Lords of the Earth
The Rise of the Classical World
160-156 B.C. Turn 21
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: Kaifeng (F) in Honan
The Qin continued their many massive products. Thousands upon thousands of workers were sent to build a massive wall to block the northern steppes off from the Empire. Walls were completed between Ningsia and Wu Hai, in Kansu facing the Yanzhi province, and walls in Yun and Shan'si facing the province of Ordos which failed to look to the Emperor for guidance. A great road was built from Tsainan to Shangtung as well to further link the lands. Farms were built in the Hupei and Kweichou provinces to feed the massive and mighty Empire. Ships were also built in many of the ports and then sent out to conduct trade between the many provinces. The lands of the Qin were massive and hundreds of ships were needed to bring rice, silks and the other many fine or needed items to the loyal followers of the Emperor. Zichu continued to rule his lands and had another daughter in 159 BC.
Zichu sent his heir and a large delegation to the city of Kaifeng where his heir took a local Noble's daughter. With the marriage into the royal family the city was soon fully supportive of the will of the Emperor.
The Kingdom of Yan
Phan Huang, Lord of the Yan
Diplomacy: Bao Ding (F)
Phan Huang ordered all available resources into cultivating the regions of Hsuing Nu and Bao Ding. This was completed by the end of 156 BC. Farms were also laid out in Hupei to help feed the nation. Huang sent his aides to the region of Bao Ding where they gained the full union between the region and the leadership of Huang. In 157 BC Huang died and T'sing Po quietly took the throne of the Kingdom. Several regions had their cultivation completed and the city of Seoul grew to be a full sized port.
The Empire of Japan
Kwanto Dai, Emperor of Nippon and Daimyo of the Kwanto Clan
Diplomacy: Shimane (F), Toyama (A), Yamato (+3YfC), Aichi (+8% YfC)
Kwanto Dai felt that his nation was not given the respect that it deserved. After the defeat of the hated Yamato and the conquest of much of their lands. So he declared from this day forward he would be known as the Emperor of all Japan. Dai continued his work in Shimane where he worked to show the people that he too felt the pains of the old war. He argued that a united Japan was an honorable Japan and the people listed. This worked well in Toyama as well where a local Daimyo agreed to be a strong ally of the new Emperor of Japan. In Yamato and Aichi the regions were growing more accepting of their place in the new Empire, but they were not yet willing to accept the rule of Dai without guards to ensure their conformity.
The beginnings of a major road that would start in Akida and end in Asuka moving through Aichi was ordered by Dai, but many more workers were needed before this road could be completed. Boats were built and added to the trade route with the Kingdom of Yan. Hokkaido also received some troops to garrison the region.
South Asia
Mercs: 10 C, 20 I
Merc Leader: None
Nan-Yue
Lay Tak , King of Nan-Yue
Diplomacy: Lingsi (F), Nanling (F)
Tak ordered a postal road built from Gouangxi to Lingsi. Allies were sent to Lingsi and Nanling where they spoke at length with the people there. In both cases the region was soon fully united under the leadership of the Lay dynasty. Ships were built and then taken out by Hon Chau to see the waters around Nan-Yue. When he was finished the boats were sent to trade with many of them being sent to the far north where the riches of Yan were desired by Tak.
Khemer
Prashant II
Diplomacy: Champa (A)
Strange lights lit the sky over Angkor Wat in 158 BC. Shortly after Prashant the Bold grew ill and died. Though many said it was a terrible omen for the acts of Prashant they did not rise up. Some thought to but Prashant II quickly took command of the forces when his father grew ill. Though Prashant the Bold was not well loved many remember his acts to take the throne and feared what his son would do if challenged so they held back from revolting. Prashant secured the throne and sent his aides off to Champa to see that the region would soon become cultivated and to discuss a further union with the people. Though the lights led many to think that the Prashant line was cursed they still manged to find a strong noble in the northern portion of the region that was willing to ally himself with Prashant II in return for power.
Prashant worked to rule over his nation and his wife gave birth to twins in 157 BC. A son and a daughter were born.(Needs a Player)
Java
Rongo, King of the Seas
Diplomacy: None
Rongo sent settlers north into the pagan lands of Palembang. There they settled into a small cove and built the port city of Siano. Rongo then stayed home and ruled over his slowly growing kingdom. During his years of ruling he took several consorts which gave birth to a son in 159 BC, a daughter in 157 BC and another daughter early in 156 BC. (Needs a Player)
Pacific Islands
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Moluccas
Antuak II, Lord of the Great Blue Seas
Diplomacy: None
Hancuak ordered further work on converting Sabah but little progress was made as the people of Mulccas were not among the most fervent worshipers of the gods. In fact it was not unheard of that the missionaries sent would actually convert to the Hindu faith when confronted with a one of the Brahmins in the region. Hancuak died in 157 BC and his son Antuak II quietly took command of the island nation. He worked to have an heir of the land but only managed to gain a few more daughters to add to the many that his father had left behind. A great deal of work was done to improve the capital and the government grew better able to administer to the far flung islands. (Needs a Player)
The Isle Nation of Samoa & Hawaii
Lil Malama, Defender of Samoa and Hawaii
Diplomacy: None
Lil Malama continued to rule and work on expanding his family. His wife finally grew pregnant and gave birth early in 157 BC. She unfortunately died during the pregnancy. His son, Hiapo, came of age and was declared the heir of the nation. Great works were added to the city of Pago Pago to improve the lives of the people. Ships were also made and given to Au'Kai, a local leader that Malama enjoyed, and then sent off Vanautu where he searched the currents heading south and after several years of research he found a way to the island of New Caledonia. Punaho'hi, another leader, was sent off to the east to the island of Bora-Bora. There he looked for a route further east which he found and soon he knew how to locate the island of Tahiti as well.
