Varica: In Haeka's Name

OOC: More like a month, I had a summary half done and went to work thinking that I would finish it after that. Unfortunately my Dad decided that he was an enviromentalist afterall and shut down the computer without saving my summary. While I agree it's been a long time since then and should have just redone it, I've been fighting against the twin evils of laziness and writers block.

Here's my nation's emblem. I finally got round to posting it onto image shack and its Egyptian in origin.

Here’s a brief poem I wrote about the Falkan. I’m not really a poet so I am sorry if it is not very good but I like it. As always feedback is welcome.

The Falkan

Soaring high noble lord,
King of all he sees,
High and lofty,
Great and mighty
King of all he sees.

He flies over his subjects,
And out they come to greet him,
The men of the plains,
The men of the cities,
All pay homage to their lord.

He flies up to greet,
The Shining One,
And tells him all he has seen,
Of the little rabbits in their barrows,
Of the deeds of Kings and Lords,
Tales of the Nakar and of the Plains,
Lord of all he sees.

Update 2: AF 123 and 124


The Third Great Northern War

The Campaign of Hroth IV
Forces Involved:
Varica: 330 Raeka, 370 Archers, 350 Spearmen led by Hroth IV
• Hrothnani: 650 Warriors, 240 Skirmishers, 120 Aikings
Oerdan: 140 Spearmen, 95 Archers led by Prince Luern
The Northern Tribes: 540 Tiaka, 300 Archers, 320 Spearmen led by King Luci
• Snerkitta: 400 Warriors, 150 Skirmishers, 90 Aikings
• Trakana: 270 Warriors, 100 Skirmishers, 50 Aikings led by Chief Tuur

Hroth’s forces continue to press forward against the Northern Horde. Both Hroth and Luci have thrown their entire might against the other. Almost two thousand warriors march against each other in the ruins of Caraka. With such large forces involved, disease and hunger began to sweep through both armies. Luci did his best to deny Hroth battle, leading him on a wild chase through ravaged lands.

Waiting until he had the advantage, King Luci struck. Hroth’s men were ambushed as they pressed through the rainforest. Hundreds of wild Tiaka and Snerkittan warriors tore into Hroth’s men from both sides. Before they could form their shieldwall, his Raeka and spearmen fell to massive two handed weapons.

Knowing the day would not be his, Hroth called for the retreat. Only Prince Luern’s rearguard contingent and the Hrothnani warbands were spared the massacre.

Hroth was angered at the loss and eager for vengeance, but he knew that he would not win so long as the battle was on King Luci’s terms. He turned north, following along the river Snerkit in the hopes of linking up with Adalbrandr’s force.

King Luci was quick and laid yet another trap. Some of his Hrothnani prisoners were allowed to escape with Luci’s plans of battle. When they reached Hroth’s army, he fell for the ploy and set up his forces to ambush the Snerkitta. The Snerkitta wheeled around the rear of the army and smashed directly into Prince Luern’s rearguard. Surprised, the Varicans fought their hardest, but could not overcome the Snerkitta. With no other choice, Hroth’s forces attempted to ford the Snerkitta. Many were washed away in the current, but some managed to escape to fight another day. Demoralised, Hroth’s forces waited out 124 in the safety of an Araman hold.

Among the losses of the Battle of Blood River were the entire Oerdan force. A hundred Oerdan were taken prisoner, including Prince Luern.

Hroth ordered the garrisons of Vocci and Varica stripped to provide men for his campaign. Without soldiers to enforce his will at home, there are rumours that forces are at work in the capital to replace him while he is away. With so many losses, and a fanaticism to destroy the Northern Tribes that compels him to press on, the future of Varica may be dark indeed…

Summary:
• Varicans ambushed and defeated
• Varicans tricked and beaten again, badly -1 Hrothnani power
• Prince Luern captured
• Troubles at home brewing for Hroth IV

Forces Remaining:
Varica: 120 Raeka, 200 Archers, 100 Spearmen led by Hroth IV
• Hrothnani: 250 Warriors, 140 Skirmishers, 60 Aikings
Oerdan: 60 Spearmen, 40 Archers led by Prince Luern (prisoners)
The Northern Tribes: 400 Tiaka, 220 Archers, 200 Spearmen led by King Luci
• Snerkitta: 320 Warriors, 120 Skirmishers, 70 Aikings
• Trakana: 240 Warriors, 90 Skirmishers, 50 Aikings led by Chief Tuur
(Note: Normally casualties aren’t this high in Varica. Consider this to be Varica’s equivalent to the Battle of Teutoberg Forest)


The Campaign of Adalbrandr
Forces Involved:
Assfell: 140 Raeka, 290 Archers, 270 Spearmen under Adalbrandr
• Sterkvegger: 30 Aikings
• Gullholt: 20 Aikings
Werhold: 200 Archers, 300 Spearmen, 150 Tiaka under Earl Boheort
• Werar: 200 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Mixed Torica, Bealdur, and Kaldar contingents: 200 Warriors, 20 Aikings.
Gibraly Empire: 360 Archers under Captain Biba
Pythians: 500 Warriors, 200 Skirmishers, 70 Aikings under chief Locut
Margarethe: 320 Warriors, 120 Skirmishers, 60 Aikings under chief Misanisan
Gamars: 100 Tiaka, 100 Archers under Captain Lurik
• East Gamars: 400 Warriors, 140 Skirmishers, 65 Aikings under chief Urin

The death of Earl Othred led did little to slow the Varican army, though his successor would be more independently minded than Othred. Earl Boheort and King Adalbrandr had the same general idea and co-operated for the most part. Both armies laid waste to the lands of the Margarethe. Bohoert asserted his warriors independence by often splitting off some of his troops to cover more ground and seizing as much loot as he could for himself and his warriors. Captain Biba’s Gibraly archers tended to obey Adalbrandr’s orders as well as his own troops, well aware that without armed escort, their archers would be easy targets. Nevertheless, when danger loomed, all three commanders were able to work together to defeat it.

