INES Ib: Novus Ortus

***

Outside the window of his personal chambers, the Emperor could hear the howls of men, thirsty for blood and revenge. The Emperor, a thin man of small height and quite old watched from the window as down below in the courtyard, his royal guards were torn to shreds by a rebellion or worse, the guards joined the rebels in their fight to overthrow the emperor.

Down below, a guard falls to his knees, an arrow protruding from his throat. The Rebellion was made up of the people of Kyoto and disloyal soldiers, hardened veterans from the front. Men who faced the Iron-Faced Demons, but worse for the Emperor, they had beaten the demons and now they wanted him.

This had all started when Shogun Han and the remnants of his battered army returned home. The Emperor, angered by Han, who had negotiated peace with the Mongols after his victory at Pyongyang against the Emperor’s wishes, was to be sentenced to death.

But instead of dying with honor, the Shogun had raised his tired army for one last battle. Now the Shogun was past the palace gates, and the Emperor’s end was near.

Rebels spilled into the palace over the bodied of dead guards. Torches clasped in their hands. Pikes and bows and arrows. Swords and daggers. The courtyard was red. The sun was dropping in the distance. From the stairway, the Emperor could hear the sounds of foot coming up the stairs.

---

“BROTHERS!!!”

The crowd cheers as Han, Shogun of Japan, Victor of Pyongyang, stood at the top of a tower. The Emperor next to him, bruised and cut, held by rope. The Shogun addressed the crowd as a god, a dagger in his hand and a grand tone in his voice.

“TONIGHT! LET US HAVE REVENGE ON THE MAN WHO LED OUR PEOPLE TO SLAUGHTER! I PRESENT! THE EMPEROR!”

The Emperor is pushed forward, the crowd below bellows with anger and laughter, their former leader reduced to nothing. And soon that will be all he is.

“WHEN I RETURNED! THIS MAN WISHED MY HEAD ON A PIKE!”

The crowd yells taunts and insults to the Emperor. Who all the while has his face down. The Shogun grabbed his back the back of his robe, worn by all great emperors.

“WHO HERE WISHED TO SEE HIS HEAD ON A PIKE!!!”

The crowd yells up, laughing, yelling, all mixing into a melody of death. The Shogun grinned. The people were tired of their emperor. His leadership had destroyed Japan nearly. Now it was his turn.

“THEN LET’S PUT HIM TO THE PIKE!”

The Cheering slowed and the Emperor watched, terrified as Soldier and Guards raised their pikes above their heads. Pointing skywards. The Tips glistening with the light of the torches. The Shogun looked to the Emperor, a mixed look on his face. This man who he once hailed was finished, what would follow.

“For all the man you killed…” He whispered to the Emperor “Now it will be your turn. I hope the crows feast well on you entrails.”

And with that. The Shogun pushed the emperor from the top of the tower. The Emperor, almost paused in time saw the points of the pikes, and then he saw them speedily coming nearer.

- - -

In the dressings of an Emperor, Han sat upon the throne. Looking out over his subjects. It was a beautiful day, a smile sat upon his face. His people loved him. For Japan, this is a turning point. New rule would sweep across the homeland… Han looked to his advisor. Across the homeland, and further.

“Let’s talk about the Philippines…”

***

Hows it sound.

I know you are all simply dying for another of my stories. Rejoice, for I am benevolent.


The priest had come to the town a month ago. He had caused a stir among the people, most of whom had never seen a Celt before. He caused a bigger stir when he requested to address a meeting of the tribal nobles. Ordinarily, such a request would have been turned down without a thought, but the priest had held a private conversation with the king of the federation. None but those two knew what he had said, but whatever it was, it had convinced Arpad, and he had sent out the messengers calling the nobility. Now, they had finally gathered. Arpad called the meeting to order, and they began. “Who are you?” a noble shouted at the priest. “My name is immaterial,” he replied. “It is what I am that is important. I am, as you know, a priest of the Trinity. Moreover, I am a representative of the Holy See of Avignon.”

“Very impressive,” the noble retorted, “but why are you here? We have no need for another priest,” many in the room laughed at this, “and I don't think the High Priests need to worry about us, all the way over here.”

The priest responded impassively, “I am here to ask for your aid.”

The noble scoffed. “Aid? What can the Holy Celtic Empire possibly want with us?”

“It is not the Holy Celtic Empire that requires your aid. It is Trinitism itself. Our holy religion. Trinitism is under attack from all sides. Ctha'rists, Kyrians and heretics all seek to destroy Trinitism, and Trinitists. I have come to request that you come to the defense of Trinitism. That you fight alongside your brothers.”

Some of the assembled nobility murmured assent as the priest finished, but most were not moved. The priest had not expected it to be that easy anyway. Another noble addressed him. “You want us to attack Byzantium?”

“Yes, Byzantium and Bulgaria. The Kyrians.”

“And what would we get out of it, if we help you? You want us to attack Byzantium, with the most powerful army in the world. You are asking us to risk a great deal.”

