DaftNES 2: Throne of Destiny

Rabble Rabble Daft!

Any hint of an update, Daft? I am rather interested to see how my political reforms went.

Working on it! The update is coming this week definately.

Oh god, I almost had an attack of joy; I thought that was the update

Well if people didn't post such questions as the above, then these kind of situations would not occur!

We wouldn't know if you were still alive though Daft

PS, here is that new terrain map:


EDIT: 'Pure' version also:

@Daft will certain nations be getting their more revealing terrain maps soon?

Wow, very impressive Daft. Hey, I've gotten used to waiting at this point and I absolutely love your updates so I'm still in if any one is

Thats pretty damn amazing ol' Daftie, who are you constructing those little marvels?

Also when the full map is revealed you should do a gif of the evolution of the maps from the Civ3 world map to this...

Amazing map.

Wow Daft, you sure can deliver. Looking forward to the update!

Lurker's Comment: Awesome maps. How did you make them?

669 - 677 AD​

The world:

Global Trade: Trade routes have already joined the world for several centuries, thanks to the combined efforts of the Thuleans, Asian and Africans. But aside from the increasingly-prosperous American colonies, the economies of the other continents have so far remained almost independent of each other, with only certain luxuries - like gold, silver, spices, tobacco and silk - being traded across the world on a large scale.

At this point, it is noted that things are starting to change. Greater populations and relative stability across other parts of the world - the Thulean countries and the great Asian empires in particular - raises demand and supply of all kinds of goods and luxuries, while the gradual growth in 'industry' also makes things more complicated.

* It is also noted that the ongoing trouble across Africa and the Mediterranean has affected traders across the world, even as far away as the Americas, although some Thuleans and Pangari have been able to benefit from redirected trade.

Industrial Innovations: Slow progress was being made, despite many problems...

* see 'major events'!

New firearms: The 'rifled' musket has now appeared in various places under different names. Currently, the most effective of these is a weapon born from life on the Ceinurissian frontier. Although more difficult to make, less reliable and even more difficult to load than a standard musket, the Ceinurissian rifle has unmatched range and accuracy. As such, its main use is for hunting animals in the wilderness, but it also has a place in battle, in the hands of selected sharpshooters. Various gunsmiths in the Aonsaise and the Yssian Republic are investing in new machine-tools to make these rifled muskets on a greater scale.

Over in Tusca, the Razynist regime was making full use of the old republican cannon foundries in its battle for survival. They produced a new class of accurate-firing cannon. This also had a rifled barrel, as well as a screw mechanism for setting the barrel elevation to a fairly precise angle. The Tuscans also began to make use of exploding and fragmenting shot, though these were often just as dangerous for the gun crews as for the enemy.

Needless to say, other countries have already taken an interest. Though, judging by recent wars, it seems that spears and pikes still have a role to play against cavalry. And it seems that melee weapons can still be just as deadly as firearms, if placed in the hands of determined troops...

Spread of Rationalism and Razynism: Rationalist philosophy enjoyed some notable gains at this time, mainly in Asia. Khaizar Tovaul III of Rytarria was becoming more open about this support for Rationalism, to the anger of many Phosists in his empire. Rationalism also spread further in Sung Taej and Pangari lands, where Taoists and Orhadists were less hostile to its ideas. In the city of Panga, a great Diamond Conclave was soon under construction, designed to rival the Golden Conclave of Antalya in majesty, if not quite in size. Several nobles of Pegu began to copy their Pangari role models, and so Rationalism also gained a foothold in South America by the early 670's.

Attempts to spread Rationalism in Antalya's new African territories did not fare so well, as could be expected. In the north, Ismailist fanaticism had been stirred up like never before, and thanks to other events at this time, there was a growing hatred of all thinks foreign. Kzame, despite the Bazilev's hopes, proved to be far from being a harbour of Rationalism, as shall be discussed later. Still, there were a few Theosists and Ismailists who were willing to embrace Rationalism on top of their old faith.

The collapse of Republican Tusca had taken the heart out of the 'liberalist' movement in Europe - leaving faraway Vancuissi as the sole voice of Libertarianism - but the ideology of Razynism has taken its place, to a certain extent. Most notably at this point, there is a small Razynist following in Germanica, and handfuls of supporters in Rove. Razynist ideas of 'direct rule by the people', and the dismantling of old power elites, have gained support from devoted Aeonists and disaffected commoners alike. But Razynists are being forced underground, as their ideas amount to disloyalty and treason under common law.

As for Rationalism, it has not yet been able to take root in the lands of traditional Aeonism, where the official doctrine of the church of Lenierde guides all religious thought, or in the Thulean-Ultimist sphere, where Rationalism is still regarded as just another interesting foreign philosophy - except perhaps for the Asturian League, where it has received the patronage of some influential nobles.

Asian Serenity: Tensions between the 'Central Alliance' and 'Zeyris Triad' were eased with the signing of the 'Trans-Asian Serenity Pact' by most of Asia's great powers. Tensions had been highest between the Imperial Republic of Antalya and the United Empire, but things began to calm down even on that front. People are now left wondering if such peace can last, or if these new treaties will simply bottle things up until some kind of massive and spectacular war erupts in future. Conversely, some intellectuals also began to talk of a 'golden Asia', envisioning the Asian powers joining together to colonise and enlighten the rest of the world...

* The Pangari Republic, the United Empire, the Imperial Republic of Antalya and the Rytarrian Empire have all agreed to this peace treaty. Advisors to the Avtokrator of Videssos have sent vague messages of approval also.

Gyut civil war - Imperial intervention: Things were not quite so peaceful in one part of Asia. The war between the two feuding brothers of Gyutshian went on, as they rejected a proposal from their overlords in the United Empire for co-rulership. The UE was not prepared to drag things out any further. The empire assembled a huge army and invaded in 671 AD, together with enthusiastic support of the Rajarash forces, who had already been battling against rogue Gyut raiders for some time. Tojushian, another nearby vassal of the UE, also sent some cavalry forces as a gesture of support.

Kaigyu Kabai, who had been ruling in the east, surrendered without a fight. His brother Kaigyu Kitan fought on stubbornly, and his cavalry bodyguard even achieved a victory over an advance force of UE and Rajarash troops in dry dusty plains near Atu Gyta. However, in all other encounters his army was blasted into submission by massed musketeers of the UE, supporters by melee troops and masses of allied light cavalry. After being abandoned by his supporters, Kitan enacted a ritual suicide at a remote desert shrine, allegedly offering up his spirit to the old Ulak gods. His name may now rank among the great Gyut warriors of legend, but it is Kabai who was left as ruler of Gyutshian, and faithful vassal of the UE.

Gyutshian territory was reduced on two fronts - Rajarash was given some lands in the west by the UE, as payment for their loyal service, a gift which was greatly appreciated. Also, controversially, the Sung Taej advanced north and claimed a small stretch of land along the border, supposedly to protect their own lands and safeguard the Taej refugees fleeing the fighting. The UE leaders chose not to press the issue - at least, not yet - since the Gyuts had been advancing into various Taej lands by their own accord, long after they became the empire's vassals.

