Viva Mahdiyah - AoI With Mahdists

Tani Coyote

Son of Huehuecoyotl
Joined
May 28, 2007
Messages
15,191
(ensign difficulty; maximum aggression)

1895. Europe has carved up much of the world. Africa has fallen, sans Liberia - protected by the United States - and Ethiopia, which has successfuly defeated the Italian Army.

More notable, however, is the Sudan. The Sudan has been seized by the Mahdists, supporters of the Mahdi Muhammad Ahmad.

While the Madhi has long since perished, the time of infighting between his successors has ended. The one true path of Islam is ready to re-assert itself - it will vanquish the European heathens, and the Turkish heretics alike!

A campaign against the Italians will be in order; they are the weakest European power by a large margin. The British regularly close the Suez Canal to increase their influence in Europe, which will mean reinforcements will be irregular.

The Mahdist Riflemen and City Guards are numerous. While a lack of railways harms the Mahdiyah, that will simply have to do for now. Picking off the Italians will have to do. Beyond that, wars of opportunity against the French and British will have to be the norm. Shrewd diplomacy is a must...

===1895===

Spoiler :
Britain has concluded a peace accord with the Mahdiyah, whereas the Abyssinians have been annexed and are in the process of Islamisation. The British Empire will be reeling from the loss of Gordon and the Sudan for quite some time, but they at least have shown little interest in re-acquiring it. Well, until we poison the Nile heading downstream anyway.

The Mahdiyah controls 4 cities. It's a humble beginning, but with proper management, we can prosper.

We lack a port, harming our options. Fortunately, we can has a weak European power right on our border. With the city open to first strike(i.e. my border touches it).

With Italian defenses still weak and the Mahdiyah starting off with a handful of offensive units, a war is started right off the bat!



Excellent. With no losses, Asmara and Eritrea fall. That gives the Mahdiyah a much needed port.

Alas, forces are insufficient to conquer all three cities in one turn. Asmara, at least, is now in Mahdist hands. Italy's poor production should hamper their military presence in the area, and hopefully peace can be made before they land troops from their homeland.



With Mogadishu's fall, Italian Somaliland was all but finished.

Hurdiyo saw two Elite cavalry groups lose their lives. Either way, the Italians were driven out of Africa! The Ethiopians suddenly became much warmer to their Mahdist occupiers. Peace was to be made at first opportunity - the Mahdist military had lost some of its finest in this short, profitable conflict.

When the British came knocking for tribute, it was given; the Mahdiyah could not afford a war with the world's foremost power.

Week 13, as tribute was handed over to the Portuguese, the Mahdiyah's forces expanded to include 3 new Militia units. These new units would supplement defenses.



Italy finally accepted peace after several months. They relinquished all claims to East Africa, and paid a large indemnity - 29 billion of their 500 billion economy. The Mahdiyah had gone from 4 cities to 7, nearly doubling in size, gaining 3 ports and going from 14 population to 22.

For the second time, Italy had been humiliated by Africans. It would soon be the rest of Europe's turn, once the economy was built up...

Week 41, it was decided to pay tribute to France. The various European powers had to be appeased until the time was right.

The rest of the year saw systematic development of a road network. The various cities were all linked, allowing for better flow of wealth and troops. An uprising in Fashoda was easily quelled with an increase in social services.

The Mahdiyah would slowly build up its economy and military, waiting for the perfect moment to strike at the French or British possessions...

 
Good to see you're all getting along without me. ;)

Subscribed.
 
===1896===
Spoiler :

Week 17, the mountains outside Addis Ababa were developed by labor gangs. The result was a surplus of coffee, helping improve productivity and making the People happier. Access to five luxury resources was very useful in buying off the occupied populations of East Africa.

Week 21, the Siamese demanded gold. They were swiftly sent out on their asses.



Week 29, discovery of Pre-Dreadnoughts allowed the navy to expand a little.



Roiiiit, because the Brits needed extra vacation space. Unfortunately for the British, there are 2 City Guards per city, so without artillery, they're likely going to waste quite a bit of troops on this war.

The Boers, however, do successfully take Kimberly. In all likelihood, however, they will lose it. Either way, Britain's being trolled, and that's good.



Week 37, Russian imperialists came and demanded funds. The Mahdiyah caved; while Russia couldn't reach Axum, any allies it might accumulate could.



