Pre-Game Start

Pre-Game Start Lords of the Earth

The Rise of the Classical World

260-256 B.C. Turn 1

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Turn Cost- $5.00

If you reach a point of owing $10 without speaking to me about arranging a payment I will be holding your turn until you speak to me about it and arrange payment. This will not matter until next turn, but I do not want to be a bad guy so please at least speak to me. Thanks.

Rule Book:

We will be using 5.10.0 for the base rules of the game.

Heirs:

Although it was not common there were some female leaders of nations. But this was very rare as most men of the time would have trouble following the directions of a woman no matter how strong or talented. So I will not disallow the use of women as heirs, BUT know that there is a chance your nation will not take kindly to one of the gentler sex leading a nation.

AUTO-RULE:

Auto-rule is on for now. I am not sure how long I will keep it on. It will be removed on Turn 10.

Megalithic Constructions:

To build any Megalithic Construct you must have a Tech level that is at least 2 levels higher then what you are trying to do.

Example: The Kiel Canal from Skaggerack to the North Sea is a level 1 Megalithic Construction. So Denmark, who just reached Tech 3, can now build it. This is only the base cost. Any multipliers for region or something else are not counted in the Tech level requirement.

*Note: The Grand Canal of China is not really there. I will be removing it from the map. When the nations in China reach Tech 5 they can replace it.

Cultivation:

For any region to be made cultivated you must be at least Tech 4. For those regions that are capable of being C2 you must have a Tech level of 6+. Cultivation is a level 1 Megalithic Construction which is modified by the regional cost.

Example: Macedonia, a Tech 4 nation, decides to cultivate their lands. Since Macedonia is a Wilderness region and they are Civilized they have to do a level 1 construction with a multiplier of 1.5 for a civilized nation operating in a wilderness area. This costs 38 NFP (25 * 1.5 = 37.5 and you Round up to 38) and 75 GP (50 * 1.5 = 75).

Feudal Leaders and Allied Leaders:

Feudal leaders only receive a Combat stat. You may call them up to defend your nation or fight for you, but they are not willing to do anything other then assure the mutual defense and well-fare of your combined areas. Allied leaders receive all the stats and can do pretty much any action. If you assign them to Diplomacy the action will be for your nation but they will not be able to get the region about Allied level.

Troop Conversions

Infantry (500 men = 1 point), Cavalry (500 men = 1 point), Siege Engineers (500 men = 1 point), Warships (2 ships = 1 point), Transports (2 ships = 1 point).

North Asia Mercs: Merc Leader:

Qin Empire

Zhaoxiangwang, Prince of the Qin

Diplomacy: None

Zhaoxiangwang began the years preparing for the wars to come. For too long the Chinese people had been separated by the old feudal boundaries, and he was determined to unite them under the leadership of the Qin. This of course meant his leadership. He gave 5000 light cavalry to Prime Minster Lu Buwei and ordered him to loot through the heartland of the Chu while he marched his army with the aid of the Wei to target the eastern edges of the Chu Empire.

And with that he was off. When he reached the borders of the Wei he was shocked to find that the Wei had not provided the guides or the troops that he had been promised. Quickly determining that this was little more then a minor set back to his plans, he ordered a march through the mountains into Funio before turning east once more and marching the massed army of the Qin into Tangchou. The region was seemingly devoid of Chu troops and the minor resistance of the region was easily destroyed by the Qin in pacifying the region. It was so easy that the Qin did not even bother to garrison the region on their way through.

After passing through Tangchou, Zhaoxiangwang led his troops into the rich region of Anhui. There they met the first serious resistance as the region quickly fell before them and they lined up before the walled city of Souchun. Looking up at the walls that seemed small compared to the massed army that stood before it Zhaoxianwang was surprised to see that the city seemed to have no real guardians. Only peasants of the city lined its walls and his cavalry reported that no aid was near. Zhaoxiangwang barely paused to consider this before ordering the assault on the city to begin. After only a day of setting up troops, it became evident that the leader of the Souchun milita lacked any battle experience. He heavily favored one side with his defenses and failed to understand the importance of the siege engineers which the Qin had brought to his walls. Using a small faint with his cavalry, Zhaoxiangwang was able to pull even more forces away from the western wall of the cities. At which time his siege engineers let loose a volley from their catapults which weakened the poor defenses of the city as the Qin heavy infantry surged against the outer walls. Within an hour the Qin and breached the outer wall and the city soon surrendered.

As Zhaoxiangwang rode into the newly conquered city, messengers arrived with word that the forces granted to Prime Minister Lu Buwei had been decimated in the homeland of the Chu. The Prime Minister had only barely escaped the massacre as his small force of cavalry met up with what appeared to be the entire Chu army. Zhaoxianwang turned and ordered the messengers to quickly returned and order Lu Buwei to come to Sounchun. While waiting, Zhaoxiangwang settled his siege units down to watch over the city and region under his personal command. When the Prime Minister arrived, Zhaoxiangwang immediately called him into private chambers to discuss the fight with the Chu. After a day of speaking word was sent out that the entire army of the Qin, with the exception of the Siege, would be marching immediately westward to gain vengeance for the lost soldiers. Zhaoxiangwang placed Prime Minister Lu Buwei in charge of the forces that would march on the Chu homeland.

Zhaoxiangwang was most disappointed to hear a year after the army marched that it had been defeated by the heavy fortifications the Chu Army had built and had fallen back into Tangchou to regroup. Zhaoxiangwang was hardly mollified by the disastrous outcome of the battles led by the Prime Minister when word returned that the region of Tangchou had come close to rebelling against the Qin when the army returned and stopped such foolish notions.

Wei Empire

Tien Wang, King of the Wei

Diplomacy: None

Tien Wang considered sending the aid that he had discussed with the Qin Empire, but in the end he forgot to send word for his troops to march or for the Qin to be able to pass through his lands. Ah well, his flower beds were very pretty this time of year.

The Kingdom of Yan

Phan Wei, Lord of the Yan

Diplomacy: Koguryo (A), Shangtu (T)

Wei decided to expand his empire; so many citizens were loaded onto boats and sent to the island of Cheju Do. Although there were not enough colonists to make the island productive yet, it did add another area under his banner. To further expand his empire, Wei sent people to the village of Daoding in Liao Tung which soon caused the village to become a city of some note. Wei then turned to rule his nation and in 260 produced a male child to continue the dynasty. He watched for signs of invasion as rumors of battles to the south drifted to his ears, but no one attacked him and his nation moved along much as he hoped it would.

Beyond the colony on Cheju Do, he also sent his advisors to try and diplomatically bring the regions of Koguryo and Shangtu. In Koguryo, Kuo Mal spoke to the people at great length and managed to get a full alliance from the people of the region. In Shangtu the people had heard about the great wars coming from the south and were tired of the raiding nomadic bands in the steppes, so when Yan approached them they offered to pay tribute in exchange for protection.