“What do you get out it?” The priest paused. “Your immortal soul. The Trinity have made it known, through revelation, that all who join the fight for Trinitism will have all their sins forgiven. If a warrior of the Trinity is killed in this holy cause, his soul will fly straight to heaven. Now I know that you great lords are all righteous men, with no reason to fear hell,” many of the lords shifted uncomfortably at this, “but there are those among your people who may have sinned. This could be their only chance for salvation. Would you deny them that?”

There was an uncomfortable pause before yet another noble spoke. “We do not want our people to be damned, of course, but neither do we want them to be killed in a hopeless fight. Byzantium i-”

The priest cut him off. “Byzantium is powerful, yes. But they are not invincible. They have many enemies. Not only are they fighting the Empire, not only are they fighting the Jews, but they are also fighting Trinitism itself. There are far, far more Trinitists than Kyrians in the world. If we Trinitists stand together, we will defeat them. And, you must remember always that the gods are with us.” The room was starting to turn, the priest could see. Many of the lords were on his side. Time to finish the deal. “Moreover,” he continued, “Byzantium is rich. They say that even the beggars were silk in Constantinople. If they are defeated, think what would happen to that wealth.” He let the idea of plunder sink in. These men were pious, no doubt, but gold was more immediate than heaven, and for some had a stronger lure. He could see many of them savouring the idea. Then Arpad, who had remained silent thus far, rose. In a great voice, he shouted, “By the grace of the gods, we will all get rich.” There was a pause, then most of the nobles roared their assent. The priest smiled to himself. His work here was done at last. All that was left was the formalities, though they would take the rest of the day. Quick work by most standards. At the end of that day, the priest would have to move on. He has much work yet to do for Trinitism.

I'm so benevolent, in fact, that here's another one. Please, no thanks is necessary.


Grifo was working in the fields when the recruiter came through. Grifo was nineteen and, like so many of his peers, was dissatisfied. The prosperity of the last few years had improved the lives of the peasants greatly, but many of the young men wanted more than the life of a farmer. As there were so many young men, there was less land to go around, exacerbating their dissatisfaction. Grifo in particular had dreams. He wanted to see the world and make a fortune, not spend his whole life tilling soil. So when Grifo heard that soldiers were in the village, he dropped his tools and ran to the square, where he was joined by most of the young men of the village. They gathered around the soldiers, and around the man leading them, who was not just a soldier, but a priest as well. That man began to talk.. He spoke of the atrocities committed by the heathens in the south and warned that the heathens had to be stopped. He spoke of the blessing that went with all who joined the fight, of the rewards that the gods would grant. He spoke of the miracles he had seen, of arrows stopping in mid air, swords refusing to harm Trinitist flesh. Grifo was enthralled. When the man stopped talking, Grifo went up to him and enlisted on the spot.

The men from Grifo's village were taken to the city of Magdeburg. There was a great camp outside the city, and they were taken there. Grifo had thought that they would go fight the heathens immediately, but it seemed that a great deal of training was required to kill heathens effectively. Grifo was assigned to the archery corps, and was issued a bow, far longer than any he had used before. He and the rest of the archers were drilled constantly in the use of their bows, by men who spoke with an English accent. They progressed rapidly, and Grifo in particular showed an aptitude for archery. Before long, he was shooting arrows at a rate of fifteen a second to a range of two hundred yards, and he kept improving. He was soon promoted to the more skilled ranks of archers.

After long months of drilling, Grifo's unit was ordered south. Apparently the Byzantines were preparing to mount a major push, and Grifo and the rest of the archers were needed to repel them. Grifo was excited at the prospect of finally getting to kill some heathens. They marched for several days, before arriving at the camp of the main army, some miles north of Danube. Grifo had never seen so many men in one place before, or so much activity. Grifo and the rest of the men from Magdeburg were billeted with the rest of the archers. Then, for several weeks, they waited, continuing to practice their archery on all occasions. Grifo was disappointed by the wait, but consoled himself with the thought of finally putting his skills to the test. Several times during the wait, he saw a tall, golden haired man on a horse riding through the camp. When he asked who the man was, Grifo was informed that he was Charles, the Emperor's son and one of the commanders of the army, and was regaled with tales of the Prince's daring and bravery. Grifo was very impressed by these, and quickly began to consider the Prince the most perfect knight alive, in keeping with the rest of the camp's attitude towards him.

Finally, the order came to move out. The army slowly disengaged itself from the camp and moved south. After a couple of days march,, the word came down that the Byzantines were close. They camped for the night, knowing that there would be a battle the next day. That night, Charles moved through the camp, exhorting the soldiers. He said a few brief words to Grifo, and Grifo was so excited by his brief encounter with the Prince that he had trouble sleeping.

The army was roused early the next day, and moved towards the Byzantine army. Grifo was almost ecstatic at the prospect of combat. They stopped on at the place where it had been decided to meet the Byzantines. The men at arms formed the center of the Celtic line, the cavalry were kept in reserve, with Charles at the head, and the archers were placed on the flanks, with Grifo on the left. Grifo took his stake and, along with the rest of the archers, drove it into the ground in front of their lines. They then took up their positions, stuck their arrows in the ground and waited. After a quarter of an hour or so, the Byzantine force appeared. Grifo, who had been so eager before, quailed slightly at the sight of the Byzantine army. He knew that they only slightly outnumbered the Celts, but they looked far more numerous. Their troops were strange and fierce looking, and Grifo did not at all like the look of the horse archers in the van. He began to shake. The man next to him noticed. “First battle?” he asked. Grifo nodded. “You'll be fine,” the man said, “just remember your training and whatever else you do, keep firing.” Grifo nodded again, and tried to get a grip on himself.

