velhoija was born, hoping to gain some insight into his words. In talking to people from the High Druid's village of birth, Aelfgifu was able to determine that an ancient tradition among the ancient Vaspokavan warriors was to starve themselves of food and drink for nine days and nights as they travelled to the East. The coincidence of the number nine could not be overlooked. The explorers set out to the East.

But soon it became evident that the men that came with Aelfgifu and Dimitri had no desire to go journeying far across the world. When Aelfgifu told them she planned to travel to the edge of the World if need be, many grumblings were heard. After a particular "accident" the road, where Aelfgifu took a bad fall, she realized that the soldiers would only be a hinderance. It took her several months to recover, and during that time, she ordered Dimitri to send the men home to Himmelskstad. They would continue alone. The two spent time gathering clues in Yaroslav, then again set out to the Southeast. Word of their further travels has not yet reached Himmelskstad, but the quest continues!

THE WARRIOR CLANS OF CUMAN - Druids of the Olde Gods

Clan Chief Agram

Diplomacy: Moscovy Horde Block (f), Tver Horde Block (a), Suzdal Horde Block (a)

For a full cycle of a year, the Warrior Clans rested in the wilds of Muscovy. During that time, Clan Chief Agram was spent days on end speaking with the Muscovy Clan Chief, his ally. When they traced their family trees, it was discovered that Agram's ancestral forefather was the brother of the Muscovy ally. While the exact tracing of the bloodline was hazy at best, the most signficant result of this discussion was the discovery that the Muscovy relation was the YOUNGER brother of Agram's ancestor. This meant not only were the two clans one, but that Agram was senior by virtue of birth (several generations back, mind you). The result of this was that the Muscovy Clan was fully incorporated into the Cuman Horde.

But the winter of 46/47 was harsh, and Agram took ill. By February, word had spread through the Clans that Agram had died. Agram II took the reigns of power from his father. He had spent the year with his young wife, and while they had no children, they certainly enjoyed the time trying. But now with the responsibility of moving the horde upon his shoulders, Agram II put the soft warmth of the hearth behind him, and gathered the Clans. They travelled to Tver, where Agram II knew they still followed the Pagan ways. But he was determined to bring a tremendous number of warriors to bear against the settled peoples of the world. The Warrior Clans encountered the Tver People and Agram II sat down and broke bread with the Tver Chieftain. They spoke of the nature of man and of Clan leadership. When the meal was over, Agram II and the Tver leader left the yurt and faced one another. They placed the outsides of their left feet adjacent to each other. The Tver Chief leaned back and punched Agram II in the mouth. Agram's spit out a mouthful of blood, then struck the other Chieftain. This continued for a number of minutes, until bloody and stunned, the Tver Chief's eyes rolled back into his head and he lost consciousness. Agram II picked the man up in his arms and returned with him to the yurt. There he dressed the man's wounds first, then tended his own. For this was how it was done among the Tver people. The next morning, despite their religious differences, the mighty Tver, together with the Kostrama, Kalinin and Yaroslav tribes, marched with the Warrior Clans. Agram II was shocked by the numbers of warriors he now commanded. For the Cuman and Muscovy tribes numbered just over 11,000 men. With the addition of the Tver tribes, they had more than doubled. Agram II was not the warrior that his father was, but he was better liked. This provided him with a better ability to deal with such difficult negotiating situations. He rubbed his jaw and marched on.

The Clans moved to the region of Rhzev, where despite searching for days, no gathered tribes could be found. They moved on. To the Southeast. The Tver ally knew of the mighty reputation of the Suzdal Clan Chief. He was a man of unsurpassed skill with the axe. He led men a full thirty feet tall, each of whom carried a cow into combat, in case he got hungry. When they met up with the combined tribes of Suzdal, Murom, Mordva and Suvar, they were indeed led by an extraordinary warrior. But the warriors were of normal stature, and none were bearing bovines. There were even more fighting men here than in Tver! If only he could win them over to his side. But in Suzdal, things were done differently. The two sides faced off against each other. Agram II, his numbers swelled with the Tver Horde, outnumbered the Suzdal, but they were on familiar territory, and their Chief was a legendary leader of men. Agram II did not want this meeting to end in bloodshed. He stepped forward and issued a long-winded history of the Cuman Clans. The Suzdal leader then did the same. The two men then walked across the empty expanse between the two amassed armies. Agram II was surprised that it was a young man in his 20s who led the Suzdal. What was discussed was never reveal to any man, yet in the end, the Suzdal agreed to follow Agram II. While the Suzdal leader knew that within a few years, the Suzdal would be ready to drive into the rich farmlands on their own, the sheer number of the Cuman had convinced him to throw in with Agram II.

But now Agram II had to keep the Warrior Clans together. He knew that the majority of those who followed him did not believe in the Druidic faith, and that could be problematic in the future. But for now, Agram II had done what his father had only dreamed.
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE SVEAR - Oracle of Delphi

Queen Runa of Giantstock

Diplomacy: Gotland (a)

There was much celebration in the Kingdom as Rognvald, heir to the throne, was married. Of note, there were several parts of the marriage ceremony that previously would have been considered bordering on heresy. But with the opening of trade with the mainstream of Delphi devoutees in the Med, more "proper" Delphinic customs had finally made its way to the far North. The Svear would no longer be considered a borderline follower of the faith, despite the lack of an Oracle presence in the nation.

There was an urban population explosion, as people flocked to all the Svear cities. The increase in the city of Rognvald was most certainly due to the massive amount of trade that was expected to come in and out of the seaport. And yet for a number of reasons, trade could not be arranged through the city. In the future, the city would certainly be an for opportunity for the Svear merchants.

But tragedy also came knocking on the Svear door. In year 48, Siv, on of old King Thorfinn's older sons, died. But this paled in comparison to news of Prince Rognvald's death in year 49. His wife, who was pregnant at the time, lost the child. She and Rognvald's daughter (by a previous marriage) left for the country. Prince Haakan was named heir in Rognvald's place, and Prince Ymir, another son of the prolific Thorfinn, was given assignments in court. Following on the death of the Oracle, these deaths seemed to portent some dread in the future.