The Aborigines of Taree
Jafah, Lord of the Coasts and King of the Shimmering Waves
Diplomacy: None
Tafar died in 157 BC while ruling his lands. His son quickly took command of the army and since he was working to rule the nation as well he had little trouble in keeping the kingdom together. His wife gave birth to a son in 159 BC so an heir would be there when the nation needed it. There was some trouble in cost and placement of farms but it was figured out and the food would soon come in to feed the hungry masses. Other then that it was relatively quiet in the land. Jafah decided that since his father had ruled so well and now that he was the mighty king he needed a new title. He declared that from then on he and his line would be known as Lord of the Coasts and King of the Shimmering Waves so that all would know and be amazed at his power and wealth.
India & Central Asia
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Maurya
Ghatokacha, Emporer of Maurya
Diplomacy: Afghanistan (F)
Ghatokacha was growing old but he still retained the throne. He ordered more great works in his nation instead of working on the many construction projects he currently had going. Bridges were built across the Brahmaputra and Lower Ganges rivers. The regions of Madurai and Sikkim were cultivated. The cities of Paltiputra and Samnath both grew in size. Work was also done in Samnath to improve the city. Many new ships were built along the western coast. Ghatokacha sent Prince Ranjeet to the Brahmins as he was a likable man. His family grew as many of his sons had children. Farms were expanded in Guar, Assam and Edrosia. The fields of Und were also fortified as small forts were spaced strategically throughout the region. Deepak was sent to Afghanistan where he found many new nubile brides for the royalty that had lost them to time or pregnancy. He also spent much time convincing the region that they were best off fully aligning their interests with Maurya.
Ghatokacha sent Kallasvarti with the annoying and ancient Arjuna off to the west to the coast of Africa. There they launched an assault on the mainland. The battle was fierce as the natives were able to defend the shores, but Kallasvarti had more troops and they were far more skilled. Once the coast was held he allowed the Brahmins to land their own ships and construct a city before Kallasvarti gave up his control of the land outside of the city and returned to Samnath. His losses had been greater then expected but through numbers he won and was able to report success to Ghatokacha. The best news for Ghatokacha though was that Arjuna did not seem to handle the wet air well and although he was old and crusty and held on for a lot longer then most men he finally died in 156 BC when the wet winds of winter left him with a fierce hacking cough.
The Holy Brahmins
Ranjeet, Most Holy of the Brahmins and Defender of the Faithful, Prince of Maurya
Diplomacy: Angkor Wat (MN) in Khemer, Madurai (AB) in Pandya
Mohatma and Cnumba traveled to Angkor Wat in Khemer where they spent many years working to form a new Monastery in the capital city. Unfortunately, in 158 BC Mohatma died of a wasting sickness that sapped the strength from his limbs. Cnumba carried on though and successfully gained enough religiously minded men to form a full fledged monastery in the region. Menamena spent the cycle doing similar work in Madurai where he spent almost the whole cycle working to form an abbey in the region. Though he was not a friendly man he was full of devotion and after many years and a great amount of money he succeeded in planting a new Abbey in the memory of Mohatma who had taught him when he was but a lad and just learning the faith of the Brahmins. While this was going on Jdumbi was given a fleet of cogs and thousands of refugees from the poor sections of the cities in Maurya and the Indian Alliance who went to the church to find a new life for themselves and their family. He guided the people westward behind a war fleet of the Mauryans to Berbera. Once the Mauryans had subjugated the people the Brahmins landed their ships and occupied a large cove that they called Bhena. The cove was well situated between the local waters and would be vital for the Brahims to reach their far flung worshipers before heresy struck and took the faith away. Djumbi was supposed to leave the colonists and return to Mauryan lands with the ships. But while the city was being formed he was attacked by wild beasts and slain before any could come to his aid leaving the ships in the city of Bhena. Missionaries were sent to correct the Heretical worship that was going on in the region of Jats. They had a large amount of success as they managed to convert a large portion of the heretical population. Still, much work was needed to fully return the region to the true Hindu faith.
Early in the cycle the Mauryan Emperor, Ghatokacha, commanded the charismatic Prince Ranjeet to join the church and aid them as needed. He did this and quickly became one of the leading forces in the church. When the sad news of Mohatma's death reached Maurya Ranjeet moved quickly to secure the support of the strongest of the Brahmins in India. With his skill at Oratory he was quickly declared the Most Holy of the Brahmins and the Defender of the Faith for all of the Hindu peoples.
The Indian Alliance
Torugah V, Lord of Pandya
Diplomacy: Socotra (F), Andaman Islands (F), Thaton ( C)
Torugah V ruled over his lands. During the years he ruled his family expanded as a daughter was born in 159 BC and a son in 157 BC. While Torugah was ruling his lands he went to his scribes over the confusion of which island his father had sent people to. After much discussion and some happily received missives it was determined that Socotra bore a flag claiming the nearly deserted island while the Andaman Islands housed thousands of colonists sent in the past few years. Torugah decided that this needed to be changed though so he ordered Bramatarpo to travel to Socotra and colonize the region. Many of the people sent congregated in a village called Patadabolas which soon became a full sized port city.
Bramatarpo then traveled far to the east to Thaton where he tried to gain a stronger foot hold in the nation. He expected aid from Mahati, another leader of the Alliance, but Mahati died on the voyage. After a great deal of talk and various bribes Bramatarpo managed to only gain a small claim to the region of Thaton.