Year's end, the economy had vastly improved. Population levels were swelling, and mines and roads created more wealth and fed resources into the growing Mahdist industrial base. The citizens had access to fresh oasis water, camels, big game, coffee, iron and copper.

The Mahdiyah's primary objective was to acquire some Coal. Some could be located in Mozambique... so it was reasoned that should be the target.



The Boers also took Kolomo, which was a coal-producing city. Assuming they kept it, the city could be liberated by Mahdist forces later on, so as to avoid wars with colonial powers.
 
Well, you seem to be a not-so-Mad Mullah!

It's good to see another AoI story, and an 'Africans take the continent back as their own' one, at that.
 
It'll be loads of fun trying not to be killed...

==1897==

Spoiler :
Week 5 saw the inking of the Russo-French Pact. Germany felt a little uneasy.

Week 13, the Cubans demanded money. They were loaded into the nearest cannon and fired all the way back to Cuba. The cannon was promptly destroyed by an unknown force, thus keeping it from being used against the imperialist pigs.

Week 13 also saw the collapse of the Boer Empire - Kimberly and Kolomo were retaken.

Week 17, the Lowlands and Italy signed a pact. Italy being entirely focused on Europe now, it would at least help protect the Lowlands.

Week 21, the Russians hosted the World Fair. Russia was quickly shaping up to be the world's foremost technological power - they had completed the Great Novel, World Fair, and Olympic Games.



The Austrians, worshippers of "Kumarbis" decided to pay a visit and demand gold in Week 29.

The Austrians' insecurity led them to sign a pact with...

...

...

Wait for it...

Chile.

:rotfl:

Week 37, Russia expanded its overseas influence further by turning Uruguay into a client.

The Turks and Austria, once hated enemies, also signed a Pact.

Britain and the Balkans aligned.

Week 45, the Brits demanded tribute of 100 gold, and it was given.

Shortly afterward, a right of passage was negotiated with the British. If they could soften up the Boers with their Egyptian forces, it would be possible to swoop in and take the Boer coal... the Boers also didn't have an empire elsewhere - unlike the Portuguese - to call reinforcements from.

Week 49, the Balkans declared war on the Boers.



Oh, but more importantly.

This would involve Russia, which meant Germany could either emerge very powerful... or vastly weakened, from such a war. A quick war with France was pondered.

1897 was a quiet year, filled with industrialisation and development. The Boer Reich had collapsed, but they held strong in their homelands. The many wars erupting between the European powers would mean the African continent was ripe for the picking... With infantry being mass produced to secure the Mahdiyah, and artillery being stockpiled to reduce any single city's force to ribbons, it would soon be possible to attack any target...

 
Sonic, huh? I was about to ask whether you'd written in Sally as the leader.

I don't expect you'd taken on this challenge (and write a story about it!) without being confident, at least. So, it'll be loads of fun to read and see how things go.
 
Actually, my title is "Iblis" and my name is "Sonic." The irony is Iblis being the name for Satan in Islam... :p

Well I'm massing my cavalry and artillery for an attack on a single Portuguese city. Once I acquire their Coal, I can consider more options once I build up my railways. I'll likely eat what's left of the Boers.

==1898==

Spoiler :
Week 13 was appropriately unlucky - the British made peace with the Boers, but were soon declared war upon by the Germans. The "Scramble for Germany" was on - the Russians, French and British all eager for German land. The Balkans, likewise, soon declared war on Germany - it was at war on four fronts!



Week 21, bloody hell. The Spaniards declared war on the Mahdiyah for refusal to pay their wretched tribute. Ah well. Units were posted to protect against whatever meager force the Spanish landed.

The Mahdiyah's high command changed their mind - rather than fight France, it would be more sound to dogpile Germany. It was outnumbered in Europe, and also in Africa. They wouldn't be able to threaten the Mahidyah, and they also had coal. Enough artillery and Infantry would be able to rush the Germans and take their Coal.

When the British took control of Bismackburg, that put that hand on hold. It was decided to send the army south to Portugal.

Week 49, Russia inked a pact with Chile. They now had 2 allies - Uruguay and Chile. The French had cancelled their pact with Russia, seeing them as a loose end. The French were content to rule over their new territory in the Rhineland, either way.