The new heir and Torkell Dark Eye visited the Baltic Sea island of Gotland, gaining a firm alliance with the small island region.
 

THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Chlodocech

Diplomacy: none

King Chlodocech briefly travelled to Flanders, but was disappointed by what he found there. He then returned to Paris to rule over the nation. Despite this, there were significant difficulties collecting the correct amount of revenue, as the King's tax collectors were to thinly spread. At home, the young Queen gave birth to twins in year 48 (a boy and a girl), followed by a girl in year 49 and another boy in year 50.

A significant proportion of the army remained in Orleans keeping the rabble in line.
 

THE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE - Oracle of Delphi

King Harold

Diplomacy: Westphalia (revolts, then p)

A visitor of no small significance came to the Kingdom of Lorraine from the distant city of Delphi. Seer Hilde travelled around Iberia to meet with King Harold in Drusenh. Their conversations went long into the night for many weeks. In year 47, King Harold made a startling announcement. The Kingdom of Lorraine would put aside their pagan ways and adopt the Oracle of Delphi as the official religion of the nation. This was met with general acceptance throughout the realm, except in the Eastern region of Westphalia. There, the pagan beliefs ran deep. They revolted from Harold's control. This prompted a rapid and overwhelming response by the Lorraine army, led by the King, himself. He was accompanied by Princes Alfred and Aethelwulf. The Lorraine forces lost a mere 200 men, while the 1000 revolutionaries were squashed.

The King returned to Paris with the army, after leaving a garrison behind. His wife had a son in year 47. She then suffered a miscarriage the following year before giving birth to a daughter in year 49. She had a very difficult labor and died in year 50. A son survived. The King also ordered the construction of a new port city, Snits, in Alsace, on the Rhine River. Graandaran also had an increase in population.

The King was surprised to hear that the Oracle of Delphi had passed away, but even more surprised when he learned that the very Seer who had brought the Delphanic teachings to Lorraine was spreading heretical theories in the nation. He was relieved (privately) when he heard that she had been arrested and hanged, without Harold, himself, having to give the order.

In other news, Lord Rolf, who had been performing various tasks for the government died in year 50. Two members of the extended Royal Family died in their 30s.
 

THE KINGDOM OF BAVARIA  - Roman Catholic

King Franz

Diplomacy: Slovenia (ea), Moravia (a); Tyrol (hs)

In the past five years, astounding things have happened in Bavaria. There was incredible joy throughout the Kingdom when the Queen gave birth to twin daughters in year 46, but when merely 11 months later she gave birth to twins again, this time a boy and a girl, the people were ecstatic. Needless to say, it was the Queen who was ecstatic that there were no further children during this time. There was some talk about the baptisms of the first set of twins, where the presiding priest altered the service a bit to save time. But given the busy household, and the distance from Rome, this was certainly understandable. Unfortunately, the Pope happened to be visiting Bavaria at this time. He was not pleased. The Pontiff became so angry, that he became red in the face. This was then followed by blue in the face, then finally, quite white in the face. He died before the end of mass.

While a major religious figure dying in the presence of the King and two sets of twins were amazing, equally shocking was an event that took place a few years later. On an early morning, Prince Hans had risen to prepare for his extensive work with the national army (as an aside, there are more than a few Bavarians who consider the men more loyal to him then the crown...), when he upon the librarian of the university. Now, Hans would not usually engage the librarian in conversation, yet when the man began speaking to him, he was intrigued enough to respond.

"Good Morrow, Your Highness," said the librarian by way of a greeting, "I have provided all the paperwork to your messenger."

"What messenger is that, Master Librarian?," said the Prince, as he did not recall sending anyone to gather information, "What information were they seeking?"

"Why the one you sent last night," replied the man, "They had a signed document allowing them permission to search through the Royal archives. I found it odd that they would want to study how the irrigation system in the Kingdom worked, as that knowledge has been around for any number of years, but they had permission..."

The librarian's voice trailed off as he realized that he was alone. Prince Hans had taken off at a run. Within the hour, the King was awoken from a poor night's sleep (he had two sets of twins to deal with, as I am sure you recall). Prince Hans addressed his liege.

"Your Majesty, we have caught a spy."

"What?!? In the palace?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," said the Prince, "But we are not sure who it is exactly."

"Well, throw him in the dungeon, and let him starve until he talks."

"It is a she, Your Majesty."

The King looked up at the Prince questioningly, "That is different. Throw HER into the dungeon, and let her starve until she talks." With that the King returned to bed, and the spy was imprisoned.

In other news from around the nation, the King withdrew his support of the puppet government in Tyrol. Quickly those in power in the region met an untimely end, and an independent leadership took control. As may be imagined, the region maintained a hostile position towards Bavaria. The King did sent his advisors, Klaus and Gunther, to Slovenia. There they were able to gain strong ties to the region. Further, an alliance with the Moravians was arranged by Prince Gustav II, the heir to the throne. Roman Catholic missionaries seeking to convert the last of the European Pagan followers to RC met with significant resistance. In fact, there was a sizeable backlash, and the Pagan population swelled.

Finally, it was well known to all in the Kingdom that Klaus was not a very able leader of men. The King was therefore quite happy when he learned that during their negotiations, Klaus had taken it upon himself to learn from the Slovenian generals some fundamentals of tactics. While no Amohsis of the Nile (GM Note: Old Daughters of the Nile Queen wtih reknown military skill), he would be more of an asset than a hinderance if pressed into combat.
 

KINGDOM OF ALBA - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Hamish

Diplomacy: Denmark (revolts, then c), Zealand (t), Shetlands (a), Highlands (revolts)

King Malcolm ruled over the Kingdom of Alba from his palace in Scone. The city continued to grow. So much so that Malcolm felt it prudent to protect the major elemets of the government, not to mention his family, behind massive fortifications. So in a corner of the city, a great fortress was erected, with one impenetrable wall facing the sea. In a few years, the city grew so much that it encompassed the fortress, and it became what would be the final line of defense for the city. During this time, the queen had no children.