* The forces of the UE, Rajarash and Tojushian have taken minor losses. The show of force has stamped the UE's authority on the area.
* Gyutshian is restored as a loyal vassal, without much of its former army and economy.
* The issue of ethnic-Taej cities in the south of Gyutshian remains unresolved. For now they have grudgingly re-submitted themselves to Gyut rule, under the overall authority of the UE.
* Tens of thousands of Taej refugees have fled into Sung territory, adding to the population of the Yanzur area in particular.

Apocaltypic Oruism: The doomsday cult spread beyond Manash. In the United Empire, they gained followers as far away as Oro, and converted some of the old Oruist warrior-monasteries to their cause. The UE took little notice - they weren't really doing anything subversive, other than maintaining that the world was due to end in 697 AD, though that did make them less enthusiastic about their duties to the empire. Rytarria took a tougher stance towards them, and stamped out the cultist strongholds on their side of the border. Even so, the cult managed to gain a small underground following in the large cities of Mandal Tiepe and Khanara. The leaders of the movement are still believed to be holed up in the mountains north of Manash.

Libria: Rumours surrounded Sigvan 'the furious', leader of the stubborn Librian resistance, who was said to be involved in all kinds of plots with both the Antalyans and the Koruzians. Some said he signed a secret truce with Koruzia, promising not to incite an uprising from the Librians living within Koruzian territory. That was not really what the rebels wanted to hear, as most still hoped for a strong native kingdom reunite all the Librian peoples. In any case the resistance remained focused on Libria itself.

The Empire of Germanica kept a sizeable army in the country, but stayed on the defensive. The Germanican lords of Libria were not too keen on risking their own forces chasing after the rebels either, and instead concentrated on tightening their grip over central and eastern Libria, with a mixture of new forts, threats and bribes. These efforts bore fruit. Several more Librian nobles converted to Aeonism - if they weren't already Aeonist - and pledged overall allegiance to Germanica. The country was already becoming a western outpost of Germanic, Aeonist civilisation. Although, Sigvan's strongholds were left in relative peace, and his forces were able to regain some ground. He was also said to be gaining new recruits from both Cyramenya and Tavuria. The 'barbaric' Tavurians were known for killing many Aeonist missionaries or converts within their own lands. Libria remains divided in 677 AD, with no end in sight for the fighting.

The Hebrides: The Yssian Republic took the pressure of the Hebrideans with regard to the mutiny of the western Picts, and suspended any discussions about reunification for now. This may well have been the right decision, but things still did not go according to plan. In 670 AD, 'Lord Protector' Tornbraer fell ill and died, and an equally weak ruler - Lord Dunbraer - was elected in his place. His position was not helped by the irreconcilable beliefs that many Pictish nobles now held. Bitter arguments raged on and on. Finally in 673 AD, Dunbraer managed to assemble a small fleet and army willing to 'forcibly disband' the forces of the mutineering Lord of Farsund. A bloody and messy battle - notable for the variety of new and old weapons that were used - occurred at an ancient coastal fortress near the city. The lands of Farsund were soon brought back under central control, but the fighting only polarised things even more across the rest of the western isles.

Wanting to avoid further escalation, Lord Dunbraer allowed the 'Union of Dunottar' to secede as new state. These western Picts were adamant about wanting to avoid any form of control from Ys, and wanted to guarantee their own independent trade links with the Euris Ocean and North America. Under the new arrangement, the capitol of the reduced Hebridean League returned to Saint Gustparsberg, the great city that had been the capitol of the old Thulean League. Meanwhile, the border with Olesia remained quiet, right up to 677 AD. But with things getting back to normal across most of the isles, the Hebridean leaders have promised to settle accounts with the Olesian 'rebels'...

* The Union of Dunottar now exists.
* The Hebridean League has been reduced in size, but lost little of its economy or military. It remains a vassal of the Yssian Republic.
* Olesia remains isolated, with no formal recognition from its neighbours.

The Tuscan wars, part two: The Asturian League led the Mediterranean Alliance and Tarcedon in a war to bring down the Razynist state. Much fighting ensued.

* See Major Events!

North African War - The Great Betrayal: Peace was not on the minds of the Aeonist leaders. Much fighting ensued.

* See Major Events!

Haman, Antalya, Kzame and Macrabi: For Kzame, the year 669 AD had begun with the threat of Marcrabian invasion. For months, envoys were sent back and forth between Kzame and Marcrabi, but no agreement could be reached. Reluctantly, Kzame sought the support of Antalya, which seemed only too happy to expand its influence into Africa. Kzame's leaders promised full toleration of Rationalism, and welcomed thousands of Antalyan troops into their lands. These were led by the Basilevs’ eldest son, Crown Prince Aristarkh II.

But Macrabi didn't invade. Kzame's rulers were already struggling to balance their ideas of 'progress' against the conservative sentiments of much of the population. Now it looked like they had sold out to foreign infidels at the first sign of trouble. Things only got worse. By 671 AD Antalyan troops were manoeuvring along the border with Marcrabi, apparently trying to provoke an attack. Some skirmishes did break out, but Macrabi held its armies back. In the process, the Antalyans stirred up anger among the locals. Also, ships from Sung Taej joined the Kzamians and Antalyans in prowling the southern waters, and the combined fleet menaced the island of Nysar, panicking local traders for a while. The small Macrabian fleet simply stayed in port on the mainland.

A propaganda war was fought in Kzame. Antalya offered gifts to the people, gave new weapons to its army, and allegedly spread harmful rumours about Macrabi's rulers. But at the same time, rumours of sinister Antalyan plots began to spread. Macrabi was often accused of funding those nobles who spoke out against the Antalyan presence. Antalyan efforts to spread Rationalist ideology in Kzame often met with a backlash, and seemed to confirm the people's fears. Ironically, the strongest supporters of Antalya were the Tamlki exiles, ultra-conservative Theosist in central and northern Kzame, who hoped to see their homeland liberated from Macrabian rule. They resumed naissance attacks against Macrabians in and around Tamlki.

By 674 AD, there were frequent riots in many of Kzame's cities. In 675 AD, there was also an uprising by northern Ismailists. Haman sent its 'volunteer' forces to assist. Kzame was unable to stamp out the rebellion, and Marcrabi still seemed likely to take advantage of Kzame's weakness at any time. Haman also launched raids into Antalyan territory in north-west Africa. The Antalyans were left with little choice but to intervene themselves. Fighting between Ismailists and Antalyans in northern deserts of Kzame only stirred things up further - Prince Aristarkh of Antalya faced more than one attempt on his life. By 677 AD, the cities of al-Kai'ad, Mareq and al-Ta'ia had rebelled under various anti-Antalyan factions, endless arguments raged among the nobles of the Zareh, and Kzame seemed to be on the edge of civil war.

* The armies of Macrabi, Haman and Antalya have taken minor losses.
* Kzame's economy has suffered, and the country is now unstable.

North East America: Colonial conflict continued. The Videssians fought on against the Chaunka from their mountain fortress at Kybos, and gradually - cautiously - gained control of the surrounding valleys. But there were rumours of large armies gathering around the Chaunka city of Tho, and worse, rumours of dealings between the Chaunka and the Vancuissians in the north. Silash had also signed an alliance with he Pangari colony of Engui, both of which remained potential enemies for the Videssians. And with signs of unrest at home, the Videssian rulers were in no way willing to send any more soldiers into Chaunka territory.