The Middle East
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Tartars
Jagun
Diplomacy: Alan (+5 YfC)
Jagun continued to rule his nation with his heir. He was happy when news of gold found in the hills of Georgia reached him. A flood of merchants, miners and those who sought to benefit from them reached the city of Jagun shortly after. Jagun then sent an aide to Alan to convince the locals that they should accept their place in the Tartars growing empire. The resources of the nation were mainly turned towards building fishing vessels in the port of Bharda to feed the people who were not used to farming the lands. (Needs a Player)
Bactria
Demetrius II, King of the East
Diplomacy: None
Demetrius II came of age and was declared King of the East as his nation was the furthest nation that still held the Hellenic culture and knowledge. Though they had found the true path of Hinduism they still retained many of their western knowledge and traditions. This knowledge allowed them to push through much of the cultivation of the Turkman and Bokhara provinces. Some were concerned that Demetrius would not remain king as the armies of Bactria were split between many leaders who could vie for power, but he was a very charismatic man and won many alliances to ensure his way to the throne would be clear. (No Turn)
Seleucid Kingdom
Antiochus IV
Diplomacy: Circis (NT), Diyala (NT), Khvor (NT), Kuh'Laleh'Zar (NT), Neyriz (NT), Palmyra (NT), Selucia (NT), Shir Kuh (NT), Kuwait (EA), Janus (T) in Cilicia
Antiochus desired to on the worship of the Gods. To do this he ordered a major temple built to Poseidon in Isauria. Word then came from the Oracles that Poseidon desired further proof of the love of Seleucia for the Gods. The city of Zeusus was to be moved so that it rested by the sea. In this way the two Gods could be close together in the hearts of the men in the kingdom. Realizing calamity could fall upon his people if he did not act Antiochus sent a small army to the south with Draco to see that the city was moved. The people were somewhat dubious about this, but since the army was there the people decided it was not a good time to question the Gods and so they moved to be by the water where the city was founded a new. In Isauria the Colossus of Ophilius was created as a great monument to the gods. It was modeled after the bronze giant of Rhodes. Likened after the founder of the True Greek Church, one arm clasps a scroll of his writings, the second is outstretched toward Ctesiphon, the seat of the church.
Urbanization was much the craze in the Kingdom with the cities of Alexandrettos, Ophilius, Janus, and Antioch growing in size. A village in Bandar named Pharotes grew large enough to be considered a true port city. Around the great city of Ctesiphon massive defenses were raised to protect the heart of the Kingdom. A road was ordered between the Satraps of Zagros and Persia. But the mountains between the two delayed the roads completion. Looking to the future work was started to cultivate the Satraps of Armenia, Fars, Mand, and Tabaristan. Antiochus also sought to cultivate the island of Cyprus but no one gathered the ships needed to send the workers to the island.
Antiochus spent the cycle ruling the land from Ctesiphon. He deemed many of the regions of little concern to the empire and sent missives letting the people know that he was no longer requiring tribute from many of them and in some he was removing certain agreements they had with the Kingdom as a whole. He then spent some time seeing to the shipping of the nation before settling down to have kids. His wife gave birth to three sons over the cycle. Antiochus ordered Kallias to go south to Kuwait with an ally from Ahvaz to speak to the local tribesmen. They brought a bribe to aid with the diplomatic actions and managed to gain many new economic ties with the locals in the new Satrap. They also found a bride for Antiochus in the region and sent her to Ctesiphon. Prince Bellerephon went to the port of Janus and spoke to them at length there and even found a wife of his own. But after the diplomatic overtures were over the people had consented to sending only a minor tribute to the King. Prince Polydeces was given a great fleet and sent to explore the Red Sea and then to pass through the Canal and sent north to explore the Dnepr River. He succeeded in the Red Sea and managed to get through the Canal even though the Ptolemy seemed unhappy that his vessels were passing through. But with the Treaty still in effect nothing occurred. Unfortunately, when they reached the Dnepr disaster struck and several boats were lost in the two years or so that the ships sought to trace a route up the river. Polydeces was forced to return to Ophilius without the rutters to the river. Antiochus also sent Nikolaus through the various Satraps gathering up the garrisons before moving all of the troops to Ctesiphon and giving them to Antiochus. Antiochus then held so many troops that he began to have difficulty commanding the massive army all at once.
No word came on renewing the Alliance even though several Hellenic nations received aid so Seleucia was no longer part of the Alliance.
The Ophilian Church
Paphilius, The Will of Zeus, Apostle of the Great Ophilius
Diplomacy: Alexandrettos (MN) in Abadan, Janus (AB) in Cilicia, Damascus (NE) in Syria
Xenais focused on expanding his control in cities. He sent each of his aides to a different city to increase the control the church had over the people. He continued to try and make amends with the western church but little headway was made this turn. He tried to do this himself but he died in 159 BC leaving much of his work undone. He was replaced by a young Acolyte named Paphilius. Missionaries were sent north and gained converts in several of the areas held by the barbaric Tartars. Though they were not Greek they did have Greeks under their brutal control and he hoped that by converting them he could lessen the burden upon his Hellenic Brothers. Missionaries were sent even further north as well to Suzdal where the great Prophet had once walked and gained a number of the northern barbarians to understand the wisdom of the Gods. Success in the north was more profound then that of the Tartar lands. Obviously the faith instilled in them by the Prophet remained in their blood to this day. The church paid for farms to be built in Ahvaz and did work to clean up the city of Antioch. (Needs a Player)
Africa
Mercs: 15 HI, 15 I, 15 S, 5 W
Merc Leader: None
Ptolemaic Kingdom
Ptolemeos Attalos
Diplomacy: Spears of Ares (NE)
Attalos decided looked south and desired the rich potential of the lands held by the Spears of Ares. He ordered a massive diplomatic corp led by Klietos, an up and coming leader in the Kingdom, to try and join the two nations. The corp spent years working to get Menacius to agree and even offered Arakamus, daughter of Attalos, as part of the deal. Unfortunately, although the Spears were interested in the potential union with their northern neighbors Klietos was unable to convince them to take enough action to bring the nations together. By the end of the cycle word was sent back to Attalos that the efforts had failed although Klietos seemed hopeful if more time, money and resources were shown to the Spears.