Meanwhile, Princes Hamish and Kyle travelled throughout the country with Lietenant Scott, shoring up relations with a number of the more peripheral regions. In the end, this proved to be vital to keeping the Kingdom together. They travelled first to the Shetlands. Here, they were able to gain a strong alliance with the once rebellious region. This alliance would be sorely tested in times to come. Next they crossed the sea to Zealand, where previous attempts by Alba were unsuccessful in gaining any sway over the locals. But with all three leaders putting their effort towards diplomatic pressure, they secured a tribute to Scone.

But it was in the region of Denmark that the most significant event occurred. For initially, the three men went about converting the locals, with the help of the Reverend Mother of the Druids. While only minimally successful, Hamish was able to stike up relationships with a number of different young nobles. He hoped to be able to sooth over some of the previous anger felt towards his homeland. But on a gray day early in the year 49, he saw numerous people parading through the streets of the small village through which he had been travelling. Their words chilled his blood...

"The Alban King is dead! The Alban King is dead! Denmark has thrown off the shakles of the tyrants!"
Hamish quickly returned to the coast and met with Kyle and Scott, where he learned that the King had, in truth, died. Both Kyle and Scott, knelt before him and swore fealty. Word began trickling down that the regional govenorship that Alba had put in place was now overthrown, and the region was in rebellion. He gave quick orders to his two faithful subjects.

"Send word to both Zealand and Shetlands, reminding them of their recent commitments. The Shetlands are too recently tied to the nation for my comfort, and Zealand has often shown reluctance to our rule. We must keep them in the Kingdom. I must return to Scone briefly for the coronation."

"But what about the Danish rebel, your Majesty?", asked Scott.

"Remain here and gather information. I will return in a few months, and we will see what we face."

The new King then departed for Scone, where he was officially crowned King of Alba. He immediately named Kyle heir, and named one of Malcolm's daughters to an official position in court. In the capital, he was faced with a difficult decision. While both Shetlands and Zealand had remained true to their word, the Highlands had declared themselves independent of Hamish's rule. He made the choice to return to Denmark. Upon his arrival, Prince Kyle informed him who had risen to power in the region of Denmark. Hamish smiled slightly, then made arrangements to meet with the new regional leader.

Upon arriving, it was a strange scene. For the general Danish populace held no love for the Alban King, but their new leader was one of the young nobles that had befriended Hamish over the past year.

"Good morrow, King Hamish," began the Dane, "how may the Danish people aid our neighbor the Kingdom of Alba?"

"Good morrow, friend," replied the King, "Alba sends greetings and wishes it to be known that great change has come upon our Kingdom. For under my father's rule, there has been great strife between our peoples, but I hope for that to change."

The Danish people looked surprised at this. For in the past, the Albans had always responded with military might to Danish independence. And they knew that while the King of Alba was without his army, it was merely a few months to the South in Holstein. The Danish ruler knew this as well, and took it as a good sign. He leaned forward to Hamish and whispered.

"We must take this slow, your Majesty. For there are some Danes who will not trust this rapid turn of face by your Kingdom. But I know you to be a good man. Let us retire and talk more on this."

And with that, talks were opened between Denmark and Alba. But rather than trying to merely quiet the antipathy that the region felt towards his nation, Hamish was able to make great strides with the Danes. It was not easy, as they were decidedly hostile at the beginning. Moreover, attempts to aid the talks by Lilith, the Reverend Mother of the Druidic Church just complicated matters. In the end, this hostility was put aside, and the Danes recognized the ancient claim that Alba had over the region.
 

THE KINGDOM OF AVALON - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Mordred

Diplomacy: Gwynned (t)

Mordred busied himself with the daily concerns of the nation. London continued to grow given all the trade it generated. He remarried, and had a son in year 46. The new Queen had a miscarriage in year 47, then the nation was saddened by two items.  First, the death of Prince Lancelot who had married Queen Fiona of Durham. Second, the death of the new Queen giving birth to another son. But putting his grief behind him, Mordred remarried again. And at the age of 65, sired twin girls. His most recent Queen had a miscarriage in year 50.

Ourside of the Royal nursery, there was little to report. While Iberia erupted in war, the Avalon holdings remained secure. Lord Brinn and Prince Rupert were active in Gwynned, where they were able to gain tribute from the region. Maude, Mordred's daughter who was widowed at the death of Prince Bragga, retired to the country.
 

THE KINGDOM OF DURHAM  - Druids of the Olde Gods

Queen Fiona

Diplomacy: none

The shock of losing the capital city of Lindisfarne was great. No reaction was heard from Queen Fiona's temporary court in Northumbria. The Kingdom mourned the loss of Lancelot, the Queen's consort from Avalon, who died in a hunting accident. There were many Durhamites without work with all the trade routes closed.
 

THE GREEN TRIBE - European Pagan

King Arthur

Diplomacy: none

King Shaunnassey died in year 46 as did Prince Arthur's wife. The prince took the throne without difficulty, and ruled over the nation. He continued to invest in expanding the Waterford, and remarried. He had no further children. He named his son, Andrew, heir upon his reaching the age of 15.
 

THE KINGDOM OF CATALONIA - Roman Catholic

ELIMINATED

Diplomacy: none

King Dropan knew that the backlash from his illfated invasion of Granada would come eventually. He prepared by calling for every able bodied man in the Kingdom to come forward and serve in its defense. A large army was amassed in the region of Catalonia, including a number of mercenaries. King Dropan, himself, took charge of the large navy and ruled over the nation from Barce-Lona. Both Thomas and Prince Alfonso were ordered to prepare the defenses of the homeland. For the better part of year 46, they made ready for the Granadan counterstrike. When the Granadan King sent a message out stating that any who do not resist will be spared, it was generally not believed in throughout the nation. For the Granadan actions in Northern Iberia were well known. Word arrived from Valencia in June of year 46 that the region had quickly fallen to the invading army. The few fortifications in the region without good leadership were no match for the massive army led by King Phillip of Granada. Word then came that Valencia City had fallen.

