Lords of the Earth
The Rise of the Classical World
170-166 B.C. Turn 19
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 lote_br_6_cover for the base rules of the game.
Leader Espionage Operations
If a leader is performing an ES operation for something that is site specific he MUST be there. You can not sneak around to find out information from hundreds of miles away.
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.
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.
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).
Due to the effects on certain nations I have decided to allow for Natural Cultivation. It has taken effect immediately, but I will not go backwards so the effects will start from this turn forward. Also, because of this I will no longer be starting regions with PWBs as they can now all be cultivated given time.
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).
National
Transformations
In time period we are in there are many ideas which do not
exist. Things such as Free societies or even Guilds were unknown and more
often then not unwanted. To show this the game has placed tech level
advancements on when you can reach things such as Free societies. These are in
place in the system and not determined by me. I have been and will continue to
use these as a guide for when you can reach a National
Transformation. I know there are examples through history that may seem to contradict
this rule, but please remember that these examples through history of free
societies are more often the exception and not the rule. Because of this most
National Transformations are at this time not allowed.
Mass Conscription
Mass Conscription is no longer allowed in the game. It makes very little sense for the time frame. It means you give every able bodied man in the nation a weapon and in a time of slavery, feudalism and caste systems that would not happen.
Royal Children
There are consequences to having too many children with ties to the throne. Some nations have more then 5 candidates already for the position of heir and a few look to be heading for the 10 mark. This can tear your nation apart. This it the one warning I will give to doing this.
North Asia
Mercs: 10 C, 10 I, 5 S
Merc Leader: None
Qin Empire
Zichu, Emperor of the Qin
Diplomacy: None
Xiaowen died in 168 BC. His son Zichu took the throne with out complaint as he controlled the army which was massive on a scale seen in few places in the world. Zichu mourned the passing of his father so with the exception of some work on distant roads little was done in the Empire. Zichu's wife, Zemi, gave birth to a son in 167 BC. The childbirth did not fare well and Zemi died within hours after the baby was born. (No Turn)
The Kingdom of Yan
Phan Huang, Lord of the Yan
Diplomacy: None
Huang remained at home and watched over his lands. His ally from distant Hsuing Nu died, but his son moved to take over and command the regions troops sending quick promises to Huang that he still intended to keep the promises that his father had made to the Lords of Yan. Huang's bride gave birth to two daughters over the cycle. The first game early in 167 BC and the second came late in 166 BC. (No Turn)
Kwanto Empire
Kwanto Dai, Daimyo of the Kwanto
Diplomacy: Akita (F), Shimane (NT), Yamaguchi (FA)
Dai began the early years of his rule by decreeing that the islands must be united. Before working to enact this he spent a short time with his blushing bride so that the kingdom would have an heir. As soon as that was accomplished he went to the region of Shimane and gained at least some lip service to his rule. Although disappointed that no tribute would be forth coming he did resist the urge to call upon his armies to smash the annoying local leaders. His aides Suchi Takoru and Akara Nguni traveled to the regions of Akita and Yamaguchi. Akita agreed to fully unite with the empire by the end of the cycle, while Yamaguchi gave promises of troop support as they resisted falling fully under the empire's control.
Farms were also built up in areas that were loyal to the Kwanto line so that they could feed the growing empire. Kwanto Kano, a younger brother of Dai was also made a prince of the realm so that he could assist in uniting the wayward lands in future years.
(Needs a Player)
South Asia
Mercs: 10 C, 20 I
Merc Leader: None
Nan-Yue
Lay Tak , King of Nan-Yue
Diplomacy: None
Tak spent most of his years penning poetry to read to the beautiful women of the lands and ruling over his lands. Peace had ruled for so long that many believed they were truly blessed by the gods. Tak did order the army fed and paid and continued work on the cultivation of Hainan which pleased the people in the region greatly. The enlightened rule of Tak led to a burgeoning of the arts by the nobles as many contributed to improving the arts and knowledge of the realm.
Khemer
Tak Lang
Diplomacy: Surin (F), Champa (T)
Tak Lang traveled to Surin where he led the diplomacy on the region with the help of several aides. He convinced the people of the region that they would be better off fully aligned with the throne in Khemer. His son and heir meanwhile continued the diplomacy in Champa and managed to gain tribute but failed to gain any stronger connections between the people of the region and the throne.