The Byzantines began to advance. The infantry came behind the horse archers, which Grifo knew were going to launch volleys to cover their advance. When the Byzantines were about a third of a mile away, they suddenly shifted in greater activity. The horse archers began to advance at a faster rate, and Grifo continued to shake. Nock, came the command, and Grifo nocked an arrow. As he did so, all the fear seemed to drain out of him. This was familiar, comfortable; it was just like all the months of practice, except with human targets. He was perfectly steady. The enemy continued to close, the horse archers preparing to engage. Draw, came the command, and Grifo raised his bow and drew, conscious as he did so of the thousands of others archers doing the same thing all around him. The Byzantine horse archers entered range and loosed a volley. The range was too great for them to be really effective, but some men were hit. Grifo ignored them, and remained holding. The Byzantines were readying another volley. Finally, the command came. Loose!

And thousands of archers firing up to twenty arrows a minute filled the sky with death.

731-740: Update 4

Non-Military Events:

Having decided that they have put up with their Kyrian monarch for long enough, the greater priests of Scotland kill their king in a coup, and take power away from his heirs, acting as regents. This naturally causes more then a little unrest in the small kingdom, but priests are generally competent rulers. One of the first things they do once in control is contact the English, and explain that as good Trinitists, they do not wish to continue the war, because they do not wish to distract the English from the far more important southern fronts. The English, of course, ignore the Scottish pleas, as they want to finally conquer the region that was denied to them for so long.

King Egbert puts out a call for volunteers to end the Scottish heathens in the north once and for all, but few are interested, possibly because the Scots are Trinitist.

The Holy Celtic Empire prepares for what might be its last war. Donations to the war cause are greatly encouraged, as the church hands out indulgences to all who contribute. Vast numbers of volunteers are called upon to save Trinitism, not just from Holy Celtic lands, but from the other Trinitist regions to the north, and even from the Trinitist barbarians to the east. Vast numbers come.

(+1 Holy Celtic treasury, +20 Holy Celtic irregular divisions)

The Celtics make a successful effort to acquire the technology of English longbows from, well, the English.

Holy Celtic economic development of Bordeaux is marginalized, due to the war, but the more militaristic project of fortifying Avignon is completed with ease. Some say Avignon is now the most fortified city in the world.

Ctha’r and Kyrian religious minorities are expelled en mass from Holy Celtic lands, and generally make a nuisance of themselves by clogging up roads in Byzantine and Aegyptian occupied territories, and straining Greco-Egyptian logistics.

The Treaty of Helsinki puts an end to the Northern War. Norway is reestablished, Denmark gains Scania, Finland officially gains its independence, Svearland is reconstituted under a new monarchy, and the Holy Celtic Empire gains the Baltic Isles. Few know why said isles are important to the Holy Celtic Empire, but even fewer want to make an issue of it. Also, all five signers of the treaty agree to ban the Unified Church of the Trinity, and conduct an inquisition to find and root out its remaining members. This is a popular measure, as by now most of the Svears feel that it was their old missing king’s conversion to that dammed church that caused their fall from prosperity. As an alliance is signed between the five nations, there are hopes that Scandinavia will rise from its war, and become a prosperous region again.

(+Norway, +Svearland, +Finland, +1 Dane confidence, +1 Holy Celtic confidence)

As Finland becomes stable, Helsinki prospers.

(+Helsinki economic center)

The tar trade enriches Novgorod.

(+1 Novgorod treasury)

The northern nations of Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Svearland, and Finland all send considerable numbers of their soldiers south to aid the Trinitist cause.

Volunteers flock to the Iberian banner, to help drive the heathens out of Europe. Meanwhile, with the completion of a certain project, an elite order of crusaders seems to have come out of the woodwork…

(+10 Iberian irregular divisions)

The Greeks go on a general school-building frenzy.

(+1 Byzantine education)

Emperor Alexandros of Byzantium begins a rapid assimilation program in Venice and the surrounding territories. The military government is abandoned in short order, and the area is annexed outright. Retiring soldiers are granted land in Venice and the environs, to maintain a Greek presence, and proselytizing in the region is stepped up. To this end, similarities between Trinitism and Kyrianity are highlighted, such as the trinities both religions believe in. Further, Byzantium outlaws all religions that are not Kyrianity, Chta’r, Trinitism, and Judaism, which has very little practical effect, as there are very few pagans left in the civilized world anymore, but nevertheless manages to bind the nation a little closer together. In Byzantium’s new Mesopotamian territories, the Greeks tread carefully around the excitable Yehudans, but assimilation programs are nevertheless taking place in these regions, as well.

(+1 Byzantine culture)

Rumors have formed the Byzantines have finally begun to develop a significant counter-intelligence program. Too late.