Dropan gave orders to Thomas and Alfonso to react to the Granadan invasion. Abandoning their defenses, and using excellent information provided by reliable sources, they quickly moved back into Valencia while the major portion of the Granadan army was pacifying then sacking the city. They met about 1600 infantry with their force of over 3000 cavalry, almost 5000 infantry and 400 engineers. They overwhelmed the defending garrison that had been left in place quickly. But within days, they saw the advancing Granadan army exiting the city. While the invaders were now isolated in the region, King Phillip was an excellent general, and his army was even bigger than the Catalonian anticipated. For there were almost 6000 cavalry with 2000 engineers remaining. But while Alfonso was equal to Phillip in ability, and Thomas was an excellent leader of men, the Granadan horsemen were extremely well trained.

Several major battles occurred in Valencia between July and August of year 47. In each engagement, Catalonia would make some gains, then be outflanked or outwitted by the Granadan cavalry. Towards the end of July, Alfonso was leading a rapid sortie with several hundred light horse, when they came across the heavy elite cavalry of Granada. In terrible fighting, Alfonso was unhorsed and killed. The fighting continued into August, until in a major clash in along the coast, Thomas received a mortal blow. With the death of the Catalonian leadership, the Granadans were able to press their advantage. Remaining true to their Catholic King, the Granadans would give no ground and accept no quarter. They died in the fields of Valencia. As Granada regrouped in the region and tended to its wounded, reinforcements arrived from Northern Iberia. These were left behind as a second garrison in the region, and in May of year 48, the Granadans began their march into Catalonia. The King took command of the large number of field forts in the homeland, using the ships under his command to perform hit and run tactics as well. But again the well seasoned Granadan army struck fast and there was panic in the Catalonian ranks. The King pulled the remnants of his forces back behind the walls of Barce-Lona, and rallied his forces. The Granadans who took moderate losses also took their time pacifying the region and gathering their forces around the city.

In May of year 49, the Granadans began an active siege of Barce-Lona. And now the crack Granadan siege engineers came to the fore. While Granadan cavalry kept the defenders occupied, the engineers put a number of catapults to good use. When the Northern wall collapsed, the Granadans were able to overrun the city. The defenders fought bravely, but were simply outmatched. The remaining ships in the harbor were put to the torch, and the city of Barce-Lona was sacked. The body of King Dropan was later found amidst the rubble.

When news spread of the death of the King and the loss of the capital, the remaining regions revolted. Catalonia as a nation was no more.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GRANADA - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Phillip

Diplomacy: Old Castile (revolted, aw), Asturias (revolted, aw), Sardinia (aw); Valencia (p), Catalonia (p)

King Phillip issued the following proclaimation, which was widely spread through the Kingdom of Catalonia:

"Let it be known to all who choose to fight against Granada will be put to the Sword.  Soldiers and commoners who bear arms if captured will be sacrificed to the Gods of the Druids. They're bodied and souls will be consumed in a ritualistic sacrifice that will culminate in their beheading. Leaders who fight will be mutilated to their own horror.  Their eyes will be put out; their nose will be removed, their lips and tongue will be torn off.   The will both hands cut off and and their  toes and feet broken.  Finally
they will be castrated, then they will be returned to their homes.

Those who choose not to fight the Army of Granada will be allowed to return to their homes in peace.  The soldiers and commoners will be required to swear allegiance to the Kingdom of Granada and promise to never bare arms against their king, leaders, and people again. Leaders  choose not to fight will be allowed to gather their families and possessions and leave Granada and live in peace.  The King of Granada will buy their estates are a fair price."

The King sent Lord Tabor III to the North to gather the garrisons of the recent Granadan conquests. The King then raised taxes in the Kingdom to pay for a large increase in the size of the army. He personally led the Granadan forces into Valencia. Here, he received reliable information as to the best approach to attack the region. Valencia was overtaken with minimal losses. The King then walked into the undefended Valencia City and began sacking the port. The invasion then continued (SEE CATALONIA).

When the war was over, King Phillip ordered the local Roman Catholic priests throughout the region of Catalonia burned at the stake. All Catholic writings and religious paraphanalia were burnt as well. The occupying soldiers then "escorted" the locals to attend Druidic rites. With the help of the military, the region was converted (on the surface) to DOG. It was clear to Phillip that Catholic sentiment still ran high in the region, but at least they were going through the motions.

Tabor III brought the reinforcements to King Phillip soon after the second battle of Valencia. The pacified regions that he stripped of troops revolted. He then moved across the water to Sardinia to attempt to patch up things with the island region. But Tabor was not known for his diplomatic skill. That, plus the language and religious differences, not to mention that the region was already hostile to Granada, made for a bad situation. Tabor III barely escaped with his life. In fact, he received a nasty scar across his face while fleeing. At last word, he was hiding from the authorities in Sardinia.

At home, Prince Alasayo ruled the nation. His wife had a girl in year 46 and a boy in year 50, although she lost a pregnancy in year 47. Trade was opened with Ife and the Svear.
 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH - Roman Catholic

Pope Richelue

Diplomacy: Sicily (ch)

Pope J. Scipio travelled to the North, visiting the Bavarian King to celebrate the birth of twin girls in year 46. While such a blessed event would normally be a sign of good tidings, the Pope was shocked and outraged by the manner in which the Catholic mass was being conducted in Bavaria. So shocked in fact, that he began grabbing at his chest, and fell to the ground dead. This further raised concern in Bavaria about this not being a good omen.

Cardinal Richelue took to the water with the Papal navy. He encountered no foes to fight, and safely made port back in Rome. Upon news of the Pope's death, a Conference of Cardinals was called. For days they agonized over who would be the next Pontiff. After just short of a week's deliberation, white smoke could be seen coming from the Vatican. A decision had been made. Most expected K. Scipio to be the next Pope. It was quite shocking to learn that Richelue was selected. He assumed the Bishopric of Rome without difficulty. One issue that the new Pope may have to address is the large amount of excess manpower in the vatican. He will need to put those people to work!

