ANNOUNCEMENTS: New or changed from previous turn will be in red.
Max tax is set to 2.0.
Significant stuff not in use: Mercenaries, Religious Orders, Banks, Secret Empires.
An area's progress in metallurgy & literacy will be in green.
1. Coastal and river Settlements are now considered 0GPv ports - see Map Changes for details.
2. Nations whose diplomacy resulted in A status don't get those leaders until their BL=1.
3. See Basic Rules 2.14.4 Trade Route Status - some nations not adjacent can still land trade
by LTC.
4. My Stats program only accepts whole gp for University investment, and only stores whole
nfp left at end of turn.
Thracians Barbarian Bronzeworking Tribal
off map in northeast Balkans - not yet active
Illyrians Barbarian Bronzeworking Monarchy
Wilderness homeland 50% cultivated.
just activated; advanced in time to be "playable"
AVAILABLE FOR A PLAYER
Achaeans (Greeks) Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Greek as a language has been replaced with Hellenic (HEL) which will keep
separate Greeks the people.
Basileios, King of Achaeans
Basileios ordered a number of stone keeps built at strategic locations throughout Attica as well as adding
heavy infantry to the region's defense. He then traveled to Thessaly where he visited the lords for many
years, eating much mutton and drinking much wine. He gained a bride, a promise of tribute, and several stone
of weight.
His brother Artemon, a great warrior, was sent to parley with (disappointingly, since he'd rather conquer)
the scattered hill tribesmen of Epirus. Like his brother he offered himself in marriage, and like his
brother obtained a bride. However the suspicious hillmen would only agree to be feudal allies.
Taking his new wife from Epirus with him, he crossed into Serbia, the land equally rough but more populated.
(At least his bride was used to such terrain and didn't complain.) He spoke to the chiefs of closer relations
with the Achaeans, and won several duels when taunted as a "soft city man". Grudgingly the hillmen of
Serbia agreed the Greeks had some claim upon them.
Minoans Seafaring Bronzeworking Oligarchy
Labrys, First of the Council
Labrys, having guided the council of small Minoan city-states to concensus, ordered construction
of trading galleys plus another bireme for defense. Trade was begun with all nations withing Seafaring range.
Agricultural land on Crete was improved with irrigation,
rain retention basins and graveled paths to towns, and surplus crops carefully stored for the future.
All that begun, he journeyed to the port of Phylakopi in the Kyklades Islands, meeting at length with that
city's leader. They took a liking to each other and the lord of Phylakopi swore fealty as a full ally to
the Minoans, offering his daughter Gonimotia in marriage to seal the deal. From there the newlyweds went to
the sparsely inhabited island of Kythera. There Labrys sought out the leaders of local clans while the lack
of palace comforts really annoyed Gonimotia. The suspicious clansmen only conceded that the Minoans may have
some claim to their island.
Meanwhile, Labrys's uncle (and trusted confidant) Diskliakos sailed
to the coastal settlement of Miletos. Meeting with its surprised elders, he urged them as co-religionists to
turn to Crete for protection. They agreed to pay tribute, and Diskliakos took as wife Estia, sister of
the settlement's greatful leader. The newlyweds departed for Cyprus, Disklaikos feeling pleased at his
accomplishment, but it wasn't to last. [see Luvians below]
Cyprus turned out to be a half-populated wilderness;
taking brides to awful places was apparently a Minoan tradition. Diskliakos made no progress, and Estia
made him sleep alone. And then he heard what happened at Miletos. He cursed the gods, and began drinking a
lot of inferior local wine.
Luvians Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Ithacai, King of the Luvians
Ithacai commanded that experienced shipwrights and carpenters be hired to work on improving the Luvians'
nautical ability. He also hired anyone with ideas about recording of words and numbers -
an ability rumored to exist further east. Next, he ordered
public gristmills and silos be built in rural areas to make the harvest more efficient. Lastly, he took
as wife the daughter of a powerful Ephesus family. She was the envy of all of society, since Ithacai was
handsome as a god. He was apparently as potent as well, siring a girl in 2130, another in 2129, twins (girl
and boy) in 2127 and another boy in 2126. His wife begged for no more.