(See Spotlight)

The Khazars begin painting their recently deceased King Benjamin I in a martyr-like light, and generally stoke the fanaticism of their nation against the Kyrians. Volunteers rush to join the army, to defend the homeland.

(+10 Khazar irregular divisions)

A radical populist preacher known as Kimi gains influence in Morocco. His teachings state that Ctha’r, being a religion in which all is one in Amon-Ra, should not be dominated by the nobles. (Who are even now sending off those of the lower class to the ends of the earth to die in battle.) This is causing quite a stir among the peasants, and undermining support for the Great Crusades as far away as Tunis.

(-1 Moroccan confidence, -1 Tunisian confidence)

In an effort to keep the fanaticism flowing, Aegypt founds three Knight Orders, The Knights of the Mythic Dawn, the Knights Crusader, and the Knights Templar. Formed of and paid for largely by the aristocracy, the fearsome reputation of these soldiers largely proceeds them. In addition, another batch of commoners are called up.

(+10 Aegyptian Knight divisions, +10 Aegyptian irregular divisions)

The newly invented halberds are distributed throughout the Aegyptian army.

The Axumites begin stocking up on grain from Aegypt, in preparation for a famine they believe is coming.

A peace treaty between Axum and Malagasya is much kinder then the Malagasyans feared. In exchange for handing over their colonies to Axumite stewardship, Malagasya is restored to much of their island, including their capital of Tananarive. The Malay are also forced to halt any further expansion into Africa, are required to pay a tribute, and are required to have their current king abdicate, but all these terms are accepted. However, few Malay accept that the Axumite casus belli for declaring war has any truth behind it, and most are convinced that their government never oppressed the Indian or Orthodox Jewish minorities in the ways the Axumites claim.

(+1 Axumite confidence)

The Persians and the Delhians finally confirm the fact that they have been at peace for some decades now, by signing a treaty that makes official current borders.

Yet another treaty ends the Bengal War. Simhala evacuates all of Southern India, and Bengal withdraws itself from the occupied region in East India, but is allowed to occupy some of the far Ganges delta in exchange for a tribute. Delhi is the big winner in all of this, as it confirms gains from the very tip of the subcontinent to eastern regions of Bengal.

(+1 Delhian confidence)

Kruang Khai becomes an important trade center of the Mekong.

(+Kruang Khai economic center)

The Mongols and the Empire of Chu-Nan come to a peace agreement over former Yang China. In the Treaty of the Yangtze, the Chu-Nan relinquish all claims to lands north of the Yangtze River, in exchange for Mongol acceptance of their rule over all lands south of that point.

Still more Manchurian barbarians join the Mongols.

(+5 Mongol-Tibetan divisions)

Mongol assimilation of northern China is encountering numerous problems. For one thing, Taoism doesn’t really connect well with Mongol beliefs, and for another, various crime lords have taken advantage of the chaos surrounding the subjugation of China to expand their influence.

(-1 Mongol-Tibetan confidence, -1 Mongol-Tibetan culture)

The Japanese withdraw from Korea, handing over the regions they occupy to the Mongols.

Investment in the Japanese city of Nagasaki yields results.

(+Nagasaki economic center)

Military Events:

The Adenan nation expands along the Gulf coast, conquering various local tribes, but the rather poor quality of its army is wearing. With all these constant, hard-fought, distant conflicts, sedition is beginning to rise at home.

(-1 Adenan confidence, -2 Adenan divisons)

The English armies press northward, continuing their attack against the Scots, which, under their new religious leadership, are quite unprepared. As the English advance nearly unopposed, it becomes clear that in compliance with their hope for peace, the Scottish priests had disbanded most of the Scottish army. When the English reach Inverness, the Scottish theocracy, quite out of options, decides to simply surrender. This, of course, does not go over well among the commoners, and many irregulars continue to fight. However, by this point, English control of the region is assured, and their massive armies stamp out the rebellions, even in the highlands. But even as the English cement their rule, rumors are spreading that the Scottish king is not really dead…

(-Scotland, -2 English divisions)

May all the various gods have mercy on us all.

(See Spotlight)

(-19 Holy Celtic divisions, -4 Holy Celtic SECRET divisions, -12 Holy Celtic irregular divisions, -2 Dane divisions, -2 Svearish divisions, -1 Norse division, -1 Irish division, -1 Finnish division, -2 Iberian divisions, -13 Iberian Crusader divisions, -8 Iberian irregular divisions, -Italia, -Benjid Empire, -3 Khazar divisions, -4 Khazar Mikaelite divisions, +10 Bachiran irregular divisions, -2 Bachiran Zealot divisions, -8 Bachiran irregular divisions, -21 Aegyptian divisions, -8 Aegyptian Temple Guard divisions, -4 Aegyptian Knight divisions, -4 Aegyptian irregular divisions, -17 Tunisian divisions, -5 Tunisian irregular divisions, -5 Moroccan divisions, -14 Byzantine divisions, -8 Byzantine Kyriohippeis divisions, -12 Bulgar divisions, -6 Persian divisions, -1 Persian irregular division)

The Awakar nation expands southwest along the Niger.