* The army of Videssos has suffered minor losses. Chaunka and Videssos remain hostile.
* Silash has signed a defensive alliance with Pangari.

Vancuissi took up the role of peaceful contact with the Chaunka. The noted explorer Motas Gellan is said to have travelled even further into Chaunka land than the Pangari Zhiri-Veka-Me, now governor of Engui. Though, it seems Gellan could not match Veka-Me's talents for diplomacy or deciphering the native languages. He was eventually chased out of Chaunka lands after some undisclosed incident.

While Vancuissi tried to step down its military presence in its recently gained territories - the spoils of the Mogui wars - they faced guerrilla attacks by the 'Zhireka'. These were the descendents of the oldest Pangari colonists, die-hards who did not want Vancuissian rule and did not want to flee eastward. Many had some native blood, and saw the Mogui territory as being rightfully theirs. The fighting spread right across the borderlands between Mogui and Odagi. Vancuissian control of the area wasn't really threatened, but their soldiers were kept busy, and new settlers were discouraged from that part of the frontier.

* Vancuissi's army has taken minor losses.

From 669 AD, Rytarria's Zeyris Guild attempted to crush remaining resistance from the Maru peoples. Though, with many of the guild's troops sent south to intervene in the Hocatelco war, the Maru now had more of a fighting chance. The Maru strongholds around Satim put up surprising resistance, and held out for another two years, partially helped by severe storms and flooding of the Rytarrian lines, which followed by outbreaks of disease. But Satim did fall, and the last of the Maru were either conquered or joined the others already in exile. Those fleeing north to Videssian territory spoke of massacres of innocent people by the Zeyris Guild's soldiers, with survivors enslaved and forced to work in the Guild's plantations.

* Maru resistance has ended. Rytarria's army has taken minor losses.

North West America: Up in the northern straights, the argument over Humidiss' rightful allegiance only became more heated. Vancuissi dispatched more soldiers and ships to Humidiss over fears of an attack by the 'belligerent' Ceinurissian Aonsaise. But no hostile moves materialised. Most of the locals still held a good opinion of the CA, and were generally apathetic towards Vancuissi. The libertarian ideal has not yet gained much support here. Adding to complications was the fact that newer Vancuissian settlements along the Humidiss river had been founded by new waves of settlers with much more loyalty to Vancuissi itself...

* There is mounting pressure for a plebiscite to allow the northern Humidissians to choose for themselves - either Vancuissi, the CA or independence. At this point, it seems there is roughly equal support for each!

On the west coast, after 674 AD, the expanding borders of Ostia and Awahan began to collide. Skirmishes broke out, and a limited war was fought from 674 to 676 AD. The tough Ostian militias initially gained swathes of new land, but were eventually pushed back by massed attacks of Awahan warriors, some of which were armed with muskets equal to those of the Ostians. The Awahan were also in the process of building palisade-and-ditch forts throughout their lands, as instructed by King Ganwagan II.

Much brutality was shown by both sides. Wild rumours spread, not least that the Ostians massacred whole Awahan villages, including women and children, whenever they got the chance. The Awahan warriors were accused of doing the same to Ostian settlements. The nearby Ohiwa peoples were understandably frightened, and looked to the Ceinurissians for protection...

* The armies of Ostia and Awahan have taken minor losses.
* Ohiwa is now a vassal of the CA.
* It may also be noted that a large new Levanquist church and a new senate house are under construction in Faerburg, perhaps an effort by the Ostians to gain a more 'civilised' reputation.

Naochi and Hocatelco wars: The former empire of Hocatelco was home to a chaotic four-way war, with the western warlords backed by the Ceinurissian Aonsaise, the eastern warlords backed by the Zeyris Guild of Rytarria, the central territory under the control of the popular 'god' King Quiatal Chini, and the Naochi forces advancing from the north. The western warlords received Ceinurissian troops - including some who had seen action with Gunthii in the recent Yihamco war - as well as more modern muskets and cannons. They initially advanced on the former capitol, Tecochen, and besieged it for a while in 670 AD. But after being rattled by fanatical attacks from Chini's followers, they were drawn away into a lengthy struggle against the Naochi forces. Things then split into two mostly separate wars, with the Rytarrian-backed warlords tying down the Chini's forces over in the east.

The Naochi were angered by the Ceinurissian intervention, and triggered a war with the Aonsaise itself from 671 AD, striking at their nearest stronghold. But the coastal fortress at Aumi proved basically immune to attack by Naochi warriors, surrounded as it was by swamps and supported by the Aonsaisei fleet. The local Ceinurissian forces were eager for a fight, and were in no mood to hold back. They advanced along the Aumi river, steadily retaking lands which the Thulean League had claimed two centuries before. The tropical forests still harboured all kinds of trouble for the Ceinurissians, but things were made a little easier by the their superior weapons, and by the Naochi's shifting attentions, which had now been drawn back into the heart of former Hocatelco territory.

By 675 AD, a truce was reached in the west, after Ceinurissian forces approached the stronghold of Kokoloh. The Naochi leaders moved court to the older city of Tarexl, having conquered lands to the south and east, mostly from Quiatal Chini's forces. It should be noted that the Naochi were armed with many muskets of their own, and many old cannons of Pangari origin, even if they still glorified hand-to-hand combat - the same could be said for some of the Aonsaise's hardened frontiersmen.

Things in the east remained unresolved by 676. Rytarrian support for the eastern warlords mirrored that of the Ceinurissians in the west, except that the eastern warlords were in a tighter spot, and were willing to offer more to their foreign friends - most of all, access to their gold mines and gold-panning streams. The fighting with Chini's followers did not go so well, despite the supply of Rytarrian arms, advisors and soldiers experienced from fighting the Maru. After initial advances along the coast, it turned into a defensive war in difficult jungle terrain against large numbers of poorly-armed but fanatical enemy troops. Quiatal Chini seemed focused on wiping out his eastern enemies first. The war was barely profitable for Rytarria's Zeyris Guild, and took an unwelcome toll on its most experienced soldiers. But they steadily gained influence over the locals, and despite ongoing fighting, the vassal territory of Taxal was established by 676 AD.

* The western pro-Ceinurissian warlords have established their own 'republic' named Zalachan, literally meaning 'resurgent horned lizard'. It is ruled by a native military elite, with Ceinurissian merchants basically acting as the bureaucracy.
* The eastern warlords have become Taxal, an official vassal of Rytarria. Similarly, Rytarria's Zeyris Guild is controlling most of the trade in that country.
* The truce between Naochi, CA and Cheniltelco will expire in 679 AD. Other parties are still at war.
* The army of CA has taken minor losses. Rytarria's army lost a little more in terms of men and experience.
* Thousands of Hocatlecan exiles and immigrants have been welcomed into the southern territories of the CA.
* Their are rumours that the 'god' Quiatal Chini may be dead, and his current whereabouts are unknown. His followers still hold the old capitol and much of the central territory, but remain disorganised.