Attalos send more men to work on the road that would go from Sinai to Levant. But more resources were needed before the road could be completed. Attalos had more troops trained extensively and then joined to his forces. His son continued to rule and had a son of his own in 158 BC and a daughter late in 156 BC while he ruled. Many farms were built in Lebanon among their great trees and in Rhodes. The small village of Oea grew to be a true city in Tripolotania along the ocean. The city of Kyrene was fortified against desert raiders. New trade from Kyrene was opened up with distant Massalia.
Attalos made no comment about the Pan-Hellenic Alliance dissolving and so they too ceased to be members of the old Alliance.
The Spears of Ares
Menacius, Lord of the Spears
Diplomacy: None
Paulus ordered resources poured into cultivating the region of Luxor. Farms were built in the homeland as well with the money sent by the Seleucia for the purchase of Janus. Paulus died in 157 BC leaving his son, Menacius, as the new king. Paulus had thought ahead and given his son a large force before he died so when it came time to ensure that he became king there was no one in the lands who could oppose Menacius. Menacius already had an heir, but his bride gave birth to another son in 157 BC.
A shipment of gold came from Seleucia as a present to a Pan-Helenic Ally. The Ptolemaic Kingdom sent a vast diplomatic corp to try and get them to unite with their northern neighbors. Although some thought this was an excellent idea more then a few refused and so in the end little was done to unite the two nations. (Needs a Player)
Carthage
Dargen II
Diplomacy: Andalusia (F)
Dargen II decided to take a hands on approach this turn and so he took his forces to Cirta where he required the people to move about one hundred miles further down the coast. The people thought this seemed rather strange but the thousands upon thousands of troops that Dargen brought with him convinced them to move on down the coast to where he desired them. The city itself had little wealth in comparison to some of the great cities of the trade empire so the people had little to keep them there anyway. Dargen then returned to Carthage and traded his troops for some cargo ships to go and map the Black Sea and the entirety of the Danube River. Once he was done he returned with his ships unmolested by the other naval forces in the area to Carthage. He sent Prince Panthe who was commonly called the Explorer to the south where he made maps of the Lower Niger River, Cape Fria, and the sea arrow to an island the locals called Cape Verdes. He tried to explore down the Kongo river but fierce storms and massive animals that attacked his ships prevented his men from mapping the area. In the north, Varimus the Clear-Eyed explored the Baltic Sea and tried to find the island he had hear rumors of known as Faeroes but the brutal winters of the far north cost him several ships and he was forced to admit defeat on the matter.
While other lords searched distant seas for new trade partners Xanopter loaded many of the young nobles onto ships and took them to Rome and Alexandria to meet with nobles from those Empires. Many were married to help cement ties between the people. Asaf, who was a major Prince of Carthage and was married to a Princess from Rome, continued to work on expanding his family. In 160 BC his bride gave birth to a son. In 159 BC she grew pregnant again, but due to complications both the wife and child died in the sixth month of the pregnancy. Pacquilcar was given a large navy out of Malta to watch for any in the surrounding waters who might be up to nefarious deeds. He saw several ships in the seas that looked like they might be up to no good but his men assured him that they were simply merchant vessels and so he left them be.
Hamilcar, Prince and Heir to the throne of Carthage, was given a hundred mighty war elephants trained to be ridden by skilled riders. He took them and traveled the breadth of Carthage to cross up into Iberria. He took them to Andalusia where he spent a great deal of time showing them off as a sign of the great power of Carthage and talking to the people. He was fond of mentioning that the mighty Elephants of Africa were useful also in that they made great fertilizer with their dung. After years of such talks the people finally fully united with Carthage as they were impressed with Carthage's dedication to the matter and the might that Carthage obvious held.
The small village of Oristano in Sardinia grew large enough to be a true port. Workers and supplies were transported to the island where they worked to make the sheltered cove large enough to take the massive transports that carried the trade of nations through the Mediterranean.
West Africa
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
The Empire of Kanem Bornu
Jahzeel, Lion of the Shifting Sands, Sword of the Hindu Faith
Diplomacy: None
Matzu finally died in 157 BC having lived to the age of 82. He died in his sleep which surprised many since he wrestled and trained with men less then a quarter of his age right up until his body simply gave up his spirit. His grandson was a strong warrior that led over 6000 troops even before his grandfather passed on to the next stage of life. He quickly claimed the troops his grandfather had left behind. Though the kingdom was a vast and spread out affair no one revolted against the Lion of the Shifting Sands. His grandfathers name was whispered in tales through out the land and even in different lands and many thought that if any of his people revolted against him then Matzu would order Kali to smite them for their offenses.