Axum expands west, in an attempt to connect with Mangbetu. The new territory known as South Colony is also expanded.

(-1 Axumite division)

Delhi and Bengal both conquer some of the rebelling Tibetan territory. It remains to be seen what Temujin will think of this…

(-1 Delhian division, -1 Bengali division, -2 Bengali irregular divisions)

Throughout the greater Mongol-Tibetan Empire, rebels are crushed. Logistics are a constant problem in this final campaign, as food and other supplies seem to magically disappear with great frequency, but the overwhelming numbers and tactical skills of the Mongol-Tibetan hordes prove more then enough to compensate. The overt Chinese rebels are routed out with little contest, but the Tibetan rebels, better prepared, manage to hang onto some areas in the far west and far south. For the first time, Mongol-Tibetan borders meet those of the Delhi and the Bengali. Some wonder if this might be the precursor for future invasions to come.

(-5 Mongol-Tibetan divisions, -2 Mongol Tibetan Iron Face Demon divisions)

The remaining barbarian nations to the north of Angkor are conquered.

(-2 Angkorese divisions)

The Chu-Nan defeat the rebels in all the lands allotted to them by the Treaty of the Yangtze, but with heavy losses.

(-6 Chu-Nan divisions)

The Sillans make their last stand, abandoned by their allies. Though the defenders of south Korea are brave, they are simply no match for the Mongols. Soon enough, the war resolves into the siege of Kyongju, with that Sillan capital the last piece of territory in the peninsula left to be conquered. In the fighting, the city is virtually destroyed, by fire, and, rumors says, flood as well. Kyongju, not much of a prize when the Mongols take it, is nevertheless occupied, and with that, the conquest of Korea is complete. (The former Sillan controlled islands fall into anarchy, unable to be captured by the Mongols by virtue of the fact that they have no fleet.)

(-Silla, -3 Mongol-Tibetan divisions, -1 Mongol-Tibetan Iron Face Demon division, -Kyongju economic center)

Not long after the Japanese leave Silla, their armies head towards the Philippines. Much of northern Luzon has begun to begun to be colonized. However, due to the poor quality of the Japanese soldiers, the conquest of the island is taking more of a toll then it should. Called to Luzon for one reason or another, the remaining Japanese war elephants die in transit.

(-2 Japanese divisions)

Random Events:

Celtic civil administration improves, as do a number of other things within the nation.

(+1 Holy Celtic culture, +1 Holy Celtic government efficiency, +1 Holy Celtic education)

Kyrianity prospers, as the war helps shape Byzantium’s religious identity.

(+1 Byzantine confidence, +1 Byzantine culture)

Aegypt’s economy is stimulated.

(+1 Aegyptian treasury, +1 Aegyptian education)

Old Yesugei passes away, and Temujin is declared Khan of the Mongol-Tibetan Confederacy, Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty…and Khagan of the Iron Face Empire.

(+1 Iron Face confidence, +1 Iron Face culture)

In a coup with popular support, Shogun Han deposes the old Japanese emperor.

(+1 Japanese confidence)

Spotlight: The Great Crusades Revisited

“And you, Ctha’ri?”

-Emperor Alexandros of Byzantium, Defender of the Faith

Autogenes, Amon-Ra, The Trinity, YHWH. Faith in them has brought many great things to the world. And many horrible things as well. As the second decade of the Great Crusades begin, from Ghanza to Paris, religious fervor peaks, and all the various infidels and heathens curse each other, even as they attempt to determine the best ways to hack each other to bits.

Once, many decades ago, it seemed Persia was on the brink of collapse. No longer. Now the vicious Persians pursue the defeated Benjids back over the border. Casualties are higher then expected, as the Benjids are tenacious, but the Persians nevertheless push them back over the border, and, with the help of partisans in the old Zoroastrian homelands of Old Persia, secure such cities as Peresopolis.

Amoungst the allies of Byzantium and Aegypt, cooperation is slim to none against the Benjids, as the Byzantines head north to take the Caucasus, even as the Aegyptians expect their support in more southerly regions. In the south, however, it matters little, as the Aegyptians steamroll over the Benjids in southern Mesopotamia, and with that, destroy what remains of the Benjid central government, ending the nation, once and for all.

Meanwhile, the Bachirans incorporate the west Gulf coast into their nation, and finish their push to the Mediterranean Sea, retaking Israel. A small yet elite force of Aegyptians succeeds in taking Mecca, but the Aegyptians fail to realize just how decentralized the Bachiran nation is. Rather then damaging confidence amongst the Arabs, the fall of Mecca brings forth ever greater hatred against the Ctha’ri. Ever more volunteers flock to the Bachiran cause. Attacks against the Aegyptians in Mecca are repulsed, due in part to use of forts, but the Aegyptians, embattled, cannot advance along the Hejjaz and take Medina as they originally planned. Israel remains in Bachiran hands, and the Aegyptians in Mesopotamia are suffering, as logistics must now be provided through Byzantine territories.

In the north of the fallen Benjid domains, Byzantium captures Baku and most of the lands just south of the Caucasus. Once it becomes clear the Benjids are out of the picture, the Khazars on the far side make some hesitant advances to secure a more defensible line. Minor skirmishing takes place here, but the true battles the Khazar face are in Europe.