Ithacai's more diplomatic brother Kyran headed south for Isauria, hanging around the court of its ruler for
years until just to make him leave the lord agreed to become an economic ally of the Luvians, and offered
up his sister as bride for Kyran. He (and his new wife) headed west to the coastal settlement of Miletos.
He found it already tributary to the Minoans, so spoke of the proximity of the Luvians to the settlement
versus the distance from Crete. Despite differences in language and religion, the elders understood and
reconsidered their previous agreement and, mopping nervous sweat from their foreheads decided the Minoans
only had at best a claim on them - and they were willing to hear more from Kyran.
City-State of Troy Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Imroz, King of Troy IV
Imroz also ordered the hiring of anyone with ideas about recording of words and numbers, plus discharged
Greek veterans of the conquest of Attica to improve the army. Being quite the
sweet talker, he set out for Paphlagonia with high hopes to discuss alliance and acquire a bride. He did both,
returning with an economic trade pact and a comely wife.
His younger brother Ezine, who never liked Imroz (the feeling was mutual) stayed behind, frequented the
taverns (being very good-looking, he had his pick of tavern wenches) and sired a number of bastards: twin boys
in 2129 (their mother was killed by a drunken sailor a few years later) and another son in 2126 (whose mother
is still alive).
AVAILABLE FOR A PLAYER
Hitties Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Labarna, King of the Hittites
Being obsessed with security, the King directed the construction of additional forts at key passes and fords,
and trained almost a thousand new infantry for the personal guard of his brother Hattusili. Traveling to
nearby Galatia, he approached the lords there for a treaty, offering himself in a marriage. By nature a
warrior, he was an anxious and impatient diplomat, and barely convinced the Galatians to become non-paying
tributary.
Simultaneously his younger brother Hattusili crossed into the harsh wilderness of Cappadocia, seeking out
the hill tribes for parley. Their silver mines made dealing with them acceptable (okay, he was something of
a snob). Despite marrying the daughter of a chieftan, the hillmen were indifferent to his words. Taking his
new wife with him to Vaspurakan proved beneficial; the hill tribesmen there didn't kill Hattusili outright since
she was of their religion, and ultimately they accepted a Hittite claim on their lands.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GREATER NILE VALLEY
(including Horn of Africa) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Knowledge of bronzeworking has not yet reached this area.
Literacy (hieroglyphics) exists only among the Egyptians.
Egyptian Priesthood Civilized Metalworking Theocracy
Menkaure, High Priest of Osiris
Menkaure, deciding the gods needed a greater presence outside the cities,
established a Temple Shrine in Lower Egypt, while High Priestess Hatshepsut did so in both Faiyum and Aswan.
The priests of the mortuary temples outside Abydos failed to create a shrine site in Mansura - the villagers
were creeped out by them.
currently NPN
Old Kingdom of Egypt (capital Memphis) Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Wadjkare, 1st King of the VIII Dynasty, favored of Ptah
Wadjkare ordered 20 light trading galleys built in the municipal shipyard, buildings constructed in the
rural areas to help with grain grinding and storage, and an extensive sewer system for urban Memphis. Those
activities begun, he supervised a census of everything, then ruled his kingdom, thinking wistfully of the
recent past when his ancestors ruled all of Egypt.
His cousin Bakenrenef was sent to nearby Mansura to negotiate with its Nomarch (regional governor) for a
treaty, offering a marriage to the King. The Nomarch accepted on behalf of his daughter
Henutwati, agreeing to an economic alliance. Bakenrenef (bringing an annoyed Henutwati with him) then tried
his luck with the lord of Heliopolis. He impressed the lord (perhaps it was
accompanying the lord to worship at the temple of Ra, patron god of the city) enough to make him a feudal ally.
City-State of Herakleopolis Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Akhtoy I, 1st King of the IX-X Dynasty, favored of Heryshef
At Akhtoy's command, trade was begun with all nations within range. Another thousand infantry were trained
for the city-state's defense, more irrigation ditches and wells dug in croplands, and investments were made.
in pretty much everything. Finally, the king put his
scribes to work taking a census of rural and urban population.
Akhtoy's cousin Nekhbet crossed the Nile into the burning desert of Ghebel Gharib and spoke at length with
the nomads there, eventually talking them into allowing passage of Herakleopolis armies and trade. That
transit assured, he met with the lord of Mersa Gawasis and proposed a marriage between the king and a local
noblewoman. The proposal was accepted and the port became an economic ally of Herakleopolis, giving the
kingdom the potential for trade routes in the Red Sea.