The work to cultivate the region of Mon was completed and men and resources were sent to Surin to begin cultivating that region as well now that it was fully aligned with Khemer. Work was also done to improve the lives and cleanliness of the population in Palauk as roads were paved with large stones. (Needs a Player)
Pacific Islands
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Moluccas
Anhuan, Lord of the Great Blue Seas
Diplomacy: None
Anhuan went about ruling is nation with its many islands. Investments were made to the government and the capital city continued to expand under his wise rule. (Needs a Player)
The Isle Nation of Samoa & Hawaii
Lil Malama, Defender of Samoa and Hawaii
Diplomacy: Tuvalu (NT)
Lil Malama stayed home and spent the first year in his bedroom as much as he could. Although quite taxing it did get his bride pregnant towards the end of the year and she gave birth to a boy. Deciding he had done his part for his family he left her to go and rule the lands for the next few years so that she could handle all of the dirty parts of raising a baby. Lil ordered many people to the cities of Pago Pago and Suva increasing the population of those islands as the lands continued to prosper.
Ke'Le'Wa was given the task of finding lands south of Vanuata. He took his light warships and sailed south to find the currents that would lead to expanding the realm. Unfortunately for his crew, less then halfway through their planned excursion a mighty storm struck the four light ships that had sailed with him. In the resulting chaos one Ke''La'Wa was thrown from his ship. A second ship was blown away from the others in the small fleet and never seen again. Of the three ships that managed to return to Vanuatu only two were still useful with the third breaking apart as the crew desperately sought the safety of land. Of Ke'La'Wa there was no sign. A new aide to Lil named Punaho'hi was given ten new warships and set to sail out to sail to the island of Tuvalu where he sought to explain the need of unity among the island states. Although Punaho'hi was a man skilled with words he was able to do little more then convince the people to pay lip service to Pago Pago.
The Aborigines of Taree
Tafar
Diplomacy: None
Tafar ordered several great works done in Taree. When it was discovered that the region had as many farms as the land would hold the workers were moved to the cities to improve them. Tafar and his son worked to run the nation and ensure that all was secure while the general Milah was given command of most of the army, and although some worried about this he remained loyal to Tafar and watched to ensure that nothing would harm his rule.
India & Central Asia
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Maurya
Ghatokacha, Emporer of Maurya
Diplomacy: None
Ghatokacha was growing older but that did not stop him from ordering massive construction in his nation. A road was built that led from Vengi all the way north to Nadavaria and in a few more years the road would spread beyond to Maghada itself. Another road spanned the Bhramaputra river to link Maghada with distant Gtsang. And in the west a road went from Chitor to Gujerat so even the western lands were linked to the might capital. A huge fortress was built in Edrosia to defend western trade cities. And massive farms were built in several regions to feed the hungry populace of the Mauryan Empire. In Madurai the people began clearing away the rocks and overgrown trees and brush to cultivate the lands for even more farms that would one day cover the region.
The Holy Brahmins
Mohatma, Most Holy of the Brahmins and Defender of the Faithful
Diplomacy: Khemer (CH), Palauk (CA), Gtsang (AB), Kali (MN), Edrosia (NE), Pandya (MN)
The Brahmins continued to work on the Great Temple of Sri Gupta the Invincible. It was not finished yet and many workers had been summoned to build the temple already. They supported the faithful by sending a large chest to both Rowzi and Maurya to aid in caring for those of the faith.
Mohatma was busy in Khemer where he founded a church before moving on to Palauk and creating a Cathedral there. While he was busy in the south east, Menamena was busy in the northeast creating an abbey in the remote lands of Gtsang, although with the roads it ceased to be as remote as it once was. In the west Cnumba built a monastary in the city of Kali and in the region of Pandya. Unfortunately, his attempt to further the church's work in Edrosia fell through. Jdumbi was given the task of going and meeting with the leader from Rowzi to present him with the church's aid.
The Indian Alliance
Torugah IV, Lord of Pandya
Diplomacy: Pegu (NT)
Torugah decided it was time to expand his realm. So he sent Uharia with many cogs far to the west in waters that were never seen by the sailors of the Alliance. There they located an island called Socotra which lay at the mouth of a great waterway. Unfortunately, although they brought many jewels and spices to entice the people of the island they were left with a quandary for almost no one lived on the island. After much scratching of heads missives were sent back to Maduri asking for Torugah's will and warning that many of the sailors seemed worried to be in unknown waters. This was made even worse when as the years came to a close Uharia perished of seemingly normal causes. But many whispered it was an ill omen that they had stayed so long. Meanwhile, Tayama was given ten mighty warships and a hold filled with similar presents and sent eastward to the Andaman Islands. There he ran into much the same problem. For the few inhabitants of the island had no true hierarchy and though they looked with interest on his gifts he had no central source to give it to and there were not currently enough inhabitants to really lay claim upon the lands so he simply sat his warships in the best harbor available and declared the region part of the Alliance, although the small animals in the vicinity to hear it did not seem impressed. The one trip that did bear fruit was when Lord Mahati with another ten warships found his way to the rich lands of Pegu. He came well prepared with excellent knowledge of their habits and culture and the knowledge that some of the Buddhists in the region had already come to worship the more powerful Hindu deities. But he found that even with this and his great bribes he could do little more then gain a foothold on the region. They agreed to unite with the Alliance in name but no funds or men would be sent to Maduri to increase the glory of the Alliance at this time.
