The Manonash
Update Three: The Gathering Storm
War was on the minds of the kings of the Manonash and as the fields were planted and spring rolled into summer armies assembled, stirred the dusty roads and marched off to their fate. Only the islands slumbered in peaceful ignorance and disengagement from the events of their land bound neighbors. In the north Tekashen, Kiidor and Razzak were quietly merging their pagan beliefs into a single set of practices that would be known as Yiithism. The growing acceptance of Yiithism among the common people dominated the cultural landscape of all three nations and pushed other practices, including those of Cantonia’s Red Robes, into the background.
General Vadim of Vissarai sailed south on the off shore winds that marked the coming of summer and calm coastal waters. His small fleet of war canoes and plank-bodied sailing ships of the latest Ilosilletar design. His target was the Xochicalco colony of Bonampak. With peace the current state of affairs between the two countries, he expected complete surprise and an easy victory. If the voyage down the coast went well, in a couple of weeks he would have good news to send back north.
King Elias of Asmarth had been in a foul mood for weeks. High summer was approaching and he was impatient to bring justice upon the deceitful Vissarai who had robbed him of his tin and usurped his lands. Snow in the mountains had delayed his planned early assault and the thawing roads would be a muddy mess for weeks more. He had a special troop of skilled mountain warriors who would lead the attack and follow up with 1000 infantry and 200 chariots. So far his spies had not seen any activity that led him to believe the enemy was preparing a substantial defense. He envisioned an easy war that would carry him past the tin mines, past the Oracle of Wendar and far into the heartland of King Turgham. When word came that he could march, he did so without fanfare or ceremony.
Queen Mizquixaual of Xochicalco began the century with plans of her own and they did not involve war. She expanded settlements in the newly acquired lands to the east and began the domestication of wild poppies whose medicinal properties had been found to be helpful in reducing pain. Under her guidance Observationism continued to spread beyond the capital and far into the countryside. The queen encouraged the faithful to make pilgrimages to the holiest of shrines and then taxed the trips to fill her vaults.
Aiken Drumn was an aging king and past his prime, but he knew that he could lead Cantonia to victory one last time so in the summer of 301, a summer that came later in the north, he stood tall in his chariot looking back at the 1000 or so men that followed him and now deployed for war against the Razzak. He was confident of success. His spies told him few troops defended this northern border and they would not stand against his might onslaught. He smiled. This would be the first of several victories. Once Razzack was brushed aside, he would turn his armies south to the lands of the Xochicalco and Vissarai where more conquests awaited him.
Solace the III dismissed his councilors with a wave of the hand and moved to the balcony that over looked the city. From there he could see the ocean. The wide view soothed his nervousness. With his advisors he had just launched Graznl into war, and not just one. The plans for two wars had been agreed upon and that was risky. While the second and most important would be some time in coming to fruition, the first would be in full swing by summer if his Cantonian allies cooperated.
King Makra of Razzak was not oblivious to the potential dangers offered by his neighbors and took precautions to protect his nation’s borders. But war was not his focus. His interests had taken a turn towards religion in general and Yiithism in particular. Its importance for his people had grown in recent years and it pleased the king. His plans for expansion were modest and he didn’t expect any difficulties with them. Riva O’Keyal of Tekashen was taking a three pronged approach to governing his people: The adoption of Yiithism, strengthening his navy and improving how his government operated. A new gold mine added to his treasury too. With all the rumors of war in the north, he hoped to keep his nation out of them as his ties with Kiidor and Razzak improved. King Olmau of Kiidor had similar, limited goals to stabilize his nation and make it prosperous. He would leave the warring to others. A census in 308 showed his people were growing in number. All was well in Kiidor.