The army was resupplied at the expense of the King Adalbrandr, which helped to bind the army together, and, along with forage and loot stolen from the Margarethe and homeless Pythians, the army was well fed and happy with few lost to desertion or disease. Even the Torica and Bealdor troops are eager to stay and enjoy the plunder.

Flooded with Pythian refugees and seeing their livelihoods destroyed around them, the Margarethe were left with little choice but to leave the safety of their holds and march against their enemies.

Greatly outnumbered and facing a well fed army eager for blood, the Northerners were doomed from the start. All three Varican contingents fought with vigour in a well co-ordinated assault.

Knowing their enemy’s preponderance of archers, the Gamars were tasked with attacking from the rear to eliminate them. However, the high number of archers meant many trained scouts were available, and the archers were ready. They placed sharpened stakes to disrupt the Gamars and took aim at their likely arrival point.

Meanwhile, the rest of the army with some archer support advanced. The Northerners were driven away easily by the Varican assault, and the Gamars never did show arrive…

The Margarethe and Pythians retreated, taking the mortally wounded Margarethe chief Misanisan with them. As his last act, Chief Misanisan willed that his eldest should marry Chief Locut, as her husband had also died in battle, and the two tribes should leave together to find a new home Dracmoor, beyond the mountain…

After the battle, the reason for the Gamar’s disappearance became apparent. The Gamar leader Captain Locut was captained in a skirmish with Hrafn scouts. Seeing the trap waiting for him, and without Locut to provide assistance, the Gamar abandoned the field and their allies.

Summary:
• Margarethe land ravaged, many Pythians and Margarthe slaughtered or enslaved (+1 EP to Gibral, Assfell, and Werar in Update 3 due to plunder)
• Gamars abandon allies, Margarethe and Pythians routed
• Margarethe – 2 power, Pythians – 1 power
• Pythians absorb Margarethe, now power 6, flee northwards
• Large area of land left abandoned by fleeing tribes

Forces Remaining:
Assfell: 120 Raeka, 270 Archers, 210 Spearmen under Adalbrandr
• Sterkvegger: 25 Aikings
• Gullholt: 18 Aikings
Werhold: 190 Archers, 230 Spearmen, 120 Tiaka under Earl Boheort
• Werar: 160 Warriors, 65 Skirmishers, 35 Aikings
• Mixed Torica, Bealdur, and Kaldar contingents: 150 Warriors, 15 Aikings.
Gibraly Empire: 330 Archers under Captain Biba
Pythians: 320 Warriors, 140 Skirmishers, 50 Aikings under chief Locut
Margarethe: 200 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
Gamars: 90 Tiaka, 90 Archers
• East Gamars: 400 Warriors, 140 Skirmishers, 65 Aikings under chief Urin


The Dolu Campaign
Forces Remaining:
Dolu:
• Dolu: 420 Warriors, 110 Skirmishers, 60 Aikings
• Tendorl: 130 Warriors, 45 Skirmishers, 25 Aikings
Snerkitta: ~100 second-line warriors and skirmishers

With trouble at home from Darium, the Dolu force has left Snerkitta land in an attempt to raid their enemy’s supply lines. All forces have retreated.


Darium and Dolu

The Darian Invasion
Forces Involved:
Cradu Army - Dolu: 400 Archers, 200 Spearmen led by King Veli
• Dolu: 300 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Tendorl: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 15 Aikings
Kingdom of Darium: 425 Archers, 425 Spearmen led by King Farvus
• Darium: 440 Warriors, 120 Skirmishers, 70 Aikings
• Ogloids: 200 Warriors, 60 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Chemenids: 200 Warriors, 60 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Chekrids: 200 Warriors, 60 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Fominids: 200 Warriors, 60 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Jarids: 200 Warriors, 60 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Syven: 200 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 30 Aikings led by Chief Heren
Free Dolu Army: 200 Archers led by Prince Radu
• Dolu: 420 Warriors, 110 Skirmishers, 60 Aikings
• Tendorl: 130 Warriors, 45 Skirmishers, 25 Aikings

Darian fears of an invasion to their north or west were have turned out to be unfounded. The Gamars have kept their word and the Nakar, despite their threats, have concentrated their efforts on the Vinii.

The continuing siege of Cradu has turned into a battle of wits between Kings Farvus and Veli. The first move was made by Veli, sending his son Radu along with some of his best men in an attempt to escape and lead the war on the outside. Radu was almost free when the Darians discovered him. When the dawn broke, the heads of eighteen of Radu’s twenty companions were raised on spears and paraded before the gate. Assuming the worst, King Veli prepared for his next move.

Meanwhile, Farvus’ men engaged in a glorious deception. Hundreds of men brought in timber from the wilds of Dolu to build boats and rafts to assault the Dolu docklands. The Dolu shored up their defenses on their river border as a result, stretching their garrison.

By this time, hunger was beginning to eat away at the city while disease ate at the invaders. The Dolu saved their food for their warriors, including newly raised archers, leading to widespread hunger. The populace accepted these measures, though by 124, many were already considering surrender…

Several warbands were send to the lands of the Tendorl where they invested the Syven Chief Heren as the new ruler, as per his agreement with Farvus. However, they were quickly forced to abandon the Tendorl lands as Radu appeared, leading Dolu forces from Snerkitta. Radu and half of the Darian warriors engaged in a series of skirmishes throughout the second half of 123 and the first half of 124, killing many and damaging Dolu and Tendorl land.

With exhaustion, starvation, and disease ravaging all sides of the conflict, both Radu and Farvus decided it was time to end this war. As Farvus prepared for his assault, Radu’s army made directly for the Darian army, hoping his father would sortie and crush Farvus between two armies. Veli saw his chance when he recognized his son’s banner and prepared for battle.

Despite the supply problems, disease, and endless skirmishes, the Darians still outnumbered the Dolu, but the Dolu had the advantage of two forces under two skilled commanders used to working together.