In Maduri Torugah V came of age and was named the heir of his father. 2000 of the finest heavy knights were created as an honor guard for Torugah IV so that all would know his might. A port area was also located not far from Maduri to make it easier to load and ship supplies to the islands and distant lands that now looked to him for guidance.
The Middle East
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Tartars
Jagun
Diplomacy: None
Jagun realized that large sums of money were being lost to the poor organization of his peoples. Under his guidance the nation looked more to him the the old tribal leaders and improvements were made to the government. His son came of age was named Jagundun. He was then made the official heir of the burgeoning nation. Trade was opened with as many neighbors as possible. Although the horde had gained a large treasury during their travels Jagun realized how small it was when you were trying to form a new nation. Food was proving to be an especially difficult thing to provide when your people could not simply take it from others in passing. So many veterans were given farms and the treasury was emptied in the attempt to fill the lands with farms to fee his people. Genghis, a loyal follower, was given 6000 cavalry and 7400 light infantry and sent off to conquer and then deposit the tribal members in the region. He also deposited a number of them along the shore in the smoking remnants of a village that grew to become the city of Bharda.
Strangers appeared in Azerbaijan talking about the strange gods of the west. Jagun knew that the underclasses he had conquered worshiped these gods and so although he was not impressed by them he saw no need to act against the strangers at this time.
(Needs a Player)
Bactria
Sophacles II
Diplomacy: None
Sophacles built up the military by several thousand troops and set to guarding his realm. Several small forts were put in various regions to help in the defense and farms were added to Bactria to aid in feeding the new trips. The Tartars had set up camp just across the water but who knew if they would remain there. His son, Demetrius, was left at home where he spent time with his wife who had two daughters. The first was named Ariadna who was born in the late months of 170 BC. Lyris came three years later in 167 BC. Sadly, Demtrius did not live long enough to see it as he was found dead in his bed one morning the day after he had gone on a long hunt and complained about a strange pain in his left leg. Demetrius II was only five when his father died so he could not be proclaimed the heir and his grandfather had passed his sixth decade.
Seleucid Kingdom
Cauis
Diplomacy: None
Cauis began the cycle by being warned of strange lights in the distant skies of Aleppo. The prophets seemed unconcerned by their presence in the skies over the kingdom though. At the end of the cycle Antiochus IV, son of Cauis, came of age and was publicly declared the heir. As the only child of Cauis there was no resentment to this action. One of Cauis' trusted men died during one of the many feasts dedicated to the new heir as he choked upon a slice of pomegranate. Cauis had two more children in the cycle. The first was a daughter that came in June of 170 BC while the second was a son that came in shortly before the winter solstice in 166 BC. (No Turn)
The Ophilian Church
Xenais, The Will of Zeus, Apostle of the Great Ophilius
Diplomacy: Ctesiphon (HC)
Xenais spent much of the wealth of the church and called all of the leading priests together in Ctesiphon. There he had his followers build a mighty shrine to Zeus and declared that since the false church in Greece refused to listen to reason that Ctesiphon was now the center of worship for Zeus. He also ordered a small trail paved between Aleppo and Cilicia to aid messengers who were traveling between the two regions.
The church continued to grow with a rise of followers in Azerbaijan, and a new leader stepping forth to help guide the church.
Africa
Mercs: 15 HI, 15 I, 15 S, 5 W
Merc Leader: None
Ptolemaic Kingdom
Ptolemeos Attalos
Diplomacy: Rodos (EA), Sheba (UN)
Ptolemeos took possession of ten thousand slaves given to him by the Carthaginians in exchange for using the canal. Ptolemeos gave official positions in the government to Princes Arrhidaeos and Apollonios in the hopes it would give them something productive to do and that they might be great leaders if given the opportunity to prove themselves. He then sent Petranicus south to Yemen to convert the rabble nomads from the strange gods. He had some luck at this but apparently was struck down by the heat of the land and died shortly after he got there. Asperides was sent north to the city of Rodos where he spoke at length with the people and managed to gain many new economic ties to their wares and promises to unite more with the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Unfortunately, he died about halfway through his diplomatic mission so further ties were not discussed.