The world having gone Charlie Foxtrot, a map.

 
==1899==

Spoiler :
By Week 9, it's apparent Germany is about to engorge the British Empire. The Brits have taken all but two of Tanzania's cities, and Namibia has also fallen. Cecil Rhodes' dream of a railway spanning Africa from the Cape to Cairo will soon be accomplished.



Week 17, sensing the danger, Portugal tried to dissuade a Mahdist attack with an alliance. Desiring coal, however, the alliance was swiftly rejected.

Week 21, Spain declared war on Britain. URRRRGH. The Mahdists would have to move quickly, before every nation went suicidal and tried to take on Britain.



Tete, Week 29. The relatively-small city is guarded by 5 Colonial Infantry. The Mahdiyah has assembled 8 Light Cavalry, 7 Mahdist Riflemen, and 14 Horse Artillery Batteries to attempt to take it! However, analysists suggested any gain would come at heavy losses. As it would be nearly two years before Tete readied a new unit for its garrison, it was suggested to let the city be and amass more forces first.

Week 33, forces moved in for the kill! 3 of the 5 Col. Infantry were killed without losses.



While four cavalry were sacrificed, the payoff was worth it - the Portuguese lost a source of Coal. As Shari'a was gradually implemented in the conquered region, the coal was shipped back to the homeland, where it would be mixed with iron to create steel, and in turn shaped into railways.

Even better, a Corps was spawned from the battle. The Corps unit, made up of Mahdist Riflemen, would pose a serious deterrent to Portuguese counterattack.



Week 37, the Russians flattered the Mahdiyah with an alliance offer. However, a war with Germany was not desired - at least until the pact with them ran out - and as such, it had to be declined.



Week 45, the Americans demanded tribute. Not wanting a war with the world's strongest industrial nation, the Mahdiyah agreed.

The Austrians also completed the Electron. Having built the Wright Flyer, it was likely they'd start a tech boom.

Week 49, the Cubans declared war on Spain.

The Austrians finished the Vacuum Tube, as well. Britain, meanwhile, took over all of Tanzania, Cameroon, and Togoland.

By Week 1 of 1900, the Austrians would finish the Transoceanic Radio Signal, as well. Austria was pretty solidly the most advanced nation on Earth.

 
==1900==

Spoiler :


Week 5, Argentina declared war. While allied with a variety of powers, so long as they weren't attacked, their Pacts wouldn't activate.

A Portuguese Col. Infantry and Col. Cavalry were dealt with, raw materials being seized in the process.

Only 4 units guarded Mozambique City, based on artillery hits. As such, a strike was ordered - a naval route would allow a much more aesthetically-appealing Mahdiyah presence in the South.



The result was a war with Chile, but whatever. The city's fall gave the Mahdiyah a much needed port, eliminating the dependence on other powers to supply coal to the homeland.

The Army had to be called in so as to capture it; horsemen reported constant foiling by the "humble" Colonial Sentry Brigade. The High Command facepalmed.

In light of the Spanish fleet hovering offshore and no gains being made from the war with them, it was decided to call them to the table. They were given a modest tribute.

Week 9, Portugual lost more of their forces, losing a Col. Infantry and Cavalry to artillery fire.



Week 17, Chiveve was seized with no losses. The Army + the artillery were a deadly combo against lightly-defended colonies.

Week 21, the cute Lowlands offered an alliance. Not wanting any tangling alliances at the current juncture, the Mahdiyah refused.

The port of Asmara was proud to announce it was now capable of building one torpedo boat a month... enough torpedo boats would pose a serious threat to local fleets.

Week 25, Austria went to war with the Spanish. Seems they lusted for their old territories!

Lourenco Marques was reported to be protected by 6 Col. Infantry and 1 Col. Sentry. It would take quite a bit of artillery to crack that nut.

Week 29, the British offered a pact of alliance. While it was tempting, it was also very expensive! Furthermore, any alliance with the British would solely exist to make the Mahdiyah cannon fodder while British troops "liberated" the remainder.

The Filipinos finally declared war on the Spanish, firmly against the Spaniards as their Cuban brethren.



Lourenco Marques was captured despite its heavy defenses. No losses were incurred, thanks to use of the Army to kill off stronger units. Mozambique was now fully in Mahdist hands. What had started as a war for Coal had turned into a war for ports and territory.