Despite inflicting massive casualties on their besiegers, the Darian forces gained the day. When all was told, nearly half of the Darian force had succumbed to disease, battle or desertion. Chief Heren was missing and later discovered to be a prisoner of Prince Radu. However, the Dolu were in chaos. King Veli was wounded in battle and his force much reduced. Prince Radu remained in the countryside, raiding the Darium whenever possible, but unable to break through. The city itself was on the brink of collapse as starvation took hold.

Despite all the preparations being complete and the Dolu weakened, the planned assault by Darium has been called off as the tribal thanes refuse to assault the walls. After four years in the field, their men are eager to return home, and many already have. He Ogloids have abandoned the siege entirely. Only time will tell how the war will end.

Summary:
• Prince Radu barely escapes in daring move
• Darium prepares for assault, conquers Tendorl
• Radu leads force back, re-captures Tendorl
• Increasing casualties on both side from disease
• Second Battle of Cradu ends in close Darian victory
• Both armies exhausted, Dolu starving, Darium faces mutiny

Forces Remaining:
Cradu Army - Dolu: 220 Archers, 100 Spearmen led by King Veli
• Dolu: 180 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 25 Aikings
• Tendorl: 60 Warriors, 20 Skirmishers, 10 Aikings
Kingdom of Darium: 225 Archers, 205 Spearmen led by King Farvus
• Darium: 260 Warriors, 70 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings
• Chemenids: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings
• Chekrids: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings
• Fominids: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings
• Jarids: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings
• Syven: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings
Free Dolu Army: 100 Archers led by Prince Radu
• Dolu: 300 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 50 Aikings
• Tendorl: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings
(Note: Casualties are high largely because of desertion and disease. Several hundred of Darium’s vassal warband member have actually just packed up and returned to home)

The Suntan Campaigns

Blood on the Alane
Forces Involved:
Sunta: 80 Archers, 50 Berserkers, 100 Levies
• Sunta: 80 Warriors, 8 Aikings
Teraldur: 140 Spearmen, 60 Archers

All was quiet on the Alane river throughout these two seasons. The Teraldur focused their efforts on the liberation of the Angaladan while the Sunta were conspicuously quiet. With nothing else to do, both forces fortified their opposing banks of the Alane. The forces of Teraldur were much more successful due to their heavy investment in the foritification of the river. The Teraldan earthworks are a sight to behold and now protect every major ford or strategic location contested by the Sunta.
Summary:
• No action, both sides dig in

Forces Remaining:
Sunta: 70 Archers, 45 Berserkers, 80 Levies (disease, desertion)
• Sunta: 80 Warriors, 8 Aikings (disease, desertion)
Teraldur: 130 Spearmen, 55 Archers (disease, desertion)


The Southern Flank
Forces Involved:
Sunta: 150 Archers, 180 Bersekers, 70 Tiaka
• Varra: 240 Warriors, 90 Skirmishers, 45 Aikings led by Chief Vaarmon
• Angaladan: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
Northern Teraldur Army: 200 Raeka, 240 Tiaka, 100 Archers
Southern Teraldur Army: 200 Spearmen, 200 Archers, 50 Raeka

Teraldur moved against the Suntan forces in Angaladan territory with overwhelming force and cruel intent. While the Angaladan were to be well treated if forced into battle, Tyrion ordered that the Sunta and their Varran allies were to be given no mercy.

The Sunta believed that they still held the initiative, but while they waited for Kraal to return with more warriors, warriors that never came, the Teraldur crossed the river in two places and seized the initiative. The initial landings were uncontested as the Sunta were busy enjoying the pleasures offered by their Angaladan slaves. Those scouts that were on alert brought the news to their commanders who quickly mustered their warriors.

The Varra were first to meet the Teraldur. Vaarmon was a skilled tactician, but the Teraldan forces weremostly elite warriors and he could not prevail. His men fought well, but were forced to leave the field at the end of the day. The Sunta forces engaged the southern army shortly after, suffering a more clear defeat.

The Teraldan strategy to encircle the Sunta failed as Vaarmon successfully led his men out of the trap, but in doing so, he had to abandon most of his supplies and slaves. The Angaladan bonded warriors managed to slip away from their erstwhile masters and joined the northern army.

In a series of three further battles across the streams that feed the Alane river, the Teraldan warriors won two more great victories. Only a fiercely fought rearguard action as the surviving Varrans and Suntans escaped into Suntan territory prevented a complete and total rout. No prisoners were taken by either side. After pushing the Sunta out, Teraldur established strongpoints along the river and reinforced their holdings to the north.

The Angaladan are still without their chieftess, who is said to be held with Kraal’s other wives, but the Angaladan have pledged their support to the Teraldur. They are weak because of the occupation and their lack of leadership, but they will do what they can.

Summary:
• Teraldur attack the Sunta with two armies
• Sunta forced out of Angaladan land
• Angaladan becomes vassals of Teraldur

Forces Remaining:
Sunta: 60 Archers, 80 Bersekers, 30 Tiaka
• Varra: 120 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 25 Aikings led by Chief Vaarmon
Northern Teraldur Army: 150 Raeka, 180 Tiaka, 80 Archers
• Angaladan: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
Southern Teraldur Army: 130 Spearmen, 150 Archers, 40 Raeka


The March of Cul
Forces Involved:
Huroto: 300 Archers, 80 Tiaka, 40 Raeka
• Huroto: 600 Warriors, 200 Skirmishers, 100 Aikings
• Oortan: 320 Warriors, 140 Skirmishers, 60 Aikings
• Lokvar: 280 Warriors, 100 Skirmishers, 50 Aikings
Sunta: 400 Berserkers, 240 Tiaka, 200 Archers, 300 Levies
• Sunta: 820 Warriors, 220 Skirmishers, 110 Aikings
• Welaku: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
• Terasu: 120 Warriors, 40 Skirmishers, 12 Aikings
• Yolo: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
• Varra: ~100 second line warriors

Tyrion wondered why the Sunta had failed to assault his weak position on the Alane. Some, rumurs reached him of the answer. While Kraal had planned to strike the Teraldur on both fronts early in the 123 campaigning season, a new threat had emerged to throw those plans into chaos.