The Kingdom also went through a strong tide of urbanization as the small villages of Kana, Elath and Muza grew to be full fledged port cities. Ptolemeos grew tired of having to work with such distant people so he pulled all ties with the region of Sheba and left them to their own devices.
Aias ruled the lands as his father watched over them with the army. During the time he ruled his wife gave birth to a girl in 169 BC and a son in 168 BC.
The Spears of Ares
Paulus, Lord of the Spears
Diplomacy: Axum (F)
Paulus was disturbed to hear that what at first appeared to be a great crop was badly damaged by a harsh winter that struck early in 168 BC damaging crops that would have been used on the open market or to feed workers as the improved the lands dedicated to might Ares. Paulus' eldest son came of age and was named the heir to kingdom.
Paulus sent his aides to Axum where they convinced the populace to fully unite with the nation. He then diverted his workers and money to the city of Thebes where the streets were widened and paved to make way for the trade that he hoped would one day flow into his lands. (Needs a Player)
Carthage
Dargen II
Diplomacy: Catalonia (A)
Dargen ruled and spent time with his wife, Alystra. She gave him three daughters in the years 169 BC, 167 BC and 166 BC. Dargen also spent some time working with the merchants and ordering various ships to begin docking at different ports in preparation for increased trade.
Prince Domas was sent with his ship and a trunk of gold to talk to people in Geb-Al-Tarik and then to the distant Canary Islands. Unfortunately, shortly after he reached Geb-Al-Tariq he was bitten by an asp and died quickly there after. The treasury was returned to Carthage with his ship. Hamilcar was also sent to distant Catalonia where he was asked to speak with the nobles. He married a widow of a famous lord which helped cement an alliance between the region and Carthage as her son swore to be loyal and aid when called upon.
Prince Asaf was given a considerably larger fleet and a powerful honor guard. He then traveled to distant Rome where he married Princess Aemilia and signed a full alliance treaty that would run for twenty years. After the marriage was confirmed Asaf took his new bride to Malta where he put her in a villa while he controlled the Carthaginian Navy looking for raiders. After several years of this he returned and then took her back the Carthage to finally meet his family. Lord Varlmus took a strong fleet of ships north to check to explore the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea, and the Viking Sea. He returned with many new maps and tales of cold waters and barbaric men. Xanopter was sent off with ten thousand cavalry to take ten thousand slaves to the Ptolemaic Empire. They were delivered without difficulty and then he returned and handed the troops back over to Dargen.
Urbanization also greatly increased as the villages of Tophet, Kerkouane, Paki, Cothon, Tanit and Hammon all grew to be full fledged ports where the trade of Carthage could flow free through. Many of these ports were supplied with garrisons and walls to guard against pirates or nations that might decide ti better to seize the wealth of Carthage then to trade with them.
West Africa
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
The Empire of Kanem Bornu
Matzu, Lion of the Shifting Sands, Sword of the Hindu Faith
Diplomacy: Galam (F), Takrur (P)
Matzu was growing older but his skills in battle were still almost unmatched in the entirety of Africa and so he took his army and led colonists into the depleted lands of Galam before launching attacks into Takrur where he quickly and slaughtered the defenders and then he enforced the Hindu faith upon the people of the region and once again smashed what little defenses the region had. (Needs a Player)
The Kingdom of Ife
Alim, Chief of the Ife
Diplomacy: None
Alim continued to stay home and relax. His allies also spent the cycle following the example of their leader as they spent time enjoying the beauty of the region of Hausa. Their ally in the region died halfway through the cycle but his son a charismatic man who quickly took over the region and continued to offer hospitality to the men sent by Alim to the region. Alim lost his wife late in the year 167 BC during a troubled childbirth. The child was dead before it was birthed which led many to think she had been cursed by the gods. Although many were impressed with his virility since he was sixty years old at the time. (No Turn)
South Africa
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
South African Cav Count: No Horses Yet
Mauryan Raj of Rowzi
Sri Sreena, Emperor of the Southern Lands
Diplomacy: Why?
The Raj continued to do massive work in the region of Zimbabwe. Where once few men ever trod they built massive farms. Workers were shipped in as further colonization allowed greater expansion of farms. Many farms were also built in the region of Karib. Slaves were deposited in the region of Barotse and forced to do back breaking labor to cultivate the region. Massive dikes were built to bring water to the dry fields, small roads and trails crossed the landscape and the seemingly endless brush was cut and beat back by the slaves taken in war. Fifteen hundred infantry was formed in Karib and a few forts were built to dot the hills of Kafue.