Cardinal K. Scipio, meanwhile, crossed into Sicily, where he was able to establish a church in the region. The cardinal said the first mass, which was attended by all the Royal Family in town.
 

THE DUCHY OF LOMBARDY - Roman Catholic

King Otto

Diplomacy: Verona (ne), Liguria (f)

King Otto felt strongly that the Verona and Liguria were oft outshining the homeland due to their vibrant cities. He therefore decided to build a capital city called Milan in the region of Lombardy. From here he was able to much more efficiently rule his nation. The Queen obviously liked the new surroundings, as she gave birth to a daughter in year 48. And after a miscarriage in year 49, had a son the following year.

Efforts were again made to convert the Pagans in Verona to the true faith. Strong efforts were made by Prince Erik, and a large minority of the people now were RC. Lord Ademar's efforts to improve relations with the region failed, however. In contrast, Prince Gunther was able to finally return Liguria fully to the fold after their revolt so many years ago.

Large chests of gold were sent to Catalonia to aid in the war effort. King Otto was shocked and dismayed when he received the news that the funds were not enough. He was further troubled by the death of the Pope in Bavaria.
 

 THE SULTANATE OF MORROCO - Roman Catholic

Sultan Ghalib

Diplomacy: none

Sultan Ghalib began the rebuilding process in Morroco. No further cases of plague were reported in the nation, and eventually, people began returning to the urban centers. The population of Tingis increased, and Algiers was resettled. The King named Hamza as heir to the throne, and Zaahir was made a Prince of the Realm.

The King left Zaahir to administer the nation, while he, Prince Hamza and Abdullah boarded ships and patrolled the Gades. They caught sight of two light Rhodian warships, bearing white pennants. They followed them from a distance, and realizing that they did not intend to enter the Iberian conflict, did not engage them.

But while the plague was not an issue any longer, adminstrative issues were. Luckily, Ghalib had arranged for a number of additional scribes to assist Prince Zaahir to run the nation, otherwise there would likely have been financial problems. As it was, without anyone formally ruling the nation, there was grumbling at the edges. All of the Morrocan holdings remained loyal, but only the close ties with Tingis kept it that way.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF SICILY - Roman Catholic

King Axeres

Diplomacy: Spoleto (ne)

King Axeres' young wife had a miscarriage in year 46 that left her quite weak. It was not terribly surprising that she did not do well with a subsequent pregnancy. She died in childbirth, although a daughter survived. The King, at age 59, decided that he enjoyed having a young wife around. He again remarried, and in year 48 his newest wife lost a pregnancy, but then gave birth to a girl and a boy in years 49 and 50, respectively.

A city was built in Calabria called Reggilio. This port city bordered both the Ionian Sea and the Tyrhennian Sea. More significantly, a fortress was erected in Sicily, in case the Iberian conflict spilled out in to the rest of the Med. The King sent gold to help in the war effort, but it was for naught. The beginings of  a port area were created in Apulia. Prince Axeres II was named heir.

The King also sent Bishop Gregory to Spoleto. But despite arranging a marriage for his young son, Prince Validar Syracusus, and bringing plenty of gold, the Spoletans knew that the devout Roman Catholics of Sicily would not treat them well, as they followed the European Pagan faith. They refused to even listen to any discussion of a relationship with Sicily.

This devoutness of the Sicilians was made evident when word of the Pope's death reached them. The King ordered a day of fasting and prayer. This was led by Cardinal K. Scipio of Rome who came to Sicily to found a church.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PUNT - Oracle of Delphi

King Lashik

Diplomacy: Adulis (ea)

Lashik eased back in the throne, hands resting on his considerable belly, and scanned with satisfaction the array of Mesopotamian treasures now adorning the Palace. A wry smile crossed his face as  he glanced down at the slave currently washing his feet. These tall white men from the east made adequate servants once made into eunuchs, but the presence of slaves in the Palace never failed to bring a scowl to the face of the Oracle Priestess. He chuckled. He was an old man, set in his ways. Long gone were the days when King Lashik would change tack in order to please a woman. Still, young Prince Falilikish was an ardent enough follow of the new faith, and would no doubt steer his own course when the time came.

Time... Time was something that Lashik now savoured as if each moment could be his last. His thoughts drifted to the legacy of peace and prosperity he had engineered for his small nation. Surely his memory would live long in the minds of his people. Suddenly Lashik sat up, knocking over the water bowl. He absently waved the cowering servant away and bellowed for a scribe. Yes! A solution to ridiculous Chetosk situation, and a way to ensure his glory would endure forever. The scribe crept forward and began to write.

The King sent word to Prince Kikilikish to take 4 of the heavy Punt warships and travel to Abadan to pick up both the Punt and the Rhodes troops remaining in the war torn area, and set his plan into motion. The region of Abadan was to be given to the Kingdom of Indus. The Prince quickly set sail from Sabae, but the heavy warships moved slowly, and Kikilikish was not a very good sailor. They did not arrive in Abadan until the end of year 46. It took until June of 47 for Prince Nashish and all the troops to be unloaded in Mansura. Prince Nashish then took control of some of the regional garrison and with the help of some mercenaries hired out of Chethosk, dug in defensively in case of Mesopotamian reprisals out of Sinai.

Prince Kikilikish, meanwhile, returned to Sabae at the end of that year to begin his responsibilities for protecting the nation in case of attack. But by the time he returned, an attack was already underway. It seems that for several months messages had been streaming in from King Lashik in Zeila, commanding the Prince to bring his forces South. By the tone of the messages, the prince could tell King Lashik was not dealing well with the situation. Based on what he could piece together from the increasingly panicked messages from the King and the more reliable reports from witnesses, the events unfolded thusly:

Things had been going well in the Punt homeland. King Lashik ruled over the Kingdom. He still bathed in the waters of the Red Sea, but his obsession with the Eye of Amen-Ra had apparently abated. One sad event was the death of one of Lashik's sons at the age of 19. In the beginning of year 48, the King was preparing his household to depart for the region of Petra later in June for diplomatic talks when word reached him that Aden troops had landed on the coast of Zeila by way of the ferry. The King initially discounted this as Aden was not likely to challenge the power of Punt, and the ferry was simply incapable of transferring a significant number of troops to make an invasion likely. But as the weeks passed, more messages came through. It was not Aden troops, but rather Mesopotamian troops that were being ferried over in small numbers. They had made a small beachhead at the ferry point, and were gathering their forces. The King penned his first note to the Prince.