The Bulgar Khanate deals with its insurgency, just in time for Celtic-allied Trinitist barbarians to the north to invade. The invasion is disjointed, and is eventually defeated…but for a price. The Bulgar advance into Khazaria never really proceeds.

Byzantium rushes troops from the Caucasus to Europe, to help the Bulgars destroy the Khazars, but as these troops are in transit, disaster strikes the Byzantine Empire. Alexandros and his eldest son are both assassinated, and as evidence is uncovered, it seems that Alexandros’ second son hired Ctha’ri do the deeds. Many disbelieve that patricide could be possible among the royal family, especially as Byzantine law states that the Emperor’s will can give the throne to any, not just his children. A check of said will reveals that Alexandros’ second son was indeed not the second in line, and instead, that position was accorded to General Phillipos. Phillipos, at the time, was the general in change of moving Byzantine troops to the Bulgar theater, but, quite obviously, he halts at Constantinopolis, confused, to try to understand what is going on. Phillipos had no idea he was the secondary heir. Alexandros’ second son, Stefanos, seizes upon this, and claims he is being set up, that the will was a fake, and that he is the true heir to the throne. As a variety of new evidence comes to light, it seems more and more that Stefanos is right, but Phillipos, still in Constantinopolis with his massive army, decides that if the will said he was going to be the Emperor, then by all means he was going to be the Emperor, regardless of new evidence. As Stefanos and those loyal to him flee the capital in favor of Athens, Phillipos declares himself Emperor in Constantinopolis, and much of the eastern Aegean defects to him. The Minoans on Crete, ever opportunistic, declare their independence and sack the local garrison soon after. Seeking damage control, Stefanos reasserts his authority over the rest of the nation, including the majority of Asia Minor, the Mesopotamian lands, Greece, Illyria, and the conquered Trinitist regions in Europe, but the fact remains that he still has a rebellion to put down in the very center of his empire.

Needless to say, further offensive operations against the Khazars are canceled.

Of course, the Khazars themselves do not sit idle during all of this. Finding themselves opposed by nothing except a weak Bulgar army, the Khazars sweep westward. They are halted just barely outside of Pliska, the Bulgar capital. The situation on this particular front seems to be reversed.

In Germany, the Byzantines break through the Danube with heavy casualties, and proceed northward. The fighting here is chaotic, with a massive Byzantine army slowly coming to the realization that even the once disloyal Germans are now united behind Emperor Pepin to drive them out. Both sides here substantially underestimate the other’s numbers, and when all is said and done, the front lines are ragged and confused, with many pockets of the enemy on both sides. The Byzantines, once they captured Regensburg, held onto it-but only barely, and with their overstretched logistics a nightmare, what they gained was most likely not worth the price.

Due to all the various commotions, a Byzantine attack on southern Italia is called off, leaving the Aegyptians to do the work. Yet another huge army trampled southward, securing the rest of northern Italia. Surrounded by various enemies, their ports blockaded, and by and large slowly starving, the various Italians either give up or are overrun by Aegyptians. Rome, due to its massive fortifications, holds out for quite a while, but eventually the food supply runs out, and the people within quite literally starve to death en mass, as the Italian commanders are so fanatic they will not open the gates to save Italian citizens. However, eventually the Aegyptians do break through, finding a city with about a quarter of its original population. Various countrywide rebellions are put down, and, at last, Aegyptian hegemony over Italia seems secured…

At least until a gigantic Trinitist army hits Italia from behind. The Aegyptians are prepared- they left a sizable army defending the Alps, but they neglected to realize just how many allies the Celts could call upon. Through both force of numbers and their own knowledge of the Alps, (quite superior to the out-of-place Aegyptians) the Celts and their allies press south. This offensive grids to a halt well before Rome, but the damage is still done. For the first time in the Great Crusades, Ctha’r forces suffer their first real defeats at the hands of Trinitists.

In Iberia, it is Tunis’ turn to expand its control over all Iberia…or at least try to hold onto what it already has. The Iberians, increasingly fanatic, now have their armies come under the control of a number of crusader lord-generals, who are fixed on driving the heathens out, and avenging the loss of Italia. A Tunisian-Moroccan offensive fixed on driving east from Lisbon through the rest of free Iberia is met with a large number of Iberian mixed forces, ranging from everything from conscripts to crusaders, and in the end, the Ctha’ri are halted before they can reach Madrid, though they do make some gains. However, a different Tunisian offensive, this one up the Mediterranean coast, is repulsed outright, and in the Pyrenees, the Tunisians face even more dire problems. While the Pyrenees separate Iberia and the Holy Celtic Empire, by the same token, they also are surrounded by those two nations. With the failure of Tunisian advances in the south to reach the mountains, and the arrival of a Holy Celtic army to liberate said mountains, the Tunisians here found themselves outnumbered against both the Celts and their newfound Basque allies. Tunisian naval dominance of the Mediterranean, unchallenged, allows for some measure of retreat into the sea, but for the most part, the Tunisian armies here are routed. Iberia takes Barcelona, the Celts take part of the Pyrenees, and Basque rebels seize the rest.

