February 14, 2002

Turns will be due ???.

GM notes:

For the past 1 1/2 years, I have been the GM for L34. During this time, I have really come to love this game. It is with great sorrow and regret that I announce that I must give up my role as GM and try to pass that responsibility on to another.

While being a GM is an extremely time consuming hobby, I felt that the changes that were made in L34 would make that time commitment more resonable. And it has. This turn was turned around in 2 weeks, albeit 2 weeks of relatively intensive work. But real life issues have taken precedence. I have recently taken on new responsibilities at work that are making it much more difficult to dedicate late night time to LOTE, and my family gets my time prior to my daughters' bed times. Lastly, I have recently been told that a grant that I had thought I would have six months to put together now must be ready in half the time. An additional factor of being informed that I may get recalled by the Navy in the future has made me wish to spend more of my free time with my family.

I would normally not share such personal issues with the LOTE community. Yet with the recent discussions regarding fair play and what not in LOTE makes wish to state upfront that these issues have not played any role in my decision to leave the GM world. I am currently deciding if I will remain as a player in other games.

I appreciate all who have played in L34, especially those who have been there since the beginning in Sept, 2000. Being able to watch how others approach the game has provided unique insight into how my allies and enemies in other games think <g>. I am saddened to give up my baby, but I do not feel that I can continue to provide the time and energy required to maintain L34 as a viable game. Rather than let it dwindle to a turn every 6 months, I would like to find another person willing to take it on. For those of you with positive balances, please email me with an address to send a check. I will plan on zeroing everyone's account, and letting whoever takes over reestablish credit.

Again, thank you all for playing Lords of the Earth, Campaign 34.
 

SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH...

                    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: Nigata (f)

Empress Ariko was one of the oldest rulers in the region. Celebrating her 61st birthday in year 63, she was still an able leader. Ruling from the capital of Edo, she continued the urbanization of the Empire by building another port city, Kanazawa, in Toyama on the Dozen Wa. She also sent a high powered delegation to Nigata consisting of Prince Okida, Daimyo Tomochi and her husband, Prince Saga. Spending large sums of gold, and negotiating with the locals won the region for the Empire. As often happened during these long diplomatic trips, Prince Saga collected his thoughts in poetry. (One wonders if any of it would be published were he not the Queen's consort <g>).

Woman emerges, filth
embracing joyful joyful
gloomy demons.

Ferocious sick rich
demoness accuses, green
great compassionate.

Viper emerges
emerges, hive sneering
gibbering, cackling.

Ariko also sent young Daiymo Hojo II, son of the renown explorer, off on a mission of great importance. He was sent to establish non-aggression treaties with a number of nations, including the Sublime Kingdom of Wu, Khemer and Java. In the former, Hoja II was successful, and trade began to flow to the Sublime Kingdom. But word reached the Empress that upon reaching Java, not only did the Javans not indicate a willingness for a treaty, but Hojo II decided to strike out on his own and explore. Unlike his father, he did not have Imperial sanction to do so. But like his father, he disappeared without a trace.
 

THE ANIMAL CLANS OF BO-HAI - Asiatic Pagan

Humble Ox, Regent for the Ruler of the Ox Clan

Diplomacy: Yen (ne), Suifenhe (drop to nt), Mantap (ne)

Grandmother Whispering Tiger continued to push for reforms in the Animal Clans. She began a process to an open society. Hoping to use this forward thinking to her advantage, she traveled to the coastal region of Mantap, where she negotiated with the locals. But at age 54, she was not as spry as in the past. In year 63, she passed away in that region. With her death, no relationship with the region was established.

Gentle Rain Ox became the new Grandmother. This represented a time of tremendous strain on the nation. For not only was she a woman, but it marked the first time that any clan other than the Tigers had control in Bo-Hai. But as the nation had moved from the Clan society, and the Clan names were merely matters of pride, there was no trouble. One of Grandmother Gentle Rain Ox's first acts was to drop the region of Suifenhe to a non-tributary status. She also tried to convince the local priests to rev up the rhetoric to strike up some religious fervor in the nation. But this failed to increase the piety of the clans.

Gentle Rain spent significant time ruling the nation. During these years, she became pregnant in year 63, and gave birth to a healthy son. The following year she again became pregnant. This time a daughter was born. Yet, after the delivery, Gentle Rain did not do well. She died 2 days after the baby was born.

Again, the Animal Clans were challenged by the rules of succession. For now the young son of Gentle Rain and her husband, Humble Ox, was the eldest of the Royal Ox bloodline. It was decided that Humble Ox would act as regent for his young son, until his majority.

While all this was going on, Dancing Dragon and Prince Two-Swords Tiger were wooing the people of Yen. But with all the succession issues, they were unable to convince them to improve relations.
 

THE JADE DRAGON - Oceanic Pagan

Emperor Shen Tso

Diplomacy: Taiping (f)

Emperor Shen Tso continued to solidify his hold on the nation. Giving Prince Shen Tzu his first major task, he sent him along with General Li Xan to Taiping, where they were able to grease the palms of the local leadership, and secure the region for the Jade Dragon. Prince Shen Tuan was able to get a handful of converts in Anhui, as well. Unfortunately, the Kingdom seemed to be losing ground with the wayward region of Hwai. Despite General Jae Xan's efforts, the region still persisted in its antipathy towards the Kingdom.

At home, Emperor Shen Tso ruled the nation. He married a local noblewoman. His new wife suffered a miscarriage in year 63, but gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl, the following year. With the formal entry of Taiping into the Kingdom, the city of Tzu Chi grew in size. An effort was made to encourage the people to practice the Oceanic faith more diligently, but no progress was made on that front.
 

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: Shan'si (ea)

The Jinn continued its stellar growth. The cities of Anshan and Jinn-Ling grew in size. General Shen Yuan remained in Shan'si and was able to gain strong economic ties to the region. At home, the Emperor ruled his nation. But that left him some time to spend with his wife. She gave birth to daughters in years 63 and 64.

But as the nation expanded, Emperor Wang Xu-Jinn realized the importance of courting outside trade partners. He sent his trusted advisor, General Szu Shen-Do to the Sublime Kingdom of Wu, where a non-aggression treaty was signed. Goods from Wu began arriving in the port of Luoyang. Unfortunately, Szu Shen-Do was not a young man. He passed away while in the Sublime Kingdom at the age of 57. His remains were returned on the first merchant ship to make the voyage between the two nations.
 

THE SUBLIME KINGDOM OF WU - Oceanic Pagan

King Sui-Juen, the Beloved

Diplomacy: Mison (ne), Dai Viet (f)

The Sublime Kingdom was now being courted by some of the grandest nations in the world. Representatives from the Empire of the Sun, the Jinn Dynasty and the Kingdom of Khemer all came to sign non-aggression treaties. As trade began to flow out of the cities, the merchants of the realm banded together and using private funds build a Royal Road between Fuchou and Nanhai, linking the two. King Sui-Juen knew that Wu would become a name on the lips of royalty.

The King ruled the Sublime Kingdom. His wife unfortunately died in childbirth in year 64. The child did not survive. The King's brother, Prince Fu, took a position in court.