King Cul marched into the Suntan lands at the head of an army of two thousand. He would later link up with the Lokvar, enemies of the Sunta, bolstering his numbers even further.

Cul’s scouts had spotted a force of nearly four hundred guarding the northern Sunta border, ostensibly in case the Nakar made good on their threats, but also as a reserve force if the Huroto did invade. They were brutally beaten and almost half of the force was destroyed.

From there, it was easy work for Cul to arrive at and invest Varra. Together, the Huroto and Lokvar have rounded up the defenseless Varra, along with some Sunta, and carried them away as slaves. The Huroto have engorged themselves with slaves, while the Lokvar have forced the remainder to swear fealty to Thane Woljak.

In response, Kraal mustered every man he could to meet the Huroto. Stripping his garrisons and abandoning his forces to the east, Kraal was able to muster a force of two thousand to match Cul. Forced into battle were seven hundred slaves from the various tribes under his command. It took time to raise this army, and by then, the Huroto and their allies had already conquered the Varra. The biggest killer on this campaign for both sides has not been the enemy, but disease, as the armies march and counter-march throughout the central Sunta lands.

Both forces were largely tribal warriors, fierce Tiaka, and savage barbarians. Both leaders knew that the battle would be long and bloody. While Cul could very well lose his army in this battle, Kraal knew he had much more to lose. Even if he won here, he doubted that he would have the forces to hold off the Teraldur to the south, let alone enforce his will on other tribes.

Bolding, the aging warrior walked alone to the center of the field between the hosts. He shouted a challenge to Cul: a single duel to decide the fate of Varra. If Kraal should win, the Huroto would leave and give their word never to return. If Cul won, then the Suntan would leave the field and recognize Cul as lord and master of the Varra. Cul accepted, and strode out to meet his enemy…

Summary:
• Huroto invades Sunta
• Huroto defeat small Suntan force
• Huroto and Lokvar conquer Varra
• Varra -2 power
• Cul and Kraal will engage in personal combat to determine the victor (results will be posted as a story)
• If Kraal wins the challenge, the Varra will gain 1 power
• If Cul wins, the Huroto will gain 1 power, a strip of border land between Varra and Huroto along with the eastern portion of Varra land will be ceded to Huroto, and the Varra will become a Lokvar vassal

Forces Remaining:
Huroto: 260 Archers, 65 Tiaka, 35 Raeka
• Huroto: 520 Warriors, 170 Skirmishers, 90 Aikings
• Oortan: 280 Warriors, 130 Skirmishers, 55 Aikings
• Lokvar: 260 Warriors, 90 Skirmishers, 45 Aikings
Sunta: 320 Berserkers, 200 Tiaka, 150 Archers, 250 Levies
• Sunta: 720 Warriors, 190 Skirmishers, 100 Aikings
• Welaku: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings
• Terasu: 120 Warriors, 40 Skirmishers, 12 Aikings
• Yolo: 80 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 8 Aikings

Other Conflicts:

The Nakar-Vinii War
Forces involved:
Nakar: 100 Raeka, 100 Falkans, led by Kalan
• Five Yomba Fulanti: ~200, led by Rerke
Vinii: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 45 Aikings, led by Chief Vinos

The Nakar’s attempt to defeat the Vinii was mared by an early setback. The Vorthai were asked to raise their warband, but had already had tribute levied against them. The Vorthai refused, saying the war was ill-omened, and that they had already paid their tribute in lieu of service.

Regardless, the Nakar pressed northwards. Instead of Vorthai, they were met by Five Yomba warriors, eager to prove their worth to the Nakar led by a young warrior named Rerke. Together, they marched into the Vinii lands, eager to erase the stain of last years’ campaign.

Vinos, his men filled with arrogance at their previous victory, marched out to face Kalan on open ground.

Now, on an equal footing, the superior training of the Nakar showed. Not only were the Raeka and Falkans superior warriors naturally, but they had been training specifically for this battle throughout 123 before marching out in 124.

The Vinii had heard rumours that the Nakar marched alongside monsters, but did not believe it until the Fulanti were already upon them. With the assaulting them, the Raeka showering them with arrows, and the Falkans scything through their forces at the flanks, the Vinii were thrown into confusion.

The casualties were light for the Nakar, though heavy for their command staff. Kalan was badly wounded (his fate is yours to decide Vert), while the Fulanti leader Rerke was killed by Chief Vinos himself. Vinos was wounded as well, and withdrew to his stronghold.

Vinos remains besieged inside his hall, but it is likely that it will not hold out for long.

Summary:
• Vorthai refuse service due to tribute paid, relations slightly damaged
• Fulanti come unasked to fight the Vinii
• Kalan wounded, Rerke dies
• Nakar’s superior soldiers tell against Vinii
• Vinii retreat to great hall, remain besieged

Forces remaining:
Nakar: 85 Raeka, 85 Falkans, led by Kalan
• Five Yomba Fulanti: ~170, led by Rerke
Vinii: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 15 Aikings, led by Chief Vinos (many desertions after loss)


The Rheni-Voth War
Forces Involved:
Rheni: 400 Levies, 135 Archers, 25 Spearmen, 110 Tiaka led by Prince Bereniki
Voth: 210 Warriors, 60 Skirmishers, 35 Aikings led by Thane Ragi

Prince Bereniki’s requests were honoured by his father. More than five hundred men marched to meet his tiny force. Though most of them were little better than fodder, sheer numbers might tell against the Voth.

Meanwhile, Vor’s son Ragi finally asserted his dominance over the rest of Vor’s brood and marched to war. Both forces missed the better part of the 123 campaigning season as they prepared their forces.