AVAILABLE FOR A PLAYER
City-State of Thebes Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Mentuhotep I, 1st King of the XI Dynasty, favored of Amun
Mentuhotep spent gold lavishly to educate more scribes and train more warriors to serve him. Ordering
his tactless but still useful brother Ipoti to conduct a census, Mentuhotep crossed the Nile to Upper
Egypt (accompanied by over 2,500 infantry) where they spent many years eating the local Nomarch's (regional
governor's) food and drinking his beer until the Nomarch, desperate to be rid of them, said he'd pay tribute
to Thebes. The king was feeling good about life (and overweight) until he received word of his brother's
scandalous behavior.
Meanwhile Ipoti managed to supervise the census, then began spending most of his time in a riverside
tavern of questionable repute. He became so besotted with a comely tavern wench that he married her (admittedly
he was pretty drunk at the time) to the shock of Theban high society. In late 2129 she birthed twins, a girl
and a boy. Trouble lay ahead.
Kingdom of Nubia Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Nubian as a language has been replaced with Nilo-Saharan (NLS) which will keep
separate Nubians the people.
The City-State of Kerma has been renamed (as historic) the Kingdom of Nubia.
Shabaqa, King of Nubia
King Shabaqa, wanting his kingdom to be literate like their long-time enemies the Egyptians, hired native
wise men and shamans to create glyphs for recording the Nilo-Saharan language. He also oversaw a vast
public works program in the countryside to boost the yields of wheat and barley, and initiated trade with
all nations along the Nile.
With all that begun, Shabaqa next saw to the continuance of his line, marrying Ayesha, a woman from a
powerful family in Kerma. She proved astonishingly fertile, bearing a boy in 2129, identical twin boys in
2128, and twins (girl & boy) in 2126. No wonder she was exhausted.
The King's younger brother Seb, a true "silver-tongued" orator, spent a year in Lower Nubia and talked
them into becoming feudal allies. Traveling upriver to the settlement of Napata, he repeated his success,
and again at the settlement of el-Kawa.
City-State of Meroe Barbarian Metalworking Tribal
Rufasa, Chief of Meroe
Rufasa, after due consultation with tribal elders, ordered trade begun with all nations downriver, and set
idle tribespeople to work clearing more land for cultivation. Skilled masons and stonecutters were ordered
to build a wall around Meroe - Rufasa thought it was far too vulnerable to river pirates or invaders. He also
sent his rather blunt-speaking brother Shendi
southward to negotiate with the tribes of Sennar. Shendi wasn't much of a diplomat, but caught the eye of the
young daughter of the strongest chief, one thing lead to another; and he married her as well as persuading
Sennar to pay tribute to Meroe.
AVAILABLE FOR A PLAYER
Land of Punt Barbarian Metalworking Tribal
Red Sea area has been eliminated; Land of Punt has been moved to Greater Nile
Valley.
Kama Agala of Punt
Kama Agala, fifteen and suddenly a chief upon the suspicious death of his father during a hunting trip, took
counsel of
the tribal wise men. Punt's most urgent need was a reliable food supply, so all availble civilians plus
over a thousand demobilized military were put to work completing the conversion of the Danakil wilderness
into productive farmland.
The king sent his cousin Makale, around whom he'd never felt comfortable, away to Zeila for a treaty. Makale
went grudgingly, but stayed many years (which suited each of the cousins just fine) and eventually obtained
both a bride for Kama Agala and an economic alliance with the tribal chiefs.
AVAILABLE FOR A PLAYER
Literacy (cuneiform) exists throughout Greater Mesopotamia except
the Red Sea coast of Arabia.
Sabaeans Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Red Sea area has been eliminated; The Sabaeans have been moved to Greater
Mesopotamia.
Hajr I, King of Sa'na
Hajr, realizing literacy was the key to progress, hired any who had exposure to writing, and invested in
a center of learning in Sa'na. In the surrounding lands more wells were dug, and retention basins to catch
rainfall and channel it to fields. Bringing all warriors under his personal command, he then set about
ruling his kingdom.