"Prince Kikilikish,

That fool Nashish must have let the Mesopotamians get by him. The Mesopotamians are trying to take the homeland from the sea. Bring your men South and crush them!

King Lashik"

As the months passed, several more messages similar in tone reached the city of Sabae, but went unread as Prince Kikilikish was at sea and the King paranoia forced him to give orders that only Kikilikish was to open the messages. But as year 48 came to a close, the Mesopotamians had gathered over 1500 men on the shores of Zeila and the messages sent North from Zeila took on a more desparate tone:

"Kiki,

The forces of the Mesopotamian followers of Amen-Ra are surrounding us. They pillage the lands and seek revenge on we who banished them to the Nine Hells! (an interesting reference to Lashik's African Pagan upbringing). Come at once and deliver us from this evil!

Lashik"

By June of 49, the Prince had arrived in Sabae and gathered his forces, which included 17 warships, 2000 of the Punt Buffaloes (heavy infantry) a scattering of light infantry, and some mercenary transports. Kiki had tried to gain the services of a number of other fighting men, but they were unavailable. The Prince received the last dispatch from Zeila prior to setting sail for the South:

"You foul-blooded son of a whore! The Amen-Ra deamons have obviously torn your soul from your retched corpse and corrupted you against me. As the I am practically the last man standing, fending off the vile invaders, myself, you will likely hear the last of me. But I shall haunt you in your sleep, you son of a motherless goat!"

Prince Kiki took this last message with a grain of salt. For his forward scouts that he sent immediately upon receiving word of the King's plight informed him that the Mesopotamian forces were still massing on the shore, and not a single blow had yet been struck. The Prince also knew that the King had only field forts in the region, and if the Mesopotamian forces did not initiate the attack, the King had no way to bring the battle to them. Needless to say, Prince Kikilikish did not relish the first meeting between he and his King, but he pressed on to do his best.

As mentioned before, Kiki was not the best of sailors. Nor was he a great general. When he came in sight of the Zeila coast, he ordered his ships to make landfall and began unloading the troops. The Mesopotamian forces were led by the mercenary, Garallen of Indus, an able general who had fought with the Punt/Rhodes forces against Mesopotamia a mere 5 years ago. Such was the way of those loyal only to gold. So when the two armies met, both were disorganized. Punt from trying to unload thousands of heavy infantry, and Mesopotamia from trying to get their most recent arrivals off the ferry, and get arranged in a defensive formation against this new threat. Kiki led the Buffaloes in a sweeping offensive, heading South and a bit inland, in order to both pinch the enemy against the sea and to put himself between the invaders and the King. The Mesopotamians obliged, for despite Garallen being a much better tactical general, the Mesopotamian forces were inexperienced, and in the open ground, the Punt heavy troops made it difficult for the light Mesopotamian infantry to make any gains.

When in position, Kiki pushed him men forward and the battle began. The heavier, better trained and more experienced Punt buffaloes cut the invaders down like wheat. But after being forced against the shore and the naval forces engaged them from behind, the Mesopotamian army met its doom. Kiki gave word that there was to be no quarter given. He felt that King Lashik would approve. In the aftermath, a man was brought before him, bloodied and unconscious. It was Garallen, the mercenary. He was thrown in chains and taken prisoner. Standing on the shore of Zeila, Kiki could see the coast of Aden on the far shore. He wondered if the Mesopotamian ruler were looking back at him. He smiled at the irony that the only thing separating the two enemies was the ferry. But his first priority was to go to the King.

The meeting with the King was one that Kiki would remember for the rest of his life. For upon entering the palace, he was met by the King in full chain armor, bearing a sword. Kiki later learned that since the arrival of the invaders, the King had worn the armor continuously. When Kiki presented himself, he was surprised when the King, rather than chastise him for arriving so late, grabbed him in a huge bearhug.

"Welcome, Savior of the People," said the King, "Let it be known that Prince Kiki rescued the people of Punt from the viscious Amen-Ra invaders."

"Actually, Your Majesty," replied the prince, "the Mesopotamians are Jewish."

"They have eyes, don't they?", asked the King.

"Yes, they do, but..."

"There you have it!," boomed the King, "But I have a plan to see that the Eye never bothers the shores of Punt again."

Kiki was treated like a hero. For during his defense of the Kingdom, there were no Punt casualties. He remained in the homeland with his troops ready to react to any further incursions, but the Mesopotamians were content to remain in Aden, and the King did not send word for him to push across the water. Actually, not much was heard from the King. After their first meeting, the King went into seclusion, murmuring words of his great plan. For several months, he would meet with only Oracle priests. Kiki eventually received a summons to appear before Lashik.

The King looked different than their last meeting. Gone was the armor and the sword, but in its place was a glazed look, and a kinetic manner. When asked, the servants informed the prince that the King rarely slept for fear of "the Eye". All the artwork in the palace that featured faces, both paintings and sculture had the eyes removed from their sockets. Kiki felt uncomfortable walking past the blinded visages. The King unveiled his plan. A massive construction that would protect the Kingdom from the forces of Amen-Ra. What he explained to Kiki was the construction of a fifty foot megalith with a sharp point at the top, dedicated to the Oracle. When Kiki viewed the drawings, it was obviously a shrine dedicated to the Oracle of Delphi, as its design mimicked the Delphi churches he had seen in his travels. But the huge sharp spike did not quite fit in. Later in talking with the palace priests, he learned that when the King had come to them with his idea of the shrine to the Oracle, they provided most of the design features. When asked about the spike, the priests nervously told him it was to protect from the Eye of Amen-Ra. When asked how, he was told that it would impale the Eye if it were to come to close. The King spent the remainder of the gold in the treasury to begin the project, and committed at least 20% of the gold and manpower of the Kingdom to its construction.