Prince Bereniki once again proved his skill as a strategist. Hiding his archers behind a low hill, half of his levies advanced against the Voth. After a few minutes of ineffective fighting, the Levies broke off and ran. The Voth tasted blood and broke ranks to pursue, led by Ragi himself. At this point, the archers leapt up and fired a volley at the unsuspecting warriors.

The Voth were thrown into disarray, and second half of Bereniki’s trap was sprung. With their warriors already commited, the Tiaka had managed to get into a flanking position. Half of them fell upon the warriors from behind, while the rest prepared to cut off the Voth’s retreat.

Seeing his men cut down around him, Ragi called out Bereniki to personal combat. Bereniki declined, being a better leader than fighter, saying that Ragi’s men were already lost. Though Ragi was incensed by his refusal, he couldn’t argue. He was left with no choice but to surrender.

Summary:
• Ragi takes control of the Voth
• Bereniki defeats Ragi, Ragi surrenders
• Voth tribe at the mercy of the Rheni

Forces Remaining:
Rheni: 320 Levies, 130 Archers, 25 Spearmen, 90 Tiaka led by Prince Bereniki
Voth: 140 Warriors, 40 Skirmishers, 20 Aikings led by Thane Ragi (all prisoners)


The Oerdan-Tarssee War
Forces Involved:
Oerdan: 100 Archers, 100 Spearmen, 100 Raeka, 200 Tiaka led by King Haergar and Captain Lorgar
Tarssee: 200 Warriors, 80 Crossbowmen, 30 Aikings under Lord Tesla

The key to Haergar’s strategy this year was the use of his Tiaka warriors, while the key for Tesla’s outnumbered warriors was the crossbow. The two forces met this time in a field in what would be known as the Battle of Bou’s Field.

Tesla’s crossbowmen dug trenches to protect themselves from archer fire while his warriors placed obstacles behind the trench, aping some of Tessilki and Tikeecee’s tactics.

With a ferocious battle cry, the Tiaka charged the crossbowmen in an attempt to break the Tarssee’s spirit. Many Tiaka were scythed down by the crossbowmen, and those who survived struggled against the fortifications. Lorgar himself led the Tiaka, braving arrow and axe alike as he cut through his enemy.

By the time the Tiaka broke, the rest of the Oerdan were ready to take their place, unmolested by crossbows. Soon, the Tarssee’s pen ceased to keep the Oerdan out and began to keep the Tarssee in. Two hundred archers and Raeka rained arrows onto the compound. With most of their crossbowmen dead or low on bolts, they could little to respond.

Now encircled, only a bold breakout led by Tesla himself saved the Oerdan from certain doom. Only a handful of warriors escaped alive, with many captured. Tesla was wounded with an arrow and has retreated to his personal hall. The stronghold is well protected but poorly garrisoned, with barely a hundred healthy men left to protect it. The hold withstood a siege throughout 124 before surrendering to the Oerdan.

Summary:
• Oerdan win costly victory against the Tarssee -1 power for Tarssee
• Tarssee surrender after a year long siege
• Tarssee at the mercy of Oerdan

Forces Remaining:
Oerdan: 100 Archers, 80 Spearmen, 90 Raeka, 120 Tiaka led by King Haergar and Captain Lorgar
Tarssee: 80 Warriors, 30 Crossbowmen, 10 Aikings under Lord Tesla
50 Warriors, 20 Crossbowmen, and 10 Aikings taken prisoner by Haergar


The Sargothi’s Eye
Forces Involved:
Sargothi’s Eye: ~800 Fulanti Warriors led by One-Eye
Revnor: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings under thane Drago
Rendor: 140 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 30 Aikings under thane Galos
Huroto: 45 Archers, 45 Warriors
Validira: 130 Archers, 150 Spearmen, 45 Raeka, 40 Tiaka under King Matteo and Prince Naxis
Isramoc: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings under Lord Roco

Validira’s protective shield spread to envelop the Rendor in 123. The Validirans did their best to endear themselves to their charges and largely succeeded. The Revnor have gotten used to the Huroto and Validiran warriors that have called the place home for the last four years, while the Rendor welcome the helping hand of the their forces.

Meanwhile, after the bloody lesson given to them by the Rendor, the Sargothi’s Eye have turned their attention elsewhere. The expected attack on the Rendor and Revnor never came. Instead, the Fulanti waited until 124 before unleashing their fury. This time, the target was the southern Isramoc tribe.

The Isramoc were caught completely unawarewares. Enriched by gifts from the Nimosans and tolls from their traders, the Isramoc were celebrating their prosperity when the Fulanti attacked. Many Isramoc warriors were killed before they could even grab their weapons as they stumbled drunkenly from the halls of their Aikings or their village squares.

Much of the Isramoc land has been depopulated as men as slaughtered, children enslaved, and women brought off to worse fates.

The Nimosans have been lucky, none of their caravans were caught in the bloodbath, though their trade routes are in danger should the Fulanti return.

Summary:
• Validirans move into Rendor
• Fulanti attack Isramoc
• Isramoc devastated, -2 power
• Nimosan trade routes threatened

Forces Remaining:
Sargothi’s Eye: ~800 Fulanti Warriors led by One-Eye
Revnor: 240 Warriors, 80 Skirmishers, 40 Aikings under thane Drago
Rendor: 140 Warriors, 50 Skirmishers, 30 Aikings under thane Galos
Huroto: 40 Archers, 35 Warriors (disease, desertion)
Validira: 120 Archers, 140 Spearmen, 45 Raeka, 40 Tiaka under King Matteo and Prince Naxis (disease, desertion)
Isramoc: 100 Warriors, 30 Skirmishers, 10 Aikings under Lord Roco
(Note: Casualties are not always this high in battles between civilized nations, but the Fulanti know no mercy)


On the Home Front..