South American border changes: After 669 AD, a wave of new conflicts broke out across the western half of South America. Firstly, the long-suffering native kindgom of Temec was blessed with a brilliant new leader, the warrior king known as 'Takulinaku', translated as 'ethereal mountain eagle'. Under Takulinaku's rule, the Temec armies soon reclaimed old coastal homelands from Qaran, pushed into tribal lands in the northwest, and then invaded Chimuk territory in alliance with Kulo. Chimuk was soon losing ground to its enemies. By 676 Kulo had basically won the war for control of the old Chimuko heartlands, and had its own core of musketeers and artillery men, though the country was thoroughly exhausted.

* Kulo's treasury has been over-stretched. Its army has suffered many losses.
* Chimuk still maintains a portion of its army, despite losing most of its territory and economy.
* Temec has gained most in terms of economy and military strength.

As for Qaran, it found itself fighting against native tribes displaced westwards by the Temec. In 672 AD, one tribe known as the Kima crossed the inland mountains and boldly attacked the city of Zura, the capitol of Qaran - originally a colony founded by Theosist missionaries from Africa and Arzamber. The attack met with success, and the new Kima regime introduced a new religion, a variation on Qaran Theosim - which had itself been a distorted version of 'true' African Theosim - remixed with more local tribal beliefs. Now known as 'Ulachism', it was a strict and militant religion which preached the forceful conversion of others as its main virtue.

* The armies of Qaran and Temec have gained in strength.
* The religion of ' Ulachism' has appeared.

In the south, the semi-native kingdom of Zhizhou began to expand its borders northwards, and conquered various native tribes without too much difficulty. But the country was soon suffering from a colourful power struggle amongst the royal family back in the capitol. King Hui-Tan was weakened by age and illness, and his principle wife and several of his elder sons - some with their own armies - began to compete with each other for the backing of the Sung Taej over in Asia.

* Zhizhou's army has taken moderate losses, its government is also looking unstable.

As a result of all this, many tribal peoples were on the move across central South America in the early 670's. Many headed to the borders of Pegu, seeking protection, in return for working as mercenaries and scouts along the frontier. Pegu's army was going through some sweeping reforms, so in some ways it was a perfect timing for recruiting natives. Pegu had managed to keep a fairly good reputation among the natives over the centuries, which paid off in this case. It also gave justification for Pegu to begin to expand its own borders westwards a little. Though as waves of ethnic-Pangari settlers followed, relations with the allied tribes became more complicated. For the first time, Pegu also founded a colony on the west coast of the continent, which was similarly able to befriend various tribes exiled by the Zhizhou.

* Pegu's manpower has increased for now, thanks to native allies.

Yihamco treaties: In the Yihamcoross, things continued to settle down after the dissolution of Sturmhaus, with more islands falling under the control of either Gunthii or the newly-declared United Islands. The other new state of Saint Belda made overtures to the Saxonguille 'motherlands' of eastern Europe - they were ignored by Rove, but Gallica did offer support, and was initially well received. That was until the Ceinurissian Aonsaise stepped in and offered its support, in return for the Saint Beldans making no deals with Europe...

Around the same time, the neighbouring island state of Amik signed several military treaties with Gunthii, supposedly to guard against attack from the militant Kima-Qarans on the South American mainland. The Gunthii also returned control of Sua to the United Islands - this was the former Sturmhaus capitol, now a much quieter and sober place thanks to the recent fighting. The Gunthii continued to expand their influence, and in many ways acted as an extension of the Aonsaise government and fleet in the Yihamcoross.

* Saint Belda has reluctantly sided with the CA, and cancelled all their deals with Gallica. This has still allowed for trade links with Asturian League also.
* The CA and the Asturian League now guarantee the independence of Saint Belda.
* Amik and Gunthii now have a full alliance.
* As a side note, with the decline in slavery in the region, labour-intensive sugar plantations are being abandoned in favour of exotic new foodstuffs such as 'cocoa'.

Countries:

Yssian Republic: The backlash against the 'Yssianists' slowed down after negotiations with Sung Taej and the Daran League. Prince Gustharii and his supporters gained strength from a militarisation policy at home. Thousands of new recruits joined the army, and there were new drill instructors and higher standards for officer training. This was applauded as a strong response to the Aeonist crusading escapades - many Yssians, especially those in the south of the country, were feeling a little nervous. News from the Hebrides was not too great, but at least the remaining parts of the Hebridean League seemed more in favour of an eventual reunion with Ys. Trade links with Gelderland, Freiland, the Asturian League and Ceinurissian Aonsaise were especially growing in importance at this time.

Daran League: The errant Yssian colony of Junthii was signed over to Daran League's control, and some of the surrounding lands were given to the Sung, effectively ending the conflict of interest in the far south for now. Back home, there was investment in roads, ports and fledgling industries. The academy at Phaos made more contributions to world science - one prominent inventor was sadly lost at sea, after his large hot-air balloon was blown off course, but not before achieving a new altitude record.

There were also some signs of a potential split with the southern colonies. The African territories of the League were slowly becoming more 'Thuleanized' as they continually traded with Asturia, Ys and the CA. Most of the southern colonists remained closer to old Umidian traditions. Separatist letters were printed and circulated from the colonies of Mareq and Zinqu. Still, while both parts of the League clearly benefited from each other, there was little real support for these separatists.

Asturian League: Another militaristic mood took hold in Astura. Great efforts were made to recruit and train soldiers for the invasion of Tusca. The early success at Viroconium was celebrated, but afterwards, the ongoing war was not particularly popular. At the same time, Asturians did much experimenting with new ship designs, and especially the use of steam power at sea, though that was ultimately that was discarded in favour of faster and more powerful sailing vessels. It could be said that, in the right hands, the latest Asturian war frigates were the most deadly warships afloat.

After a troubled start, the 'Merchant's League' began to gain support, although it was overshadowed by military matters at this time. Still, Asturian merchants were quick to take advantage of opportunities. Ancient artefacts from the Argosian, Agrinese and Myceanean periods found their way from Tusca into the private collections of Asturian nobles...

Gallica: While participating in the crusade against Oryx, the Gallican leaders ordered the expulsion of ethnic Umidians from the western tip of the country, which caused a lot of bitterness. Many of them ended up in Oryx, where some fought against the Gallican army. All this gave more support to Aeonist fanatics, who by 677 were on the verge of gaining power across the kingdom. Rovien nobles also gained support, leaving the pro-Thulean moderates on the sidelines. Gallica put most of its efforts into strengthening its fleet at this time, with the help of some talented captains and shipbuilders. The Asturians did not like that, as it was seen as an attempt to undermine their influence. Gallica was headed for an uncertain future.

Oryx: Oryxian morale was hardly dampened by the loss of territory, nor by being surrounded by hostile territory. Few believed the Aeonist infidels could maintain such forces in Africa for long. Oryx's leaders had commissioned new forts, mines, ironworks and gunsmiths. The Aeonist invasion caused disruption, but still much was achieved. Some trade with the Thuleans was still possible though the port of Orez.

Macrabi: The empire seemed as isolated as ever, and it was easy to spread fear of foreign influences. But after piling the pressure on Kzame, some nobles were frustrated by Macrabi's apparent weakness in the face of the Antalyans. Others were simply glad that further war was avoided after the recent annexation of Tamlki. But the military remained a priority of Kaliphan Jammen Sayyad I. Sarukian manpower was mobilised, and by 677 Macrabi was fielding the largest army it could comfortably support. New forts were also built, based on what was known of recent experience in Tusca and northern Africa. Jammen also oversaw the construction of 'Inhajre-Yusufah' or council-chamber in the city of Saruk, a large building to house the newly created 'Yusufah', an assembly of nobles appointed from the provinces of the empire, with power over internal affairs. It was widely said that the Yusufah was created with the intention of ruling all of Africa someday...