On the diplomatic front, the Kingdoms of Wu and Khemer agreed to coexist in the region of Mison. General Luang remained in the region to build up the Sublime Kingdom's claim, but was unable to get any assurances from the region. Prince Wai had better luck in Dai Viet, as the region entered the Sublime Kingdom fully.
 

THE LAND OF THE GOLDEN LOTUS  - Oceanic Pagan

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

Diplomacy: none

Things were quiet in the Kingdom. Again, there were no revolts. Such a time of internal peace was unprecedented in the history of the Land of the Golden Lotus. Of note, two of the older sons of old King Sunratta who did not hold seats at court passed away. Otherwise, Prince Raputta ruled for the King.
 

THE  KINGDOM OF KHEMER - Oceanic Pagan

King Marfuss Alhamehli

Diplomacy: Mison (ne), Nakhon (aw)

The time of recession had passed for Khemer. Employment levels were high, and King Marfuss wished it to stay that way. He hired many men to complete work on a port city in Siam which he named Mais. The King ruled the nation, and made arrangements with the Sublime Kingdom to share the region of Mison. The King sent General Pang there for a brief visit, but he was unable to make further gains in the region.

The King also sent General Rang to Nakhon with the idea of opening talks with the region. But things went very wrong and violence erupted in the region. General Rang was caught up in the fighting, and was killed. The locals put the blame for the violence squarely on Khemer and declared war on the region!

Other than that, things were quite peaceful. There were a number of other diplomatic endeavors. Most importantly was a representative from the far North, a Kingdom called the Empire of the Sun. King Marfuss readily agreed to a non-aggression treaty with the visitors. Khemer also signed a non-aggression treaty with the Sublime Kingdom.
 

THE CONCLAVE OF THE GANGES - Oceanic Pagan

King Rana, Rightful King of the Conclave of the Ganges

Diplomacy: Anhivarta (f); Jihoti (p), Sahis (p)

With King Rana in hiding in the region of Sahis, Prince Saj was left to make decisions in his stead. Realizing that he must stay to defend the realm and rule the nation, the Prince orders Prince Fari to the capital. Giving him a sizable army, the Crown Prince sends Prince Fari off to rescue the King. As his aides de camp, Prince Saj sends along General Rasalanter and Prince Junda. But Prince Fari had other plans. Perhaps the idea of being put in charge of a large number of men, or maybe it was the King being in desperate straights. But whatever the reason, Prince Fari decided to seize the throne for himself. He arrayed his men around the palace, and although outnumbered, ordered Prince Saj to submit to his claim. Prince Saj was determined not to lose King Rana's Kingdom to Fari. He consulted with both Rasalanter and Junda. While Junda went to Fari with a message indicating a need for a face to face meeting, Rasalanter, who was well loved by the troops, went among them cajoling them to be faithful to their rightful liege. When Fari refused to meet with the Heir, Rasalanter led a brief fight to capture the renegade Prince Fari. But things turned bloody, and Fari was killed in the attempt.

Putting Prince Junda in charge of the troops, Prince Saj sent the army off to Sahis, having lost only one months time in the internal turmoil. Prince Junda and General Rasalanter marched with almost 2500 cavalry and over 6500 infantry into Sahis in September of 63. The defenders numbered 1000 cavalry and a little over 1500 infantry. The Conclave forces washed over the Sahis militia, hacking down the infantry and crippling the cavalry of the defenders. The Conclave lost less than 500 men, while there were about the same number of survivors from Sahis. The Prince and the General were reunited with their King, and the three men set off to the South with over 5000 infantry and the 2500 cavalry, leaving behind many of the footmen to garrison the region.

They next traveled to Jihjoti, where they fell upon the local defenders. Jihjoti was somewhat better defended than Sahis, having a several hundred fewer cavalry, but over 2500 infantry and a field forts in the region. Given the wilderness terrain, the Conclave forces were at a distinct disadvantage. The defenders were also better led than the Sahis people had been. But the Conclave army still outnumbered them 2 to 1 and Junda was a good commander in his own right. The Conclave army pushed through the rough terrain and systematically routed the defenders. Thousands of Jihjoti dead were scattered throughout the region, while the Conclave lost less than 500 men. The Conclave of the Ganges exerted its military might for the first time in its history, and all of India trembled at the sound of its marching.

But while the military was stealing all the glory, Prince Saj was showing what an able ruler he would be in the future. In the King's absence, the Prince was able to build a new city in Anhivarta called Bombay. He also saw the cities of Delhi, Patna, Kaunaj, Mathura and Calcutta all grow in size. He also sent General Guta to Anhivarta to conduct some diplomatic talks. Not only did Guta provide numerous gifts to the locals, but the Conclave intelligence service met frequently with him to assist him in his efforts. There help was invaluable, as the region was brought fully into the Conclave. But not all the news was good for the Conclave. Hogani, son of the former King Susandra died in year 64. Also, Saj's wife died in childbirth in year 63. Despite these sorrows, the Conclave was flourishing and rapidly becoming the jewel of India.
 

THE GAUR NATION - Oceanic Pagan

King Sajvala II

Diplomacy: Palas (ne); Burma (p), Ava (p)

King Sajvala II again ordered more manpower be put into extending the road from Assam to Burma. The King then took his sizable army of around 7000 infantry, all light and most from the Gaur Elite Guard plus a few hundred light cavalry and pushed into Burma. The King planned to enter the region and conquer it. In his way were about 1500 Burmese infantrymen. Despite their valor, the Burmese were no match for the Gaur forces. The region was pacified in short order, with the Burmese being wiped out and the Gaur army losing half their light cavalry and less than 500 of the Elite Guard.

Next the King marched South to Ava, leaving his regular light infantry to garrison Burma. Here the challenge would be somewhat greater, as the Avans were better led and had more cavalry which would be used to advantage against the Gaur infantry in the open terrain. The defenders numbered about 2500, 1000 cavalry, the rest infantry. The battle was fierce, and the Elite Guard troops were hard pressed. The few hundred Gaur horsemen did their utmost riding as skirmishers to keep the Avar cavalry from outflanking the infantry. And they proved victorious after two months of fighting. The Elite Guard had lost about a third of their number, but King Sajvala II continued his series of conquests in SE Asia.

Back at home, there were a number of events. First, the capital of Merdic continued to grow. Lord Rajit Chandra was tasked with calculating the exact number of people in the Kingdom. This he did, and the coffers of the nation began to fill. He then traveled to Ava to deposit a number of troops to garrison the region. His added troops kept the region quiet, as Ava was quite far from Merdic. A large number of diplomats were sent to Palas, but the highly independent region would not increase its ties to the Kingdom.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF JAVA - Oceanic Pagan

King Luito II

Diplomacy: none

Peace and prosperity reigned in the Island Kingdom. King Luito II ruled the nation. Leaders from the North courted the King, but he did not deign to meet with them.
 

THE KINGDOM OF INDUS - Oceanic Pagan

King Nahen, King of the Scythians

Diplomacy: Sukkur (a), Mand (a); Abadan (hs), Kuwait (hs)

Things continued to improve for Indus. The King sent Prince Amiran to Sukkar, even traveling with him personally for a brief while. The Prince was often seen conversing with a known Indus spy. But while Amiran later wrote to the King telling him his spies were useless, the Prince was able to gain an alliance with the region before he passed away from fever in year 64.