Jahzeel continued to rule over the lands and ordered funds put into expanding the government to better handle the far flung realm and into the university so that his people could learn the wonders that the bards spoke of when talking of distant Carthage or the Ptolemies. Shortly before Matzu passed on his great-grandson came of age. Once Matzu was honored and Jahzeel held the throne he named his son the heir and presented him with 6000 cavalry to use as an honor guard and in defense of the realm. (Needs a Player)
The Kingdom of Ife
Alim, Chief of the Ife
Diplomacy: Hausa (F), Kwararafa (F), Nupe (F)
Alim was growing long in the tooth and he desired to see that as much of his nation was fully united with him as possible to lower the chance that an uprising might occur when he died and his son took the throne. His son was masterful on the field of battle, but why risk fate if it could be avoided. So he sent his men to the regions that had not yet fully united with Ife in the hopes of gaining their loyalty and in this he was blessed by the Spirits of the land and all looked fully to Alim for leadership by 156 BC.
Oyo also became a center of learning for the kingdom during this time. A small village named Al-Halan grew to be a major city as sages gathered to discuss nature, religion, and philosophy. (Needs a Player)
South Africa
Mercs: 3 XI, 2 I
Merc Leader: None
South African Cav Count: No Horses Yet
Mauryan Raj of Rowzi
Sri Gupta III, Emperor of the Southern Lands
Diplomacy: None
Sri continued the war like ways of his ancestors. More then ten thousand men were armed, though most were lightly armed as the hot weather did not make it easy to wear much metal armor. He then marched with his ally Preen Luvi northwest to the region of Chokwee where he quickly conquered and enslaved the people. Sri was not a great general but he had many times the numbers of then his opponents and his opponent was not all that skilled. So with numbers and superior skills Sri took his slaves and left only a thousand men behind in their graves. On he marched to Lui where he had a greater challenge even with the expert aid of Preen. In a few shorts months though he had taken this region as well and enslaved the populace though it cost him slightly more men and many more injuries then it otherwise would have.
Once Sri returned to Kariba he put the thousands of slaves to work expanding the road between the regions so he could better rule his people. This road made it much easier to communicate through the heart of his nation. He also named his brother to be a Prince of the Realm and then he went home to rest for a month. This short rest led to the birth of his heir late in 156 BC. He also ordered that farms fill the now fertile fields of Bartose and that several forts line the region for added defenses.
While Sri was gone his nation underwent an urban explosion in the capital of Karibaville which meant that it spilled out beyond the boundaries of the city when Sri left.
The Nguni Alliance
Hyutha, Defender of the Cape
Diplomacy: None
Life remained quite for the Nguni. The dreaded Rowzi remained north of them seperated by many different tribes. Work was done to improve the lives of the people in the capital and more investments were made into learning about the world around them so that they could understand the vast advantage that the Rowzi had over them. If the Spirits allowed perhaps they would one day grow strong enough to not have to constantly look for a possible invasion. (Needs a Player)
Eastern Europe
Mercs: 5 I
Merc Leader: None
Suzdal
Drozd, son of Yammar
Diplomacy: Kiev (T), Polotsk (F)
Drozd ruled over his lands and watched his heir slowly grow into a man. Soon he would be named a man and accepted as the heir to the nation. But the nation was not as strongly linked as Drozd hoped so he sent his aides to the regions of Kiev and Polotsk. In Polotsk they convinced their ally in the region to fully unite his lands and people with that of Suzdal. In Kiev the people very loosely linked with Suzdal and did not see a strong reason sign additional treaties. But after five years of haggling the diplomats from Suzdal managed to get a consistent shipment of tribute to Tvorda.
Drozd sent a great number of workers and resources to Polotsk and soon the region was fully cultivated. He also had the streets of the capital paved so that the people were not constantly walking through the mud when they visited his palace. (Needs a Player)
Cojuvia
Xerxes II
Diplomacy:
A city in Lausatia grew large enough to be considered a true city so Xerxes had it renamed as Parthian. Xerxes continued to rule from the capital with the help of his lieutenant. He also focused heavily on increasing the knowledge of his people by investing heavily in the local scholars and sages. (No Turn)
Pontus
Mithridates IV, Lord of Pontus and Ruler of the Black Seas
Diplomacy:
Mithridates spent his time ruling his nation. Now that the war for the hearts and souls of his people seemed to be over he was able to take a small break and relax. The calm area surrounding the Black Sea was rich with resources and trade and his people were happy with their lot in life under the Lord of Pontus. No word came on the Pan-Hellenic Treaty from Mithridates so Pontus fell from the Alliance. (No Turn)
Antigonid Kingdom of Macedonia
Zenos, King of Macedonia
Diplomacy: Ludgorie (F), Epirus (T)
Zenos stayed in the north talking to the people of Ludgorie. After many years of working with the people he finally got them to fully unite behind his banner. Of course he was getting up there and many wondered if he would ever take the time to have an heir before disaster struck the nation. Who knew when Hades would call for him and without an heir the various city states might turn to internal war once more. Realizing this was a worthy concern Zenos declared that he was too busy to ever have a family so his favored aide, Phillip, would be the heir. This caused some concern among the other leading families, but no one dared to do much about it for now. Cimon Balacrus was sent to Epirus where he managed to get tribute from the region. It was difficult to do diplomatic work in the mountains as it was hard to get from one lord to the next and then to get them together to agree on how they should increase their loyalty to the Macedonians.
Work began on the cultivation of Crete, many ships and troops were constructed to bring the colonists safely to the island. Work also continued to finish the road between Thessaly and Attica, but it would require many more men before the job could be finished.
Zenos decided to try and raise the faith of his people even though they were among the most fervent worshipers in the known world. This did not go as planned. Many wondered why Zenos sought to add yet more holy days and new rituals to increase the fervor of his people and many lost some of their devotion in the resulting backlash against his goals.