Sri Sreena was not the military mastermind that his forefathers were but he was determined to continue the fierce expansion of his lands. He dropped off a few hundred slaves in Barotse to begin the work clearing the region before he moved on the region of Kabwe. The region was led by a man of medium skill which meant that he had no real chance against the better armed and trained troops of the Raj. Soon he was dead and his people were in shackles. Sreena then marched further north to the region of Kinsasha where he faced greater set backs. The leader there was far more experienced in war and fought a delaying and hiding series of skirmishes. Unfortunately, his troops numbered a mere third of what Sri commanded and so soon he was simply surrounded and defeated. This cost Sreena several thousand men, but he had plenty compared to the forces arrayed against him and soon it was over with the slaughter of yet another weak tribe. Sreena was happy with his victories for the moment and moved south to deposit the new slaves in Barotse to continue the work upon his mighty lands.
While Sreena was busy in the northern lands, his heir Sri Gupta III was sent across the seas to see the Brahmin temples in Maurya where he received gifts and support and learned the wisdom of the Hindu Brahmins.
The Nguni Alliance
Hyutha, Defender of the Cape
Diplomacy: None
Hyutha ruled over his lands and ordered investments in the university. He also ordered improvement in the city of Bawi and ordered his troops to be prepared in case the Raj moved south. (Needs a Player)
Eastern Europe
Mercs: 5 I
Merc Leader: None
Suzdal
Yammar, son of Grodur
Diplomacy: Muscovy (F), Polotsk (EA)
Yammar ordered a fortress built in the region of Suzdal. Work was also ordered to improve the capital of Tvorda. Leaders were sent to Muscovy which had finally gotten over the conquest decades before and they convinced the region that only through a full union with Suzdal would they ever truly prosper. The heir traveled with the army to Polotsk where he spent his time trying to convince them to several new economic pacts which would benefit Suzdal as well as Polotsk. (Needs a Player)
Cojuvia
Xerxes II
Diplomacy: None
Xerxes died in 168 BC. His son moved quickly to claim the troops and assert his rule over Cojuvia. The years passed fairly quietly for the northern nation which still found the winters extremely cold compared to the lands of their forefathers. Xerxes II took many concubines over the years and in 167 BC one gave birth to a son. (No Turn)
Pontus
Mithridates IV, Lord of Pontus and Ruler of the Black Seas
Diplomacy: Psidia (A), Galatia (F)
Missionaries were sent to Taman where a large portion of the populace was converted the the Greco-Roman faith. Diplomats were also dispatched to Psidia and Galatia to help shore up the nation. In Galatia a strong ally was found who offered troops and other aide to the nation. In Galatia there was even greater success as the whole region fully united with the kingdom. Mithridates was concerned about the defense of his realm as word of the Tartars settling to the east came to him. Though he was willing to trade with them he feared a possible attack and so he sought to protect his realm. To do this he had a fortress was founded along a major pass traveling through Pontus. A few lesser field fortresses were also added to the region of Pontus to continue shoring up any possible line of attack. Engineers were placed in Trebizond and Pontus itself to aid in defense if the kingdom was attacked.
Antigonid Kingdom of Macedonia
Argeia, King of Macedonia
Diplomacy: Crete (A), Ludgorie (A), Bulgaria (F)
Ludgorie was cultivated and Argeia spent the years in the region working to make Ludgorie friendly with his nation. He managed to find a strong ally in the nobles which supported their union into the kingdom of Macedonia. In Crete Paulos found a similar ally which led to a strong alliance in Crete as well. The people of Bulgaria after many decades finally came to terms with their place in the kingdom and accepted that they would remain in the kingdom. (Needs a Player)
The Olympic Primacy
Horace, Voice of Zues and Speaker of the Gods
Diplomacy: None
The church sent missionaries to Polovostsy, Moldavia, and Banat. They continued to offer support to the nations who followed the teachings of the Voice of Zeus. This led to public works in Massalia, the Roman Empire, Pontus, the Ilyrian League and the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Expansion of the church stopped as several of the leaders were called back to discuss the meaning of various prophecies and to handle the mundane needs of the church. Investments were made to many parts of the church, including a large endowment to the study of the physical world as some new philosophers were suggesting a stronger focus on observation to learn about the world around them. (Needs a Player)
Western Europe
Mercs: 5 HI, 10 I, 5 S
Merc Leader: None
Roman Empire
Scipio
Diplomacy: Carinthia (FA)
Scipio spent his time relaxing with his wives. He had several over the years as he tried to produce more heirs. The first gave him a daughter in 169 BC and then perished of a cough in the winter of 168 BC. His second wife of the cycle tried to have twin sons in 167 BC but died. One of the twins died with her, but a strong boy remained. His third wife managed to survive giving him another daughter in 166 BC. Prince Asaf of Carthage arrived with a large force although most were left upon ships. He then went ashore where he met with the Romans and signed a pact for a full alliance over the next twenty years. To cement the pact Prince Asaf married the Princess Aemilia of Rome who went with him when he returned to Carthage.