Qi Empire

Nguyen Nam, Qi Emperor

Diplomacy: None

Nam began taking an active hand in ruling his state. This, since the nation was a loyal state, turned out to not take to much time. This led to the birth of another son in 259, a daughter in 258, and in 257 his wife died having a miscarriage. This greatly saddened Nam who had enjoyed spending much time with his wife as a way of breaking up the monotony of running his country. His son, Tam, decided that he had to compete with his father for the number of children. So taking up a wife he immediately began trying to catch up. It helped that thing seemed totally peaceful in the northern parts of China. The wars in the south or on the islands off in the deep blue sea were not close enough to do more then put him on alert. So in 259, Tam had his first son. He then grew disgruntled when his father quickly had two more and his wife seemed unable to become pregnant, but in 257 and in 256 his wife grew pregnant giving birth to first a daughter and then a son. The royal house of the Qi was one of the largest in all the lands. Other then the sound of many children playing and crying the nation was quiet and the people were content, although many feared that the wars would soon spill into the Qi Empire. With so much attention given to improving the running of the state, the region of Shantung was ordered cultivated.

Tartars

Hwang

Diplomacy: None

Hwang ordered his lieutenant, Yuanti to go conquer lands with the troops. Meanwhile, Hwang busied himself in the tents with the women. He hoped to produce many young men to aid him in his dreams of riding out over the ripe lands to the south. Much to his disgust it seemed like no women would give him a son. Between 260 BC and 256 BC he produced 5 daughters, but no sons. In 256 one of his concubines finally had a son, but that was the end to his good fortune as no other sons were born.

Yuanti marched into Agarland with 12,500 regular cavalry and 8000 light cavalry. He was met by 7000 light cavalry led by a local Khan. The armies quickly clashed, not waiting to speak for who needed words at such a time. Within the first past the overwhelming strength of the Tartars crushed the light forces presented by the Agarlanders. Though the Khan of Agarland was skilled in warfare he was unable to handle both the main force of cavalry and the hidden flanking maneuver which Yuanti was able to do due to sheer numbers. Before the Khan could react his flank had been turned and he was surrounded by enemies. With the death of the Khan the rest of the forces scattered and were picked off by the Tartar forces. Yuanti garrisoned the region and then turned and marched further west.

They next reached the region of Yenisey. The troops in Yenisey were in a terrible state. Unlike the fierce Khan of Algarad, the Khan of Yenisey was an aged man who could barely sit upon his horse. His eyes strained and could not see his own lines of cavalry that surrounded him, much less the forces of the Tartars that were arrayed against him. Seeing the shambles that were formed and doing a quick count of troops Yuanti was most happy. He now had 10,000 regular cavalry and 7500 light cavalry, against 7500 light cavalry that were in disarray. Yuanti ordered a quick rush to test the resolve of his opponents and laughed uproariously when his light cavalry raked the flank and the defenders began to turn and flee. The aged Khan tried to rally his men and rode through them yelling at them to turn back, but his horse grew terrified and he was thrown from it and stampeded by his own men as they fled the field. The region was quickly pacified after this without any losses to the Tartar forces. Yuanti returned to Tartar bearing his lord news of the easy victories which had come upon the Tartars.

Kwanto Japan

Kwanto Dashai, Daimyo of the Kwanto

Diplomacy: Akita (NE), Nigata (NE)

Kwanto Dashai left his defenses under the able command of his advisor and ordered his feudal allies to report to Kwanto to assist in the defense of the Kingdom in case their more warlike brothers to the South decided that it was worth assaulting the small nation. To assist in the defense, a string of fourteen field forts were built through out the region of Kwanto. The port village of Akido grew large during this process as supplies were shipped in and they needed a port within the region capable of handling the needed work. After that Dashai thought it would be a good idea to visit his allies regions and see about creating a stronger alliance between them. Unfortunately, he forgot that he had ordered the leaders of both Akita and Nigata to Kwanto which negated his ability to strengthen the relationship between the regions of his nation. The regions did appreciate the gifts that he brought for them though.

Yamato Japan

Yamato Yoshi, Daimyo of the Yamato

Diplomacy: None

Yamato Yoshi decided that it was time to expand his realm. So he called together all of his men and fielded an army in Yamoto of 12,500 light infantry, 18,500 regular infantry, 5000 cavalry and 1000 siege engineers along with all of his allies to advise him in the battles. Leading his troops he camped outside of their borders in August of 260 BC, and in April of 259 BC he and his army crossed into Kwanto. There he found that his enemies had created a strong defense based around their field forts. The forts were set up to guard the new city of Akiko. He also found 8500 cavalry and 6500 infantry defending the region under the guidance of Kwanto Reju.

The battle ran through the rest of April, May, and June as Yamato Yoshi attempted to find a way around the forts or through them. But the defenses of the Kwanto with the added plus of having more cavalry to respond to the movements of the Yamato drove home and by the end of June the Yamato were forced to retreat out of Kwanto. The entire way back to Yamato, Yoshi found his army being struck at by the pursuing cavalry of the Kwanto.

South Asia Mercs: Merc Leader:

Chu Empire

Chun Shenjun, Emperor of the South

Diplomacy: None

Shenjun called his forces together in the region of Hupei. There he built a new port fortress and secured it as much as he could. Around the region he built field fortresses to warn of impending danger and hold back forces while the main Chu army moved to aid them. All of the allies of the Chu were summoned to defend the nation from invasion. And then they waited. Word that the Qin was preparing to march came as expected. Qin spies were caught outside Lord Len Wang’s tent and were questioned as to the plans of the Qin, but the spies were unable or unwilling to part with any useful information. By early April of 260 word came of Qin raiders in Szechwan, but Shenjun chose not to march realizing that the forces that were named in Szchewan were far to small to be all that would come and his best chance came from the fortified positions that he held in Hupei. Later in April of that year word came of a force that was said to shake the ground had crossed into Tangchou. Yunn Chen, governor of the Tangchou province, begged Shenjun to go aid the region and threatened to leave by himself if he must in order to protect his realm. But Shenjun quietly spoke to the governor and in the end the governor remained in Hupei in the hopes that they could defeat the army of the Qin there and then regain his lands.

At the beginning of 259, word reached Shenjun that the Qin Raiders had crossed into Hubei, the heartland of the Chu. Taking his entire mobile army, Shenjun rushed to return to Chu and in April found the forces of the Qin raiding outside of his capital. In a brief but bloody battle in which the Qin were unable to flee the region before Shenjun trapped them, the entire Qin raiding party was destroyed. Only a few survivors, including the Qin Prime Minister Lu Buwei who led the failed raid, managed to escape the slaughter. Shenjun was only slightly mollified that he regained a portion of the gold that was stolen from Szechwan. With the forces on the west removed, and no sign of the Prime Minister of the Qin, Shenjun ordered his forces back into Hupei to re-establish their defensive positions for the strike that was soon to come.