In Mand, Lord Farinallen was also able to gain an alliance for the Kingdom.

Given his past success, Prince Nahanaren was left to run the nation from the capital. And again, all was quiet in the Kingdom. The King's wife lost a pregnancy in year 64.

Again, Farsad, Nahen's feudal ally from Fars, went raiding along the coast of the Persian Gulf. He struck first in Abadan where a large sum of gold was taken from the people of the region. Next victims were the Jews of Kuwait. Again, more gold was collected for the Indus coffers. In returning to Fars, Farsad again raided into Abadan. While this time there were slimmer pickings, a good amount of additional gold was recovered.
 

THE KARA-KHATAI KINGDOM - Asiatic Pagan

King Orion

Diplomacy: Khazakh (ne), Kuldja (a), Kush (drop to un); Gurgan (p)

King Orion wished to improve the education among the learned people of Kara-Khatai. To this end, he dedicated significant funds to form a Great Library of the Plains (GLOP) to be housed in the university city of Aktau. In order to allow scholars from all parts of the Kingdom to come and study in this center of excellence, King Orion ordered postal roads to be built between Aktau and Kizyl-Arvat and between Samarkhand and Zanadarja.

In a further diplomatic nightmare in Kush, Orion sent Lord Ruff to the region to try and recoup the losses suffered by the departed Lord Quon. But in year 63, Ruff passed away. The Kush began to feel that Kara-Khatai was simply sending their ancient leaders to their lands to die, and decided to terminate any diplomatic ties with the Kingdom. In Khazakh, Lord Zaban was unable to accomplish much either.

But in Kuldja, a strange thing happened. While Prince Garth was traveling through the region, his caravan met up with an aged woman, whose face was weathered by the sun. She joined the Prince's retinue and spoke long into the night with Garth, telling him of ancient times and ancient Kings. As they passed through the smaller villages, people would bow down before the Prince's camels. When finally they came to the ruler of Kuldja, the Prince turned to introduce the old woman, but she had vanished. The Kuldja sheik greeted Prince Garth warmly and told how word had passed from village to village that the Prince rode with the Goddess Avrhaama, one of the Asiatic Pagan deities. Garth began to explain that she was just an old peasant that they had picked up, but no words could convince the man nor his people. The path that Prince Garth took through Kuldja became a route of pilgrimage. And the region became a religious center. Needless to say, Prince Garth did very well in negotiations with the Kuldja leader.

Back at home, King Orion married a local woman. But no children have yet come from that union. He ruled his nation. King Orion also ordered Lord Zeno to take a number of the national army and Sheik Kazim of Kophat-Dagh to the deserts of Gurgan to pacify the region. Zeno commanded almost 3000 infantry and almost 7000 cavalry. Kazim brought about 2000 cavalry and a few hundred infantry. The combined army poured into Gurgan to face 1800 cavalry and under 1000 infantry. As expected, the foot soldiers fared poorly on both sides. When all was said and done, the defending Gurgani were routed and Zeno had lost 1000 cavalry and 400 infantry, while Kazim lost 800 cavalry and all his infantry.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PERSIA - Asiatic Pagan

King Ardavan

Diplomacy: Diyala (drops to hs)

King Ardavan again tried to push forward his expansion plans for Persia. But again he ran into problems with those who practice different pagan beliefs. He sent Lord Kaspon and Prince Farzeen to Diyala with his young daughter, Lizbeth. Lizbeth was to be offered as a bride to the locals. Things began to take a turn for the worse when Prince Farzeen took ill and died in year 63. But when Kaspon order the body prepared in the manner of the Asiatic Pagan rites, the local leadership became enraged. It seems that the Asiatic funeral methods were highly at odds with those of the African beliefs. This cut short any further diplomatic efforts. The region openly declared itself hostile to Persia. Lizbeth who had wed a minor noble of the region was put to death as is the custom. And Kaspon was held as a prisoner for ransom.

In an attempt to further the Asiatic ways, Ardavan sent Prince Zand to Media to try to further convert the region to Asiatic Paganism. But to no avail. The Prince's efforts were unsuccessful.

With the death of Prince Farzeen, Prince Gaspar, son of old King Cambyses, was given a position in court. Ardavan also continued the efforts to turn the wilds of Tabaristan into farmland.
 

THE MONARCHY OF PATZINAK - Asiatic Pagan

King Alexander II

Diplomacy: none

Julius remained in hiding in the region of Levidia, as things were still to dicey to attempt an escape. King Alexander II ruled his nation. Unemployment became a problem in the Kingdom, as hard working men were kept idle. To date, this has not affected the economy.
 

THE KINGDOM OF CARCHEMISH - African Pagan

King Asher

Diplomacy: none

A great celebration took place throughout the Kingdom as King Asher took a local Aleppo bride. He then returned to ruling the Kingdom. A new port city was constructed in Lebanon called Beryut. It was widely reported that the rebellious Prince Matrik died while imprisoned.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF RHODES - Oracle of Delphi

King Agis

Diplomacy: none

The Rhodian court was struck by tragedy numerous times. It seems that demons had gotten loose in the palace in year 64, taking the breath from no fewer than three of noble blood. First the Queen succumbed to the strange fever. Then one of King Lauis' older sons. Finally, Prince Agamemnon, heir to the throne, died as well. As you can imagine, there grew amongst the populace a grave concern over plague. Yet as time went by, and the disease seemed limited to the palace, the demon theory was held as true.

Meanwhile, King Agis ruled the nation. He named Prince Xenephon as heir after Agamemnon's passing. Lord Periander was sent out with a fleet to patrol the seas. But despite all the concerns in distant Europe, no trouble came to Rhodes. Prince Phillipedees spent time on the lovely isle of Crete, discussing theological issues with the locals. By liberally spending gold and talking persuasively, he was able to convince just enough people to convert to OD to form a majority.
 

THE KINGDOM OF TROY - Oracle of Delphi

King Theseus

Diplomacy: none

The Kingdom of Troy focused on internal issues. King Theseus ruled from the capital, and put more resources towards encouraging the conversion from an agrarian based economy to a free system. In year 63, the Queen had a daughter. But after the delivery, she took ill and quickly passed away. The child survived. This time period also saw reinitiation of trade with the Catholic Lombards. Such increased revenue caused a swell in the population of the capital city.

Lord Agamemnon spent significant time trying to get an audience with the Carchemish King, but to no avail. No formal diplomatic status could be initiated.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GREECE - Oracle of Delphi

Queen Delphinia Zecharias

Diplomacy: Epirus (drops to un), Bulgaria (aw)

In order to extend her reach, Queen Delphinia ordered a postal road be built between the cities of Thessolinka and Xanthi. This done, she then ruled over the Kingdom. She received word that wildfires were reported in Morea during the summer of 63, but as the population was sparse and they did not extend to Attica there was not much effect on the economy. While the Queen ruled, the heir was left to defend the homeland. He took a bit of time off to spend with his wife, but produced no issue.

Prince Alexander Zechias was sent to Bulgaria to try and bring the region back into the nation. But during his stay, the Prince became involved in a gambling scheme involving a number of the young nobles. Having taken them for much of their personal wealth, the young men fell upon the Prince and killed him. The region took up arms against Greece, swearing revenge for the Greek audacity.