In Tuscany the port of Sussanna was expanded to allow for larger ships to safely dock and drop off supplies. In Spoletto the port of Micalmas was similarly deepened to allow the large drafts needed by the ships that sailed across the deep seas. A road was expanded from the heart of Romanga to to Aquiliea in Verona. A new port fortress was also built in Latium to further defend the capital city. The walls were among the strongest of any fortress in the known world. Forts went up in several regions and many farms were put in the fields of Tuscany, and seventy-five hundred new cavalry were added to the legions.
Several of the leaders moved on to Carinthia where they worked to convert the nobles. They succeeded and the region soon began following the Roman gods. Meanwhile, Nero was sent to gain the allegiance of the region. He had moderate success at this as a local lord swore feudal oaths to the Emperor of Rome.
Massalia
Andreas
Diplomacy: Aquitaine (EA), Gascony (A)
Andreas threw a party and then sent his son and aides off to the regions that were not yet fully tied to Massalia. In Aquitaine his heir, Endridos, managed to gain some strong economic ties to the local farmers and work began to make the region cultivated. Shortly after Endridos arrived in Aquitaine word came that his wife had given birth to a son. In Gascony, Bishop Georgios led the way and managed to find a noble who was strong in the faith to become an ally of Massalia.
The region of Limousin was cultivated which would bring great benefit to the nation in time. (No Turn)
Bohemian Empire of Westphalia
Ewald the Black
Diplomacy: None
Aldbert continued to rule his lands and saw improvements made to the cities of Jaroville and Ulgario. Forts were also built in several of the nations regions. He had his trusted aide, Horemer, work besides him in ruling the nation. He then ordered his son Ewald to react against possible attacks while Ansgar guarded the city of Jaroville.
Ewald looked around and saw no threats to the realm so instead of marching his troops he spent his time celebrating with his friends. This led to the birth of a son in 168 BC and a daughter in 167 BC. Shortly after the birth of his daughter Ewald was informed that his father had passed on during a late night of watching over the books. Ewald moved quickly to gain the rest of the national army and placed himself on the throne. Both Horemer and Ansgar supported his claims to the throne firmly and so the transition was easily made.
Franconia
Freibott, son of Hans
Diplomacy: Austria (F), Moravia (F)
Freibott ordered his aide Tommar to travel to Austria where he worked to unite the region with the nation. After several years of work he managed to fully unite the people under the banner of Freibott. Friebott went to Moravia where he spoke to the lords of the land while seeing that the region began the process of cultivation. As the people saw what he had to offer to them they also moved to join under his banner. Farms were also added to the countryside in Franconia to feed the growing nation. (Needs a Player)
The Gauls
Daric, High Chief of the Gauls
Diplomacy: Normandy (T), Hainaut (T)
Daric continued to rule his lands while his son, Donaham, worked along side him and worked on growing his family. Donaham had a daughter in 169 BC. While checking on some outlying towns Donaham was attacked by a group of bandits. He took a serious injury and died of complications later in the year. Daric continued but did not name an heir. His younger son was considered quite accomplished, but many wondered if he would go with the oldest son of Donaham. Some worried about what would happen if Daric did not make his selection soon as he was already well into his fifth decade of life. Upon the death of his son Daric ordered a large endowment to the universities of Paris in the name of his son.
Work continued on cutting back the forests and opening the lands up for farming. Work began in the region of Vermandois, and continued in the regions of Nivernais and Maine which led to both regions becoming fully cultivated. Farms were also added to the rolling hills of Burgundy and Ile de France.
Ordan was then sent from Flanders to Normady where he worked to increase the economic ties of the region with Paris. Unfortunately, before he was finished he was found dead in bed. His death was reported in 167 BC to Paris. The region had agreed to send tribute in exchange for protection which was better then what they had been offering, but was not quite what Daric had hoped for. Sergovax meanwhile had traveled to Hainaut where he also worked to gain new economic agreements. He only arranged for some tribute to be sent even though he live through the years and thus had more time. Sadly, he did not have the silvered tongue of the lost Ordan.