By the end of 258, the city of Souchun in Anhui had fallen and word reached the Chu in Hupei that the Prime Minister of the Qin had resurfaced and that most of the forces that marched on the city were being turned to march on Hupei. Over the winter both sides prepared for the coming season of war and the entrenched Chu practiced their plans and set their defenses against the impressive fort along the Yangtze. In April of 257 BC, the army of the Qin began their slow move into Hupei and by May the columns of the Qin army were spotted and reported by the scouts of the Chu forces. When the Qin attacked they were surprised by how strongly the Chu had created their defenses. Field Forts lined the hills giving support to the mobile troops of the Chu and each other. The defenses were centered on the strong Fortress which was in the heart of the region against the Yantze River. The Chu forces had 20 field forts, 7500 heavy cavalry, 12,500 regular cavalry and 4000 light cavalry supported by 8000 heavy infantry, 12,500 regular infantry and 6500 light infantry with 2500 siege engineers. Against them was arrayed 5000 heavy cavalry, 25,000 regular cavalry, and 5000 light cavalry supported by 15,000 heavy infantry, 15,000 regular infantry and 10,000 light infantry.

The first battle quickly led Prime Minister Lu Buwei to realize that the forces of the Chu were dug in and would not easily budge from their position. So after a day of attacking the regions defenses the forces of the Qin pulled back into the region of Tangchou since they had swung north along the mountain range and did not wish to cut back across the region to reach Anhui. Both sides had suffered from the attack and the defenses of the region had proven far stronger then the Qin had originally anticipated. The Qin cavalry put up a strong line of defense so that the army could safely withdraw from the field of battle to handle their wounded. The Chu came close to following behind the beaten army, but Shenjun quickly remembered that they had won due to the large number of forts in the area and realized that if he followed the Qin army then he would likely suffer a grievous loss and so remained in the area to continue the defense of his nation.

Nan-Yue

Nguyen Tein, King of Nan-Yue

Diplomacy: None

Tien ordered his people to expand the small village of Panyu and soon a bustling city began to emerge in Kwangsi. He took over the government and handled the every day matters of the people of Nan-Yue. He did not wish to see corruption affecting his nation and so was careful to handle all delicate matters himself and to check up on his underlings. Luckily the nation was fairly small and had not problems of note.

While Tien was busy handling the government, his heir Han was working on producing children of his own. In 360 his first child was born. Everyone in Nan-Yue rejoiced at the birth of Han’s son. In 357 it seemed that Han would have another child, but a month before the child was supposed to be born the mother became ill and the child began to be born premature. Due to his wife’s sickness both mother and child were lost. The nation mourned her passing.

Khemer

Tak Lai

Diplomacy: Phan Rang (FA), Cochin ( C )

Tak Lai ordered a fishing village to be expanded along side the Mekong River. From the small circle of huts the city of Angkor Wat was created. Lai then sent his son, Tak Tzung out to speak to the neighboring regions and attempt to gain allies. While his son was away on the diplomatic business, Lai contented himself with the running of his small nation. He took great peace in handling the problems of his people and seeing that things ran smoothly, although since his kingdom was still small this was not to hard to do.

While Lai was busy working on keeping the government straight, Tzung traveled south to the region of Phan Rang. There he spoke to many lords and explained to them the benefits of working under the banner of Khemer. In the end they agreed to a mutual defensive pact. The lords of Phan Rang were able to be called when needed to do battle under the flag of Khemer as long as Khemer would come to the defense of Phan Rang should the need ever arise. Happy with his success in Phan Rang, Tzung crossed the river and entered Cochin. There he found a much colder meeting awaiting him. The lord of Cochin was old and somewhat crotchety and in the end only agreed to be very loosely tied to Khemer. He was heard to grumble about supposed allies bringing armed bandits into his lands by a few of Tzung’s servants. When the talks were over Tzung returned to Khemer to tell his father of his success in the diplomatic field.

India & Central Asia Mercs: Merc Leader:

Maurya

Ashoka, Emporer of Maurya

Diplomacy: Palas (EA), Nadavaria (NE), Tarain (EA)

Ashoka decided to take a tour of his realm. He went with his lieutenant Torgada to tour his realm and try to strengthen the ties of the empire. He managed to get Palas and Tarain to agree to stronger economic ties. When he reached Nadavaria he was surprised to see that the region was already friendly to him and that it needed no diplomatic overtures to do as he wished. While he was touring he also ordered the regions of Chandella and Jihjoti cultivated to provide better farms for his people, and a village on the coast of Edrosia grew large enough that he could begin trade with the western powers. As they were traveling, Ashoka continued to share his Buddhist faith, although most of the people were far to entrenched in their beliefs to really listen to him. At one point he even came up with some strange idea that everyone could break the Caste and work in whatever area they wanted. His advisors quickly quieted him and covered it up. It would do no good if everyone thought the Lord of the Mauryans had gone insane.

In Palas Ashoka found a wife for his heir, which he promptly sent to him. Bahagada, heir to the Mauryan Empire was busy with several of his advisors counting the people of Maghada and their wealth so that they could better tax them.

The Indian Alliance

Torugah, Lord of Pandya

Diplomacy: Chera (F), Chola (F)

Torugah decided that the loose Indian Alliance was not enough to support the small group of regions should battle take place. He spent many hours with his ally from Chola while his trusted lieutenant met with the ally from Chera. Both leaders were quite persuasive, and in short order both regions had agreed to formally unite themselves totally with Pandya feeling that their peaceful manners of diplomacy were much easier to deal with then the iron hand of the Mauryan’s to the north who could attack at any time.

While diplomatic talks were busy going on, Torugah’s sent his other advisor to tally up the number of people in his realm. Yahamata was successful in this even if he missed going to all the big feasts that were done to persuade the lords of other lands of the wisdom in joining with Pandya. Overall things in the Indian Alliance were peaceful.

The Middle East Mercs: Merc Leader:

Bactria

Sophacles

Diplomacy: None

Bactria watched their neighbors to and waved as Parthia ran off to…somewhere, and then went back to watching the grass grow.

Seleucid Kingdom

Antiochos II Theos

Diplomacy: Antioch (NE)

Antiochus was overjoyed to receive the news that the other Hellenic States wished to form a Pan-Hellenic League. As the largest of the groups he immediately through his support behind the idea and sent out missives letting the others know that he was part of the group.