Hajr's younger brother Kainan visited Abyan on a very lengthy diplomatic mission. Fortunately he was
the very definition of charming (thus the nomads did not tire of his presence) as well as a smooth talker;
the tribesmen became full allies of the
Sabaeans and Kainan gained as a bride Haubas, the daughter of a powerful chief.
City-State of Hazor Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Jabin I, King of Hazor
Jabin I ordered an extensive program of rural improvements and investments into all fields of study and
recruitment. Leaving the defense of the realm in the hands of his brash nephew Sisera, the king traveled
to Caanan and met with its lord Paebel to discuss a marriage and alliance. They took an instant liking to each
other; the lord's daughter Donatiya marrying Jabin and Paebel becoming a full ally of Hazor.
Jabin (and a pouting Donatiya) next headed to the harsher lands of Petra for a brief diplomatic visit. The
nomads there
were skeptical of a city-dweller, and only grudgingly conceded Hazor may have some claim on their loyalty.
Left behind (but okay with it as he had NO patience for bargaining) Sisera oversaw a census of the kingdom,
then drilled its army with zest.
City-State of Ugarit Civilized Bronzeworking Oligarchy
Niqmaddu, First of the Council
Niqmaddu directed the expansion of the army, initiation of trade with all nations within range, and a
massive public works program to boost agricultural production. All that set in progress, he married a daughter
of a local noble family. He sired a son in 2128, twins (boy & girl) in 2127 and another son in 2126. The
populace rejoiced in the fertility of the "First Couple" - surely it meant the gods favored them, and by
extension, their people. (Niqmaddu's wife prayed to the gods she was done.) The inhabitants of Ugarit
were so inspired that the city experienced a population explosion.
Meanwhile Ibiranu, Second of the Council, conducted a census of the city-state, then took to frequenting
the dockside taverns and brothels once it was completed, becoming a familiar figure staggering home in the
early morning hours.
Kingdom of Subartu Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Anu, King of Subartu
King Anu ordered a multitude of investments as well as construction of mills and silos to assist agriculture.
He then saw to the defense of the Realm.
His uncle Argh, the greatest swordmaster of his people (but with a name clearly a jest of the gods) was
sent (to his disappointment as he'd rather
be leading an army) on a diplomatic mission to Carhae. Given the differences in language and religion, his
overtures were dismissed by the pastoral nomads. However in Edessa he received a friendly reception from the
hill tribes who appreciated a good fighter, and discussions held among the sacred Gobekli Tepe monoliths
(an extraordinary honor) resulted in them paying tribute to Subartu.
Mesopotamian Priesthood Civilized Bronzeworking Theocracy
Shuruppak, High Priest of Innana (Ishtar) at Uruk
Shuruppak, deciding the gods needed a greater presence outside the cities,
established Temple Shrines in Hahmar and Mesopotamia, while High Priestess Salabikh (who bent men to her
will like a storm does reeds) did so in both Kuwait
and Abadan. Both traveled escorted by battle carts; the intent to awe the rural folk was quite successful.
Much gold was spent hoping to hire scribes, educate priests and train the temple guards.
CURRENTLY NPN
City-State of Assur Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Ashur-Uballit, favored of Ashur
Ashur-Uballit expanded the army by over a thousand men, including battle carts, plus ordered irrigation
ditches, wells and ponds dug to improve crop yield. He oversaw a census of the kingdom, then married a
noblewoman of Mosul, who bore him twin daughters in 2129 and a sickly son ("cursed by the gods, this one,"
muttered the midwife) in 2127.
His younger brother saw to the defense of the Realm and the prosperity of upscale brothels.
AVAILABLE FOR A PLAYER
City-State of Kish Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Nannia, last King of the V Dynasty, favored of Zababa
King Nannia expanded the army, adding infantry, skirmishers and archers, plus enough battle carts to nearly
strip Mesopotamia of its onagers. He then gathered his formidable army under his personal command, and
supervised his scribes taking a census of his extensive holdings.
The king's nephew Jushur crossed the Euphrates into Circis and spent nearly 5 years there (way beyond
wearing out his welcome, you'd think). While slight of build, not a warrior, he was an amazingly skilled
orator, and despite religious differences
talked the local lord into giving him his daughter in marriage, and Circis becoming a full ally to Kish.