The Argentine fleet was off the coast, however.

In the ensuing weeks, they sank the sole Mahdist cruiser, but lost 3 torpedo boats in the process.

Week 33, Japan and America inked an alliance, thus making them masters of the Pacific.



The Portuguese accepted a peace accord, giving a generous amount of tribute to the Mahdiyah. Mozambique, once developed, would be a productive center of naval operations.

A treaty was inked with Spain, the Mahdiyah paying 7 gold every 4 weeks. It was chump change to the vastly-expanded economy, and the Mahdist forces simply didn't have the capability to strike at the Spanish and drive their price down. Besides, an enriched Spain would help blunt British power.

With Spain and Portugal out of the picture, that left Argentina and Chile.

Argentina saw itself lose 2 more vessels, as well as a Steam Transport(likely carrying invasion forces to still-delicate Mozambique).



Argentina was humiliated by the Treaty of Mogadishu. It had lost several vessels and armies to the war, whereas the "weak" Mahdists had lost only a single ship. The Argentine people were outraged; what was supposed to bring Argentina glory overseas - a war of aggression - had in fact just put them in debt and thrown numerous lives away.

Week 37, the Balkans declared war on Spain.

Portugal declared war on the British, as well.



The completion of the Horn Railway was met by thunderous applause. All the cities in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia were linked by railroads, thus improving the defensibility and production of the entire region.

The Mahdiyah, while eagerly awaiting peace, nonetheless was already planning another war: against the Congo. Seizure of the Congo would prevent the British from taking it.

A peace accord was inked with Chile - they were paid a light tribute of 6 gpt to shut the hell up and go back to their continent.

The Mahdiyah was at last, again at peace. And peace, in a world of violence, is merely meant to gear up for the next big war.

Week 49, the British and Spanish made peace. That would at least keep the British from overruning the Philippines and Cuba. Britain had made off with three of Spain's cities, but Spain had made off with the Bahamas.

Scouts reported vulnerabilities in the Congolese border. After a year or two of development and buildup, the Mahdiyah would pursue a campaign against the Congo. From there, the Turks and what was left of the Portuguese would be next, and from there, a war against the British would be undertaken.

 
==1901 Part I: The Tattered Tulips==

Spoiler :
Week 1, the Spanish asked for an alliance. WHAT. After they attacked us for refusing to cede independence? I think not!

Spain would be worthless as an ally anyway.

Week 5...



FFFFUUUUUUUU The Lowlands declared war on Britain! So much for a slow, gradual buildup! :mad:

All troops were ordered to move out and get into position. At the very least, they would slow British troop movements. The Brits would hopefully pick off the defenders and allow an easier conquest. China declared war on Britain in turn.

FRANCE too!

Operation: Gangrape suddenly seemed pretty tempting - all the powers of Africa were at war with Britain. However, an open borders treaty having been inked, and a campaign against Kenya not ready, the plan to conquer the Congo would go ahead as planned.

The Belgians took Bismarckburg, pushing into the former Tanzania. Their built up arsenal of troops would do well to take the weakened Tanzanian provinces... and from there, the Mahdiyah could take them back.

Week 9, Italy attacked Britain as well.

Portugal inked a pact with the Boers - a nightmare was quickly turning into a dream: EVERY relevant power was going against the British!

Germany and Russia ended their long, fruitless war; the only change was Kaiser-Wilhelmsland and Tsingtao were now solidly Russian. Germany being at war with Britain, this boded badly for the Royal Navy.

The Boers declaration of war against Britain was warmly received - their machineguns would tear British forces to shreds. ((Or not - it was discovered they were primitive and had no Maxims))

Wars on so many fronts, however, would keep the British from focusing on the Boers. 25 gpt was granted to the Boers, to assist them in fighting off the Brits.

Meanwhile, armies took up positions in Kenya and Tanzania. Ostensibly to assist the British in keeping order. In reality, they blocked the British counterattacks and also kept some regions under British rule.

Week 13, Uruguay declared war on the British, and Persia on the Germans.



Week 17. Excellent. The Brits were now being hammered by the fairly good French fleet, plus several smaller fleets. British Africa would likely collapse, if the Mahdists decided it was time to initiate a second war...