Antiochus then settled down to rule his nation and follow the fad of having as many kids as you can. In 260 he had a daughter, in 259 he had another daughter, and in 258 his house was graced with yet another daughter. Miraculously, in 257 he had a son, but with little surprise a daughter came along in 256 BC. He was aided by Theodocius who conducted a census of all the lands, which were quite vast. Diaclesius took many full blooded Hellenes to the region of Media and watched over them with his troops to make sure that there was no uprising as the colonists filled the region making it fully part of the Seleucid Kingdom. A small amount of work was also done to see the region was cultivated, but it would take many years at the rate the work was done to complete the process. Diplomats were sent to Antioch, but as the region was already fully part of the kingdom it did not do any good.

The port of Alexandrettos grew and allowed for more trade to be had by the Seleucid Kingdom which did not have a port for people to access outside of the Mediterranean before the city was founded.

Africa Mercs: Merc Leader: South African Cav Count: No Horses Yet

Ptolemaic Kingdom

Ptolemy II

Diplomacy: Aswan (NT), Hijaz (NE)

Ptolemy looked over his kingdom and saw to many people wandering around. So he ordered that the people be settled in Mansura and Faiyum. This led to the creation of Memphis in Faiyum, and the port city of Tanis in Mansura. With this growth in cities, Ptolemy also ordered a census done and oversaw it before turning to run the more mundane everyday parts of his government. While that was being done he ordered his son, Ptolemy III, to travel to Aswan and convince them to join the Kingdom. They agreed to offer some moral support to the Empire, but were not willing to do more then nominally join the Kingdom. While the Prince was in Aswan, a trusted lieutenant named Adriatus was sent to Hijaz on the opposite side of the Red Sea, but the people there were not Hellenic and so Adriatus had serious difficulties with the people. They refused to join the Kingdom and pretty much ignored him. But at least they didn’t kill him for being annoying.

While Ptolemy was busy running his nation missives began pouring in. Reading them he was quite happy to see that it was the other Hellenic nations writing to form a Pan-Hellenic League. Since the death of Alexander the various states that managed to form had tenuous relations at best. After looking over all of the replies Ptolemy decided that only good could come from such a union and ordered it known that the Ptolemaic Kingdom would join the Pan-Hellenic League and aid his brethren as needed.

Meroe

Amunhotep, Lord of the Upper Nile

Diplomacy: Luxor (NE), Axum (NE)

Yorima was sitting in his lavish hut one day when an old man was brought to him. He claimed to be a sage from the lands down the Nile. He had studied the ancient ways of his lands and when the Greeks found out about it they tossed him into the desert. Luckily for him, he had learned to survive in the desert in his studies of the old ways and was able to survive long enough to reach water. He had then traveled along the Nile until he reached the lands of Meroe. Yorima was fascinated by the tales of the Egyptian Empire that were brought to him and it saddened him that such was lost. After all, did not Meroe cover some of the lands once held by these Egyptians? Yorima ordered that the land of Thebes be hence forth known as Luxor and changed his own name to Amunhotep. It quickly became the stylish within the lands of Meroe to take on Egyptian names. A few grumbles were heard at court as people did not necessarily like the change, but as Amunhotep was there with his troops not to much was actually done to oppose the changes.

Shortly after, the newly named Amunhotep traveled to the newly named region of Luxor where he spent a small amount of time trying to bring the region into his empire. Unfortunately the people were not that interested in being a stronger part of his realm. Amunhotep thought that perhaps if he had spent a little more time then things might have worked out, but he had other things to do, such as listen to more of the Sages tales of Egypt.

While Amunhotep was busy in Luxor, his lieutenant was off in Axum. Newly named Inhotep traveled to Axum where he spoke to them about joining more strongly with Meroe. For a moment Inhotep thought he had them ready to agree, but in the end the people were just not quite ready to fully tie themselves to Meroe. Especially when they heard word of the strange behavior of the king reached.

While Amunhotep and Inhotep were off talking to the people, Horemheb set out with troops to found a new fortress along the coast of the Nile near the city of Thebes.

Carthage

Hamilcar Barca

Diplomacy: Algieria (NE), Sicily (A), Baelerics (A), Granada (NE), Valencia (NE)

Hamilcar looked out over his lands and saw danger looming. Rome continued to grow in might and the Hellenic nations in the east looked to be growing in might once more. In order to prepare his lands for the uncertain future Hamilcar sent his leaders out to try and convince many of those who shared economic plans with them to further their alliance to the city of Carthage. Hamilcar himself traveled to Sicily where he managed to gain a strong alliance. Many feared that Rome would storm the island, but Hamilcar placed himself in charge of the defenses of the region and that did much to lessen the worries of the people. His son, Hannibal, moved west to Algeria to speak to them of a stronger alliance, and even took a wife to try and aid in his diplomatic talks. Unfortunately, Hannibal was unable to gain more then the present agreements with the people of Algeria. They felt that Hannibal’s warning of impending dangers was only talk to get them to give up more of their wealth and thus they refused to consider his proposal. Harkarin was sent to the island of Baelerics where he was able to gain more allies for the city. The people there were more concerned with the dangers from the nations which were closer to them and hoped that by aligning with Carthage such danger could be avoided. The last of the lords sent out was Methusela who traveled to Granada and Valencia. In the end his travels came to naught though as neither region was willing to agree to any more then what was already being done. Methusela later wrote to his lord suggesting that all either region needed was a little more time with him. He felt that by sending him to both places in such a short time it hindered his ability to truly gain such an alliance.

While the others were away traveling, Hamilcar left his final lieutenant Harkor to count the people who lived under the banner of mighty Carthage. Harkor was happy to stay in his nice palace in Carthage and handle paperwork as the others went trouncing into the hinterlands of the empire.

Free Men of Tunis

Marcilar the Bold

Diplomacy: None

Marcilar spent his time looking out over the ocean at the distant Romans.

West Africa Mercs: Merc Leader

The Desert Raiders of Kanem Bornu

Yukunah

Diplomacy: None

Yukunah sat around and considered who to attack. But before to long the season was over so he just continued sitting around.

The Kingdom of Ife

Iyena, Chief of the Ife

Diplomacy: Yoruba (T)

Iyena married a beautiful woman of Ife and ruled his nation. He heard rumors of being able to make the lands produce more and be easier for people to live in and told his advisors that he wished Ife to receive such attentions. They looked at each other blankly and then informed him that they did not know how to do such wonders. Disappointed, Iyena went to consummate his marriage and soon found himself with a young baby boy. In 257 and 256 he also received two more daughters to add to his house hold. Iyena did also take the time to count out his people and figure out how many of them there were. That added a nice bit to his treasury.

Mean while, the heir to Ife traveled to Yoruba and spoke to the locals there about joining the kingdom of Ife. After many talks and communing with the spirits it was decided that Yoruba would send tribute to Ife. Ulani remained in Yoruba, but sent word back to Iyena of his success in diplomacy.