City-State of Uruk Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Ur-Nigina, 1st King of the IV Dynasty, favored of Inanna
The king ordered improvements to the agricultural areas, another thousand heavy infantry equipped and a
unit of battle carts trained. Investments were made in all aspects of the military,
Mesopotamia being a dangerous place. Trade overland or by river was begun with all nations possible.
With all going to plan, Ur-Nigina gathered his army and together with his more diplomatic nephew Ur-gigir
crossed into Abadan and thence to Lagash to parley with
its monarch, Ur-Babba. Arriving at the same time was Elulu, brother to the King of Ur, also to meet with
that city-state's ruler. It was an awkward moment. [see Lagash below]
After all was settled, everyone returned to Uruk. Ur-gigir's wife bore him a son in 2126, but while
Ur-Nigina enjoyed himself, he had no luck yet siring children.
City-State of Ur Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Ur-Nammu, 1st King of the III Dynasty, favored of Nanna
At Ur-Nammu's word another thousand infantry were trained, grain stored for lean times, and public
fountains built in Ur. Collecting all military under his command, he defended his kingdom.
The king's brother Elulu was sent to on a diplomatic mission to Lagash, but upon arriving found the King
of Uruk and his nephew also there for the same reason. It was an awkward moment. [see Lagash below]
In 2128 Elulu moved on to Selucia, where he offered himself in marriage for an alliance. The strongest
steppe chieftan accepted on behalf of his young daughter, and became a feudal ally.
A brief visit to the burning desert of As'summan (accompanied by a very unhappy bride) proved useless
in persuading the nomads there to even listen to him. Different languages and religions added to the problem.
He returned to Ur with his Selucian wife, intro- ducing her to the royal court.
City-State of Lagash Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Ur-Babba, King of Lagash, favored of Bau The King ordered irrigation ditches and public wells dug to boost agriculture, and
trade begun with Lagash's neighbors. The King was about
to conduct a census when King Ur-Nigina of Uruk and his nephew arrived on a surprise state visit, as well as
Elulu, brother of the King of Ur, also on a state visit. Deligating the census to his cousin, and telling
him to keep the army alert, the king began the three-cornered diplomacy.
Elulu offered the King of Ur in marriage to a Lagash woman of noble blood.
Ur-gigir offered the King of Uruk in marriage to a Lagash woman of noble blood ... as well as himself in
a marriage to a second noblewoman. King Ur-Babba of Lagash said this offer worth far more in
terms of bringing the city-states together, and accepted it. The nearby presence of the Uruk army of almost
6,000, including heavy infantry and battle carts, whose campfires could be seen
from the city walls, was a significant consideration too. Ur-Babba was smiling, but it did not
reach his eyes, and nervous sweat shown upon his face as he
agreed to pay tribute to Uruk. In turn, he retained authority within his own lands. (This was actually a
very common arrangement in Mesopotamia as the fortunes of city-states rose and fell. Today's cringing vassal
may well be tomorrow's triumphant overlord.)
In 2128 he took a local noblewoman to wife (becoming by marriage a sort-of brother-in-law to Ur-Nigina of
Uruk, there being only so many noble families with eligible daughters) and sired a daughter and a son.
AVAILABLE FOR A PLAYER
Traders of Dilmun Seafaring Bronzeworking Oligarchy
Jafar, First of the Council
Jafar ordered a fleet of trade galleys built at the city's arsenal and improvements to the island's rainwater
retention system. Next he put the palace scribes to work counting everyone and everything. Trade
was ordered initiated with all nations within range of the Seafaring city-state.
Peaceful tasks in motion, in 2129 Jafar took five galleys and a thousand infantry and soon arrived at
Magan, a coastal settlement in Oman, to the astonishment of the fishermen and merchants. Lacking walls, or
even a militia, the settlement quickly surrendered at Jafar's demand.
Feeling pretty satisfied, Jafar next
met with the Omani tribal elders. As dwellers of the scrub and hot sands, they were contemptuous of him as
a soft city man. When he had neither an advantageous marriage or gold to offer, they became enraged. Jafar
was fortunate to have a sizable infantry force with him or he may well have been killed. Shaken, and having
heard the men of Dubai were even harsher and more unyielding,
Jafar opted to return to Dilmun to reconsider his plans.