Macadonia did not send any word about the Pan-Hellenic treaty and so they lapsed out of the Alliance.
The Olympic Primacy
Eutropius, Voice of Zues and Speaker of the Gods
Diplomacy: Troy (MN) in Bithnia, Rodos (AB) in Rhodes, Alexandria (NE) in Egypt, Lebanon (NE), Iolcus (CH) in Thessaly, Attica (NE), Sparta (AB) in Morea, Lyssium (AB) in Liguria, Massalia (CH) in Provence
Eutropius decided that more of the faithful should contribute to the well being of the church so he ordered tithes from Macedonia and the Spears. Macedonia was the seat of the church and the nation willingly gave even though the church had done little to garner any influence in the nation. The Spears on the other hand were further and the church had mostly ignored them up till now so they stoutly refused to send a tithe to the church. Horace then traveled to distant cities. In Troy he arranged for a Monastery while in Rodos he worked to get a new Abbey going to see to the island cities needs. Eutropius also commissioned a great Temple to Poseidon. Many wondered if he was just mimicking the Seleucids as the church had not built such things before and word of a completed temple to Poseidon came from the east. But he was sure that as soon as his artisans completed the temple it would far outshine their heretical brethren to the East. Eutropius also sent out many missionaries. In Carthage he worked to reduce the faith in Bhaal with some success. In Madina he gained huge numbers of converts. While in Bakony and Bosnia only portions of the populace turned from their weak spirit or hill godlings to worship the Greek dieties.
He sent his aide, Horace, to build a great Cathedral in Alexandria, and an Abbey amongst the great trees of Lebanon. Unfortunately, Horace had a great deal of bad luck and neither project came to fruition. Mean while, Mineus went north and set up a small church in the port city of Iolcus before returning to Athens to watch over the management of the church.
Sithica, another loyal servant of the church, worked with Eutropius to get new tithes for the church. He managed to get distant Massalia to contribute what little they could and then went to work trying to get a tithe from Ilyria when it was pointed out to him that Ilyria already sent a tithe to the church. After that he went into the region of Attica to try and found a new Abbey to the church in the rich mountains. Unfortunately, the people saw little reason to listen to him since the Holy City was right over the way and the Abbey was not formed. He then moved south to try and get the Spartans to agree to host an Abbey. Sadly, Sithica died when he insulted a brash young Spartan, but in his memory the Abbey was formed.
Pania was given a long list of places to build places of worship in the Roman Empire. He managed to gain a new Abbey in Lyssium and a church in Massalia before he died while traveling to the city of Sussana. His boat sank in one of the fierce storms raging across the ocean. Perhaps Poseidon did not appreciate his temple being left only partially completed. Who could say what went on in the minds of the Gods.
Western Europe
Mercs: 5 HI, 10 I, 5 S
Merc Leader: None
Roman Empire
Scipio
Diplomacy: None
Scipio continued to rule over Rome. His son Agrippa came of age and was declared the heir. Scipio continued to work on having kids but he was getting quite up there in the years and he did not have any more children by the end of the cycle. He took almost half of his infantry legions and gave them horses and ordered Aurillus Dorsus, a young charismatic ally, teach them how to use the horses in combat.
The Romans were an industrious people. They built a road that linked the regions of Tuscany and Liguria together to assist in the ease that troops could race up and down the coast. The also constructed port fortresses in the regions of Romagna and Liguria. In Switzerland they built up field forts and a fortress to defend their northern boundaries. Lombardy and Savoy also saw massive fortresses rise up on their peaks to defend the populace. In the south the province of Spoletto saw many new farms rise up to feed the army and the people of the Empire.
Massalia
Andreas
Diplomacy:
Andreas continued to live on well into his late 80's. His grandson came of age and was declared the heir to the small kingdom. Workers were sent to clear the fields of Aquitaine, but even after ten years there remained work to be done before the region could truly meet the potential that old Andreas saw for it.
Masslia also sent missives to the other Greek Nations that it would seek to remain in the Hellenic Alliance. (Needs a Player)
Bohemian Empire of Westphalia
Tomar the Beautiful
Diplomacy: None
Tomar ruled his nation quietly. Thuringia received a few new farms along the southern borders as there were many people to feed. The port city of Brughaven in Holland grew large enough to be a major trading port in the channel. Several other cities received paved roads or other amenities to help improve the life of the urban populace. (No Turn)
Franconia
Wilhelm, son of Freibott
Diplomacy: None
Freibott ruled over his land with the aid of his son who generally was left to make a family for himself. He succeeded in this in 159 BC and then again in 156 BC by having first a son, and then later a daughter. In 156 BC Freibott died and Wilhelm assumed the throne. He was a very charismatic man and the armies remained loyal to him. Workers were sent south to Bavaria where they cleared back the forest and set up irrigation canals for future farms. (Needs a Player)
The Gauls
Daric, High Chief of the Gauls
Diplomacy: None
Daric ordered massive works done in his lands. The last of the work to clear the fields of Vermandois were completed and workers flooded the hills of Normady, Anjou, and Orleans. Soon all of these regions were cultivated and ready for more farms to feed the masses. Farms soon filled the region of Ile De France and Burgundy also saw an increase in the number of people toiling in the hills. (Needs a Player)
Breton
Conan II, King of the Bretons and Pendragon of the Isles
Diplomacy: None
Thaco began the years ruling the nation and ordered more longships built to protect his shores. Unfortunately, he died in 158 BC well before either of his kids could take the throne. The children themselves met with a series of tragic events that led to their deaths. Conan II claimed the throne by taking the army over before either of the trusted aides of Thaco could do anything and named his own son, Robert, the heir. The island nation had been peaceful for decades and the people cared little for who ruled them so little was said except for in the far north. The region of Lothian revolted and claimed its independence declaring that they would not serve one who would conspire against children even though no evidence of this was readily available.
