Update 3- 985 B.C.
Middle Eastern News
Trojans Continue Intellectual Advances: After numerous advances in arithmetic over the last 10 years, the Trojans have assembled an extremely intelligent board of advisors, mathematicians, and philosophers. While they specialize in math, there is not doubt they could solve most any problem as well. +5% TP chance for all.
Trojans Invade Athens! It was bound to happen sooner or later, but the Trojans have invaded the Athenian colonies along the Sea of Marmara. Their overwhelming numbers managed to crush the Athenian defenders, though not without heavy casualties attempting to take the colonies. While technically a tactical victory for Athens, it remains doubtful that they can recover such a large loss so quickly. Troy: -12 Spearmen, -7 Swordsmen, -5 Light Cavalry. Athens: -8 Spearmen, -5 Archers, -2 Light Cavalry
Greek League Invades Trojan Gallipoli! In support of their brethren, the city-states of Elis, Corinth, Sparta, and Argos have all sent considerable garrisons to Gallipoli. Delphi and Ambracia halted their support due to other events to their north. While the idea was to keep the Trojans out to begin with, miscommunication and slow travel times resulted in the allies arriving well after the Trojans had left. Only a light garrison remained, which was defeated easily. The main army was caught out of place, and unable to take back these colonies yet. Troy: -5 Spearmen
Phoenician Architecture Up to Par: After the recent advances in architecture from Troy, the Phoenicians decided to follow suit. Their great minds came together, and managed to actually figure something out. The architectural designs they are employing are superior even to that of the Trojans, though the cost-efficiency remains about equal. -1 cost for all buildings.
Phoenician Flags Fly: Due to the recent conflicts between Troy and Athens (a Phoenician trading partner) all ships traveling along Phoenician routes have begun to fly Phoenician flags. Perhaps because of this, the Trojans have not dared to attack the economic routes of Athens.
Cypriot Forts Complete: The newest addition to the Phoenician Empire as none too pleased to be there initially. While some pointed out the benefits of being Phoenician, the majority of natives were restless. The large-scale building of forts all along the coasts has halted such talk. Aside from increasing the nation's stability, it has also managed to convince the natives to get back to work. +1 Political Unity, +1 EP
Urartu Reaches the Sea: By expanding their influence in mostly peaceful ways, the nation of Urartu managed to reach the Black Sea. It was a great moment for the nation, and many cheered when they managed to launch the first galley onto the sea. The diplomatic possibilities caused by this interaction is also interesting. +1 EP
Urartu Modernizes: Following the trend, the kingdom of Urartu has modernized their society. With an increasing emphasis on cities and more advanced economies, rather than just an agrarian herder society, the people have managed to build their nation up. +3 EP, (Classified Bonus)
Early Urartu Research a Failure: Given that the society was increasingly urban, it was no surprise that they attempted to advance technologically. Given that the people were still mostly animal herders, it made sense that the economy could use with a boost from that sector. However, the highly isolated nature of these herders resulted in knowledge not being transferred fast enough. A general inefficiency plagued this campaign, though many say that future attempts may be more successful.
Mediterranean News
Greek League Re-Formed: After a devastating defeat at Troy over a century ago, the Greek League has officially reunited, giving the people of Greece cause to hope for a better future. Consisting of eight states, one member was quickly eliminated for other reasons, and two more have questioned their commitment because of it. Still, they have begun to co-operate more than previously.
Macedonia Invades Larissa! The eighth member of the Greek league was Larissa. When Macedonia invaded, at the same time as Troy invaded Athens, they realized they could not count on League support. The Macedonian army was far superior in number and tactics, and has even begun to show signs of higher discipline from their constant warfare. The first use of a blockade was shown as well, as the small Macedonian navy managed to prevent a number of vessels from escaping, though most still went right past them. In response, both Delphi and Ambracia have begun to prepare for the coming invasion they believe is going to happen. Macedonia: -4 raider infantry, -2 horsemen. +3 EP from annexation, +3% Discipline
Temple of Apellon Unveiled: Amidst much chaos and confusion in the world, the long-awaited Temple of Apellon was completed in Veneti quite recently. Many Greeks and Italians came to the unveiling, and there was great celebration. The nation itself seems to have grown as a result, and plans for a more advanced version of the temple have begun. +1 EP, unlocks Temple of Apellon (Ornate)
Veneti Expands West: The city-state of Veneti expanded west over the last couple years, as many started to travel along the Po river valley. While a relatively low-risk, low-return project for the government of Veneti, the great wealth of the valley has exceeded their estimates. +2 EP, +1 Wheat
Alba Longa Summons Council: A mysterious move to say the least, this order was sent out by King Atys late last year. He summoned a "council" of men from around the nation. What these men have in common, what they work towards, and why he summoned them remains a mystery. They could simply be advisers, though some have speculated Atys is part of an ancient order of men who are now uniting. No one knows.