Rove: Rove had a revival of science at this time. New royal academies were founded, with the intention of attracting foreign talent. In the end, they were mostly filled by talented native scholars. Rovien physicians debated the force of gravity and the nature of light. But the rest of the country was in a gloomy mood. The reign of Philip 'the terrible' had brought Rove's honour into question. There seemed little glory or riches to be found from the latest 'crusade', or perhaps the Germanicans had stolen it all. Prince Louis was still popular, despite his self imposed exile in Astura.

Empire of Germanica: Emperor Gunther I seemed to gain the most from the Crusade against Oryx. Supporting such a large army overseas had been costly, but home frontiers remained quiet. Lenierde continued to lend its 'holy' authority to Germanica. The nobles were enthusiastic about the Crusades, as were most of the population, although some subversive newsletters accused the empire's leaders of being corrupt warmongers without real faith in Aeonis.

Germanica's blacksmiths, gunsmiths and cannon foundries were kept busy, as Gunther I issued a call for a renewal of the imperial armoury. The flow of coins from the imperial treasury sometimes allowed them to expand their business. Thanks to the new road networks, trade flourished between towns and cities, and the abolition of internal trade tariffs was allowing Germanica's merchants and middle class to slowly gain wealth and influence. Unfortunately, the roads were often stalked by bandits, many of whom were fugitive ex-soldiers from Tarcedon and Tusca. Nonetheless, Seculia also began to prosper as a result of Germanica's growing wealth. The nobles were also feeling more optimistic about the situation in Libria at this time.

Norgar: In 670 AD, having reached the age of 16, King Nortvand III disbanded the regency, apparently requiring the help of powerful loyal supporters to do so. The regency had ruled the country for over a decade since the death of his father in a hunting accident, for which Germanica's Prince Alrich was often blamed - Alrich has since been a commander in Germanica's African campaigns. So far, Nortvand has showed no signs of ill feeling. Norgar is still balancing between Videssian and Germanic-Aeonist influence.

Imperial Republic of Antalya:The Saraian Guards were revamped as Antalya's military elite, and new academies of the sciences and arts were created, but a certain other project was eating up huge amounts of manpower and funding - the Golden Conclave was completed by early 677 AD, slightly ahead of schedule. It was now the largest enclosed space in the world, and arguably the tallest building also. Large parts of the city of Agre had been demolished or rebuilt to accommodate the huge new structure - there had been fears of riots breaking out, but in the end there were only a few minor 'incidents'. Great ceremonies were held to mark the Conclave's inauguration, with prominent Rationalists invited from across the old world. Plans were being made for even more elaborate ceremonies to be held in 682 AD, to celebrate Bazilevs Demetyr's 30th year on the throne.

Not to be outdone by the recent rebirth of Videssian culture and literature, Antalyan writers got to work, creating many influential works at this time - everything from drama and poetry to new books on philosophy. The transformed city of Agre provided a lot of inspiration, as did ongoing wars in Tusca and across Africa. Antayla's image was now firmly tied to that of Rationalism, with both positives and negatives for how its reputation played out abroad. Mycenean, Ismailist and Theosist fanatics attempted gunpowder bombings and assassinations, even in 'safe' cities such as the busy port of Arai. The endless promotion of Rationalist was resented by the African peoples most of all. More anger was stirred up by the renaming of captured African cities to their ancient Argosian names, seen as a sign of arrogance and disrespect. Some Antalyan philosophers debated whether any good could be really achieved in Africa - which, throughout history, had been the death of every empire which had invaded it from the west...

Videssian Empire: It was an uncertain time in Videssos. Avtokrator Alanis II was taken ill for months at a time, and was widely rumoured to be going insane. The newly elected Patriarch Kyphos I effectively became steward of the throne, while also being the head of Phosist religion, and was thus one of the most influential people on the planet at this time, although he did little but maintain a cautious status-quo. Despite recent success in uniting the various cultures of the empire, a backlash began in some of the remote inland provinces, where people felt angry at having Videssian cultural values imposed on them, even if it was by their own local leaders. Most risings were soon crushed, although two pockets of resistance were in place in 677 - Nakuri peoples in the north, Champa in the west.

Rytarrian Empire: The various steppe peoples became more closely tied to the Rytarrian rule, first by military reforms. More recruits were gathered from remote provinces, where new army camps were built. Expert steppe horsemen were brought to other parts of the empire to pass on some of their skills. Secondly, the great Hippodrome of Altin Tiepe was completed in 676, opening with several weeks on non-stop horse races and chariot races. Several deaths occurred on the track during that time. The huge stretched-oval circuit was surrounded by seating for tens of thousands. Huge sums of money were bet on the races, and the spectacle attracted visitors from all over Asia and beyond. There were also shows where the steppe horsemen could display their skills, although these were never as popular as the races.

Agriculture and metalworking were also on the agenda. Some of the farmland along the Tiepe river, especially around the old irrigation systems, had been arranged in large open fields for centuries, and was well suited to the use of new farming methods. Meanwhile, trouble continued in the vassal state of Gaiyvaria, with more riots and at least one Rytarrian noble assassinated. Several thousand ethnic-Rayamese people, accused of supporting the rebels, were rounded up by the Rytarrians and exiled to Vancuissi, where they were not always welcome. There were rumours of Rytarrian spies and agents rooting out the Rayamese resistance, but the troubles did not end.

United Empire: The great canal works continued, and were still ongoing in 677 AD, despite another huge investment of manpower and resources. Building canals through mountain ranges was never going to be an easy task. But after two decades of working on terrifying challenges, the empire had produced a fine generation of architects and engineers, who could rightfully claim to have achieved more than the Antalyans or any others. Of course, many of them were originally Pangari, Taej or Antalyan imports, who would inevitably take knowledge back to other countries.

In 674 AD, near Oro, a bridge made almost entirely from iron was built over a small river gorge. It was the first of its kind in the world, and something that would have been much too expensive just a decade earlier. It was a sign of the increased iron production that was going on nearby, spurred by the demands on the military and the great imperial construction projects. Efforts to promote similar metalworking in the old Ormashi heartlands were frustrated by lack of suitable ores nearby, although trade links with Pangari were forged for that purpose.

Sung Taej: King Haoming and his wife, the princess of Tyansua, presided over peaceful time of trade and colonisation. Influence was assured over the 'barbarian' kingdoms of Zhizhou, Tonhela and Himutshakla. War had once seemed likely on several fronts, but now there were even negotiations with the hated Ongans. The Sung did not seem especially interested in helping their Antalyan allies against Macrabi. The Sung fleet, however, grew ever more powerful and menacing. Large bulk ships were being phased out in favour of sleek and powerful warships, which were roughly equivalent to those of the Thuleans. Back home, the slow spread of Rationalism caused some tension with traditional Taoists. More importantly, there were constant arguments in the Majestic Court over proposals for agricultural and social reform - some nobles feared this would lead to large uprisings by evicted peasants.