While the Nakari are stile leery of their Fulanti neighbours, tensions have not worsened between the two species. The Fulanti, for the most part, have kept to themselves, forming their own social and political networks. Continued expansion to the west has served as an outlet for those who wish to escape them. Though those who have relocated are still unhappy, the colonization has proved to be a good release valve for social and population pressures. The Nakar have attempted to educate the Fulanti in the ways civilization. For now, the focus is on speaking the Nakar language. Those who have taken to the language well are given the chance to learn how to read and write it, though there have been some problems. Many scholars are wary of teaching them, but since they are very well paid, they have taken to the job with gusto anyways. Many Fulanti resent the attempts to teach them, and a few scholars have disappeared, but the desired effect is slowly working it’s way through the Fulanti. Every Fulanti settlement has at leats one member who can speak very basic Nakari. Nakari attempts to educate their Haecomus population have not been nearly as successful. The program has more than adequate funding, but with so many scholars assigned to educating the Fulanti, little progress is being made. In Tasnakari, the people have reinforced the wall around their city.

The uncle of Adalbrandr has sent the leaders of his dissatisfied vassals to see the king regarding their plight. Though they were displeased at having the make the journey and continue to pay the heavy price, they were somewhat mollified by the plunder they were able to secure in the rape of the Margarethe’s land. Adalbrandr has promised to reassess the tribute on his vassals upon the end of the war. The news of his continued success in war, especially in contrast to Hroth IV’s defeats, has garnered Adalbrandr and his warriors great acclaim, helping him to inspire his troops and his uncle to maintain his authority at home. The great bard, Finoir, continues to weave the tales of his exploits. The epic poem of Adalbrandr’s deeds now takes an entire week’s singing to complete when sung straight and the work is considered one of the best of its kind. The other army commanders have been immortalized as well, including the burial march of Othred, the heroic death of Misanisan, and the battlefield exploits of all army commanders.

The Gibraly have focused on the expansion of their glass and pottery industries. The attempted trade route between the Gibraly and Nakar has failed. Due to the wars in Dolu and Snerkitta territory, no merchants were able to make it along the entire route.

Teraldur has focused their economic might on the military and fortification efforts. Though the attacks of the Sargothi’s Eye only directly affect Huroton and Nimosan trade, should they continue, it may also affect Teraldan trade as well.

Werhold has been a den of intrigue since the suspicious death of Earl Othred. The Kaldar have blamed the death on Haeroph, alienating the tribe from the Werar. An assassination attempt was made on Haeroph, give him the excuse needed to hamstring Queen Eothea’s power. Thus began a long standoff between Hearoph’s Werar and Eothea’s Kaldar. Eventually, the Queen was able to escape Werhold to her tribesmen and battlelines were drawn. Siding with the Kaldar were the Serala, furious at their high tribute and at Haeroph’s arrogance in arresting the Queen. Expensive gifts and plunder have helped mollify the Torica and the Bealdar, with some Torica openly supporting Haeroph. Still, only the Werar openly back him, though they back him to the hilt. (das, I’ve largely left the details out of your internal politics. I believe you will do it better justice than I can.)

Beyond the court, Haeroph and his young charge have focused on the infrastructure of the realm. Werhold is becoming a center of the commerce for the region, while the roads are being made safe with the creation of military outposts. The mining efforts continue as well. Overall, Werhold is developing a healthy economy. While not as large as some of the developing southern states, Werhold’s economy is certainly the most advanced, making it well placed for greater expansion in the future.

Hanni is quickly becoming a shining become of civilization in the empty desert. Built on the banks of a narrow river that runs from the mountains through the desert to the ocean, the city is beautiful oasis. Hanni’s architects have experimented with a new architectural style, utilizing the many clay bricks and tiles built by its artisans. Massive expenditure has been put into the land along the banks of the river under the plow. The farmers have begun to experiment with cash crops and a healthy trade has now expanded to include spice and incense. Nimosa continues to treat its vassals well, with its best still attempting to teach the other tribes how to make a reliable living from the desert, though the lack of arable land is becoming a problem. This has drawn visitors from other desert tribes as well as the minor tribes along Nimosan trade routes to see the city.

The Oerdan continue in their quest to recover the important cultural symbols of their past. Haergar has led a party into the Sargothi ruins in his territory. This ill-omened place is said to be the resting place of the legendary Crown of Ernica. Whether these rumours are true remains to be seen. The expedition spent much of their time searching in vain, until the King’s Thune advisor mentioned that many Sargothi building had secret sub-levels. After months of vain searching, a passage was discovered. Strange, unnatural red lighting filled the maze of tunnels and room filled with the decayed remains of what might have been food or living beings. While some metal has been found in the ruins above, there is no telling what they might find. Though finding warriors brave enough to enter will be difficult…

As for things back at home, the Oerdanian economy is growing. The people are pleased that their leaders are following their cultural heritage. The massive land clearing program is also helping things.

The Huroto have continued to focus their attention on the life-giving river around them. The shipbuilders of Skav are now renowned as some of the best in the entire river system. The possible seizure of the southern bank of the Lokaviri River and Lake Tarn could further enhance their dominance of the southern waterways.

The Validiran economy continues to blossom under King Matteo’s stewardship. More land is being cleared for farms and immigrants are coming from far away to word beside the Xanfa. The growing supply of grain has gone either into the King’s granaries, or into the production of alcohol. The dockyards of Validira continue to expand in competition with the Huroto, though not quite as quickly. The diversifying economy continues to please merchants while the alcohol produced is popular with men of all ranks and is beginning to find its way to Varica.

The Kingdom of Darium has continued to focus their entire economy on warfare.

The Dolu have continued to focus their entire economy on warfare.

The Rheni have largely focused their economic might on the way against the Voth.


Rumours:

In Thune lands, the Ciricin-Yumin alliance continues to advance through the lesser Thune cities. After crushing the City-state of Cori, the alliance suffered heavy losses when it encountered Tessil crossbowmen aiding the defense of the city. Tessilki has declared a conference at the town of Yirhsi to unite the smaller city-states against Cirici.

The City-state of Tarnee has declared war on the breakaway Tikeecee republic. Both Tessilki and Karski have declared their support for Tikeecee.