So turns the war. The Benjids have died, but the Bachirans have retaken Israel. The Byzantines press forward on all fronts, but suffer rebellion at home. The Aegyptians have destroyed Italia, but if the Trinitists press on, Italia may be revived. Holy Celtic armies are slowly being grinded down, but there is still fight in them yet, as the recent victories in northern Italia and the Pyrenees prove. It seems clear now, that the Ctha’ri and the Kyrians have taken on more then they bargained for. But with almost all the Trinitist and Yehudan ‘victories’ in territories that were theirs to begin with, can their causes possibly prevail?

NPC Diplomacy:

To: Holy Celtic Empire, Iberia
From: Basque Rebels

We have aided you in driving the Africans out of the Pyrenees. We expect to be rewarded by being allowed to form an independent state in the regions we now control. If your nations accept this, we will gladly provide your nations with additional forces with which to fight the Ctha’ri.

To: Mongol-Tibet, Kingdom of Delhi
From: Bengal

We should make a treaty to determine the final borders in our region, and prevent any…misunderstandings that might arise.

tHE mAP oF dOOM

OOC:

Stats and extras updated. Some of the nation backgrounds are updated, but only for last turn, not for this turn.

Azash, you didn't actually spend your eco for this turn, so I banked it.

Byzantium: Winner of the Most Complicated Internal Politics Award

Guess what the spotlight quote's reference is to.

I really want a player for Bachira, and a player for Chu-Nan wouldn't be bad, either.

I'm pissed. I have explained Phillipos' character repeatedly, including the fact that he has ALREADY turned down the Throne, letting his younger brother take it. I have to go to class now, but I'll be back with a full host of complaining in a few hours.

Byzantium's enemies can't destroy it so they have to get it to destroy itself.

I'm pissed. I have explained Phillipos' character repeatedly, including the fact that he has ALREADY turned down the Throne,[...]

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And so he wouldn't get a little angry/crazed after he thought his nephew murdered his brother and another nephew?

Great Update. Iggy do you surrender?

Fantastic update.

FROM: The Holy Celtic Empire
TO: The Basque Rebels

We have no objections to an independent Basque state.

To the Byzantine and Aegyptian Empires
From Greater Persia

We would like to discuss our future borders and how the Persian Empire may assist its allies. At the same time the northern unconquered and anarchial lands of the Benjid we would like to put a tentative claim on.

Imago:

Also, is it Et tu, Brute?

Yes. (tenchar)

TO THE IRON FACE EMPIRE
FROM JAPAN

Japan offers a non-aggression pact to our oversea friends. This fallen empire wishes to flourish again and we believe that if we can have peace or empires can go closer

Excellent Update Imago!

Scotland is finally dead. How stable is the situation in Scotland? Are the people really rebellious still?

Riiiiiight. So a little suspicion on the nephew will push an EIGHTY YEAR OLD MAN (thats 80, as in octogenarian) to instigate a rebellion while his homeland is at war. A man who has, his entire life, not only taken the back seat to his younger brother BY CHOICE, but who has no heir himself, given his priestly position.

I can understand maybe getting upset, but I, in absolutely no way possible, see him effectively crippling Byzantium while she is faced by so many threats. Honestly, he's 80 freaking years old. He'd put a little more forethought into this.

Actually, he may be as young as 65, I need to go back and check, but all that still holds for someone so old.

EDIT: I am in no way suggesting that you have favouritism for or against me. I just think its ridiculous that such a thing would happen. Losing Alexandros is painful enough. However, I really don't see that you can do anything because I will never ask a mod to change the update.

EDIT2: THe Minoans? Honestly, they're ethnically Greek/Byzantine, they worship the same god, they haven't been free for ages. What is that about?

TO DELHI
FROM JAPAN

The Japanese Empire comes to you, we come to you for help, as a poor man asking for food, but in this case help. The Japanese wish to ask for a loan. Our Empire is in proverty and we can assure you that when the time comes, you will be payed back.

(Sorta sad Im reduced to begging. Im getting my balls busted here.)

Are the people really rebellious still?

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Quite. The fact that it took you so long to defeat them only emboldened them, really.

So a little suspicion on the nephew will push an EIGHTY YEAR OLD MAN (thats 80, as in octogenarian) to instigate a rebellion while his homeland is at war.

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A lot, really. The conspircy had only started unraveling after he had made his move, so when Phillipos did what he did, he honestly belived his nephew was a traitor. The exact wording of the update reflects popular opinion, not fact.

EDIT: I am in no way suggesting that you have favouritism for or against me. I just think its ridiculous that such a thing would happen. Losing Alexandros is painful enough. However, I really don't see that you can do anything because I will never ask a mod to change the update.

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In hindsight, I should have chosen a different general, but what's done is done. And the Byzantine rebellions are going to define you as a NESer forever.

EDIT2: THe Minoans? Honestly, they're ethnically Greek/Byzantine, they worship the same god, they haven't been free for ages. What is that about?