Pangari Republic: Thanks to the efforts of Dega Teka-Ne, a majority of nobles in the Ri-Panga were persuaded to partly-fund the construction of the 'Diamond Conclave'. Work began in 670 AD. The rest of the funds came from rich Pangans who had converted to, or otherwise leaned towards Rationalism. The Ri-Panga's resistance to 'industry' was another matter. Teka-Ne's brother, Tanaka-Ki, died in 672 AD, having managed to make things only a little easier for industrialists. Many were now looking to Rationalism as the way to bring about 'progress' and break the political deadlock in the country, though that was far from certain. As for North America, the Pangan colonists resigned themselves to the loss of Mogui. The recent wars with Vancuissi had been a real blow to morale. But the situation had benefits for Engui, which now had a greater share of immigrants and investment.

Ceinurissian Aonsaise: The ministries of Trade and of the Interior came into being, run by a team of abnormally talented ministers. Merchants and craftsmen prospered across the CA, particularly the vicinity of Nuys and Moray. Some said that, unlike the 'liberal nonsense hypocrisy' of Vancuissi, the Aonsaise was all about fulfilling the good old Yssian dream, 'the pursuit of wealth, and additional wealth!'. Confidence was high, especially after new gains of territory in the Hocatelco wars. Frontier communities were given greater representation in the Ceinurissian congress - indeed, greater than they deserved, according to some disgruntled coastlanders - and unsurprisingly, their representatives voted for further expansion of the frontier. Ceinurissian explorers are rumoured to have made a more formal visit to Chaunka lands, and established some kind of trade with them.

Rumours abounded of imminent war with the Awahan, particularly among military circles, but the CA seemed content to let them fight with the Ostians for now. Finally, some funding was approved for the 'Arch of Hope', a great monument to overlook Nuys harbour. Construction began in 672 AD, with the expectation of donations from wealthy patricians of the city. By 677 the arch was half built and out of funds. Stirring patriotic songs and poems were written to inspire more donations, to no avail as of yet...

Awahan: Despite their warlike reputation, the Awahan were busy building roads, forts and new farms at this time, under instruction of King Ganwagan and his chiefs, resulting in impressive harvests. The southern tribes were ordered to dig new mines in the hunt for gems and precious stones, although the hated Aonsaisei were now the only foreigners willing trade.

Vancuissi League: In 671 AD Lord Protector Biscarnii, leader of Vancuissi for over two decades, was assassinated by a pistol shot, fired by a crazed citizen who was promptly tried and executed. In Biscarnii's place came Lord Protector Tallaniss, supposedly a libertarian, but also a veteran of the Mogui wars with links to the military. Indeed, some accused the military of orchestrating the whole thing, using mind-controlling native American sorcery to get Biscarnii assassinated, thus allowing a militarist regime to take over. But Tallaniss soon proved to be a solid republican and a popular leader, achieving a balance between both sides. Tallaniss' maximum second term was due to expire in 679 AD.

Attention turned to building up infrastructure and encouraging trade. Canals were built to connect some isolated towns with the Vancuissi river, with the help of a few imported engineers from the United Empire. More forests were felled to make way for roads and farms. Metal working was favoured most of all - steam engines were essential symbols of 'progress', and every reselectable town had to have one, even if it was very small and not really used for anything. Although, wood-burning, steam-driven river boats were a useful mode of travel, particularly when the river was in full flow. Its worth noting that the possibility of war with the Ceinurissians caused much more concern in Vancuissi than it did in Humidiss.

Pegu: Even with Pangari's blessing, the decision by the Tari-Panaga to expand Pegu's borders - after around a century of stillness - was a controversial one. Fortunately it was all overshadowed by the rise of Temec and various other wars that were being fought in the west. Pegu's army went through some very successful reforms, almost being rebuilt from the ground up, with new tactics and better leadership. More money went into building ports and roads, although a series of earthquakes and landslides in 673 undid some of this, and left the inland city of Trikilo isolated for several months. Overall trade was flourishing, both with Asia and other places in the Americas, but still most of all Pangari. As mentioned, Rationalism gained a place in Takan Panaga. Its small Conclave was the furthest yet built from Altyn Sarai, and even attracted some wealthy Antalyan devotees because of this.

Tanyis: King Gamaturundi was 78 years old by 677 AD, but amazingly still fit and active, and revered as a godlike figure by his people. He even continued to hunt dangerous wild animals, especially the sabre-toothed marsupial lion, the Kodo, and the bad-tempered Tanyis Hippo. The rest of the nobility also took up this hobby. Indeed, trade in rare skins and animal parts became something of a profitable export. A new academy was built at Tuluni, recruiting Thulean, Taej and Antalyan scholars, with as much royal funding as could be spared. King Gamaturundi became interested in the snowy southern islands in his old age, and encouraged more settlement and exploration there.

Major Events
- Industrial Innovations -



The United Empire, Germanica, Sung Taej and Antalya were all noted for mass production of iron at this time, as well as weapons and various things. But these industries were often in the hands of kings and emperors. The Euris Ocean was were there was most commercial gain...

By 677 AD, stretching across Freiland, Gelderland, the Yssian Republic, the Ceinurissian Aonsaise, and - despite the turmoil there - the Hebridean islands, there was a group of metalworking companies, trading houses and 'technical institutes' which was driving progress in various areas, at a faster pace than elsewhere. Although still at a very early stage, this was real 'industry for profit', founded on the back of centuries of Thulean shipbuilding and trading. Most of the new methods and machines invented in the 'Yssosphere' had some kind of use in shipbuilding or ship maintenance, or were otherwise traded by ship across the oceans.

The Zeyris Ocean had similar potential - The Vancuissi river and the Videssian Sea were also cradles of industry, perhaps even more innovative, but still on a smaller scale. The Pangari Republic still threatened to overtake all others in terms of industry, though it was being held back by its political and social problems.

In general, the Americas had the advantage of plenty of unclaimed land, with room for large open fields that could be farmed more productively by fewer people using new agricultural tools. Freiland, the Thulean countries, Pegu and parts of Asia also had the kind of empowered 'middle class' that was capable of meddling with the established order in a profitable way.

Still, many of those who had power were stubbornly opposed to the change out of principle, or were at least wanted to protect traditional farmers and craftsmen. This was especially obvious in Pangari, but more subtle resistance was found just about everywhere else that industry was taking root. Wages were still low enough that the use of labour-saving machinery was not always profitable, and even it if was, it was often seen as a lazy and decadent way of doing things, not something to be encouraged.

As for steam power, this was definitely useful. Many rulers at this time seemed almost obsessed with bigger engines, and they were traded back and forth as state gifts - Antalya was especially notable for that. But the engines remained expensive, and nowhere near perfect. They were hungry for coal or wood. The Pangans had put experimental steam engines on boats over two centuries ago, and the same problems remained - steam-boats were limited by the need to stop for fuel, and generally slower than sail, so were only useful for coastal ships or river barges. Steam travel on land was promising - it was said Khaizar Tovaul III wanted to build a railroad to Antalya, and ordered studies to be done - but building miles of straight and level track, even for a fairly short distance, would be a major project for any country.

* In short, more industry requires more technology and great sums of money, but also dangerous changes to society, all for uncertain gain...