Falco was aide to Aiken Drumn and it was his job to escort the dead king’s body home. It was an honorable job and a tribute to a great king. The Cantonian war against the Razzak had gone well in spite of the king’s death. His 1000 man army outnumbered the wide-spread defenders who recoiled from the initial attack giving up much of their northern frontier. Two weeks into the war the king and his guard of specially trained Red Robes were ambushed in a narrow canyon. Falco was one of those who found the battle ground the following day. The canyon had been barricaded at the end where the king’s party was to exit. And it was apparent that once they were in the canyon, the entrance was blocked with rocks and trees dumped from the overhanging ledges. The king and his body guards died in small groups taking, shelter where they could find it. Most died from arrows and falling rocks launched from above. Hand to hand fighting occurred in few places, but in one small, protected alcove it had been quite fierce and bloody. Over fifty Red Robes had made a last stand against many times their number. One thing evident from the battle was that the armor and weapons of the Razzak troops were superior to those of Cantonia. Bent and broken swords of the Red Robes were everywhere and from the death wounds, it was clear Cantonian armor was no match for swords and spears of the enemy. Falco had searched the bodies in a desperate effort to find his king. But even among the dead the king was nowhere to be found. The following day as Falco kept a watchful camp not far away from the scene of the slaughter, a lone chariot approached his guards and requested a parley. The Razzak had the body of the Aiken Drumn and at the price of an end to the hostilities, they would return it intact. The king’s death had drained the fighting spirit of the Cantonian troops and peace accepted. The well-salted king was wrapped in rugs and carried home.
With peace along his northern border Makra of Razzak turned his attention south where the Graznel had piggybacked on the Cantonian attack to advance their army north into Razzak lands. Their initial attack had few advantages over the well positioned Razzakian forces in spite of the Graznel generals’ better grasp on military matters. Word of Cantonia’s withdrawal from the conflict came south with the Razzakian reinforcements and by fall of 301 a peace arrangement was made.
General Vadim of Vissarai landed at Bonampak in early summer and quickly surrounded the small fort that over looked the young settlement. All the locals took refuge behind the palisade walls and made ready for fight for their lives. They knew no help would come. Vadim razed the town and scoured the countryside for anything of value and had little to show for it. Any stored trade goods must be inside the fort. If he had been patient he would waited for the Xochicalco to surrender at the hopelessness of their situation, but he was not a patient man and he planned for an attack. In a show of magnanimity he did try to preserve the life of his troops by asking the fort to surrender and accept justice at his hands, and as expected the enemy declined. Vadim waited two weeks to soften the resolve of the defenders and let them exhaust supplies while he built ladders and prepared the tools of assault. His plan was simple; launch a night attack with fire arrows to torch anything that would burn and then send in his troops in at first light the following morning. As he expected, it worked pretty well. There were enough buildings to burn that the all night struggle to contain the fires sapped the strength of the defenders so his ladder attack captured one wall without serious losses. Once his troops were inside it was just a question of time before the defense collapsed. The survivors were a pitiful lot hardly worth the effort, but he would take them home as slaves anyway. The large hidden, underground storehouse was of greater value and would make the venture worth it. The real question was just how long could they keep the destruction of the colony a secret? No one had escaped and the few prisoners were under his control. To be safe he cut all their tongues out. With a full load goods and slaves Vadim sailed north with the news of his success. On the way they met a southbound Xochicalco trader which they added to their booty. No word of the fate of Bonampak reached Xochicalco for four years. Other events captured the attention of the leaders of the southern Manonash.
While Vadim was adventuring to the south of Vissarai King Elias of Asmarth was assaulting Vissarai holding around the tin mines of his southern lands. Elias found few defenders and his troops easily displaced the Vissarai inhabitants, most of whom fled. Those that didn’t either died then and there or were rounded up to work in the mines where they died later. Flush with an easy victory the young king kept moving. He lead his troops south around the lands of the Xochicalco and then west towards the Oracle of Wendar and Vissarai proper. As was proper for a great king, Elias had added a flourish to his army. Musicians now marched at the front of his army and led his troops into battle with spirited music infuse them with courage and valor. On the march they were impressive and glorious. King Elias had only heard of the splendor of the Oracle from others and as he approached the great city greed and curiosity both entered into his thoughts. He had no quarrel with priests of Wendar only the Vissarai, but plunder was plunder and such a prize might yield riches. And he had heard the oracle was defenseless. He paused his army at the Oracle’s edge for he also feared the greatness of Wendar and what retribution the god might take should he raze this holy place. The dirt track he had been following ended at the beginning of a grand highway marked with the stele of the god himself. And gathered there in subdued, but clearly a rich array of pomp and wealth, was an embassy of Wendar priests. They had been waiting, expecting his arrival, for some days. With great respect and courtesy he was greeted, invited into a large tent and offered food and drink unlike had had since leaving his palace. In fact he admitted to himself that it was probably finer that what he had ever had at home. After a few hours the priests made it clear it was time for him to leave, but if he returned the next day the High Priest of the Oracle would entertain him for discussions of substance. Of course he would; but could he also bring his advisors and perhaps a lady of his traveling court too? All would be most acceptable was the priest’s reply.