Meanwhile Mansour, the hulking Sword of the Council (think Gregor Clegane from Game of Thrones) had
taken five galleys, loaded them with skirmishers and raided both Mand and Bandar. Both wilderness regions
were inhabited by impoverished hill tribes, and the raiders stole most of what little they had. However,
this proved merely the warm-up exercise.
Stopping by Magan in 2129 to acquire Jafar's galleys for additional capacity, Mansour boldly sailed up the
Tigris and slave-raided
the Ahvaz wilderness, making off with several hundred prime tribesmen & -women. Next the Sword returned to
Mand, then Bandar, this time for slaves rather than gold. Between the two regions a few hundred
more natives were kidnapped. (In a wilderness with few or no public works, population density
is low and the pickings are slim.) Mansour returned to Dilmun with less gold and people than he'd hoped,
but having savored every moment.
Kingdom of Elam Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Kutik-Inshushinak, King of Elam
The king ordered the capital of Susa expanded, making it the equal of the Sumerian cities. Next he brought
much of the army under his personal command, then ruled his kingdom.
His nephew Ukku-Tanhish hoped to lead an army in conquest, but was instead told to conduct a nationwide
census. Petulant but obediant, he did so, then found solace in consuming many amphoras of wine.
Kingdom of Gutia Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Erridupizir, King of Gutium
Erridupizier, realizing one cannot live on plunder alone, initiated a massive public works program in
Media, extending irrigation ditches, building hostels and wells for travelers, and gristmills and silos for
grain processing. While that was starting he kept scribes busy conducting a census of the population.
In 2129 he journeyed to Persia (although it was before Persians) and offered himself as husband to a
not-Persian noblewoman. The locals were agreeable and became feudal allies.
Meanwhile his very unattractive younger brother Kaveh headed west into Diyala, speaking the local lords of
alliance and offering a lot of gold. Wisely he did not offer marriage as most winced upon beholding
his bent posture (think Edward III), milky eye and dragging club foot. The differences in language and
religion led to inadvertant insults, suggesting his host's ancestors mated with onagers. Worse, the lord he
was attempting to bribe was
one of the few honest rulers in all Mesopotamia and with barely-contained fury ordered Kaveh and his
retainers escorted to the border.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ OXUS
VALLEY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Knowledge of bronzeworking has not yet reached this area.
Literacy has not yet reached this area.
City-State of Namazgadepe Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Jamaspa, King of Namazgadepe
King Jamaspa saw to the strengthening of regional defenses, then left his brother Frasaostra to administer
the city-state and set out on a whirlwind diplomatic tour.
First was Bactria, offering himself in marriage, plus gold to sweeten the deal. Alas, the Bactrian
lord was not impressed and rejected his offer, as did the lord of Bokhara the following year.
Heading to Khwarzim with shaken self-esteem and out of gold, he tried again. The most influential nomad
chief took a liking to him, accepted the offer for his
daughter Freni, and agreed to pay tribute as well. Jamaspa and bride returned to
Namazgadepe early in 2127; at year's end with difficulty she delivered a son, but died soon after. He
cursed the gods.
Frasaostra waited a couple years for the King to send back a bride for him once he'd gotten one of his
own, then gave up and married a woman from a local noble family. She proved quite fertile, producing a boy
and then two girls.
City-State of Gonur Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Oir Karnesh, King of Gonur
King Karnesh ordered a major increase in public works to further the productivity of the cultivated land.
That underway, he and his brother Uxra crossed the river into the harsh steppe of Kophat Dagh, the King
seeking out the pastoral nomads there while Uxra followed the trade route to Merv.
The King proposed marriage between himself and the daughter of the main tribal chief; the chief accepted
and became a feudal ally. As this was happening, Uxra was making the same offer to the leader of the
Merv settlement. Astonished and flattered, the leader agreed, becoming a full ally of Gonur.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ INDUS
VALLEY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Literacy (glyphs) exists throughout the Indus Valley civilization.
City-State of Harappa Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Yashodharman, King of Harappa
Yashodharman ordered the drafting and equipping of almost 5,000 new infantry and skirmishers, to be placed
under the command of his younger brother Asoka. The king then
traveled to the City-State of Rupar, where he met with its ruler King Rupawalla for very
lengthy diplomatic talks. [see Rupar below]
Asoka, mixing veterans from the garrisons among the recruits to bolster their confidence, led an impressive
army of
over 9,000 infantry and skirmishers north into Und. Some hard fighting crushed the local militia and
killed its war chief, leading to a wounded survivor labelling Asoka "the Feared", and it stuck.