La Plata and Brazil finally ended their long war, Brazil and Scandinavia having seized large chunks of the former.

The Boers seized Windhoek in the former Namibia.

All of Tanzania, sans Mwanza in the northwest, fell to the Belgian forces. The trap was set...

On average, the Belgian cities had 5 units in the actual Congo, seemingly all for defense purposes. The cities in Tanzania were all now lightly guarded; Maxims and Riflemen were ready to fortify them.

At war with Italy, Portugal, Germany, France, Scandinavia, China, Uruguay, the Boers and the Lowlands, Britain's position was rather delicate - massive navies coming from all sides and hordes on all continents. Napoleon would be proud of such a vast anti-Anglo alliance.

The order was given to destroy the Belgians, theoretically to keep the balance.



Tanga's weak defenses crumbled easily, yielding the heart of German East Africa. Colonial administrators were captured, and they assisted the Mahdiyah in better governance of the region, reducing corruption. (German East Africa has a wonder that acts as a FP)



For the first time in centuries, Islam had a firm grip on the East African coast.



The fall of Bismarckburg ended the Belgian occupation of Tanzania, and the British: when Britain requested the territories back, they were told that the Mahdiyah would hand them back when convenient. While Britain was naturally insulted, they couldn't do much about it - at war with most of Europe and all African forces scattering to protect the far flung imperial territoires, they didn't really want to open ANOTHER front, one that would disonnect their southern and northern provinces at that.
 
==1901 Part II: Congo Shari'a State==

Spoiler :
Week 29, Germany and the Balkans made peace. Romania had fallen, however, and was now a puppet state of the Deutsches Reich.

More importantly, British Nigeria was falling apart, with the French rapidly devouring West Africa piece by piece.

25 Horse Batteries shelled Elizabethville, to report on its forces.

Week 33, the Anglo-German War ended.



Elizabethville's fall with no losses sent shockwaves through the Lowlands. The Mahdiyah had made known its intent to annex the Congo.

Week 41, the Tibetans and Siamese inked a pact. This would protect both in the case of France, China or Britain getting eager.

The Turks and Persians also signed a pact; this would allow them each to focus on their British neighbors.

7 French Col. Cavalry groups were seen moving towards British Africa. Clearly the French had quite an arsenal; the good news was many of them would perish in fruitless battles.



The fall of Port Franqui with no Mahdist losses split the Congo in half.



Le damn! The Japanese demanded tribute! Rather than risk a war, the tribute was handed over. Otherwise, a permanent war would have to be launched until victories could be scored. Never mind the Japanese navy was incredibly powerful and would wreak havoc on the African coast upon arrival.

...right after, the Japanese were caught attempting to plant a spy in the capital.

Siam's declaration of war against Spain was watched with interest; Spain could possibly hope to expand its possessions.

The French conquest of Luanda was also watched - a war with Britain would need to be pursued ASAP. This would keep the "Little Devil" of France from eclipsing the "Big Devil" of Britain.

Ever more French troops were spotted. It was clear the French might actually pose a threat.



Coquilhatville's fall was accomplished with some difficulty, but no losses. Stanleyville and the capital of the Congo remained. Evicting the Belgians from Africa would be a momentous victory.



Stanleyville limited the Belgians to Leopoldville and its outskirts. Several Col. Infantry could be seen around Africa, but most were out of range. More defenses would be erected and more artillery built to kill off these stragglers, and then the last of the Congo would be targeted.

Good news arrived - the Trans-Kenyan Railway was complete. As a result, all of Mozambique, Tanzania, and East Africa could now quickly access eachother by rail. Whereas size would do in more ancient empires, it was not a concern for the Mahdiyah.



With the British losing ground rapidly on all fronts, it was a tough decision to make - who would the Mahdiyah crush next?


Psst! That last bit is a hint for any readers to voice who I should go after! France or Britain? Attacking France will allow swift seizure of formerly British cities, but attacking Britain will allow us to punish the world's foremost power without any real fear of reprisal - it will also allow the linking up of the north and south.

The right of passage agreements expire on the same turn.
 
this last sentence has a loose end, i think ;)

to me the Brits look like the better target. while you surely could gain some towns from France, you could not expect to throw them out of Africa atm.

t_x
 
Great story so far.:goodjob: I'd agree that attacking Britain makes sense, since that gives you a connected empire with limited risks of any effective British reprisal. You can always go after France later. Either way, it should be a great read!
 