Estrucia Falls: After many years of fighting, the Alba Longans have finally managed to finish off their Estrucan enemies. After confining their forces to the cities, a slow siege meant that next to no casualties were sustained for the invaders. The wealth coming in is considerable, and the decision may prove correct long-term. +3 EP, +1 Timber, +1 Iron
Alba Longa Reformed: By putting a massive amount of effort into updating Alba Longan society, King Atys has managed to drag his nation into the realm of civilization. The dividends are paying off already as his people go about building an advanced economy. +3 EP, (Classified Bonus)
Calabria Unifies Lower Italy: The last Oscan holdouts were highly demoralized after the latest campaign. With over half of their people already within Calabria, many missed their friends and family. Similar to the northern Alba Longan tactics, the Calabrian army simply waited out the Oscan remnants. They surrendered fairly quickly, and minor advantages have begun to come from that land. +1 EP
Calabrian Identity Shifting: With three major cultures under his command, the king of Calabria faced an odd problem. The people did not identify as "Calabrian", as many still though of themselves as Messapic or Oscan. His response was to send a lot of men out into the lands of these tribes, to learn their ways. He discovered that, in truth, the tribes were very similar. Upon spreading such information, the idea of a "Greater Sicilian" culture has become very popular among all segments of the population. +1 Political Unity
Calabria Seeks Knowledge: After hearing of the valuable Trojan advancements, the Calabrians have decided to follow suit. They invited numerous scholars to their lands, many of whom settled there permanently. By constructing a national university for these new minds, the nation of Calabria has potential for technological achievement. +1 TP
Central Europe News
Thuringians Expand Religion: Donawō is their goddess, and much has been done to honor her recently. The completion of shrine was foremost among these things, but with a river-travelling ritual and a number of feats created, the religion has gained much needed substance. +1 EP. (I am also giving DrSeward 2 EP in the bank for the effort he put into the religion-based orders, and orders in general. This summary is nowhere near as in-depth as what he said.)
Steppes News
Scythia Enforces Republicanism: Despite numerous protests, the leader of Scythia is committed to enforcing his new government, this republic. He ordered 1/4 of the chiefs (most of whom opposed the new government) to step down immediately, and have their people choose a new leader. With military intervention, these chiefs did step down. Then, he held his elections. Many of these local chiefs were actually elected back into their positions, though many were also replaced. The nation plans on having the other 3/4 of chiefs hold elections very soon.
Scythia Unites Lands: Though it happened some time ago, the two major groups of Scythians were highly separated and isolated from one another. With major expeditions into no-man's land, as well as settlement policies to decrease distance from one another, the lands have become more like one nation. +1 EP.
Scythia Completes Monument: The promised monument to East Scythia was completed about three years ago. Bearing the names of the famous leaders, as well as their traditional stories, the people of Scythia have managed to keep their unity from this.
Agrarian Economy Erupts in Scythia: Despite being nomads by and large, the Scythians have recently managed to transform their economy. Previously based on a simple hunter-gatherer type of economy, massive agricultural movements in the steppes have allowed Scythia to prosper. +2 EP, +1 Wheat
Africa News
Talfluktazaġar Completed: The Talfluktazaġar was completed in Tetwan last year. A large harbor, it has allowed the harsh Atlantic Storms to pass right over the nation without damaging their ships. The economy has also been boosted by this artificial harbor, and spirits are running high for the naval progress made by Tetwan. +2 EP
Iberian Invasion Continues: While sidelined previously in a massive storm, the full invasion of the Celtici people has commenced. Primarily done from the western shorelines, the Tetwani army found great success with hit-and-run tactics as well. Being such a wealthy land, the benefits have already begun to manifest. +2 EP
Moors Meet: Long semi-isolated, the recent endeavors of the Tetwan nation has meant that the Eastern Moors are now in direct contect with their brothers to the West. Some diplomacy has taken place, and talk of a unified Moorish kingdom has surfaced, though has been confirmed by either side. +1 EP
Law of Heaven Initiated: The leader Uksintas has written a text recently, outlining what he calls Ljntiqanun. Essentially, he is arguing that he has been chosen to be the divine leader of all moors, and his blood is divine by implication. He goes on further to argue that, after his death, the only true moorish leaders must be from his bloodline. The true extent to which he argues this is impressive, though the reach of the idea is yet to be known.
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@ Everyone- EP is like this: Bank/Income (Resource Income). You can use Resource Income this turn. Also, PLEASE post NPC diplo in the thread or PM me separately.
@ christos200- You messed up your orders somewhere on EP spending, I think. I interpreted them best I could.
Stats up soon.