The Ilyrian League
Philotas
Diplomacy: Alfold (T), Dalmatia (F)
Philotas continued to rule his lands with the aid of his heir, Alexandros. Alexandros also worked on expanding his family so that the traditions that his forefathers had upheld could continue. At first it was looking grim as his wife had daughters in 159 BC and 158 BC, but a son came in 156 BC to carry on his family's lineage.
Aides were sent to Alfold and Dalmatia. In Dalmatia the aide managed to fully unite the people of the region with the will of Philotas. In Alfold things progressed more slowly but the small claim they had to the region was quickly expanded and soon tribute found its way to the halls of Epidamnus. Missionaries were sent to the distant province of Bakony where they converted almost a third of the people. Some of the nobles in the region were displeased that the people were turning away from the gods of the hills and rivers to worship the distant Greek gods.
Ilyria also decreed that it would remain in the Pan-Hellenic League and it sent missives to Rome to continue the Non-Agression treaties but Rome did not send a reply on the matter.
Leon
Primo, Chief of Leon
Diplomacy: None
A terrible famine struck the people of Leon. Sweltering weather and little rain led to the worst harvest in several generations. This led the people to turn away from their gods as they felt the gods had turned on them. Primo was growing older, but he realized that he needed to do something. He poured funds into laying farms throughout Murcia to help grow food to feed his people. He then returned home and worked on ruling with his heir. (Needs a Player)
Dublin
William of Dublin
Diplomacy: Ulster (A)
Prince Michael continued to act as the diplomat in Ulster. He managed to convince the Lord Fredrick that simply marching in times of battle was not sufficient. By the end of the cycle Fredrick had agreed to fully united with William. Though the region still looked to Fredrick rather then William they were willing to support him in many matters rather then just when he needed warriors to defend the isle.
The nobles of Munster were impressed with how William was running the nation. So they gathered funds and built a major road between the heart of Munster and Dublin so that word could pass quickly between William and his followers. (Needs a Player)
Northern Europe
Mercs: None
Merc Leader: None
Virumaa
Valdek Eestigard II
Diplomacy: None
Valdek Eestigard III was ordered to enslave the population of Livonia. The people of Livonia were a hardy bunch those and six thousand men of various levels of armor rose up to oppose the will of Virumaa. They were led by an exceptional leader who was able to make it challenging for the skilled Valdek. In the end Valdek managed to destroy the Livonian uprising although he lost nearly two thousand men in the process. He then chained up the remnant so of the people and marched them back to Virumaa. He took six thousand of the slaves and used them to build expansions to the already massive city of Reval for the people of Virumaa. The rest were kept under lock and key until something could be done with them.
After years in the field he was then allowed to go home and visit his son who was now almost a man and spend time with his wife to try and increase the royal family. Unfortunately, after so long in the field he found the life of a noble tiresome and so he would often go boar hunting. Early in 156 BC he took his son hunting and they met up with a truly massive boar that surprised their horses deep in the woods. Valdek's son fell off his horse and Valdek, the brave warrior, launched himself between the thousand pound beast and his son. Though he killed the boar Valdek was badly gored and by the time he had made it back to the lodges of Reval he was already dead. The songs of grief to the Norse Gods were great as many sang of his brave deeds and the place he would hold in Valhalla.
The Danes
Thoradin V, Son of Thoradin
Diplomacy: Halland (NE), Skane (A), Holstein (NT), Kopparborg (NT)
Mikhail continued to work towards seeing Thoradin V become king. The nation had grown somewhat unwieldly so he reduced the status with the tribes in Holstein and Kopparborg while sending aides to Halland and Skane. In Skane they succeeded in finding a strong ally to help in whatever manner Thoradin son of Thoradin would need. In Halland the aide died before he was able to find such a stalwart ally. When Mikhail came of age he was declared king and Mikhail peacefully turned over the national army. He then took over as the aide in place of Regnorous who had died in Halland. Prince Fernwick was given a large naval force with some marines to watch over the kingdom, but he died shortly after Thoradin took the throne. Thoradin took command of the troops that had been controlled by Fernwick to ensure that no other force could contend with him when it came to controlling the Danes and their many allies.
North America
Aleuts
Jano Bearslayer
Diplomacy:
Jano counted his people as they grew and prospered. Two new villages prospered so well that they became full fledged ports. He also focused on improving the government so that the could properly care for his people. This focus succeeded in getting the people to look towards Jano for leadership rather then local shamans or village elders. (Needs a Player)
Anasazi
Ahapita, Chief of the Anasazi
Diplomacy: None
Ahapita sent many farmers to Ipai. He also replaced the farms in Serrano and colonized the ruins of Pueblo. The earthquake was still a painful memory but the people had crossed barren deserts to come to these rich lands and would not flee even if the spirits turned on them as fickle creatures were wont to do. (Needs a Player)
Atakapa
Juiapta, Chief of Atakapa
Diplomacy:
Juiapta ruled over his lands and continued to expand his family as his wife had sons in 158 and 157 BC and a daughter late in 156 BC. He declared his oldest son, Winter Wolf, as his heir when he came of age. Juiapta wished to increase his wealth so he had many ships built to handle the trade along the river in and coastal areas he controlled. He also built up boats to protect the city of Tahu and entrusted them to Prince Askuwheteau. Running Dog was sent on to the tribes of Yamasee to see about uniting them more strongly with the Atakapans. Juiapta hoped that they would agree to a full alliance between the tribes, but as they saw the wealth that the new trade was bringing in they decided it was best to only solidify their economic alliance during this cycle.