Ethiopia... pivot of Africa, who'da thunk.

Britain it will be then.

Since I'm no longer puking my guts out, as I was for the last 48 hours, I think I can fit in an update later tonight.
 
Tanicius: I hope you're fully recovered, and I agree with your other readers about your prime choice of target right now. In the spirit of the classic Boers story, might I suggest a name along the lines of Operation Come to Kenya or Kenya Believe It?

Sparthage: *brohoof* Huzzah -- how many points do I receive?!
 
Tanicius: I hope you're fully recovered, and I agree with your other readers about your prime choice of target right now. In the spirit of the classic Boers story, might I suggest a name along the lines of Operation Come to Kenya or Kenya Believe It?

Sparthage: *brohoof* Huzzah -- how many points do I receive?!
lurker's comment: I Like the "Kenya Believe It" one better...

You can have 5 :cool: pts. for that. /)(\
 
It's funny you mention that - I was listening to that song earlier. :p

==1902 Part I: Come to Kenya (We Don't Got Lions!)==

Spoiler :
The Mahdi War Council convened. It was decided that, rather than attempt to balance French and British power, a seizure of Kenya would be arranged. The British being overrun by the Boers and French on multiple fronts, such a move would work perfectly.

The Boers requested a formal alliance in the early weeks. They were turned down to avoid entangling wars.

The Argentines declared war on the British - it was expected the Falklands might fall.

The French seized Cairo. For the first time in decades, it looked like France might again have a share in the Canal.

Week 5, a Dutch ship was sunk in port.

Week 9, the French seized Benguela, forcing the British out of Angola.



The conquest of Leopoldville, accomplished with no losses:

-Ended the Lowland presence in Africa
-Gained another port, one on the Atlantic for that matter
-An incredibly productive city
-French access to South Africa is now limited due to Mahdiyah provinces stretching all the way across the continent.
-Ended the oppressive Belgian regime!



The Lowlands caved, forfeiting their claims to the Congo and paying a massive amount of tribute. China was soon paid off for peace as well.



Week 13, rather than waste resources to a pointless war, the Mahdiyah accepted Russian demands for tribute.

Also - holy hell. The AI were actually making use of artillery in offensive operations! :woah:

Week 17, the Anglo-Boer War ended.



The completion of a military academy would allow for better quality troops.

Week 21, satisfied with its gains, France signed peace with the British. Britain had lost most of its occupied territories, much of its fleet, and nearly all of Africa north of the equator.

Italy, Germany and Scandinavia, meanwhile, joined in a pact of protection.

Central America and Germany declared war on the British; the German war would in particular keep Britain's fleets occupied.

Week 25, Britain and the Lowlands made peace, only for the Lowlands to declare war on Germany.

The French demanded funds, and were given it - they simply had too many boots on the ground!

The Lowlands, clearly having a deathwish, declared war on Britain in Week 29. They were now sandwiched between hostile powers. Italy and Scandinavia joined the dogpile; it was hoped that Germany would take the Lowlands so they could balance Anglo-French power.

It was reported the British presence in Kenya and Uganda was extremely weak. Many South African cities, likewise, had only Militia and single groups of Col. Infantry to protect them.

The order to attack was given! With Britain's navies and armies in disarray, and tied down on multiple fronts worldwide, a move to seize the important British African colonies could be made.

The fall of Mombasa linked the northern and southern Mahdist realms at last. A backroad constructed just before the war by Mahdist engineers would allow troops to flow. But troops were ordered to seize Nairobi, which would put the Trans-Kenyan in Mahdist hands and allow rapid reinforcement of South African defenses.



The fall of Nairobi ended British Kenya. The Trans-Kenyan Railway, now in Mahdist hands, would make defense of the South more feasible.

The conquest of Mwanza was difficult despite the defenders being solely Militiamen. No losses were incurred, and the city was taken. This abolished the British presence in Tanzania. Only Western Sahara, Uganda, and the Nile Delta remained in British hands in the northern half of Africa.



For those missing the reference - it's a spoof of the lyric. Since the British are represented by a lion, well, it's self-explanatory form there.
 
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