The second day of discussions turned into two and then a week. In each visit Elias was treated like the king he was with gifts for himself and his attendants. Fine food and finer wine was well laid and the High Priest respectful and grateful for the king’s time. The priest was clear in what he asked. The god Wendar wanted peace, they wanted peace and the wrath of Wendar was terrible to behold. Stories of the terrible plagues of the past punctuated such moments, and not only that, but the Vissarai were already expecting the Asmarth army and Elias’ victory was not for ordained. In fact, the High Priest had heard that the skillfully laid plans of the King Turgham IV would make it likely that few, if any, of Elias’ men would ever see Asmarth again. Perhaps for his trouble, the smart King Elias of the Asmarth would accept 1,000 dinars (1 EP) of gold to crown his glorious recapture of the tin mines?
Was he being bought? Or was Wendar speaking the truth to him through the priest? The oracle was centuries old and reputed to tell men the future and guide them to success. Perhaps this wa a sign from Wendar who had recognized his greatness and was protecting him from an ignoble death before his rightful time. He had set out to do what he had intended and had shown the glory of his power to the Vissarai. Hmmm… He would ask for 2,000 dinars. He did and the High Priest accepted. Laden with treasure King Elias of the Asmarth returned home in triumph and renown.
The Peace of Wendar, as it became known, lasted for three years.
Matsu had been a Vissarai soldier for most of his 37 years and a captain of 250 men for much of that time. He was smart and had seen war up close. He was a “wise veteran” to most of those he commanded. But for the past three years he was doing duty as a trader in the Cantonian colony just north of his homeland. War was expected between the Cantonians and the Xochicalco and if it happened, the Vissarai would join to divvy up the conquered land. The Cantonian troops were built up slowly over a couple of years until they reach about 1000 infantry by the end of 304. Matsu’s job was to keep an eye on the Cantonian troops and make sure that there were no surprises. The king had reservations about how the planned war on Xochicalco would unfold. The now dead Aiken Drumn had agreed to a joint attack on
Queen Mizquixaual. But there was a new king in Cantonia and who knew what his plans really were. It looked like war, but he was being paid to make sure. Vadim, the hero of Bonampak was ready just across the border and poised to strike west into the heart of Xochicalco.
Cantonia’s planned attack was to come two days after the twin full moons after the summer solstice. Matsu’s couriers were ready to carry word of war the moment it was started. Once they reached Vadim, he would launch his attack.
Matsu watched the Cantonians prepare and grew wary. Only a few bands moved to the borders with most of the army edging south towards Vissarai. It was subtle, but he recognized the feint for what it was. He might be wrong, but in any case he would prepare Vadim for treachery.
And treachery it would be. A few score Cantonians threw themselves in a charade of battle as Matsu’s henchmen watched from a discrete, camp-follower distance. They watched as a few men died and the rest ran back the way they came leaving the Xochicalco forces dancing in victory. Shortly thereafter a rider from the Cantonian general’s camp sped south. He was welcomed warmly and questioned intently about the disposition of the Xochicalco army and the best plan of joint attack. Before he left carrying the Vissarai’s plan of attack, he saw the rousing of Vadim’s army for war. Matsu joined Vadim two days later. Few beyond those two knew the whole story.