- North African War - The Great Betrayal -

With a white peace in place, Oryx began to demobilise its armies, and took up the task of building a great new Umidian kingdom. But it was not to be. Not long after Prince Louis was returned to Rove, the Aeonists blatantly betrayed the terms of the treaty and renewed their war against Oryx. It was a shocking betrayal that tarnished the reputation of the Germanican and Rovien leaders. Some said the Oryx were not worthy of the same respect or chivalry that Aeonist peoples deserved. Others put the blame was also put on the Oryxian skirmishers for breaking the treaty first. None of this really held weight, but the pro-Germanican leaders of Lenierde gave their blessing. Emperor Gunther I committed almost half of his whole empire's soldiers to the fighting, Rove send a smaller but still impressive force. Other Aeonist countries, although already weary from years of 'crusading', followed the lead of Germanica and Rove and again sent more troops to assist.

Vengano was caught in a tricky position, and only provided a token amount of help with ships and troops. Their war against the Razynists in Tusca was a convenient excuse not to get further involved. Conversely, Gallica's enthusiastic support caused some ill-feeling with their Asturian allies, as they helped break Oryx's fledgling trade links with the Asturian League.

By early 671 AD, the Crusader reinforcements were mostly assembled, and they were split into two main armies. The Roviens led the Gallicans, along with volunteers from the Hebridies, Ys, Juhtland and Gelderland. The Germanicans led the Seculians, the 'holy army' of Lenierde and a general assortment of volunteers from across western Europe. The Germanican army was much larger, but also better organised - it quickly captured the border city of Aryx, and with help from Aeonist ships had besieged Abiona by the end of 671 AD.

The Rovien-led army was plagued by controversy and bitterness. King Phillip III, although to ill to join the campaign himself, gave a special order for young Umidian boys to be captured and brought as slaves back to Rove. This was not popular. Most of the Rovien soldiers still wanted to believe they were on a sacred mission, and some even began to fear for the sanity of their King at this point. Philip III 'the terrible' began to take the blame for all the dishonourable aspects of this latest Crusade - which only helped the image of the Germanicans and their links with the Holy State' of Lenierde. Luckily for the Umidian peoples, few slaves could be taken in any case. The advance of the Rovien army was more haphazard - it split into groups, some moving along the eastern coast, while some diverted through inland valleys were they were harassed and delayed by the Oryxians.

On both fronts, the light cavalry of Oryx again proved its worth in hit-and-run tactics, while the heavier troops of the Aeonists continued to struggle in the African climate. Compared to the fighting just a few years ago, muskets and cannons were now more of an essential item on both sides, although problems with sand-clogged weapons still made the ancient composite bow a useful tool.

With its garrison outgunned and surrounded, Abiona fell to the Germanicans in early 672 AD, and was sacked for the third time in recent years. Much of the city was now in ruins. More of the Umidian population were killed, others fled south if they could. The Germanicans soon began to test the defences of cities further along the Oryx river, but the Oryxians had reassembled a large army of their own by that time, with strong morale, and much easier access to supplies and reinforcements. In the years that followed, there were a series of large battles, and several failed sieges on both sides. The Gallican commander, Guy of Veriade, emerged as a notable leader in the fighting near Orez.

Oryx also faced trouble on other fronts. The Segah, after being ignored by Macrabi, and noticing large Macrabian armies on 'exercises' in the neighbouring province of Bantlwan, turned to Haman for support. The new king of Segah, Guru IV, even offered to convert to Ismailism. An alliance between the two outcast countries was signed in 673 AD. Although Haman was looking more towards Antalya at this time, both Haman and Segah sent raiders to test the border defences of Oryx, tying down more troops there.

By 675 AD, Oryx and the Aeonist forces were once again exhausted. The Germanicans now seemed content with holding the coast, and were not eager to push any further inland. The Oryxians, despite their great anger, not to mention deep mistrust, agreed to a cease fire. Oryxian morale remained strong - at least, it seemed that it would be easier for them to prepare for the next round of fighting than it would be for the invaders.

A notable absence from all the fighting was Prince Louis himself. He had apparently been well treated, even entertained and educated during his four-year captivity in Oryx. But, disgusted by the betrayal that set him free, he left Europe altogether in 671 AD, and settled in Astura, capitol of the Asturian League, spending his days writing controversial books about problems with Aeonist religious doctrine...

* A cease-fire between Oryx and Germanica, Rove, Gallica, Lenierde and Seculia will expire in early 679 AD.
* Obviously, Oryx, Germanica and Rove have taken the most losses. Oryx has gained in experience overall, while Gallica has gained leadership.
* Oryx has lost some of its economy and manpower.
* Haman and Segah now have an alliance.
* The reputation of Rove has been damaged most of all.
* With King Phillip III of Rove on his deathbed in 677 AD, and the unpopular Prince Henry as the eldest heir in the country, its unclear who will inherit the throne of Rove...

- The Tuscan wars, part two -

In 670 AD, hopes of a Rationalist-Razynist understanding were dashed. Despite some similarities between the two ideologies, the Antalyan leaders ultimately turned hostile to the anti-authoritarian message of the Razynists. And so Tarcedon, Tusca's enemy, received support from Antalya, in return for them granting full toleration of Rationalism. The Razynists were fully isolated...

In 671 AD, the Venganese landed more troops at Romae, and began to march northwards together with the Pisaean army, heading for Almos. Tarcedon's forces, encouraged by Antalya, headed south to meet up with them. But the Levanquist fanatics holed up at Almos were not willing to play along. Messy fighting broke out across north. At the same time, the Asturian and Venganese fleets harassed the southern and western coasts of the Tuscan peninsular, spreading fear of another troop landing.

Despite fears of more troop landings in the south, the Razynists gathered a large army and at struck directly at Romae in early 672 AD. Romae fell surprisingly quickly, its defences blown open by massed Razynist artillery and near-suicidal infantry attacks. There followed a series of large battles, the largest seen in Europe since the Yssian-Thulean invasions of Rove over a century before. The combined forces of Pisae, Tarcedon and Vengano were defeated - they were rarely able to fully cooperate, as they faced pockets of Levanquist and Razynist guerrillas at their back, and had a lack of supplies after the fall of Romae. The Razynists were also blessed with bold and capable leaders in this case. Thousands of Pisaeans and Venganese troops were either captured or forced to flee into Germanica - where they were disarmed and held for ransom anyway. Others were able to join up with the army of Tarcedon, which was the only allied army able to regroup and keep fighting.

Things were hardly finished, though. The Asturian League had a plan, a massive naval assault on the Tuscan capitol, Viroconium. It was not as easy as they had hoped - the Tuscans had kept a fairly strong garrison behind, and the city was defended by several strong forts, armed with plenty of artillery. The cost was dozens of ships and thousands of men, not to mention thousands of civilians, but in the end it was a great triumph for the untested soldiers of the Asturian League. The three flags of Astura, Pisae and Vengano were flown from the top of the Forum. Dozens of other historic buildings were burnt out or otherwise damaged by cannon fire. The Asturians tried, but failed to prevent widespread looting by their soldiers.