Installing a lesser Und chieftan as proxy ruler, Asoka the Feared by 2128 had invaded sparsely inhabited
Afghanistan. Its badly outnumbered tribal warriors were wiped out at neglible cost to the disciplined
Harappans. A local sycophant was appointed satrap and the general headed further southwest into Hazarajat,
curious if killing Elamo-Dravidian pagans would be as satisfying as killing Asiatic pagans.
It was, and again a local was put in charge, fawning and promising tribute. Asoka and his now seasoned
army returned the way they came, their march in 2126 through Punjab to Harappa being an almost continuous
triumphal procession.
City-State of Rupar Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Rupawalla, King of Rupar
The militaristic Rupawalla ordered 2,000 warriors trained and given over to his equally warlike nephew
Sahiwalla. Much was invested in trying to produce a harder metal than copper. The King was about
to conduct a census when King Yashodharman of Harappa arrived on a surprise state visit, and so the census
was delegated to Sahiwalla.
Yashodharman was no great warrior, but did have quite the agile mind for diplomacy.
Negotiations between the kings lasted for years (seriously, wouldn't someone wear out their welcome at
some point?) but eventually Rupawalla was talked into becoming a feudal ally of Harappa. However, being a
king he retained authority within his own lands.
Meanwhile Sahiwalla, having completed this census, in 2129 led three thousand infantry and skirmishers
across the border into neighboring Sukkur. His strength limited by his uncle's decision to
keep strong forces home on defense, Sahiwalla required two years to pacify the region. Leaving a garrison,
he returned home victorious with a thousand prisoners in chains, amused by the cries
of shuffling slaves.
OPEN FOR A PLAYER
City-State of Ganweriwala Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Chandra the Magnificent, King of Ganweriwala
The incredibly handsome Chandra tore himself away from his concubines long enough to order the defenses
of the region increased, various improvements to boost agricultural production, and sundry investments.
His teen son Kosavari, growing up to be equally charasmatic (and already experienced in trysts with
court lovelies) conducted a census of the kingdom.
In 2129 father and son headed south to Edrosia where their combined diplomatic skills netted a local
noblewoman bride for the king and a minor alliance with the lords. Repeating the effort in the city of
Chanhu-Daro resulted in a bride for Kosavari and an economic alliance.
OPEN FOR A PLAYER
City-State of Mohenjo-Daro Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Akbar Karzai, King of Mohenjo-Daro
Akbar commanded a fleet of light trade galleys be built in the city's dockyards, fields irrigated and
public gristmills constructed. A census was taken of his kingdom's population, and trade approved with
nearby city-states. With the realm prosperous, the king took as wife a noblewoman from a local family.
For the first two years there were no children and the local priests directed the people to pray for
the royal couple. Apparently it worked, for twin boys were born in 2127 and a daughter
in 2126.
The king's cousin Hakim meanwhile crossed the mountains into rugged Ghazni and met with the local
chiefs. His words, accompanied by gold, resulting in them becoming feudal allies. Again crossing mountains,
this time westward into the dry steppe of Registan, only Hakim's honeyed oratory (all the more
impressive as he'd had to learn their language really quickly) persuaded
the nomads to admit Mohenjo-Daro had some claim to their allegiance, rather than killing him as they
generally did to envoys who annoyed them.
Traders of Dholavira Seafaring Bronzeworking Oligarchy
Harshal, First of the Council
Harshal ordered a fleet of trade galleys built at the city's shipyards and rowers hired. He then conducted
a census to better extract tax revenue. Trade
was ordered initiated with all nations within range of the Seafaring city-state.
Tanish, Sword of the Council, awaited orders which never came. Blunt-spoken and scarred from duels, he
became something of a recluse on his estate.
City-State of Lothal Seafaring Bronzeworking Monarchy
Abar ap Zed, King of Lothal
Abar ap Zed ordered the city expanded with excess rural population, then took a census of his kingdom to
know the proper numbers to tax. Trade
was ordered initiated with all nations within range of the Seafaring city-state.