Vadim was not surprised when word came south that the Cantonians had been bested in a great battle and requested refuge near Urkai, the great trading city of northern Vissarai. Of course it was granted. His attack came early the morning after the “beleaguered” Cantonian army had settled in around Urkai. They were not prepared and the few who survived probably wished they hadn’t. Vadim put off his war on Xochicalco and instead moved directly against the Cantonian colony. He stopped when they had been pushed off the mainland. Queen Mizquixaual made no effort to make it any of her business, but an uneasy truce ensued as both nations pondered the collapse of their original plans.
Solace III of Graznel weighed the news coming from the south thoughtfully. Cantonia had been beaten in what seemed to be a rather silly war against Vissarai. Was Luggon Drumn mad to start a war so far from home where the enemy was strongest? Perhaps he was. If the rumors were true, Luggon of Cantonia had begun to build a new capital far inland from his current home. And it was supposed to be far grander than anything yet seen in the world. Solace doubted the claims, after all Luggon had failed to attack Liasou as he promised, leaving him to go to war alone. Cantonia would bear watching closely. In 307 solace did launch is attack on Liasou with raids and incursions all along the southern border, but his main attack came weeks later.
Ling Sung was a tower guard at the mouth of the great river of Liasou. Word of Graznel attacks in the south had put him on alert and he scanned the watery horizon hour by hour every day. He didn’t know exactly what he was looking for but he was sure he would recognize any threat that appeared. The trade ships still plied the river mouth and sailed up the river to the capital regularly. One morning though, the sun rose on a whole new vista. Graznel war galleys were spread out across his view making ready their way into the river. The ships were fierce looking and packed with armored men preparing for battle. In a panic Ling Sung screamed warnings to the soldiers below and lit his signal fire. He then fixed his eyes to the east looking for a response. After what seemed way too long he spied a flicker of fire at the next tower up the river. The alarm had been sent. He stopped to breathe and turned to watch the enemy fleet. The offshore winds and a single bank of oars pushed the galleys against the current, up the river and out of sight within a few hours. At least he was not under attack. He waited and hoped that the invaders would never return.
In the capital the signal fire alarm brought fear to the city. Some packed their valuables and left. Others advocated clam and patience while the king prepared for the defense of the city if indeed it was to be attacked. A few bought weapons. Their fate arrived via horseback a week later when the news of the approach of the Graznel fleet was reported and fear and panic took over. The city was weakly defended and the captain of the guards made haste to recruit able bodied men and prepare them for battle. Many were willing, but still the city was woefully unprepared. When the enemy was two days away Tsi Sung took his court and much of his treasury out of the city and into the mountains. When they heard, much of the citizenry followed and the soldiers who remained were dismayed.
There was no siege or even encirclement of the city. The invaders attacked the docks and quays and landed troops right inside the city. Some soldiers stayed to fight and die, but most followed their king into the mountains leaving those who remained to the mercy of the gods. They showed little. For three days the soldiers of Graznel looted and pillaged at will. The collected their booty, reboarded their ships and sailed down river to the ocean. In their wake the city burned. Ling Sung panicked again as the invading fleet passed his watch tower post at the estuary. He even relit his signal fire, which went unnoticed by the Graznel troops and anyone upriver.
Tsi Sung returned to shell of a city and pondered his loss. It could have been worse. He was still alive after all. He knew he would need to take a firmer hand to hold his nation together and quickly organized his generals and what remained of his government.
When the news of Cantonia’s defeat at the hands of Vissarai reached King Luggon, he was depressed. He had lost men, lost lands and his treasury was already low. He would slow the work on his new capital until more prosperous times. It was a pity since he already had a name for it: the Palace of the Non Born King”.
Of the affairs of Rynt and Illosiliotar little is known. Their kings were quiet and little interested in the doings of the rest of the Manonash.
Being just nine years old,He and his friends loved making dens amongst the reeds, playing until the sun became high in the sky leaving them hot and sticky. It was at this point of the day they would dive into the waters to cool off. It was entertainment enough and Jael was sure their wasn't a happier place to be. EVen his sister would not bother him here. She was seven and not allowed down to the banks without mother yet. 