Lord Bartholomew remained in Epirus and attempted to improve relations with that region. But hearing of the scandal in Bulgaria, the Epirus leaders wanted no part of Greece, and dropped all relations with the nation.

In a bizarre happening, a deranged sailor by the name of Hojo was washed upon the Greek shores. It was impossible to tell from where he originated as he did not speak any known language. His cloths were of strange weave, and his features obviously touched by the Gods. He died shortly after being found, and his sword, an intricately designed weapon was presented to the Queen. She declared it a gift from the Gods (albeit via an uncommon messenger). The blade became the official ceremonial blade of the Kings and Queens of Greece, being used in all future coronations in Athens.
 

THE ORACLES OF DELPHI - Oracle of Delphi

Oracle Jessica Fadon of Delphi

Diplomacy: Constantinople (ch), Bulgaria (ch)

These were trying times for Delphi. As shepherdess of her flock, Jessica grew concerned over the continued warfare in far away Europe. The Kingdom of Lorraine was sorely pressed by Alba, UTFK and Bavaria. But perhaps that very threat rallied the local Lorraine priests to answer Jessica's call for tithes. The Oracle spent a significant amount of time overseeing the defenses of the Holy City. She also sent a sizable amount of gold to Troy.

Seer Helena Jafor remained in Bulgaria. With the aid of gold from the Delphi coffers, and spending a significant amount of time, she was able to establish a church in the region. Similarly, Chrys Domaphatera built a church in Constantinople. Here efforts were not helped by the press of minor priests that moved about the region like ants. Even Seer Chrys found them annoying. But not as much as the people of Constantinople. There were even fewer OD followers in the region than before.

Delphinic missionaries were more successful in Egypt, where a small portion of the hated Amen-Ra followers were converted to OD. When Seer Justine of Rhodes tried to follow up with additional pressure, she was unsuccessful. Perhaps most significant for the church was the announcement by the King of Punt that the Kingdom would begin conversion from a slave based economy. Jessica was overjoyed to hear such good news.
 

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

King Nicholas II

Diplomacy: Novgorod (ne)

King Nicholas II ruled over KULU. The city of Minsk grew in size. Prince Boris and General Jorge remained in Novgorod, but again could not bring the region into the nation. Jorge took ill and died at the end of year 64. Otherwise, things were quiet.
 

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

King Nikoli, Bearsticker

Diplomacy: Westphalia (p)

It was a grim day when Bearsticker met the armies of Lorraine last season. They were well prepared behind those fortifications, with traps, and ambushes laid on. Never again will he lead the forces of the Earth mother into such a meat market. Another scar further disfigures Bearsticker’s visage. But while the Earth mother gives him strength Bearsticker will carry the fight.

This season will see the sandal on the other foot Always willing to learn from his mistakes, Bearsticker has spent the winter talking with the leader of the Bavarians. It has been decided to take the lands of Lorraine piece by piece. It is unlikely that their king will allow such an outrage. Perhaps the combined armies of the Forest Kingdom and Alba can provoke such a response. It would be good to meet them in the field on an equal footing.

Messages were sent to Alba, and a response was fast in coming. The Albans agree. The grand army shall meet in the lands of Westphalia, and create such and shall cut a swathe through Lorraine right to the Coast of Holland. It will be good working with the Alban’s again. They have such courage in those whiskey flasks of theirs. Bearsticker remembers how the general of the Albans bared his buttocks to the enemy in Denmark. It will also be good to have Blade by his side again. If ever the earth mother sent a sign, it was when she gave Blade breath. The man is worth a score of soldiers by himself.

This time there will be no route, the time has come to settle the score.

Such were the thoughts of King Nikoli as he arranged for a full military alliance with the Alban Kingdom. He sent his daughter, Natasha, to the Alban court to marry the heir to seal the treaty. Then the war planning began in earnest. It was quickly decided that Nikoli would personally command the combined forces. Like a pack of dogs, they would nip and bite at the ankles of Lorraine until it buckled and fell, allowing a lunge at the jugular. A formal declaration of war was made against Lorraine. King Nikoli had 4000 infantry, over two thirds heavy, and a few hundred cavalry with over 1000 engineers supporting him. Blade brought his 800 cavalry and 3000 infantry, as well. They marched on the Kingdom of Lorraine (SEE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE).

When the battles had all been fought, Westphalia was in the hands of UTFK. A revolt by the Friesians was quelled. And Holland and Gaarderen had fallen to Alba. The King's forces had lost a little over 500 of the engineers, while his ally, Blade, ws only missing a few hundred infantrymen. It was an overwhelming success, yet they had not enticed the Lorraine army out from behind its defenses. But a number of other important events took place after the battles.

After the UTFK army had returned to Friesland, a man, nondescript in appearance and manner, was noticed wandering through the UTFK camp. He was obviously a man who could use a sword. His command of the Slavic language was poor, but with the large number of Albans that had been traveling with them, few paid it any mind. It was commented on by many later that he did not look Celtic, but at the time he was able to travel freely about the camp. He fell in with a number of the Latvian infantry and spent a good deal of time shooting dice and loosing generously. He became lost in the crowd several hours later.

That night, Blade was wandering among his men, as he often did. He came across a man who he recalled had fought valiantly, yet had received a severe blow to the arm. It was felt that he would never be able to use his left arm again. After a moments hesitation, Blade ordered the man to be brought to his own tent, where he would be able to get some sleep farther away from the bustle of the main body of the army. Blade slept with his men. Hours later, Blade was awakened by a hue and cry. When he came to his own tent and pushed aside the mass of people, he found the soldier he had sent for a good night sleep, with his throat cut. But the man had obviously not died immediately. He managed to draw a sword with his good hand, and by the blood stains trailing away had at least wounded his own murderer. The camp searched high and low, but could find no trace of the wounded assassin.

Back in Lorien, Prince Duran ruled the nation. He was able to find time to spend with his wife who had a girl in year 63. Unfortunately, she lost a pregnancy the following year. There was other news that was not good, as well. Word arrived from Alba that Princess Natasha had died during labor. Also, Prince Aleksander, the 46 year old son of old King Vaspar had died. Reports of an altercation at the docks that left four of the local constabulary and one unidentified man dead increased concern of safety in the capital. But most significantly, rumors began arriving from the region of Bochnia, which was claimed by the Forest People. A hybrid version of the Druidic faith and European Paganism was being practiced in the more remote parts of the region. After initially downplaying the reports, it became apparent that a number of Bochnian heretics held sway in the region.
 

  DRUIDS OF THE OLDE GODS  - Druids of the Olde Gods

Lilith, Gothrithar of the Druids, beloved of the Gods

Diplomacy: Denmark (ca), Anglia (mn), Saxony (ch)

Lilith traveled to the region of Bavaria, where she centered her efforts and those of the minor priests of the religion to decrease the piety of the Bavarian masses. They had some success in their endeavors. Lilith sent other lower level functionaries to found a church in Saxony.

Aided by a vast network of Ravens (the DOG secret police), Katla was able to consecrate the first cathedral of the Druids. Similarly aided by the mystical Ravens, Hvati built a monastery in Anglia.