Kiki wrote to Nashish, heir to the throne of Punt, informing him of the events in the homeland, and the obvious madness of the King. Nashish had been defending the region of Mansura for several years, and then had been forcibly evacuating the city of Chethosk to reestablish it on the coast, bordering the Nile and the Gulf of Cyrpus. The pacified city did not resist the Prince's efforts.

Lord Davish, who had not taken seriously the rumors of a Mesopotamian invasion of the homeland seriously, remained at his task of improving relations with Adulis. He was able to secure economic ties with the region. Funds were put into a port area for the region. Finally, with the expansion of the Kingdom, Lashik in a moment of clarity, declared the city of Sabae to be the capital of the nation, and centralized the government, bringing the treasury and university to that city.
 

THE KINGDOM OF IFE - African Pagan

King Bu 'wagu, Lord of the Niger

Diplomacy: none

King Mubasu raised his drinking horn to the crowd gathered in the palace. He looked to his brother and toasted him, as the new heir to the Kingdom of Ife. While the celebrations carried on into the late night, a messenger arrived from the North. From the Madregaist nation of Timbuktu. The messenger was ushered into a room and the King shortly entered.

"Does our northern neighbor send congratulations to my brother on his elevation to heir of the Ife throne?" asked the King of Ife.

"No Your Majesty, my liege has instructed me to present the following to you," the messenger handed the King a piece of parchment with the Timbuktu Royal Seal pressed into the wax. It read:

"I, Tendrah, regent for the King of Timbuktu and Protector of the Madregan Faith, do formally and publicly protest the  continuing enslavement and occupation of Madregan people in Nupe. This practice must stop. A people who have freed their soul should not have their bodies subjected to enslavement. I implore the good King of Ife to put down your chains and let my people go."

As the King read the message, his face turned a dreadful red. His brother, and now heir, Bu 'wagu, leaned over to the King and whispered, "This has been posted throughout Nupe. The people there are agitating, Your Majesty."

"Is there a return message, Your Majesty," asked the Timbuktu messenger, eager to leave the royal presence and return to the safety of his home.

"Wait in the antechamber, while I draft one," commanded the King. When the man left the King spoke to his brother, "Send the man's head and genitals back to Cambuctu in a box. Send messages to Lord Malagar in the Canary Islands to return. We will show the people of Nupe and Timbuktu who rules this nation."

"As you command, Your Majesty," said Bu 'wagu as he left to carry out the King's orders.

Within days, the Ife army was amassed. And contracts were made to hire a number of mercenaries to join the attack. The King left Prince Bu 'wagu in North Gate to rule over the nation in his absence. Then at the head of a large army, the King marched North. There was some initial confusion, as the King wanted to take a sizeable navy with him, but both national and hired warships would be unable to keep up by the land route, and they did not have the cargo capacity to go via river. Without willing to risk bringing Bu 'wagu, Mubasa was forced to leave the ships behind. He intentionally travelled through Nupe as a show of force. There was no sign of dissent when the King entered the region with 4000 heavy infantry and almost 5000 regular infantry. As they crossed the border of the Tse Tse fly line, they met up with their mercenary hires, adding over 500 cavalry and almost 2000 more infantry.

They then entered the Kingdom of Timbuktu, expecting to quickly travel through Gorouol, yet they met the first of many surprises (see TIMBUKTU). Over the next many months, a number of battles were fought. During this time, Mubasa was wounded in Gorouol and then finally killed during the siege of Cambuctu. When news of his death reached the capital, Bu 'wagu was able to keep the Kingdom under control. But upon the King's death, Lord Malagar, who had joined the King in the fighting, took control of the army and made some dreadful mistakes; the siege was unsuccessful. Lord Malagar was left with barely enough troops to garrison the region. Songhai was pacified, while the city remained in the hands of Timbuktu.

King Bu 'wagu realized that his rapid rise from Prince to King would weigh heavily on him. For now he had war in the North, the distant city of Outreach to control and his young nephew, the only other male in the Royal Family was only 6 years old!
 

THE MADREGAIST CHURCH - Madregaist

Primate Tuhara

Diplomacy: Ghana (ch), Garouol (ab), Nupe (ch)

Tuhara spent year 46 in Songhai going among the people of the region. He made the Madregaist Church a prominent fixture in the lives of many of the Timbuktu people. He was greatly distressed by the news that eventually reached him that Gorouol was attacked by Ife. But assuming it only to be a raid, he continued with his efforts to spread the church's reach. He left for Ghana just before the oncoming army reached Songhai. In Ghana, he easily organized the construction of a church, then returning through Songhai, he was shocked to see it had fallen to the invaders. Realizing that the local abbey had been spared, and knowing that faith and rightousness would save the Holy City from the deprevations of the Ife army, he continued on to Gorouol, fearing the worst.

When he arrived, he was overjoyed to see that the people were still free and loyal to Timbuktu. It seems that the army simply passed through. Tuhara was able to raise the spirits of the faithful by building an abbey in Garouol. Hearing that the Holy City was indeed safe (for the time being), Tuhara went on to the most dangerous part of his adventures, the region of Nupe. Upon arriving, the primate felt a need to test the waters. He formally approached the military garrison and announced who he was. Having no orders to the contrary, the local garrison sergeant welcomed the primate to the region. Suspicious, but willing to press on, Tuhara went among the people. The Nupians were so pleased to see the primate that they erected a church in his honor, The Tuharan Madregaist Church. Tuhara conducted the first service in the new building, under the watchful eye of the Ife garrison soldiers. The primate realized that the Nupe people were bent but not broken, and their faith was now renewed.

He left Nupe with a heavy heart, and travelled North to Hausa, where he preached the word of Madregaism to the pagans. Many new converts flocked to the church. Towards the end of year 50, Tuhara returned to Songhai to find more Ife troops patrolling the streets. A palpable tension existed between the garrison in the region and the free capital city of Cambuctu.
 