Eastern Europe Mercs: Merc Leader:

Suzdal

Yagar son of Molugar

Diplomacy: None

Yagar looked over his people grimly. The past few winters had been very harsh and although the land blossomed with farms it did not appear that his people would have enough food to see them through the season. Calling the men together he ordered many of the older or sickly to the village of Tvorda off of the Volga River. There they would be safe while the strong young men were gone.

Once the others were settled Yagar armed many more of the young men and led them into the lands of the tribe of Muscovy. The battle was quick and little blood was spilt by the men of Suzdal as they pacified the region and forced tribute upon the other tribe. With the victory fresh in their minds, Yagar led his men on into the lands of Smolensk. There the fighting did not go as well. The leader of the Smolensk had heard what Suzdal had done to Muskovy from the refugees who fled before them and set up a trap. But with Yagar’s skills in battle and the crushing numbers of Suzdal, the forces of Smolensk were surrounded and routed. Smolensk joined Muscovy in paying tribute to Suzdal and the warriors of Suzdal returned to their women and children.

New Parthia

Arsaces I

Diplomacy:

Arsaces looked sadly over the lands that his people had lived on for centuries. The lands he had only recently regained for his people in a rebellion that was likely to bring the entire “Hellenic” world against them. Arsaces cursed the Greeks who had come and conquered his people, but knew that to remain was only to court being conquered again by the Greeks to the west or the ones to the east. Or possibly even the legions from Maurya, if the nation ever reached his borders. So with a sad heart he called his allies together and ordered them to prepare to march. Most understood why he made the decision he did and immediately gathered their people up to prepare for the long march, but the Turkmen stoutly refused to leave the lands of their fathers. Even when the best of Arsaces men tried to convince them they refused to go. After much debate Arsaces decided that he would not hold it against them that they were to stubborn to go and so marched with all of the people he could get towards new lands.

While traveling, Arsaces spent several months raiding the Khwarzim quite successfully with his well armed cavalry. He then took his people and headed west. When he came near the lands of the Greeks he attempted to move his people stealthily in order to prevent them from attacking his people upon the open plains where they did not know the lands and would be easily vulnerable. Even with his cavalry to screen his movements the fact that so many families were moving proved to much to hide, but the only people that were close enough to really notice their approach and passing chose not to intervene and just let them go.

After many years of traveling, Arsaces came to a beautiful land that seemed rich to a man who grew up in the deserts and wilderness of the Middle East. Deciding that this was a great place to stay, he immediately went to work attacking and pacifying the region. The battle to take the region was more costly then he originally expected, but soon his people were settled in the region of Poland. Although this took most of his people, he still had a few left and so taking his troops he launched an assault on Little Poland. The battle for Little Poland seemed to be against a stronger force that was better led, but Arsaces had learned much from the battles in Poland and so using his cavalry to faint left he was able to drive a wedge deep into the heart of the enemy forces and scatter them. He then settled the last of the people who followed him into this region. Turning he launched a final assault against the region of Kauyavia which turned out to be the easiest region for them to take. Where the previous two regions had been led by experienced warriors, this one seemed to be led by a group of men constantly yelling differing orders and leading to mass confusion in the enemy forces. With ease the remaining cavalry of the Parthians shattered the defenders and secured the region. Arsaces looked at the region and sighed. The fighting took longer then he expected and he was forced to winter in Kauyavia instead of returning to beautiful Poland. He also cursed the Turkmen for refusing to come to such beautiful new lands which would have gone to their people.

Pontus

Ariobarzanes

Diplomacy: Bithnia (NE), Thrace (NE)

Ariobarzanes gave freedom to many of the lesser regions in his nation in order to lower the strain on the government. He founded two new cities. One was Troy along the coast of Bithnia, and the other was Trebizond in Pontus. He then took to ruling his nation. While ruling, his advisor Tridarius who was also helping with the administration of the realm brought him a pile of missives from the lords of the Hellenic world. After studying them and speaking to his advisors Ariobarzanes decided that it was a worthy endeavor and sent back his hearty agreement to join the Pan-Hellenic Alliance. Ariobarzanes was also determined to have a child, but after several years of no success his wife finally became pregnant. In 257 the whole nation was poised to celebrate the birth of an heir when word came back that the Queen had slipped on some wet steps in the new city of Trebizond and fallen badly. Although the mother survived the child did not. Many sacrifices were made to the gods, but none knew for sure if she would ever be able to give birth to another child. In 256, word was spread that she was again pregnant. This time Arobarzanes would hardly let her out of the room. Nine months later a baby boy was born and the nation rejoiced at the coming of what would likely one day be their ruler.

Meanwhile, Heracus traveled to Thrace and Bithnia to try and make them more strongly tied to the nation. In both regions he found that his words had no effect as the people were already fully tied to the kingdom of Pontus.

Antigonid Kingdom of Macedonia

Antigonus II Gonatas

Diplomacy: Bulgaria (NE)

Antigonus decided that he would need to start where his ancestor left off. So he began building up his troops. When word reached him of the Pan-Hellenic Alliance he quickly signed up and agreed to go to the aid of his brethren.

He then took his troops and marched north into Bulgaria. There his 22,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry met a mixed infantry band of some 6000 men who had piled together. Unfortunately for the Bulgarians, their war leader had just died in a fight over a woman and his son was an untested whelp who was a gibbering fool upon the battlefield. With their superior skills earned over many years of fighting across the known world the Macedonians caught the poorly led Bulgarians in a perfect pincer between the anvil of their heavy infantry and the hammer of the cavalry, utterly smashing them within an hour. So decisive was the defeat that few of the Bulgarians even managed to flee the battlefield. Leaving a strong garrison, Antigonus continued north into Ludgore. Behind him came his advisors who began to use diplomacy on the people of Bulgaria. It was difficult as they did not speak the language and the customs and religion were different (not to mention the people were a little peeved at just being conquered) but the Macedonians made good progress into making the region one with the Macedonian Empire.

When Antigonus reached Ludgore he found 7500 various infantry aligned against his17,000 heavy infantry and 10,000 cavalry. This time the Ludgore army was better led and formed into battle lines, and although they fought like a barbarian horde at least it was a well led horde for once. Once again the Macedonian infantry formed up and the Ludgoreans moved to line up across from them. Antigonus sent his cavalry to flank them and to throw javelins when they grew close enough to rake the enemy lines. As the cavalry began to rake the enemy, the Ludgorean chief yelled to charge the Macedonian infantry since he realized that they could not stand there and let the horsemen rake them for long. In the charge towards the Greek lines a lucky javelin took him in the side. Half of the men did not realize that their leader had fallen and continued the maddened charge while the rest stopped to care for their leader. With the forces divided this way it was child’s play for Antigonus to once again deploy his infantry and cavalry to destroy both groups. When the battle was over Antigonus ordered a strong garrison to be formed up and then left to return to Macedon. He attempted to have an heir but was unable to produce one in the few months he was in Thesselonika.