Despite these advances in spreading the true word of the Olde Gods, Lilith was shocked to hear of separate heresies breaking out in both Bochnia and Brittany. Further, the Avalon invasion of Durham was contrary to her one credo, "No Druid shall fight Druid!".
 

THE KINGDOM OF THE SVEAR - Oracle of Delphi

King Haakan of Giantstock

Diplomacy: Norway (f)

King Haakan was angry that his nation would be put into such a position. For the Svear had significant financial investments in several of the nations involved in the Lorraine conflict. But his ties to the Kingdom of Lorraine were significant. While the Svear were not able to send a vast contingent to aid in the fight, Haakan decided that a show of support was in order. He sent messages that not only would gold be forwarded from the South through the mercantile system (SEE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE), but a small contingent of Svear would be sent to defend Holland from invasion. General Gnur was sent with 1000 light infantry and 5 warships. The Alban/UTFK onslaught was so rapid, that Gnur was unable to withdraw his men, and barely escaped himself. He suffered a severe wound to the abdomen that took several months to heal (AGAIN, SEE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE).

While Gnur was aiding Lorraine, King Haakan ruled the nation. The Svear people mourned the loss of Queen Aesirin during childbirth in year 63. The King was devastated. In his deceased wife's memory, he named the newest flagship of the Svear fleet, Aesirin. He also began construction on a new port city in Norway called Aesirheim.

Meanwhile, both Prince Ymir, the heir, and Torkell Dark Eye spent time talking with the Norwegians. They were able to convince Haakan's ally in the region to bring Norway fully into the Kingdom.
 

THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Chlodocech

Diplomacy: none; Provence (oc)

Chlodocech, King of the Franks, ordered General Chilperic to gather a vast army to move on the Lorraine Kingdom. There were many in the Kingdom against this action, as there was much money exchanged across the border, and the Kingdom of France had certain treaties in effect with Lorraine. But before any major uproar could be heard politically, General Chilperic took matters into his own hands. Realizing that he had almost all the military might of the Kingdom under his command, he decided to seize control of France for himself. Whether he would have gone on to invade Lorraine will never be known. For when he brought his army up against Paris, and presented himself before Chlodocech to remove the crown from his head, there came a lightning fast flash from the side. Princess Murina, heir to the French throne, had thrust a dagger into the leg of the would-be-King, severing an artery. As the army officers who accompanied Chilperic watched in horror, the man bled to death before their eyes. Stepping out of the way of the growing river of blood, the Princess ordered the officers to return to their men. Over the next few weeks, every man who ha entered the throne room with General Chilperic was quietly executed and replaced by men loyal to the crown. The Princess oversaw the hangings personally. No man would take her birthright from her.

But this placed King Chlodocech in a difficult position. For while he had no more loyalty than a shark, Chilperic was... had been... a brilliant military general. Without him, any attack on Lorraine would be foolish. The plans were canceled, making the pro-Lorraine nobles exceedingly glad (although given the example set by Chilperic, it is unclear whether they would have gotten the nerve to take action against the crown).

So King Chlodocech ruled the nation. Princess Murina assisted him. At 22 years old, Murina knew that soon she would be married to enrich the bloodline of France. One final concern was the movement of the Cuman Horde through the region of Provence. While Chlodocech gave no orders to try and stop the vast numbers of barbarian warriors, he grew concerned that they kept income from coming to the capital.
 

THE WARRIOR CLANS OF CUMAN - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Ahman, Clan Chief of the Cuman

Diplomacy: Calabria (revolted)

Clan Chief Ahman realized that the once wealthy peninsula of Italy was now virtually penniless. The Cuman Horde had stripped it of almost everything not nailed down (and quite a few things that had been nailed down). It was time to move on. Ahman presented himself before the masses of his people and told them of lands to the West that were rich farmland, where gold flowed in the rivers and the that the Cuman people would be able to roam free. As he spoke, an old man, his face obscured beneath the cowl of his cloak approached. The crowd parted as the man shuffled slowly towards the Clan Chief. Ahman stopped speaking, for he realized that the old man wished to address him, and out of respect, he would wait for the man to come to him.

One of Ahman's bodyguards stepped forward to help the man, but Ahman held up his hand, stopping the guard so as not to insult the ancient fellow allowing him to come forward on his own accord. The man continued to shuffle slowly. Clan Chief Ahman hid a smile behind his hand as he watched the man's progress. His smile turned to an alarmed expression when the with lightning fast speed the elderly petitioner drew forth a dagger and lunged at the Clan Chief. Ahman watched the next few moments fly by as if in slow motion. He noticed that while the man had walked as if he were old, the hand holding the knife was that of a young man. He saw out of the corner of his eye a glint of light reflecting off a sword. He then saw the sword come down on the assassin's arm, severing the hand and knife at the wrist. A second stroke of the sword cut across the neck of the attacker, killing him. Ahman had the man searched, but there was no way to identify him. The body was staked out and left for the scavengers to feed upon.

As for the man whose sword saved the ClanChief's life, he was given great honors, and elevated to a position of responsibility among the Cuman Horde. As things became more complex for the Cuman, they left behind their tribal ways, and Ahman took on the title of King of the Cuman People.

The Cuman people then began a migration to the North and West. They met with Lombardian representatives, and offered a small gift of gold. A mutual defense treaty was signed with the Lombards and the Horde passed through the Kingdom without difficulty. As they crossed over the mountains into Provence, it became apparent that they horde would have to winter over in the region before traveling on. The French government did not particularly enjoy hosting the horde, as even without any hostilities breaking out, the region's resources were taken up by the hundreds of thousands of Cuman populous residing there.
 

THE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE - Oracle of Delphi

King Harold

Diplomacy: Westphalia (oc), Holland (oc), Graanderen (oc), Snits (oc)

King Harold held a meeting with Prince Aethelwulf, the heir, and several other nobles of the realm. For the very survival of Lorraine depended on their combined actions. The King charged Aethelwulf with the defense of the Kingdom. The Prince thought it odd that he would receive the command, with the King in the capital, but he assumed that King Harold would have matters of state to deal with. But Aethelwulf was even more surprised when the next morning he was told that the King was no longer in the city. Nor could he be found in the surrounding countryside. But the Prince followed his orders and labored to prepare the homeland against possible invasion. He called up almost every old man and young boy to be conscripted into the defense of the Kingdom. But times were indeed difficult. For 3 royal princes died in year 63. None held major positions in the governance of the nation, but it drove home the hard times faced by the nation.

Despite the grave threat of invasion from DOG forces, there were some rays of hope for Lorraine. The Svear sent a small army to Holland to provide defense for the region. This was good, as Aethelwulf could spare no one from the defense of the homeland and capital. There were two events of great concern to the Prince. First was a report of intruders in the King's private chambers. This report came from some of the servants who knowing that the King was not in the palace grew concerned over noise coming from his chambers. When he went to investigate saw two men leap from the King's window and climb down ropes to the street below.

The second event surrounded an occurrence at the port of Graanderen (prior to its fall). Agents for King Harold were expecting to receive a shipment of gold from the Svear. The shipment was arriving via the regular merchant route to avoid any suspicion. A boy had been hired to alert the Lorraine agents when the Svear ships were in port. But the boy came several hours late. When they finally arrived to greet the captain of the Svear merchant, they were told that several men had appeared in the livery of Lorraine and had unloaded a large proportion of the gold onto another ship. By the time the true Lorraine recipients arrived, the ships were heading back out to sea. At least the bulk of the shipment would reach Drusehn, but Prince Aethelwulf would not be happy.