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The Minoans are more to Byzantium what the Basques are to Iberia, actually. You only took them over in the BT, so they've only been subjegated for about three centuries. The Greeks under the Ottomans lasted a comperable length.

But aside from that, the Minoans really were mostly assimilated, and there are many still on Crete that are loyal to your empire. Momentum got going though, and a few leaders were stirred up enough to remember the old days, hence the situation you have now.

The Third Kurultai​

The large group of Warlords were again gathered in Karakorum, all sitting surrounding a large bonfire buring in the center of the tent. The smoke rose quickly into the air, through the small openings in the tent. For many minutes, the warlords watched the fire burn, waiting.

A noticable clanking sound reached their ears, and they all turned to face the flap of the tent. It flew open, and there stood the Khagan, in full battle dress. The fearsome helmet, his dyed clothes, and his obsidian mask. In response, many of the Generals put their own marks of prestige within the empire on, the Golden masks of the Warlords.

The Khagan walked to the center, and stared at the fire for many long moments, as if savoring the silence.

"My father," he began finally, "was the greatest Khan of Mongolia. He was descended from Khan Khabul, Khachi the Hero, and even Batachikhan himself! The Wolf and the Deer sired Batachikhan, who in turn sired sons and daughters, until my father took power through strength alone. Who sired myself, and my brothers, until I took power through my victories, and my blood," finished Temujin, his Black mask looking randomly around the room.

"My lord," came the slightly muffled voice from behind a golden mask, "we know all this. We know of your history, and of your familes power. Why call this Kurultai for merely this reason?"

A murmur ran through the warlords, all agreeing. Until the Khagan threw a large, familar letter into the fire. The warlords all knew what the letter were, but did not dare bring attention to themselves as Temujin watched it burn.

"Tell me Warlord Jakha, what does this letter say?" said the Khagan, icily.

"Well, ah, my lord, I wouldn't be sure as I can't exactly read a burning piece of paper," laughed the unfortunate general weakly.

"False," deadpanned Temujin, "as I found this particular copy within your possessions. It was very well worn, for such a simple letter," finished the Khagan, turning to look seemingly at the masked man (with the mask, it was quite hard to tell where he was looking). The man seemed to deflate, slumping in his seat at being caught red handed.

"I ask of you, my generals, why do supplies seemingly disappear on route to simple locations? Why do my armies go hungry, when the rice fields of China are under out control? When all that stand before us are pathetic rebels? Yet, those very same rebels resisted our forces, and even now occupy our land!"

The warlords seemed to shudder as one, fearing where this was going, afraid for the consquences of any accusations the ruthless Khagan might make against them.

"I am not foolish. Some think me an animal for my methods. Yet, when the battle for Yangzhou began, with what little defenders were left, I led the charge after its walls were broken! When Silla made their last stand, I took command from my brother, and conquered and looted it until it was no longer the city of greatness it once was! My attacks broke the rebels, my methods destroyed whatever confidence our enemies might have had, and we have won universally," said the angry Khagan, turning his back to his warlords.

"Do you deny this?" he questioned, his back still turned. A general without his mask on, in the front suddenly burst into motion, running straight at Temujin's back with a dagger in his hand. The sound of his coming was not lost on Temujin, and he merely side-stepped the attack, letting the foolish warlord pass harmlessly by, harmlessly until Temujin grabbed the back of the elder generals neck with a single iron gauntlet.

"Fool," was the only remark Temujin made before shoving the man into the center of fire, holding him there while he screamed in pain. As his own iron arm began to feel pain from the intense heat, he released while drawing his golden blade, and slashing the man in his back killing him into the fire.

The smell of burning flesh hung in the air, accompained by a powerful silence.

"This meeting, was not for this sole purpose of revealing my knowledge, however. Nor was it a solely meant to be a warning of joining this so called 'Alliance' when our Empire is both wealthy and strong. No, this is a meeting of war," finished the Khagan, pointing the map being streched out by his personal gaurd of Iron Face Demons.

The warlords, still discomforted by the burning body and by the ease (and ruthless way) that Temujin defeated the would-be assasin, began to talk exictedly about the prospect of another war. Another chance for glory and wealth.

Walking up to the extremely large map, he laid one hand upon a specific location of map, his helmet glinting in the fire light.

"This nation, right here. We will conquer our path of wealth, and then, conquer the rest of China. This peace my father wrought was only meant so that we might catch our breath. For forty years, we have waged war. And now, we are wealthy and powerful, as my father intended us to be," said Temujin, savoring sweet memories and dreams of battles.

"If you think me a coward, remember how quickly I rise to fight, and how well I have won battles. If you think me ruthless and blood thirsty, remember what my father did to cities that did not surrender to him ((as it was, I did order back them to enslave all engineers and artisans, rape the women, and kill all males (including children), so unknown general better get his facts straight)). If you seek a challenge, fight for Empire, and I will give you battles that will echo in eternity," finished the Khagan with relish.

Many of the Warlords rose up in agreement, and a distinct minority rose more slowly than the others, and intelligent eyes watched from the shadows those that rose more slowly, and weighing that particular meaning.

Through it all, the flames continued to burn, and the sizzle of flesh was drowned out by the war council of the Iron Face Empire.