The Hellenic Alliance

Ariatis of Athens

Diplomacy: Crete (F), Thessaly (A)

Ariatis looked out over the Athens and nodded to himself. Behind him the advisors and allies that formed the Hellenic Alliance waited for his final decision. Turning he said “The Pan-Hellenic League holds much for the Hellenic League. The Blood of Greece flows through all of the nations in the pact and so we can not fail them by turning our backs against them. Send out the criers. The Hellenic League will be a full member of the Pan-Hellenic League and will aid our brethren whenever they are in need.”

After making his announcement Ariatis turned to the business of running the state and having an heir to continue in his stead. His wife, Kallixenia , gave him a daughter in 259 BC. Ariatis continued spending much time with his wife, and in 356 was overjoyed to hear that she was again pregnant. Unfortunately, while giving birth to what would have been Ariatis’ first born son and heir there was difficulties with the birth. Though the greatest sages were called to aid her there was no saving her and before Apollo sent his flaming chariot into the morning sky both mother and child were resting within the Elysium Fields. Ariatis then turned back to overseeing the Alliance. His diligence led to the cultivation of Attica by the end of 256 BC.

Mean while, a trusted assistant named Hystophales was sent to Thessaly in order to try and bring the region more strongly into the Hellenic Alliance. After lengthy talks Hystophales managed to get a strong alliance forged between the core Alliance and Thessaly. Artickles, another trusted advisor of Ariatis, was sent to Crete to bring them more strongly into the Alliance. By 256 Artickles had succeeded in fully integrating the island of Crete into the Alliance.

While peaceful talks were held by regions already sharing the Greek Heritage, the armies of the Alliance were on the move against their more barbaric neighbors. Theacius took 6000 infantry aboard the famed ships of Athens and sailed to Lydia. Once there he began using his warships to scout along the coast and supply him as his troops began moving to secure the region. While moving through a craggy pass he was attacked by the defenders of Lydia. The battle was fierce and the local general, Hestesius, was skilled in the arts of Greek Warfare having come from a long line of Ionian warriors. To make matters even worse for Alliance, they had vastly underestimated the strength of Lydia and found themselves outnumbered as Hestesius had 6500 infantry of various types. The Alliance troops were sturdy though and quickly formed ranks. These were the descendants of the men who marched across the known world with Alexander who had faced far greater odds then this. Theacius and Hestesius worked hard against each other, but with expert leadership Theacius called for a drive into the left flank just as it began to weaken. Before Hestesius could react the Greeks had surged through his line and turned his army. By the time Apollo rode his chariot towards the world once more the Alliance had destroyed the last of the resistance, although the price was heavy.

While Theacius was busy across the sea, Demicles took 2000 light infantry and 1500 regular infantry north into Serbia. There they were met almost at the boarder by the barbarian hordes led by a brawny barbarian who yelled obscenities from across the field. The Greeks were once again startled to note that they were outnumbered. This time they faced almost two times as many barbarians. But unfazed by the sight before them they formed into units and marched towards the uneven barbarian line. Although the barbarians lacked the discipline of their southern neighbors they had a terrible ferocity that allowed them to fight as a strangely cohesive unit. Then as one they charged forward in a strangely flowing line, but a line none the less. The first time the two armies met left both bloodied but with the superior leadership of the Greeks allowed them to throw the barbarians back, although at heavy cost to both sides. After a small respite the barbarians once again charged the Greek lines intent on removing them from their mountainous lands. This time the charge broke both flanks of the Greek line which had been held by the light infantry with the regular infantry taking the brunt in the middle. With his flanks disintegrating, Demicles ordered a fighting retreat out of Serbia. Only a few hundred Infantry made it out of the bloody grounds of Serbia with him.

The Spears of the Isle

Tiberius, Lord of the Spears

Diplomacy: Polovotsky ( C)

Tiberius looked over the missives from the other Hellenic nations and smiled. Looking at his fellow generals on the council he nodded. “Send word back that we will join this Hellenic Alliance.” The reactions from the officers were mixed. This could provide a lucrative and easy business for the Spears or it could drive them out of business. But the choice was made and the missives were sent to agree to the proposed alliance. Tiberius then left Isle Fort and sailed to the region of Lydia in order to gather troops. He was most surprised when he got there and found the flag of the Hellenic Alliance was raised over the villages. Without the permission of the council in Athens the garrison in Lydia refused to allow him to gather the troops he was hoping for. Tiberius was most displeased to see that his new allies had not bothered to tell him that they were taking over this region. But cooler heads prevailed and Tiberius returned to Isle Fort without the troops he had hopped to gain. But with battle having killed many of the warriors in the region anyway it was unlikely he would have had a good number of men join anyway.

Meanwhile, the rest of the generals for the Spears set sail into the Mare Negri to attempt a diplomatic means of getting the region of Polovotsky to join the Spears in as warriors that other nations could hire out. The generals of the Spears were talented in combat and charismatic, but diplomacy did not come naturally to them. In the end there were many tense moments, but Lycathius who was one of the generals happened to have fought with some of the lords of Polovotsky and so was able to calm matters enough for the region to allow the Spears to claim them slightly, although no tribute or soldiers would be sent to aid them. While they were there they heard rumors of a huge mass of people passing through the far northern portion of the region. When the Spears went to investigate they saw the passing of a massive army of some sort, but the people appeared to be leaving the area, and were cavalry other then their carts of supplies so the Spears allowed them to move on without pursuit. After all, there was no one to pay them to fight the army that passed through. After that the generals and their troops returned to Isle Fort.

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Rome

Lucius Cornelius Scipio

Diplomacy:

Scipio began by ordering a census done in the lands of Rome. His Lieutenant, Titus Quinctius Flaminus was given as much time as needed to ensure the count was done properly. The regions of Tuscany and Calabria were cultivated and some veterans were given farms of their own in the recently acquired lands of Tuscany. A village along the coast of Campania saw much growth. The village of Pompeii was quickly becoming one of the largest and most important cities on the peninsula. Scipio set himself to ruling the republic. This gave him plenty of time in Rome to spend with his wife, which led to several children being born. In 259 he had a son, and in 257 a daughter was born. In 256 it looked like they would be expecting a new addition to the household, but his wife slipped and fell late in the pregnancy. This caused the loss of Scipio’s beloved wife and the child. Things in the peninsula were quiet overall, but many pointed and muttered at Sicily and the Carthaginian forces that were said to be there ready to storm into Roman lands at any time.

Massalia

Eclesties

Diplomacy: Gascony (FA), Aquitaine (NT)

Eclesties decided that he had to expand his nation. To the south both Carthage and Rome grew stronger and he feared that one or the other would come and attack his nation. So he sent his advisors off to speak to the barbarians to the west in order to warn them of the danger and in the hopes that they would join Massalia and increase the strength of Eclesties nation. While his advisors were off working to expand his nation Eclesties took time to count all of his peasants and their wealth. This way he could more accurately tax them and preserve his small nation.