THE KINGDOM OF TIMBUKTU - Madregaist

King Lasaka Mansa, the Second

Diplomacy: Segu (c, then revolts), Garou (a)

Tendrah, Regent for the Kingdom of Timbuktu, was uncomfortable in his current role. He was much more used to being behind the scenes as an advisor to Kings, rather than being acting monarch. Luckily, things had been going very smoothly. Tendrah would very happy when he could pass on the reigns of the nation to Lasaka Mansa, the Second, when he turned 15. In fact, Tendrah had plans to provide a role in court for Minsa Mansa, sister to the future King. He would then be able to retire. But there was work to be done. Tendrah was a devout Madregaist. He realized the importance of the Cambuctu to both the Kingdom and the religion. He ordered 40 foot walls be built around the city to protect the holiest of places on Earth. He also send priests to the region of Zerma, where they were able to convert the majority pagan population to completely Madregaism. It was then that he made his first of two mistakes of his brief tenure as Regent. He sent a messenger with a formal protest to the court at North Gate, decrying the unspeakable conditions in Nupe. The Regent departed from the capital for Segu before receiving the response from the Ife King. Had he but waited a bit longer, he would have opened the box containing the decapitated head and other nasty bits of his messenger.

But in Segu, Tendrah was very busy. His first order of business was to arrange for the marriage of Lasaka Mansa, the Second to a Segu noblewoman. This done, he began courting the region in earnest. The region which had been at war a decade ago finally agreed to come to the table to talk with Timbuktu. But during the negotiations, word arrived from the Eastern portion of the realm that Gorouol was under attack by Ife forces. Tendrah briefly considered continuing his diplomatic efforts, but realized that were the Ife army to continue its march, they may take the homeland. He was forced to leave Segu having only been able to get them to recognize Timbuktu's claim on the region.

Similarly, in Gorou, Hakeem Olijuwon interupted his negotiations with the Gorou feudal ally to return to the homeland. But Hakeem was able to gain a full alliance with the region by offering up marriage to Minsa Mansa. The Gorou ally refused to come to Songhai, as he felt he was needed at home to defend the region.

Both Tendrah and Hakeem arrived in Songhai before the arrival of the Ife army. It was then that Tendrah heard the full story of the fighting in Gorouol. It seems that a huge army from Ife came out of Nupe and crossed into Timbuktu lands. The few fortifications in Gorouol had served to slow down the massive host, but estimates suggest that less than 2000 Ife were killed, while all 800 defenders were slain. There was rumor that the Ife King had been wounded or killed during the fighting, but this could not be confirmed.

When Tendrah learned that they took no loot nor slaves, but marched on, he knew they would come to Songhai. He began organizing the local defenses. But he had only 1000 men scattered in fortifications throughout the region. He sent Hakeem to the South to guard the river area, while he would fight along the main path of the army. The Ife army entered Songhai early in year 48. It seems that the Ife King had been injured and had taken some time to recupperate and rally his troops before marching on. But march on they did. They were joined by fresh troops that arrived by sea. Tendrah's scouts reported that Lord Malagar of Ife had brought 800 additional infantry and 9 heavy warships to bolster King Mubasu's forces.

The battle was joined quickly. Surprisingly, King Mubasu led his men personally despite his wounds, refusing to yield command to Lord Malagar. It mattered not, for the overwhelming numbers were enough. Tendrah was forced to repeatedly fall back. In one particularly bloody engagement, he took an arrow in his eye. The blow was not fatal, yet left him blind in that eye. He was forced to abandon his position and fall back to the safety of the walled city of Cambuctu. There he found Hakeem, who had also been pushed back from the region. Songhai was now in the hands of Ife. Realizing that the fate of the Kingdom he had been given to oversee and the religion that he held dear was now at stake, Tendrah relinquished overall command to Hakeem. Tendrah would act as his second.

The attack on the city did not come immediately. In fact, it was many months before the Ife forces were rallied and ready to come at the imposing walls of Cambuctu. But come they did. And the clearing before the walls of Cambuctu ran red with the blood of Ife and Timbuktu warriors. For two months, the Ife army threw itself against the walls in active siege. But each time they came, the defenders were able to repulse them. In the first month, the casualties were only moderate, but as King Mubasu became less patient, the fervor of the attacks increased. At the end of 55 days of sieging the city, King Mubasu personally led a charge which briefly breached the walls. But Hakeem had a cadre of archers in reserve, and they began firing at the Ife soldiers pushing through the breach. When the King of Ife took an arrow in the chest and tumbled the forty feet to the ground below, his troops broke and the wall was reclaimed by Hakeem's men.

With the King dead, Malagar of Ife took command of the attack. But Malagar was not a very seasoned general. He believed that he having breached the walls once, it was merely a matter of focussing the effort at the weak point. But Hakeem noted the Ife soldiers amassing for their charge, and had Tendrah stand with the men on the walls in defense, while Hakeem prepared a sortie. When the Ife army came again, they were so focussed on regaining the wall that the appearance of Hakeem and some of the city guard among them caught them by surprise. The Timbuktu sortie forced the Ife attack to falter at the base of the wall, and turn to face them. It was then that Hakeem retreated back to safety, and Tendrah ordered the boiling pitch to be thrown over the wall on the stunned attackers. Malagar was forced to halt the siege, having lost almost 80% of his men. Ife troops garrisoned the region, and there was always the fear of renewed attack on the city. This kept both Tendrah and Hakeem from leaving.

It was under these conditions that Lasaka Mansa, the Second came to power. A young king, ruling over an occupied nation with an enemy army outside his door. Most international trade was interupted, and Tendrah was forced by his injury to retire. Then the second error of Tendrah came to light. For during the past many years with all the fighting, no one had been running the day to day activities of the nation. Since control from the capital could not be extended through the occupied homeland, there were rumors of discontent throughout the nation. In the end, only Segu renounced the recently agreed to claim by Timbuktu.