With word that the Pythians plan to escape through Gamar territory beyond the mountains, the Gamars have spread tales of a vast Fulanti army encamped beyond the mountains of which the Seven-Star are but the vanguard. The story has done nothing to stop the Pythian exodus.

A great fleet has set sail southwards from Risano searching for the lost isles of Thune lore. It is not expected that they will succeed, but many have signed on with the fleet.

Adventurers in the northern lands have encountered giant, winged beasts in the north. It is possible that they are the Yomba, massive flesh eating birds that are a stock creature of Haecomus legends.

Diplomacy:

To: King Haergar of the Oerdan
From: King Luci of the Snerkitta

Your son, Luern is our prisoner. If you love your son as a father must, then you will withdraw from the war against us. If you agree, we will return Luern and his men. If you refuse, I will avenge my daughter Lucia with your son’s blood.

Notes:

a_propagandist, you forgot to pay upkeep for this turn. I have deducted it from your spending efforts. In this case, you road building program.

Fuschia, the income for trade routes is already listed in the income line of your stats. The EP worth listed under trade routes is the worth of the entire route, including the income that you and everyone else receives from it. Therefore, you have no EP banked at the end of this turn. Sorry for the confusion.

New Rule:
As it is pretty easy right now to replace lost soldiers, there will now by a manpower cost for every unit raised. Half of the men raised for your military will be deducted from your towns. Unless otherwise specified, these recruits will come from your biggest towns. That way, there is a greater economic effect of mass recruitment.

Map and stats will be up tomorrow.

From King Farvus
To King Veli

Your men are starving, and in serious trouble. Contrastingly, I can buy off my vassals by promising them freedom from tribute, or your terrortory. Are you willing to come to terms?

To The Weak Warmaster Kraal:
From The Mighty Warrior King Tyrion:

Return the chieftess of Angalada to us and prepare to give us a tribute of 1EP every year and we will refrain from taking further land from your pitiful men who call themselves warriors.

OOC: Great update!

IC:

To: Farvus of Darium
From: Veli Yelloweyes of Dolu

You are only starting to pay the price of invading the Dolu. Flee now with your life, while you still can.

From Darium
To Vassals of Darium

I understand that this is a long and difficult war. But if we only stay a bit longer the enemy will break. I propose to you all that in exchange for staying for one more year, you will all have freedom from tribute for three years. During those three years, I will not start any wars unless we or our vassals are attacked.

Here is our best chance to conquer the Dolu once and for all. We should not withdraw when all we have to do is hold out and victory will be ours.

OOC: Another impressive update, you've churned them out so far like well... butter

Another very impressive update Fulton. Its brilliant. Here's a story about Kalan and how he survived the battle.

I was at the for-front of the battle leading the Fulanti and Reaka in charge after charge but the Falkans needed more time to get into position. So we charged again but this time the Vinii pinned us down. We fought on and the Reaka shield wall manged to stop a disaster for it was near unflankable with Fulanti guarding its flanks. But the shield wall began to crumble. I ordered the Fulanti to fall back and regroup whilst the Reaka an myself charged headlong at the enemy to stop them pursuing. It worked and as we made contact the Falkans charged as well! Soon the Fulanti were back in the battle and it was then that I saw him, Chief Vinos. I charged at him and we met in battle for the first time our men formed a ring around us to watch us fight. I struck first and I managed to cut my foe's wrist. He replied with a brutal riposte which wounded my left shoulder badly luckily I am right-handed. I went on the defensive and this was my undoing. He tricked me and left me with a gash in my stomach. I thought I was dead but I was not quite. The Fulanti named Rerke saved me. He carried me from the battle and treated me with herbs and bound my wounds. Later when I heard he had died I was grieved. Now the Vinii had made their biggest mistake. They had made this personal.

Extract from Kalan's Personal Journal

OOC: The confusion is no problem. A few banked EP either way will not make much difference.

On another note, a very good update. However, you seem to have left the entirety of the Burial Hall paragraph within the update; somehow it seems out of place.

----

Haergar was in a foul mood. The expedition for the Crown of Ernica had been halted after news of his sons capture had reached him in the ruins; the only pleasant thing that had happened since that moment was the defeat of the Tarrssee, which left the route between Ernica and Tessilki virtually empty of any sort of opposition. Such was necessary for the future of his plans.

Plotting had taken him far since his return to Burial Hall. His people had become restless at the defeat of the Oerdon in a campaign that was not their own, but that of their enemy; their emotions practically mirrored his own in many ways, with the only respite from their anger being the successful defeat of the Tarrssee. That and his land clearing programs seemed to have been successful in diverting their attention until something could be done about the situation in the north.

He had received messages from Hroth IV with grand apologies, and others from Luci bearing threats, both concerning his sons. One wanted his continued efforts, and those of his people; the other wished him to drop out of the war, to leave Hroth to his fate. With the puzzle set as it was, he could do neither; Hroth must die by his hand, and he must not allowed his favored son to die at the hands of the Snerkitta. With that in mind, his choice of action became clear...

----

To: King Luci
From: King Haergar II

Return to me my son, Luci, and those of my men you have captured. You will be bothered no more by the Oerdon, whose war this is not.

To: Hroth IV
From: King Haergar II

You have failed in the greatest way I know of a commander to do so. You have let my son and his men waste their presence and their ability on a whim, only to be captured by the enemy. You have made no efforts to regain them from Luci, or they would already be here at my side; this betrayal is inexcusable.

You may, hence forth, look to the Oerdon for no assistance, no aid, no sanctuary; the last thing I will ask of you is that you do not bother my son and his men on their way home, as I have succeeded where you have failed. If this is not done, you may expect to be fighting yet another war, one that you are as sure to lose as the one you are currently fighting.

To: Lord Tesla
From: King Haergar II

You and your people have fought valiantly in protection of your homeland; however, you have failed and the Oerdon have been victorious. I can guarantee your status as a vassal and the proper treatment and protection of your people on two conditions. That you, my worthy enemy, become my thane and assist in keeping order and control over your people, as well as seeing to their protection; and that you teach my craftsmen the method of producing crossbows, those weapons to which so many of my men have fallen.