Meanwhile his cousin, the famed (well, in Lothal) warrior Ben ap Yed, traveled to the dry Jats steppe to deal
with its pastoralists. He offered marriages to both himself and the King. After discussion the tribal chiefs
accepted, offering up a pair of surplus daughters, and agreeing to pay tribute.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ GANGES
VALLEY ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Knowledge of bronzeworking has not yet reached this area.
Literacy has not yet reached this area.
City-State of Hastinapura Barbarian Metalworking Monarchy
Lakhimpur, King of Hastinapura While Lakhimpur ruled his kingdom, his persuasive younger brother spent years
in the court of the lord of Tarain, overcoming differences is language, religion. His offer of his King
taking a local noblewoman as queen was accepted, and Tarain agreed henceforth to pay tribute. Meanwhile
work continued on cultivating the wilderness around Hastinapura.
At the end of 2126 the royal couple were blessed with a son.
OPEN FOR A PLAYER
City-State of Atranjikhera Barbarian Metalworking Monarchy
Kali-Ra, King of Atranjikhera
Kali-Ra, more a warrior than a diplomat, headed north to Kampilya in Rajput. He spoke with the astonished
leader of that settlement, offering
himself in marriage to a local noblewoman. The offer was accepted, the girl lucky to get a handsome husband
(hey, political marriages spouses can be hideous) and her father becoming an economic ally.
Meanwhile the king's cousin Nadi-Sim headed south to Avanti, also marrying a lucky noblewoman but making less
progress than the king. Both he and Kali-Ra returned to Atranjikhera with their brides late in 2126.
City-State of Kaushambi Barbarian Metalworking Monarchy
Kusa, King of Kaushambi
Leaving his older cousin Jagdish to rule in his absence, Kusa crossed the river to Juanpor and met with the
local lords. Known as Golden Tongue for his persuasiveness, he convinced them to become feudal allies without
any offer of marriage, thus preserving Kaushambi's value for later alliances.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SOUTHERN
INDIA (Indian subcontinent south of Vindhya Mountain range, plus Ceylon)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Knowledge of bronzeworking has not yet reached this area.
Literacy has not yet reached this area.
Kingdom of Chera Barbarian Metalworking Monarchy
Nedum Cheralathan, King of Chera
King Nedum saw to the strengthing of city defenses, then set out with his younger brother Kumatturk on a
lengthy diplomatic trip, starting with Pandya. They offered a marriage between the king and a local noblewoman,
which was accepted, and the region became a feudal ally.
The brothers and Nedum's bride headed north to Gangas, finding Neolithic-level tribes, and offering Palaik
(who was just thrilled at the prospect when he could've had his pick of court lovlies) as husband for
a powerful
tribal chieftan's daughter. Despite differences in language and religion, the brothers' joint effort convinced
the tribesmen to become economic allies.
Moving west into Malabar along with both brides, Nedum and Kumatturk again overcame language differences
(without insulting anyone) and persuaded the local lord to become a feudal ally.
Returning home to Muciri in early 2126, both brothers sired daughters born within days of each other.
Kingdom of Chola Barbarian Metalworking Monarchy
Ellalan Chola, King of Chola King Ellalan ordered the army's skirmishers to trade in their slings and javelins
for picks and shovels. Augmented by drafted city folk, they finished cultivation of the Cholan wilderness
by 2126.
With that underway, the King departed for the Madurai steppe to convince its nomads to join
his kingdom. Unfortunately, due to differences in language and religion little progress was made.
Continuing north to Vengi, to the pastoral nomads there he included an offer of royal
marriage to himself. The offer was accepted but again little progress was made. He'd picked up enough
Elamo-Dravidian by then to recognize the derisive "soft" and "city man" among the tribal elders' words.
Meanwhile, the King's handsome cousin Ilametcenni took ship to Seylan, finding it inhabited by Neolithic-level
tribes. He offered himself as husband (to the horror of his noble retainers)
to the strongest chief's daughter, and the offer was accepted, the tribes became economic allies. Ilametcenni
then continued on to Sri-Lanka, bringing his new wife along, and met with the locals, but this time made no
progress.
Barbarian Bronzeworking Tribal
Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Seafaring Bronzeworking Oligarchy
Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Civilized Metalworking Theocracy
Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Civilized Bronzeworking Theocracy
Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Civilized Metalworking Monarchy
Civilized Bronzeworking Monarchy
Barbarian Metalworking Monarchy