In Gascony, Theodosus found that there was some difficulty with the people. They had odd customs and none only a small handful spoke any Greek. But Theodosus was a persuasive advisor to kings and in time he managed to get the lords of Gascony to agree to aid Massalia if there was ever the need, in return Massalia would work to protect the peoples of Gascony. In Aquitaine, Ulysi had more trouble. It seemed that the people here were aware of the threat but were not sure if they could trust the Massalia, who spoke strangely and didn’t know of the Old Ones and who instead worshiped some gods on a mountain far to the east. The most Ulysi was able to get was some a few promises that the people would consider someday being more strongly tied to Massalia, but for now no money or men would be sent to help the small state.

Bohemian Empire of Westphalia

Ulgar, son of Hulgard

Diplomacy: Lorraine (T)

Ulgar gathered his people up and pointed west towards the land of the Franconians. “This land around us grows crowded and our enemies begin to look with envy upon us. We are strong, but to stay here will only leave us surrounded and with no room to grow and prosper. We must move as our ancestors did and find new lands to conquer and grow powerful in. Gather your weapons and belongings and prepare for our great destiny.”

With that the people of Bohemia gathered up their belongings and charged north through the lands of Thuringia into Westphalia where Ulgar declared they were home. The people of Westphalia disagreed strongly with this and rose up to fight the Bohemians, but they could muster only about a third of the troops that followed Ulgar and soon one of the tribes of the Bohemians was settled in the region. Another tribe was ordered to build a new capital for Ulgar.

While things were progressing in Westphalia, Ulgar traveled west to the region of Lorraine and married the daughter of the local chief. She was not exactly the greatest beauty around, and the Lord there had been looking for many years to marry her off. When Ulgar arrived the chief was at first most unimpressed with the young outsider, but when he proved most willing to marry his daughter he quickly agreed to allow the marriage to occur and afterwards while drunk at their wedding he agreed to send tribute to the Bohemians. In 256 Ulgar’s wife gave birth to his first son.

Franconia

Mylguard, son of Rythorn

Diplomacy: Alsace (T)

Mylguard started by counting his people carefully. If the Bohemians tried anything he knew that he would require every resource possible to see that he could push them back. Many of his people were forced from their farms and sent to the village of Struttgart, which soon grew to be a small city. After taking time to carefully track his villages and see one of them begin to grow he headed west into the region of Alsace.

In Alsace, Mylguard managed to quickly find a young bride to call his own. Within a month of the marriage his young bride was with child. The people of Alsace were originally reluctant to join with Mylguard. He had a short temper and often handled himself poorly during the feasting, but when a boy was born to him who would be heir to the lands of Franconia and who held in him the blood of Alsace many of the lords found the idea of joining with him much more pleasing. When all was said and done Mylguard managed to gain promises of Tribute from the lords of Alsace in return for protection and assistance should they ever require it. With that Mylguard returned to Franconia.

Parisii Gauls

Veroclot, Chief of the Parisii Gauls

Diplomacy: Champagne (NT), Nivernias (FA)

Veroclot decided that it was time to take a bride and add a few regions on to his growing empire. So he ordered his ally Vermadoix to watch over things and left Ile De France. Traveling to the region of Nivernias he quickly found a beautiful noblewoman named Jeane to marry him. While doing so he impressed the Lords of the regions greatly, and although he did not spend more then a year or so in the region, they agreed to send troops should Veroclot have need of them. Veroclot briefly considered leaving troops to guard the region, but could not determine how many would be appropriate without upsetting the Nivernians, so he simply left none. Instead he traveled to Champagne where he ordered a new city called Dijon built upon the banks of the Rhine. As he watched the city go up he went to the Lords of the land and told them of the benefits they could have if they joined the tribe of Parissii. Unfortunately, the people of Champagne were not as easily impressed and although they offered a few words of fealty, they were not willing to agree too much. So Veroclot returned to Ile De France and worked on having children, but beautiful Jeane was unable to provide him with an heir.

Breton

Thrane, Son of Rhyum, King of the Bretons and Pendragon of the Isles

Diplomacy: Wessex (EA)

Thrane looked over his realm and saw that he had a lot of work ahead of him. He immediately sent many of his people to build up two villages in order to form new cities. The port city of Camulodun along the North Sea coast in Anglia soon brought trade to the small growing nation. The second city was built in the hills of Sussex. Lundyn would provide Thrane with his seat of power.

While his people worked to build these new cities and trade began to flow between Breton and the other northern kingdoms Thrane noticed that his son, Graynor, was quickly growing up to be a strapping young man. Thrane knew that men of such an age required a good woman to tend to their needs and so with that in mind he took his son and many of his soldiers and marched south to the region of Wessex. Once he was there he began speaking to the local lords and soon found a noble woman of some repute for his son. Of course while this was going on both Thrane and his son Graynor took a great deal of time to tell the lords of Wessex about the wealth and power that Sussex was gaining. The lords were interested in the wealth of Sussex and the trade which was coming to the region. By the time Thrane left with his heir and his new daughter-in-law he had gained many promises to work together by the lords of Wessex and thus tied the region to his in a new economic bond.

The Ilyrian League

Torgus

Diplomacy: Slovenia (NT)

Torgus looked over the missive that was brought to him by his heir, Phylocles who was once his most trusted assistant. “The new Pan-Hellenic League could be a boon to our nation. Send word back that we will join the League and support our fellow Hellenic Nations.” Phylocles nodded to his king and quickly turned to follow his directions. Torgus frowned as he looked out over the ships along the coast. With joining the other Hellenic Nations, Torgus decided that his people needed a new image. Quickly calling his scribes over Torgus announced that from this day forth the Illyrian Pirates would be known as the Ilyrian League. With this change Torgus decided to not raid any regions. Instead he married a local noblewoman and watched as his followers worked to use the newest techniques to improve the lands of Ilyria so that they could produce more food and wealth.

Phylocles was slightly disturbed when Torgus married a woman so soon after declaring him the heir to the nation, and when he was sent away on a diplomatic mission he seemed more then a little hesitant to leave with his place as heir in question. But deciding it best to follow king’s directions he traveled north along the coast to Slovenia where he began talks with the local lords. They were most reluctant to listen to Phylocles at first as Slovenia had often suffered from attacks at the hands of the Ilyrians in the years proceeding Phylocles mission. Phylocles managed to gain the hand of one of the local noblewomen and with her aid did gain some support among the lords and ladies of Slovenia. After many years of explaining to the local Lords that the Ilyrians had given up their pirate ways led only to an agreement which offered some small concessions for the Ilyrians in the lands of Slovenia.