Breton
Thaco, King of the Bretons and Pendragon of the Isles
Diplomacy: None
Thaco called for an arming of the island as word of Dublin reached Lundyn. Thousands of men were armed with shields, spears and swords, and several might Nordic Longships were built to command the seas. He then turned to ruling over his nation. Many wondered what would happen in coming years since Thaco lacked an heir to rule the nation when he passed on. But his followers were very loyal so nothing came of the whispers. Under his able rule several new farms in Sussex were built to feed the new troops set to guarding the island.
The Ilyrian League
Philotas
Diplomacy: Dalmatia (NT)
Philotas ruled in the capital and ordered the beginnings of a major road between Ilyria and Slovenia. The mountains proved to be a major obstacle though and it would likely take many more years for the road to be completed. During his years he took a concubine which gave birth to a girl in 168 BC and a son in 166 BC. Philotas was also getting old and feared for his safety and the security of the realm so he ordered that five thousand more spear men be trained as a personal guard.
Astadius was sent south to Dalmatia where he was generally well received by the people. He managed to gain some small ties with the people of the region. In Croatia missionaries were active and the region was fully converted to the Greek faith. Although some of the lords were unhappy with the change there was not enough anger to cause the region to revolt against the League.
Leon
Gargoris, Chief of Leon
Diplomacy: Murcia (T), Galatia (F)
Gargoris continued to live in Murcia and worked to get them to unite with Leon. He based most of his operations in the village of Roca Blanco. After having the powerful chieftain there for many years the village grew to the point of being a major city but the people in the region still only agreed to send minor tribute to Leon. Primo, the heir to the throne, traveled to the coastal region of Galatia where he spoke to the locals and managed to fully unite them to the growing nation. Work was also done to improve the city of Burgos to help with the over crowding. (Needs a Player)
Dublin
William of Dublin
Diplomacy: Connaught (FA), Ulster (FA)
William married his sister to Michael, a powerful chieftain and ally from Munster and then sent him to find allies in Ulster and Connaught. In both cases he found war bands willing to march to battle if William called upon them. Work was also done to improve the knowledge of the sages of the island and to improve the capital of Dublin. Trade vessels also set sail to the far corners of the lands to try and bring wealth to the poor people of the island. (Needs a Player)
Northern Europe
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Virumaa
Valdek Eestigard II
Diplomacy: Novgorod (F), Livonia (PT)
Valdek handed over close to 8500 regular infantry and a thousand scouts to his son. Luckily for him, he did this while his son was off living the good life with his wife so thus his son did not try and claim the crown. Valdek then set out to Novgorod where he handed out lavish gifts to the local lords and convinced them to fully unite under the banner of Virumaa. While he was doing this his son finished living the good life and set to work expanding the nation. He did leave behind a new daughter and son born in 170 and 169 BC respectively before leaving with his troops. He marched on the region of Livonia where he set his scouts out to pin down the army and then went in for the kill. Although Valdek III was one of the great generals of all the northern lands his scouts were not as well led when they were away from him and so several hundred of them were caught in an ambush. By the time the main army arrived the scouts had suffered large losses, but Valdek himself led the charge to save those that remained and crushed the enemy forces taking the region in the name of his father.
With the new wealth coming in from conquered Livonia Reval grew larger and several new forts were placed in Virumaa proper to prevent attack against the growing city.
The Danes
Thoradin II, Son of Thoradin
Diplomacy: Uppsala (UN), Skane (EA), Halland (T), Shetlands (NE)
Troubled times came this cycle to the Danes. It began in 169 BC when Thoradin IV failed to outlive his grandfather. Thoradin II, King of the Danes, was heartbroken. Already he had seen three generations of his kin come and go and now his grandson who seemed to have retained his longevity had passed on to the halls of the Gods. Thoradin II was a practical man though so he named his one great grandson that remained as the heir, Thoradin V, and then set out with Prince Turgin to Halland where he hoped to secure an alliance with the people there. Unfortunately, too many memories dragged upon his spirit and not even the matters of state could distract his weary heart. So within a few months of his son dying Thoradin II passed on to the halls of the gods. Turgin did his best to continue on with the diplomacy before returning home to act as Regent but his heart gave out during one of the grand feasts in 167 BC a few months before his planned trip back to Havn. Strangely, the celebration was over the new level of tribute and support that the two regions were offering each other. Although some muttered that Nortors of Uppsala might be right about the curse upon the Danish kings they decided to retain the deal and sent a copy of it to Havn with couriers. Regnoros was in the Shetlands during all of this trying futilely to get the region to more fully unite with the Danes, but with all the bad luck going on in the Danish leadership the island was rather reluctant to do anything else and put off further promises.