To: King Haergar II
From: Kalan of the Nakar

My people are experienced at exploring Sargothi ruins so if you want some of my explorers to help you just ask. You may have any metals or Oerdon artifacts found and I will leave it up to you to decide if I get anything or not as this is a gesture of goodwill.

To: The Vinii
From: Kalan of the Nakar

You are brave warriors and so I have decided that I will give you an offer: you can chose to become a vassal state to the Nakar and be treated fairly and justly or you can chose to fight to the death. What do you chose?

OOC Fulton I am correct aren't I. I guessed the Nakar would be skilled explorers of Sargothi ruins as our main city is built on them and we often explore them to find useful rooms, artifacts, metals etc. Can you please confirm or disagree. If you disagree could you please say why? Also I guess that Sargothi ruins aren't so scary for the Nakar for the same reason.

Ouch. Hroth IV just can't win, can he? On the other hand, nice to see that at least we did some serious damage.

Will try to write a story at some later point; our internal politics are very confusing indeed.

Another trade caravan finds its way to the great river. This one heads further north to the Validiran city of Telius. Once again it waits outside the gates of the city, requesting entry, its envoy carrying a message to be opened by by Matteo himself.

It seems the Sargothi's eye respect neither stability nor trade. Perhaps we should teach them manners together, as we are sure they have much to learn.

+----+
The caravans heading to Hanni from their dutiful vassals (Limos and Nikoma) were turned away, messages sent with each one.

The Sargothi's eye have turned aside a chance for peace. They attack our bretheren unprovoked, enslave our young, and threaten our growth and prosperity. It is time to teach them respect. We amass to support the Isramoc, and to drive these beasts from our lands. We would be honored if you were to join us

+----+
To the remains of the Isramoc and their king a message arrives along with supplies of food and water.

We come to your aid bretheren. We will not allow this slight on your honor to go unanswered. Stand with pride and you will not stand alone

To: Darium
From: Her vassals

We will fight on then, no matter the cost, for glory and the good of our people! Unfortunately, many of our warriors don’t see the benefit, and want to go home to their wives and children, but we will convince as many to stay as we can.


To: Haergar II, the man of little courage and small stomach
From: The King of Kings, Lord of ten thousand years, Hroth IV

An Emperor can stomach no discontent from its vassals. Be warned, if you do not pull your weight as a vassal, either through tribute or warriors, then after the Northern Tribes are defeated, we will march on you next.


To: King Haergar II
From: Lord Tesla

Very well. We shall have peace between us. I will arrive at your hall to swear my oath of fealty.


To: Kalan of the Nakar
From: Lord Vinos of the Vinii

I do this only to save my people. For their sake, I must submit. I will arrive at your capital where I will swear fealty to you.


To: Rhakim Mizrahi of the Nimosa
From: Isramoc

Side by side we fight and die. With honour, we will meet our fate beside you.

*********************************************************

Prince Luern and his men are released and return home safely.

Nimosan vassals eagerly respond to the call to arms.

*********************************************************

OOC: Thanks for all the kind comments guys.

Vert, well, your people do have some experience in exploring ruins since they live in one, so I’d say that you’ve got at least a few experienced subterranean explorers.

Fuschia, you’re right, that has been fixed. I usually load my old updates and use them as the template for new ones, leading to the occasional bleed-through.

Das, yeah, poor guy can’t catch a break. When battles are even or near even like his, I add a random factor. Hroth’s Luck will become a term for a string of terrible misfortune in Varica ^_^

To: Chief Vinos
From: Kalan of the Nakar

No, I will not humiliate you for you put up a good fight and almost killed me. We will meet half way at a place you designate. I will bring one witness, my loyal servant Dansar. You may bring as many witnesses as you like. My honour would allow no less.

Conditions of Vassaldom

1. You will pay tribute at a rate which will be set yearly.

2. To help relive the Nakar population crisis you will let Nakar settle in your lands, if the Nakar cause undue trouble to you and your people I will order them to leave under pain of death.

3. At any moment your army must be half the strength of the Nakar unless your homelands come under direct threat in which case you may request this limitation be removed.

Point 1 and 3 can not be negotiated but point 2 can.

Within days of the call to war going out, the army of the Nimosa began its march northward. In tow were the usual camp followers, the cooks the glass blowers, the physicians, and now something new, the engineers. Oxcarts filled with carpentry and logging equipment mingled with the food and supplies. As they passed through Limos, their numbers swelled, as eager Limosian warriors stepped forward to make a name for themselves. Nikoma's braves were to catch up along the way, their march hastened by the lack of need for supplies, the Nimosans had taken enough for all.

From Limos they headed straight north, a small scouting group in the lead, two to either flank, merging with the sands till they were all but invisible.

To: The Nakar
From: The Vinii

I submit to these terms. Expect me by the end of Spring.

labrat13 said:

Another trade caravan finds its way to the great river. This one heads further north to the Validiran city of Telius. Once again it waits outside the gates of the city, requesting entry, its envoy carrying a message to be opened by by Matteo himself.

It seems the Sargothi's eye respect neither stability nor trade. Perhaps we should teach them manners together, as we are sure they have much to learn.

Click to expand...

To: Nimosa
From: Prince Miaeus of Validira

Begging your most humble apology, my father Matteo is currently with the Rendor tribe preparing for the invasion into the territory of the Sargothi's Eye. However, The Kingdom of Validira stands with Nimosa against the heinous Fulanti of the Eye.

To: Revnor and Rendor
From: King Matteo of Validira

The Time to strike is now. My son and I shall march upon Sargothi's Eye with our banner armies and end their menance once and for all. We have entered into a military agreement with the Nimosans, a desert people who border the Sargothi's Eye to the south and together with them, we shall pincer the Evil Ones. Will Revnor and Rendor march with me as we seize land in Haeka's name?