Leon

Gurandor, Chief of Leon

Diplomacy: Portugal (EA), Galacia (NT)

Gurandor watched the rising tide of foreigners coming into Iberia. He called many of his people together and brought them into the village of Burgos for safety which quickly grew to be the largest in village in many days of travel. Then he gathered his retinue and traveled to Portugal where he brought many gifts, including paying for the growth of the village of Lisbon into a port of some note. In Portugal Gurandor also took a bride in Portugal which helped enamor himself with the local lords. Gurandor spent some time speaking with them and warning them of the danger from the strangers who were moving onto the peninsula. After much debate he managed to gain promises of economic alliance in order to preserve their ways of life against these strangers.

After he finished in Portugal, Gurandor headed north into Galacia and met with the lords there. The lords of Galacia were less impressed then those of Portugal. Gurandor had already taken a bride and did not bring the gifts that he had to Portugal. In the end all he managed to get were some small promises to consider future alliance, but no money or supplies were offered should Leon come under attack by the strangers that Gurandor spoke of. So Gurandor returned to Leon and considered his next move.

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Estonia

Viktor Mietski

Diplomacy: None

Viktor looked over his realm and found that it was too small for his liking. He spend days sailing along the coast until he could find what he was seeking. Finally, he found a natural inlet that was large enough for a great fleet (one far greater then he had ever seen) to fit in and prepare to raid the weak peoples around him. Quickly he ordered the new port of Valdek to be built.

Once his new city was well under way, and many of his people were crowded into the narrow new roads, Viktor decided that he still had too many people and needed a new place to put them. Taking many of his gleaming new crafts, Viktor placed many of his people on and sailed them to the island of Saarema. There he left them with some warriors to protect them and some money to build homes. As the people started to spread out though he quickly realized that he would need more people to finish making the island truly part of his kingdom.

Shrugging, he turned and set sail to do what he wanted to do most. This of course was to sail throughout the northern seas and capture as many slaves as his ships could hold. So he struck at the regions of Holstein, Pomern, Pomerania, and Danzig. When he was finished with Danzig he was surprised to see how long it had taken him to do his slave raiding. He had expected to hit several more regions, but already it was time for him to return home.

The Danes

Hfalgard, son of Beorgard

Diplomacy: Skane (NT)

Hfalgard looked over his realm and decided that the he wished to expand his realm. His first act was to decree the city of Havn built in Denmark. Almost immediately ships began flowing between the Danes and Estonia in the east and Breton in the west as Hfalgard looked for new ways to improve the life of his people. While his new city was being built he also saw that his son, Thoradin, was married to a good Danish noblewoman. Once his son was wed he left him in the palace to see that the small nation was properly run and then turned and traveled with his troops north over the islands to the region of Skane in Scandinavia. Once he was there he began showing the lords of Scandinavia the pretty new trinkets that he had acquired through trade with distant lands. Hfalgard managed to get some general agreements with Skane who looked at him a little strangely for coming and speaking words of peace while having a strong force of men behind him. In the end they swore allegiance, but refused to actually donate any money or men to Hfalgard yet. They told him that perhaps in the future when he returned with more of the nice trinkets from those distant lands they would agree to stronger terms.

When Hfalgard returned to Denmark in 256 he found that his son had been very busy. His wife had given birth to 3 strong boys to carry on the family name. One was born less then a year after the wedding, which was a good omen for Thoradin. In 257 and 256 she gave birth to her other sons.

North America

Anasazi

Lonalitia, Chief of the Anasazi

Diplomacy: None

The Anasazi grew their corn and looked at it in wonder. Such a plant could explain the whole universe…

Moundbuilders

Hotaphali, Lord of the Mounds

Diplomacy: Miami (NT), Scioto (NT), Michigamea(T)

Hotaphali ordered the building of a new port city from which he could rule in Erie. He also ordered a fortress between Wenro and Erie built to guard his new capital. While he did all of this he worked on keeping meticulous notes on all that was going on inside his government and made sure that there was no corruption and that all matters were dealt with. In 260 he was blessed with the birth of a baby boy, and in 259 his wife grew pregnant once more. But the baby came very early. The best medicine men in the region were summoned but there was nothing they could do for her but they did succeed in saving the child which turned out to be a baby girl. The child was small but survived. Hotaphali also considered counting his people, and was willing to pay for it to be done, but did not bother to hire anyone to do it.

Nashalati was sent down the rivers to see the tribes that were near the river and to discuss having them join with the Moundbuilders. He did not spend much time with any of the tribes but managed to get at least some from each. In Michigamea he was surprised at how welcomed he was and when he left that tribe was more then willing to pay a small tribute in exchange for the protection and backing of the Moundbuilders. While Nashalati was meeting with the tribes along the rivers, Hotaphali sent his ally Hyutha out to tour the waterways so that the troops would know their way around it should it ever be necessary for them to defend it. It also let them be seen by many of the other tribes in the area in hopes of improving relations. But Hyutha did not stop to speak with anyone around.

Central & South America

Maya

Tiahuacan

Diplomacy: Yucatec (FA)

Tiahuacan called to his trusted lieutenant and ordered him to travel to the land of the Yucatec tribe and find a wife for himself. He also demanded that he bring the tribe into relations with the Mayans to strengthen their hold on the area. While Yucaha went to do his lords bidding, Tiahuacan began to bed his wife in order to provide an heir. In 258 a daughter was born so he tried again. In 256 his wife’s belly swelled larger then before and everyone was sure a mighty child was to be born. In the fall Tiahuacan’s wife gave birth to twins. A daughter and then a son were both born. The rest of the time Tiahuacan spent guarding his borders. His armies swelled in size and since he was spending so much time with his wife a city was built up forming their new port city of Komchen to handle his troops and to support his new palace in the city.

In Yucatec, Yucaha managed to find a wife but found that the people did not care to deeply that a mere advisor to the lord of the Mayan’s married one of their women. But The Yucatec were impressed with them military discipline shown by the Mayans, whose king was vigilant in their defense even when there were no horrible threats at the moment. So in the end Yucaha managed to gain an agreement to come to each others aid should battle be met.

Chavin

Mapoea

Diplomacy: None

Mapoea sat down to rule his nation. In order to do so he began by counting all of the people and tracking it. This turned into a big business and the port city of Lima grew up around the King and his works. To make life easier on him while he was there money was put into building up the roads some within the city and making things look better. Once he completed his census of the people, he began doing the day to day ruling of his people, which turned out to be just as tedious as counting the people. So Mapoea spent much time with his wife which led to a son being born in 258, a daughter in 257, and another son in 256. The nation rejoiced as their king proved how vital he was and at the improvements to the nation such as the now booming city. Mapoea’s most trusted advisor was so taken with how his king was handling life that he chose to follow his example. He worked side by side with his king to run the nation and gave birth to two sons and a daughter over the five years. Through out the kingdom many people proclaimed how good the omens were that so many children were born in such a small amount of time without any of them dying.