But the Prince had other worries. Word began arriving of an Alban and UTFK advance into the Eastern regions of the Kingdom.
 
 

As expected, the DOG forces continued to push into Lorraine. The combined armies of UTFK and Alba moved into the meagerly defended region of Westphalia. There, 2 forts were all that separated the people from subjugation. The attackers took no losses, and overwhelmed the defenders. It was reported that Prince Dalemar of UTFK was wounded during that encounter.

But while the invaders were busy in the South, the proud people of Friesland rose up against the few forts built by the Forest People to contain them. The Friesians were able to regain control of the region, but only briefly. For surprisingly, rather than enter Lorraine, the UTFK/Alban army returned to the North. They quickly reconquered the region killing all 2000 Friesian militiamen, and losing less than 1000 men. But one of those was Prince Dalemar of UTFK.

While the sacrifices of the Westphalians and Friesians were great, they were not in vain. For it gave the Svear enough time to send a small support fleet to Holland. Here, under the command of Lord Gnur, 1000 light infantry and the sailors from 5 Svear ships dug in to await the invaders. For Holland had no Lorraine troops to aid in its own defense. Gnur was given orders to retreat if the attackers proved too much.

But when they came, they struck fast. It was not until the battle was over and the defenders were destroyed that the attacking army understood that they had been fighting Svear forces, not Lorraine. But while Lord Gnur was able to slip away with only a moderate flesh wound, none of the other Svear warriors would return home. Both UTFK and Alba lost about 200 men each. They then turned their attention to the city of Graanderen. Here they faced 20 foot walls. But not to be deterred, the attackers quickly brought their siege equipment to bear and began an active siege of the city. The attacking numbers combined with excellent leadership was too much. Graanderen fell within the month. The flag of Alba now sits upon the tallest tower.

With the loss of the Eastern portion of the Kingdom by the end of year 63, Prince Aethelwulf now fully expected an assault on Lorraine proper. But it did not come. Rather what he received were urgent pleas from the city of Snits to the South to send aid as they were under attack. Yet the Prince knew that to move South against the Bavarians would risk leaving the Northern flank open to the Alban/UTFK forces. For two months, the city was buffeted by attack from the innumerable Bavarian army. In the end, with no leadership, the city fell. But not before over 3500 of the Bavarian cavalry lay dead at the foot of the remaining walls.

Prince Aethelwulf wept when he heard of the fall of the city, and for the brave Lorraine men that died in its defense. But there was still work to be done. But the Prince found more and more that running the army was taking its toll on him. At age 52, he was no longer a young man. When November came, he took to his bed with fever. It proved too much for him. He died in year 64. Prince Eldemar took over for Aethelwulf, and Prince Briann was given a role in court. The city of Drusenh became crowded as all seagoing mercantile activity into Lorraine passed through that port. While many routes to the distant South were unable to be continued, the merchant fleet out of Graanderen was able to make its way to Drusenh to safety. Lorraine began sending tithe to the primacy.
 

THE KINGDOM OF BAVARIA  - Roman Catholic

King Christian

Diplomacy: Slovenia (revolts); Snits (p)

The Bavarians prepared their forces for possible backlash from the West. To secure the South, they signed a cross border agreement with the Kingdom of Lombardy, and allowed the Lombards to sent troops to defend Trieste. The King met with numerous money lenders, attempting to secure a loan to afford mercenaries. But the King was gently told that the Bavarian treasury's credit was already overextended by virtue of outstanding loans. As there were no Jewish bankers, the Bavarian King was forced to forego any hired help.

Despite that setback, there was much reported activity coming from the Bavarian cavalry. It seems that a young captain had begun training the Bavarian horse in a new and intricate style of engaging the enemy. This tactic would give the Kingdom's mounted soldiers a significant boost in the open field. The captain was rewarded handsomely for his innovative technique.

But without the mercenaries, King Christian was cautious about overextending his military. He waited for a year, then personally led his army against the city of Snits in a full scale assault. Just prior to his leaving, he was told that General Klaus had died in his sleep. As he rode off, he gave orders for the resourceful cavalry captain to be promoted.

The King spread his army around the 20 foot walls of Snits. Before him he had arrayed 8000 cavalry, almost entirely elite horse units, and over 3000 infantry, a third of which were elite. He began the assault in April of year 64. Unfortunately, the new cavalry techniques did nothing to aid an urban assault, and the Bavarian horsemen were sent repeatedly at the walls only to be repulsed. This continued for 7 weeks, before a breech in the walls was obtained. From that point, it was only a matter of time before Snits fell. The defending commander was eventually killed fighting along the walls, and the city fell. But at quite a cost, over 3500 cavalrymen lay at the foot of the remaining city walls. The King did not press the fight onward, but remained in the city.

Back in Munich, Prince Eric tried to run the nation. But with all the vast issues facing the nation, he had difficulty. Especially in containing the more distant regions to the South. The Alps made communication difficult, and inability to safely send messengers through Carinthia made it worse. Slovenia threw off the Yoke of Bavarian rule. There was some dissent in Trieste, but either the lack of willpower on behalf of the urban population, or the presence of the Lombard defenders prevented any revolts in the city. Despite aggressive efforts on behalf of both the local RC priests, the people of Bavaria would not abandon their faith. It was not until Druidic priests began to arrive that the populace began to move to a more secular view of the world.
 

KINGDOM OF ALBA - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Hamish

Diplomacy: Holland (p), Graanderen (p)

There was a brief period of sadness, as one of Dougal's sons died. The prince was 38, and had never been active at court, so it is not expected that he would be missed by the nation. In other news, Aberdeen, a port city on the East coast of the Highlands was finished. There was a royal marriage of unprecedented importance in the Kingdom. Prince Kyle married Princess Natasha of the Forest People, cementing a full military alliance between the two nations. In addition, a cross border agreement was reached with Avalon. Prince Kyle and his new wife abided in the capital while the Prince ruled the nation. But in year 62, there was great sadness, as young Princess Natasha died in childbirth.

But taking advantage of the agreement between the two nations, King Hamish and Princess Moira led over 2000 infantry and over 1000 horsemen with about 500 engineers into the Kingdom of Lorraine, along with the King of UTFK (SEE KINGDOM OF LORRAINE). When the dust settled, Alba controlled Holland and Graanderen, having taken few losses. There was a great deal of angry Alban nobles, fearful that war would hurt their profits in trade, but King Hamish faced no revolts. Those nobles continued their trade, confident that the King would not continue the hostilities, as he did not formally declare war on Lorraine.

Awliff, Hamish's ally from the Shetlands, moved South with his ships, to points unknown. Upon his return, he was praised mightily by the King.
 