With the death of the king, heir and noble prince the nation went into an uproar. Fletcher was the oldest general, but he died before he could sail his ships back to Havn. With communications disrupted in the nation no one was sure if this was the first strike of a civil war or simply more bad luck for the realm that had seen such stable leadership for so long. From the troops in the capital a new general came forth who had been courting Princess Willetta. He quickly married her and took control of the troops in Denmark who celebrated the union of the general and the daughter of the royal line. Many thought he would claim the throne but instead he claimed Thoradin V heir and himself regent. He named another accomplished general who was loyal to the nation as his personal aide. Ivar of Skane and Nortors of Uppsala were both angry with the turn of events. Nortors claimed that the gods were smiting the lineage of Thoradin and retracted all support from the kingdom while Ivar did not trust Mikael and his rise so reduced his aid to Havn to little more then a moderate tribute.
Improvements were also made in the region of Adger and the capital to handle the growing kingdom on the order of Thoradin II before he passed on to the afterlife.
North America
Anasazi
Ahapita, Chief of the Anasazi
Diplomacy: None
Ahapita continued to rule over his lands and he saw the last of the settlers placed in farms in Patwin. Improvements were also performed on the city of Anasazi in order to make the life better for the people. Lonalitia led the people to their farms in Patwin and then returned and spent time with his wife. This led to the birth of a son in 169 BC and a second in 167 BC.
Atakapa
Juiapta, Chief of Atakapa
Diplomacy: Timuca (NT), Mescalero (FA)
Juiapta stayed home to rule over his widening realm while his son and heir, Ahilatopiapta, traveled south to Timuca. He spent the cycle in Timuca convincing the locals to accept their future as part of the growing sphere of Atakapan rule. They agreed to some small levels of allegiance but would not agree to tribute, which suited Juliapta's plans perfectly. He sent his aid, Running Dog, east to the region of Mescalero where he hoped to form a strong alliance with the people in the region and even took a bride for his son from the region. This led to an alliance where the people of Mescalero would gather troops to march should the need arise, but they did not agree to the level of allegiance that Juiapta had hoped for.
Juiapta saw that farms were started in Choctaw and that the roads of Opelousa were paved to make the way easier for the people of the realm who came to see their leader or to bring their trade goods. Juiapta's wife gave birth to a son in 168 BC and a daughter later in 167 BC.
Moundbuilders
Asophat, Lord of the Mounds
Diplomacy: None
Asophat spent the years looking at improving his cities. He ordered large paving stones and new wells built in all of his cities. In Michigamea a small village that lies where the waters of the mighty Ohio River meets the Middle Snake River began to grow, but it was not quite ready to be considered a city yet. Asophat spent his years at home ruling and with his family. His wife had a daughter in 169 BC and then a son in 167 BC. There were some complications during the birth of her son and she died during the birthing process.
Although Asophat lost his wife he still threw on a grand Lacrosse tournament in 166 BC. Participants came as far away as the distant deserts. It was a fierce competition and many of the players were injured as they strove to show the might of their tribes in front of the holy Mounds dedicated to the great spirits that created and watched over Men. In a late turn around a rough team from Santee pulled ahead to win the tournament. The month of the tournament was surprisingly cold and the men from Santee were used to the driving wind of their northern lands which culled out all but the strongest as the Spirits tested the mettle of the people who lived there.
Central & South America
Maya
Huncame
Diplomacy: Otomi (FA), Huave (F)
Huncame sent his son Chibinias to the distant wilderness of Otomi to bring them into the nation and he managed to gain an alliance with the people in case of war but did not fully align them with the will of Komchen. Payanqua, a trusted ally of Huncame was sent to Huave where he spent the years trying to get the people of the region to ally fully with the will of Komchen. After many talks the chieftains of the tribes in the area came to accept the will of Komchen in all things.
The small fishing village of Payaqui in Huave grew to be a full sized port as the lands under the Mayan rule continued to prosper. Paving stones were also laid into some of the majors roads in the city of Palenque which helped the merchants of the city greatly.
United Tribes of Peru
Sinchi, Lord of Chavin, King of the United Tribes of Peru
Diplomacy: Uru (FA), Moquequa (NT)
Sinchi ordered many new farms built in his lands. He then went to Uru with an aide to gain the allegiance of the region. They agreed to march with him which was not as much as Sinchi had hoped for since there was no tribe strong enough to march against them in the known lands. He sent another aide to Moquequa along the beach to gain their allegiance as well, but they agreed to little more then the lightest of unions between their land and Peru which meant no men or tribute would flow to Chavin. (Needs a Player)