At sea, the Razynists still couldn't do much against the Asturian and Venganese fleets, but there were rumours of an armoured steam-powered Razynist ship stalking the coasts of Viroconium - one that seemed immune to cannon fire, while it sank ships at will with its own strange cannons and rockets... The rumours were never confirmed by the Asturians or their allies. In early 673 AD, some claim to have seen the 'turtle ship' capsize and sink during a heavy sea swell, which may have been the end of the matter.

Incidentally, during 672, a standoff occurred at the island of Acritiri. The Asturians came close to landing troops here, as part of their overall battle plans, before an Antalyan warship was spotted in the harbour - the 'Rationalist enclave' of Acritiri had been offered protection by Antalya some years before, and the Antalyans intended to honour this. The Asturians withdrew, and the small island was encouraged to became an official 'autonomous' province of the empire.

A new government was declared in Viroconium in late 672 AD, led by an assorted collection of Asturian puppets and former exiles from Pisae. As hoped, this triggered a new civil war in the Tuscan peninsular, as most of the surviving opponents of Razynist government took this final chance to rise up. The country had seen little but poverty and chaos in the wake of the Razynist revolution. But the Razynists had by now indoctrinated a slim majority of the population, and were able to rally further support out of simple patriotism, calling on the people to repel all foreign invaders. The damage to Viroconium was especially insulting, as the capitol had managed to avoid fighting during previous wars. The Razynists raised mass levies from every loyal city. Veteran Razynist supporters became fanatics. Although somewhat splintered, the Razynist regime managed to hold out, even after the Razynist leader Demeter Razinkalf died of a stroke in early 673 AD.

As the years past, Pisae was no longer able to send much help, and the Asturians and Venganese faced a more brutal and much messier war than they would have liked. Still, influence over Tusca seemed a prise worth fighting for. There were more troop landings, and evacuations, as the allegiances and battle lines shifted back and forth - eventually creeping back towards the vicinity of Viroconium by late 676 AD. By then, Tusca was as war-torn as ever. As Tarcedon's army threatened to launch a new war in the north, and with much of their territory facing crippling starvation, the Razynists reluctantly agreed to a cease fire - this left a fortified enclave at Viroconium, the northern lands around Liphos, and the south of the home peninsular in the hands of their enemies. The Pisaeans had at least partly fulfilled their pledge to retake the mainland. The Razynist dream still seemed a long way away...

* Pisae has merged with the 'liberated' territory, creating the 'Republic of Utica'. Although triumphant, it is a fragile state that requires being propped up by its allies.
* A cease fire between Razynist Tusca and Utica, Tarcedon, the Asturian League, and Vengano will expire in late 679 AD.
* Heavy troop losses have been incurred on all sides. Tarcedon's army suffered least casualties. The Asturians have gained the most experience overall.
* Vengano and Asturia have lost a small portion of their navy.
* A coalition of consul-generals now leads the Razynists. Rebels have been utterly crushed within their territory. But the economy, infrastructure and manpower have obviously suffered further.
* The 'Sons of Iaptus' and other Mycenean separatist groups continue to cause problems for the Antalyans.

Random Statistics:

Top ten average life expectancy:

1: Pangari Republic
2: Axemhaus
3: Shimazu
4: Pegu
5: Qi Taej
6: Gelderland
7: Videssian Empire
8: Imperial Republic of Antalya
9: Yssian Republic
10: Macrabi

Cities with highest murder rate per measure of population:

1: Quichen (Kopeng)
2: Bengvari (Gaiyvaria)
3: Bretonai (Rove)
4: Arai (Imperial Republic of Antalya)
5: Nuys (Ceinurissian Aonsaise)
6: Kamekar (Kzame)
7: Medanhuas (Germanica)
8: Oro (United Empire)
9: Huich'on (Qi Taej)
10: Tandak (United Empire)

Random Issues:

This aspect has been retired.

Resolution of Previous Issues:

The Unnamed Island: The barren piece of rock, in the seas south of Tarami, continued to grow in size, and many vents appeared, spouting hot steam and sulphurous fumes. Named as 'New Quichen' - a joking reference to the bustling cosmopolitan island city in the central American straights - the Vancuissians used the island as a dumping ground for those suffering from the 'Itching Sickness', as well as some of their most offensive criminals. Needless to say, conditions on the island quickly became hellish, as many of the prisoners caught the disease, and many of these were simply left to suffer and die...

Rytarrian Itching Sickness: Thousands of people continued to die in scattered outbreaks, but the precautions taken by the Rytarrians and Pangari kept the disease confined to the northern Zeyris region, so far at least. There are worrying rumours that the disease has appeared in the region of Mogui on the North American mainland. Alchemists and physicians from Videssos, Rytarria and Pangari met at the Pangan colony of Marixl to work on a cure. No cure was forthcoming, though the Rytarrians have been prompted to adopt some of the best practices of Pangari and Videssian medicine, and it seems their empire will actually benefit as a result of this.

Diplomacy:

To: Freiland, Yssian Republic, Germanica, Rove
From: Olesia

We ask you to officially recognise our independent country, for the good of all!

To: Juhtland
From: The Union of Dunottar

Greetings, we ask you to consider a formal peace treaty with our newly declared country...

To: Juhtland
From: King Nortvand III of Norgar

We can argue about exact borders for centuries to come, or we can make a lasting peace and concern ourselves with more important things. We propose a permanent peace treaty between our peoples.

To: Sung Taej
From: Tonhela

A warriors greeting, to the mighty people of Sung. News reaches us of many troubles in foreign places. We propose that our people should make an alliance of friendship.

To: Sung Taej
From: King Hui-Tan of Zhizhou

Hail, mighty king of Sung. We humbly ask you for a formal alliance and trade treaty, so that the greatness of the Taej can enlighten us and guide us forward.

To: Rytarria
From: King Ethereal Mountain Eagle I of Temec

We have heard much about your great empire, and it fills us with great admiration. We wish to offer trade rights to your traders. We are also interested in trading and purchasing cannons and muskets from you.

Bonus Points:

Story bonus points awarded to: Thlayli, Lord Iggy and Disenfrancised.

Maps:

Political:


Terrain, with border overlay:



Notes:
Yes I fear this NES is once again collapsing under its own weight, despite the lack of detailed stats. Assuming anyone is still interested in this NES, I'd be interested to know what level of detail you would like to see, and how long you are honestly willing to wait between updates

About the new terrain map, as you probably guessed, its a montage of satellite images of our very own planet, painstakingly blended together. I didn't realise how painstaking until I was more than halfway through . Though, the program I use (MPP8, very old) does make it easy to copy, feather, blend and overlay things. I can go into further specifics if anyone wants. Thankyou for the compliments on it

Please allow at least 24 hours for Stats (edit: ETA monday night )

Great update Daft! I have no idea where you get the illusion of a lack of interest in your NES, it's more than enough to outlast the long waiting times between the updates.

OOC: But mind controlling native sorcery?

Daft, this is definitely the blockbuster NES of 2008. Great update! (And take as much time as you need, we don't mind.)

Absolutely amazing update. However, that spoiled little bastard child will lose his titles and be exiled forever.

EDIT: If you allow it Daft I would like to write a story about the true heir, side stepping Henry.

From Empire of Germanica
To Oryx

We are willing to end this war at current positions. Let the cease fire become peace. In exchange for this peace we will grant toleration of all Theoists within our territory and allow Oryx traders down the rivers through Abiona.