THE KINGDOM OF AVALON - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Oak

Diplomacy: Dyffed (revolts), Galacia (revolts); Northumbria (p), Lindisfarne (p)

There was much gossip in the court of Avalon. It was said that King Broon was angry over issues related to the Durham succession. It seems that the selection of Prince Eomund of Durham over one of the princes with Avalon blood was the root of the anger. For it is well known that there have been several royal marriages between the two nations. But the King felt that this was too much. Ordering the Heir, Prince Oak back from Iberia, he gave him command of a large army, consisting of almost 1000 horsemen, over 3500 footmen, several hundred of which were elite Avalonian Guard, and over 1500 engineers. He also sent Prince Buford with almost 2000 additional men, although only a few hundred were on horse. Issuing a declaration of war, King Broon ordered the army to move out. There was some serious dissension in the Kingdom, as Durham had been staunch allies in the past. But promises of land grants and other financial offerings silenced the critics. The army moved North through Anglia, and in September of 63, descended upon the unsuspecting Kingdom of Durham.(SEE KINGDOM OF DURHAM).

The success of the military endeavor was great. Although the heir was wounded, he would survive. King Broon extended his treaty with Alba to include cross border cooperation. Further work was done on the royal road to connect Sussex and Anglia. Prince Rupert and Lord Shakespeare spent more time in Portugal, but was relatively ineffective. The King sent Lord Blodgett to the Great Library in Himmelskstad, where he was able to learn fabulous things that would greatly help the Kingdom. Finally, the Queen became pregnant in year 63, but lost the child several months later.

Things were going well for Avalon, until the end of year 64. Then tragedy stuck. For King Broon was injured while out riding. He was carried by his page to the palace, but there was nothing to be done for him. Word was sent to Lindisfarne, where Prince Oak was organizing the garrison of the Durham capital. But when the news of the King's death reached Himmelskstad, Lord Blodgett decided to forswear his oath to the crown, and hire himself out to the highest bidder.

In Iberia, a conflict arose. Lord Shakespeare remained loyal to Avalon, while both Prince Rupert and Lord Krom began agitating for rebellion. In a heated argument in Lisbon, the three came to blows. Each drawing a sword, they engaged in a three-way melee over the fate of the Avalonian holdings in Iberia. In the end, Shakespeare was able to get in a strike to the chest of Prince Rupert, killing him. Krom, realizing that Shakespeare was the better swordsman escaped into the night. But this was not the end of the troubles. For both Galacia and Dyffed broke from the Kingdom. King Oak had much work to do. He started by naming Prince Buford as heir to the throne of Avalon.
 

THE KINGDOM OF DURHAM  - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Ian

Diplomacy: Fjordane (drop to nt)

There was a pall upon the Kingdom from early in year 63, when Edward, the 19 year old son of the past Queen Fiona, died. King Ian ruled over the nation, but in August of 63, he received news that an army was moving up from Anglia. Initially, he could not believe that the staunch allies of Avalon were marching on his nation. But when the official declaration of war reached Lindisfarne, he took action. With Prince Eofric who had been in the city talking with the locals, he gathered a little over 2000 men in the fields of Northumbria. And to get that many, he had to strip the crews from several light warships. Nonetheless, they prepared to meet the Avalon army. Ian distributed his troops among the four forts set up in the homeland.

By the next month, the Avalonians came into view. Outnumbered around 3:1, Ian and Eofric fought valiantly. But valor would not be enough to win the day. The Durham forces were forced to flee into the city, with only a couple of hundred cavalry left. Both the King and prince survived the vicious fighting. The enemy had taken about 1000 casualties compared to almost 3000 for the defenders. But Lindisfarne was not a safe haven, for the city lacked any walls. The Avalon forces entered the city and seized control after some brief fighting. Both Durham leaders were able to escape by sea to the North with the royal family. With the loss of the capital, the region of Fjordane lowered its relationship with the Kingdom.

While this had been going on, Earl Engelbert had been preaching the word of DOG to the recalcitrant Lothians. The Lothian people rose up against Engelbert and took him prisoner, and he dropped from sight. At the same time, Prince Eomund, the heir, was able to persuade a few key nobles that they should support the Kingdom. But will this be enough? Finally, Earl Robert Guilford traveled to GLOD, where he researched numerous topics, but was unable to find anything new in the halls of the library.

Dark times, indeed, for the Kingdom of Durham.
 

THE GREEN TRIBE - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Arthur

Diplomacy: none

As one of the last holdouts of European Paganism, The Green Tribe was a bastion of paganism. The Kingdom had been visited in the distant past by the DOG church, but there was no incentive to convert. But now King Arthur felt the time was right. Perhaps the conflicts on the mainland forced him to realize it was only a matter of time before both OD and DOG alike looked to the Island nation as a target. Or perhaps he was struck with a sense of the true faith. Regardless, Arthur declared that the Green Tribe would forever more follow the Druidic teachings.

This was greeted warmly throughout the Kingdom, except where Arthur least expected to see opposition, his own family. For the royals were split between fanatical paganism and Druidism. In the end, Princes Andrew and Keven left the Kingdom in the middle of the night, swearing to continue to practice the pagan ways, becoming mercenaries. Lord Keven also left the service of the King.

Not discouraged by their departures, the King ruled over the island. He initiated construction of a royal road between Waterford and the region of Munster. He also gave his 24 year old son a role in court.
 

THE KINGDOM OF GRANADA - Druids of the Olde Gods

King Corum

Diplomacy: none

King Corum ruled his nation from his capital in Ipo. He named the young son of old King Alasayo as heir to the throne upon his reaching 15 years old. The King spent time with his wife, and the Queen gave birth to a daughter in year 63 and a son in year 64.

General Tabor V was given command of the national army, and sent to Catalonia to await the possible coming of the Cuman Horde. He waited and waited, but time passed and no horde appeared.
 

THE KINGDOM OF LOMBARDY - Roman Catholic

King Odotheus

Diplomacy: Tuscany (fa)

The Kingdom of Lombardy began the difficult task of rebuilding following the Civil War. Anxious about the horde to the South, King Odotheus sent messengers. They were well received, and a deal was struck. The Cuman passed through the Western portion of the Kingdom, leaving a small amount of gold, and a mutual defense treaty was signed with the Cuman King (as he was now called). Odotheus was nonetheless thankful when the horde passed over the mountains into France.

The King briefly voyaged to Romagna and Verona to deliver a portion of his army to Prince Braga. He then returned to the capital to rule over the nation. A wife was chosen from the eligible noble women of Tuscany. Unfortunately, the couple had no children as of yet. Prince Braga took the soldiers to the city of Trieste, where he signed a cross border treaty with the Bavarians in the name of King Odotheus, and then kept watch over the city. When the region revolted from the Bavarians, Braga's presence allowed the city to remain in Bavarian control.

Lords Teodorico and Rictovarus went to Tuscany. After selecting a suitable wife for the King, they spent a number of months talking politics with the locals. They were well received, and the region swore fealty to the Lombards.
 

 THE SULTANATE OF MORROCO - Roman Catholic

Sultan Ghalib

Diplomacy: Baelerics (drop to c), Annaba (nt)

There was a great deal of secular leaning in the Sultanate, fueled by Sultan Ghalib sending the RC priests out to downplay the role of religion in the day to day lives of the people. This succeeded in making Morroco a less pious nation as a whole. A new port city, Cimbar was built in Tunisia, and the Sultan defended the realm.