Moundbuilders
Asophat, Lord of the Mounds
Diplomacy: None
Asophat continued to rule with the aid of his family while his lieutenants watched for any sign of attack upon the nation. Luckily nothing came. Missionaries were again sent to Leoti to strengthen the faith of those in the region and convert those who paid only lip service to the Spirits in the Mounds. Work on the Great Mounds continued in several of the regions. Improvements were made to the regions and cities to show that faithfully following the will of the Spirits would lead to a better life for the people.
When it came time for the great Lacrosse games scandal was had. The team from Croix arrived late and missed the opening ceremonies. They then spent much of the time mocking the religious fervor of their neighbors the Leoti. This greatly upset the Priests who watched over the rules of the game and the Croix were banned from competing in the years festival. They left in a huff but relations between the Croix chieftains and Asophat remained undamaged by the affair. Once the team from the Croix had left the games were held in high spirits though some wondered what would happen in the future if the new generations were already failing to observe the ways of the spirits. The team from Erie competed in the finals with the Shanwee. It was a fierce match but the home advantage was great and the Erie were found the most favored of the Spirits this cycle.
With the great victory for the Erie the arts bloomed in the capital. Knowledge and art were sponsored by many of the richest merchants of the river people and many new facets of the world were learned.
Iroquois Confederation
Chief White Crow
Diplomacy: None
White Crow built many ships in Chipenaw that he set to fishing in the great river and sea to feed his people. This food helped lead to the grow in Kalope and Chipenaw. (Needs a Player)
Central & South America
Maya
Huncame
Diplomacy: Kekchi ( C), Tarascan ( C), Huastec (UN)
Huncame continued to rule and he summoned his heir back to Maya to aid him. His son was married off to a young noblewoman who gave birth to a son in 158 BC. A road was ordered and constructed to link the regions of Popoluca and Totonac. As the road spread further out into the growing empire trade flooded into the capital of Komchen. To help this along many roads were paved and a primitive sewer network was constructed to keep the streets clean of rubbish. This led the city to grow and become one of the greatest cities in a thousand leagues. While Chibinias was busy working on getting an heir his father spent several years tutoring his brother, Celote, in the ways of administering the nation. He managed to tutor him despite being a surly man and it was widely thought that Celote was the best person to go to if you needed to cut through the thick bureaucracy of the large nation.
While the heartland thrived it seemed like the hinterlands of the Empire were cursed. Trusted allies were sent with gifts of gold to the regions of Kekchi, Tarascan and Huastec where they were to speak at length with the locals. In all three places those allies died of seemingly natural causes in the intervening years. Kekchi and Tarascan liked what they heard enough to allow a small claim upon themselves by the Mayan throne. But the ally sent to Huastec died before he could even accomplish that small amount. It was not helped that the further north the Mayans went the harder it was to speak to the people of the area.
Arawak
Nyule
Diplomacy: None
Nyule ruled over his nation while farms were added to Ciguayo. The capital grew larger and the port of Ipe in Colon grew large enough to be considered a true city. (Needs a Player)
Kothoga
Iljau
Diplomacy: Terembembe (F)
Iljau sent his aide to Terembembe to gain a full alliance with the region. He was successful in this, and with the creation of more plantations in the deep jungle the people came to appreciate what the Kothoga could offer if they aided them. A handful of plantations were also created in the Aplai jungles. Iljau also spent time counting his people. It was fairly easy to do as so few followed him for now. But he knew that his people had powerful spirits that watched over them and soon they would grow to be truly mighty. (Needs a Player)
Patasho
Shawel
Diplomacy: Itacare (F)
Patasho saw a great blossoming of the arts. They were a small nation with many valuable resources so the chieftains gathered many resources and used them to help improve the arts and knowledge of the people. This led to some of the finest scholars on the entire continent coming to the small coastal nation. Shawel was impressed with what he came to realize as the value of knowledge. So he ordered his people counted so that he could more easily rule them from a place of knowledge.
Shawel sent his heir, Laksha, and an aide north to Itcare where they spoke at length with the people. Neither were truly gifted in the arts of diplomacy, and Shawel had ordered the aide to lead the diplomacy. When Laksha arrived though he refused to let his assistant guide the talks and instead took the leadership role. Luckily for him, the Itacarans seemed to enjoy him and by the end of the cycle the region was fully united with Patasho.
Villages in the region of Itacare and Jurucu grew large enough to take the trading vessels that would sail along the coast. Additional farms were also placed in Itacare and Jurucu to help feed the growing populace.
(Needs a Player)
United Tribes of Peru
Sinchi, Lord of Chavin, King of the United Tribes of Peru
Diplomacy: Uru (EA), Moquequa (T)
Sinchi continued to rule over his nation with the aid of his son, Micani. Micani had some spare time to spend with his family as his father handle most of the truly serious issues. So his wife gave birth to a son in 158 BC and another son in 157 BC. Sinchi realized that with the addition of Uru and Moquequa it was harder to reach out to all his followers so he ordered a massive road built through the mountains to link the two regions. Although there were plenty of resources and men to do the work time was still required before they could finish the massive project. Farms were added to Moquequa and Chimu to further enrich the powerful nation. (No Turn)