Outside the capital, however, things did not go so well. Sheik Abdullah was able to gain some status in the city of Annaba, but Prince Zaahir did not do well in the Baeleric Isles. In fact, the slow decline in relationship between the Sultanate and the Isles took a marked turn for the worse when the local leadership were only willing to consider Morroco's claim to the region.

Despite the heir overseeing the day to day running of the government, there was some dissent from the peripheral regions, but all remained quiet for now. The heir and his wife were unsuccessful in attempts to have children.
 

THE ISLAND KINGDOM OF SICILY - Roman Catholic

King Axeres II

Diplomacy: Corsica (a); Calabria (liberated)

To say that the Island Kingdom had fallen on hard times was an understatement. Yet, King Axeres II knew that the Sicilian spirit would overcome these obstacles. To begin, both the King and Lord Palermo went to Corsica. There, they arranged a marriage between the King's 16 year old sister and one of the local leaders. They then began an intensive effort to bring the region into the fold. They were able to establish an alliance with the Corsicans.

There was much rejoicing throughout the Kingdom when the Cuman Horde left the Italian peninsula, freeing the Calabrians and returning them to Sicilian control.
 

THE KINGDOM OF PUNT - Oracle of Delphi

King Nashish, the Lion

Diplomacy: Sabae (t), Suakin (t)

The gallows continued to be active in Zeila, as King Nashish used his royal powers to put down any possible dissent. One of the most supportive followers of his "hang them early and often" philosophy was Lord Shekalek. It is for this reason that the events that unfolded were so surprising. The King had sent Shekalek off to Adulis on a diplomatic mission. He had also sent Prince Falilikish to Sabae to find a wife and bring the old capital city back into the fold. In this he was successful, gaining tribute from the city. Similarly, Prince Baki gained tribute from the region of Suakin. But while they were off following their orders, a series of major decisions were made by the King.

First, an effort to begin intensively cultivating the region of Mansura was begun. Next, the King decreed that the Kingdom would begin efforts to rid itself of slave labor. This was met with overwhelming approval from the Oracle in Delphi, but Shekalek was a large landowner, and had numerous slaves. He realized that the King was serious about ending slavery in the Kingdom. Seeking to drum up support, he traveled to Danakil, where he met with the Heir. Falilikish quickly realized that Shekalek was planning a coup, and he ordered him arrested. When Shekalek was brought before King Nashish, the King looked at him with a cruel grin and ordered him hanged alongside the lowliest criminals in the Kingdom. His body was then set adrift so that his soul would not find refuge in the land of his birth. All of his first degree relatives then had their throats slit and all second degree relatives were blinded with hot pokers. Nashish personally witnessed each punishment being meted out.

When not overseeing such horrors, the King ruled the nation. He spent some time training a number of infantry to reconstitute the infamous Punt Buffaloes. He also ordered his newest henchman, Khemet to go to Mansura. Khemet was an Egyptian who had impressed the King with his military prowess. Khemet was to be Nashish's hand in Mansura, being ordered to settle loyal Punt veterans into the existing city of Lashikopolis to make the city friendly to the Kingdom. He then spent time negotiating with the people of the region.
 

THE KINGDOM OF IFE - African Pagan

Torga, regent for King Bu 'wagu II, Lord of the Niger

Diplomacy: none

Torga, Regent for Bu'wagu II, was nervous about the fighting that had raged over the last many years. This concern was heightened when he received the declaration of war from the North. Despite these concerns, both Outreach and North Gate increased in size. Torga and Lord Grotara traveled to Nupe briefly before returning to the capital. Upon his return, Torga ruled the nation. Reports began filtering in about high ranking Timbuktu nationals moving through both Yoruba and Oyo. They were watched, but no arrests were made. Grotara was kept on high alert. But despite the expectation of a military incursion but none came.

While there was no Timbuktu invasion, there was significant fighting in the region of Nupe. It seems that the minority Madregaists had risen up against the pagan majority with roving gangs of MD peasants breaking into Pagan homes and killing the occupants. There was a huge outcry from the AFB majority and religious conflicts arose throughout the region. When the garrison troops were able to regain control, the Pagans had killed thousands of Madregaists, shifting the religious balance further towards African Paganism.

More concerning was an event that took place in the royal residence. Bu'wagu II was cared for by numerous caregivers and slaves. One morning, one of the nursemaids came across a gruesome scene. A number of the attendant slaves had been brutally murdered. Of the 10 year old King there was no sign. After an exhaustive search, the boy was found hiding in a laundry basket. He told of a man who broke into the room. His attendants had hid him, then fought the intruder. After slaying them all, the would-be assassin searched for Bu'wagu II, but could not find him. He left minutes before the nursemaid had entered. The alarm was raised, but by that time who ever it was was long gone. The guards in the palace were tripled, and tension in the capital mounted.
 

THE MADREGAIST CHURCH - Madregaist

Primate Tuhara

Diplomacy:  Ghana (mn), Galan (ab)

There are only few more beloved in Sub-Saharan Africa than Tuhara. One other could reasonably be Haratu. Haratu was the second most important man in the Madregaist Church. And he continued a string of successes in spreading the word. In traveling to Ghana and Galan, he was able to erect structures that would demonstrate the Church's faithfulness to the Earth Mother.

Tuhara took on the more dangerous task. He traveled into the desert to meet with the Arauane tribesmen. Here he preached the MD faith. And although he was not successful in converting any of the heathens, unlike other outsiders, he was not physically attacked and driven from the desert. Tuhara lived with the Arauane people for many months.

The wars between the secular powers continued to the South, but the MD Church focused its energies in the North. Many minor priests journeyed to the Seahold of Takrur, where they spent time promoting the Church teachings and rallying the people behind Tuhara. In an effort to supplement the church coffers, grain was sold to Timbuktu. In addition, the Church granted the Timbuktu Kingdom numerous low level bureaucrats to help in the day to day running of that nation.
 

THE KINGDOM OF TIMBUKTU - Madregaist

King Lasaka Mansa, the Second

Diplomacy: Segu (hs)

King Lasaka Mansa knew that the fighting with its Southern neighbor had kept the Kingdom from flourishing to its fullest. But the enslavement of Madregaists had to be answered. The King issued a formal declaration of war against Ife. He also hired Wemusa of Takrur again. He ordered Wemusa to travel to the region of Oyo. Princess Minsa Mansa went to Yoruba briefly before returning to Cambuctu.

But while the Timbuktu leaders were journeying in enemy territory, General Dan visited the region of Segu. Segu, as you remember, had declared war on the Kingdom, and Lasaka Mansa hoped to calm tensions. Dan was successful at ending the war, however the people of Segu remained hostile to his further efforts.

The King gratefully accepted the MD Church's offer of governmental assistance in running the nation. The King also purchased grain from the Church.
 

THE SEAHOLD OF TAKRUR - Madregaist

King Sekani

Diplomacy: Galam (c)

King Sekani remarried a local woman. She gave birth to a son in year 64. The proud King continue to rule over his nation. He ordered more irrigation canals to be dug, in an attempt to further the conversion of the homeland into arable farmland. Prince Adama, the heir, also married, although his new wife has yet to bear children.

The King sent Prince Ngozi to Galam, where he laid claim to the region. Lord Barra made his way to Boure, where he was able to begin the process of converting pagans to Madregaism.